Hillis has persevered, despite being sometimes overshadowed and sometimes forgotten.

Joshua Gunter, The Plain DealerPeyton Hillis has usually excelled when given the chance to get the football on a consistent basis, whether in high school, college or the NFL.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Running back Peyton Hillis has been a focal point of Cleveland Browns coverage the last two weeks.

Before that, though, Hillis emerged as a star in 2010, when his 1,654 combined rushing/receiving yards were the sixth-most in the NFL, and his 13 touchdowns were tied for third-most.

Hillis' accomplishments were even more impressive considering (1) he was keyed on by defenses showing no respect for a Browns' passing game that largely relied on either an aging/injured Jake Delhomme or an inexperienced/injured Colt McCoy at quarterback, with no accomplished wide receivers; (2) the open-door right side of the Browns' offensive line; (3) the taxing physical toll that was reflected in Hillis' scant statistics the final two games.

The assessment might seem favorably slanted toward Hillis, but how far off can it be?

One criticism of Hillis is that his playing style invites injury. Yet, the pounding Hillis took could maybe be attributed just as much to defenses' comfort in keying on him as to how he plays the game. 

Circumstances for Hillis are essentially the same this season. He missed the Browns' 17-16 win over the defensively-challenged, winless Miami Dolphins on Sept. 25, with strep throat, a fever and other symptoms that caused a reported weight loss of about 12 pounds.

In the Browns' three other games, Hillis has rushed for 197 yards and two touchdowns in 54 carries, averaging 3.6 yards a try, and has caught 15 passes for 76 yards.

Hillis' season highlight thus far was on Sept. 18 in Indianapolis, when he bounced off a pile of players and sprinted 24 yards for the touchdown that all but clinched the Browns' 27-19 win over the Colts.

Yet, during a season in which virtually every move has been dissected, even that TD dash elicited an asterisk from some who cited what Hillis' yards-per-carry would have been without it.

At the forefront of the conversation about Hillis has been his contract status. Hillis is in the final season of the four-year, $1,755,000 rookie contract he signed with Denver after the Broncos picked him in the seventh round of the 2007 draft.

The contract included a $49,800 signing bonus. Hillis' base salary this season is $555,000, after salaries of $295,000 in 2008, $385,000 in 2009 and $470,000 last season.

A look at the career of the 25-year-old Hillis:

High School

Hillis rushed for 2,631 yards and 29 touchdowns, averaging 10.1 yards a carry, during his senior season at Conway High School in Arkansas.

He won the Landers Award for the top high school player in the state, and was ranked by Rivals.com as Arkansas' top recruit and the nation's second-ranked fullback for the high school class of 2003.

College

Hillis chose to attend the University of Arkansas after being recruited by some of the nation's premier college football programs.

He would be used at fullback, H-back, tailback, tight end, wide receiver and as a punt returner by the Razorbacks over the next four years.

As a freshman, Hillis adapted to what would be his first responsibility at Arkansas -- leading fellow running backs through holes and helping to protect the quarterback. Yet, he also contributed with his running, with 240 yards and six touchdowns. He rushed for 3.8 yards per carry, a number which was somewhat diminished by his numerous dives into the line in short-yardage situations. Hillis also caught 12 passes for 97 yards and two touchdowns.

As a sophomore, Hillis was joined in the Arkansas backfield by two gifted tailbacks -- Darren McFadden and Felix Jones. McFadden went on to gain 4,590 yards and Jones 2,954 in the next three seasons. Hillis' blocking certainly helped, but the duo rightfully earned their first-round spots in the 2008 NFL draft after their junior years -- McFadden going to the Oakland Raiders with the fourth overall pick; Jones to the Dallas Cowboys with the 22nd overall selection.

Hillis, as a sophomore, made his share of big plays with the football, too. He carried 65 times for 315 yards -- a 4.8-yard average -- and three touchdowns, and caught 38 passes for 402 yards and four touchdowns.

Hillis didn't get many touches as a junior, though. He ran just 13 times, gaining 57 yards with one touchdown. His pass catches slipped to 19, for 159 yards.

The Razorbacks remembered during Hillis' senior season that he could do something with the football. He ran for 347 yards and two touchdowns in 62 carries, averaging 5.6 yards. He caught 49 passes for 539 yards and five touchdowns. Add in his blocking, and Hillis earned multiple second-team All-American honors.

NFL draft

Hillis was projected to be a middle- to late-round pick. At the NFL Combine, he checked in at 6-0 3/4 in height, and 250 pounds. At Arkansas' Pro Day, Hillis ran the 40 in 4.56 seconds and his vertical leap was measured at 35 inches.

Most pundits believed the Broncos got a bargain when they drafted him in the seventh round, the 227th overall pick -- resulting in the four-year contract worth a total of $1,775,000.

2008, Broncos

In his first seven NFL games, Hillis totaled three carries for 14 yards, caught one pass for four yards and returned two kickoffs for 47 yards.

He got his first chance to display his playmaking abilities in Denver's eighth game, a 26-17 loss to Miami.

Hillis didn't run the ball from scrimmage against the Dolphins, but he caught seven passes for 116 yards and a touchdown.

Ironically, it was during the Broncos' next game, at Browns Stadium on Thursday night, Nov. 6, that Hillis got a chance to carry the football.

Cleveland.com's Browns History Database features The Plain Dealer game stories of every regular season and playoff game in Browns history. Plain Dealer Browns beat writer Tony Grossi wrote about the Broncos' 34-30 win over the Browns.

Denver went into the game having already lost running backs Andre Hall and Michael Pittman to injuries. Then, by halftime, tailback Ryan Torain left with a knee injury and his replacement, Selvin Young, was sidelined after aggravating a groin injury.

Chuck Crow, PDPeyton Hillis, with Denver, getting a key fourth-quarter first down on a fourth-and-one play during the Broncos' 34-30 win over the Browns in 2008.

It was only then that Hillis got a chance. His numbers were not spectacular-- eight carries for 24 yards -- but he picked up crucial first downs in short-yardage situations as the Broncos overcame a 23-10 Browns lead.

The win at Cleveland made the Broncos 5-4.

Hillis then helped Denver to three wins in the next four games, making the Broncos 8-5 and putting them in first place in the AFC West Division.

In the four games, Hillis rushed for 305 yards and five touchdowns in 57 carries, gaining 5.4 yards per try. He also caught six passes for 59 yards.

Hillis seemed on the verge of a big performance in the fourth of those contests, a 24-17 win over the Kansas City Chiefs. He had rushed for 58 yards and a touchdown in eight carries, but he suffered a season-ending torn right hamstring when he planted his right foot after making a highlight-film pass catch from quarterback Jay Cutler, and was hit on both sides of his body by Chiefs defenders.

Denver then lost its last three games. Despite the 8-8 finish, the Broncos finished in a first-place tie with the San Diego Chargers, but were left out of the playoffs due to the tie-breaker process.

2009, Broncos

Denver's 2008 late-season fade led to the firing of coach Mike Shanahan.

The Broncos hired Josh McDaniels, and the potential Hillis had displayed in 2008 apparently meant nothing to the new coach.

Hillis was allowed a mere 13 carries for the season, gaining 54 yards. He caught four passes for 19 yards and returned six kickoffs for 134 yards.

Hillis said little, but it was known that he was frustrated that the Broncos had essentially forgot about him.

Denver traded Hillis, along with a 2011 sixth-round draft pick and a conditional 2012 draft pick, to the Browns for quarterback Brady Quinn on March 14, 2010.

2010, Browns

Hillis didn't start the first two Browns' games, both losses, but he showed he could contribute, rushing for 76 yards and two touchdowns in 17 carries -- a 4.5-yard average gain -- and catching seven passes for 50 yards.

Hillis started the rest of the way. In the next nine games, as the Browns went 4-5, he ran for 829 yards and nine touchdowns in 182 carries, gaining 4.6 yards per try. He caught 39 passes for 364 yards and two more touchdowns.

The Browns won one of their next three games, and Hillis posted solid numbers, with 224 yards in 53 carries -- a 4.2-yard average -- and 13 receptions, though just for 55 yards as the Browns began dumping off shorter and shorter throws.

In the last two games, Hillis -- obviously worn down by being, for all intents and purposes, the sole attention of opposing defenses -- ran 18 times for 48 yards and caught two passes for eight yards as the Browns were overwhlemed by the Baltimore Ravens, 20-10, and the Pittsburgh Steelers, 41-9.

The four-game losing streak that ended the Browns' season cost coach Eric Mangini his job, and led to the hiring of Pat Shurmur.

The theme of the day, structured around football lingo like "pre-game" and "charge the field," was spreading the word on healthy eating and physical exercise to vanquish the enemy: childhood obesity.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Eat more vegetables and fruit, get an hour of exercise or play each day -- and your body will reward you.

That was the message conveyed to about 100 kids from several Northeast Ohio schools at Cleveland Browns Stadium on Tuesday, at what was billed as the "Fuel Up to Play 60" Youth Summit. It's part of a National Football League commitment to children's health and fitness. The kids' job is to take that message back to their schools.

Hearing from Browns players was supposed to be part of the program Tuesday, but the students didn't seem too disappointed that that didn't happen. The Browns had an extra practice in Berea and thus couldn't provide motivation to the school kids at the stadium. (Something similar happened Sept. 22, when Browns players were unable to appear at a student session aiming at curbing the use of steroids, because the players were preparing for a game against Miami.)

But others were on hand to provide inspiration, including former Browns' player Lomas Brown and the motivational speaker known as "Dr. Mike" Thompson, of Columbus, who told the kids that the letters in "TEAM" stand for Teach, Enforce, Advocate, Model.

"Good choice, bad choice -- it's your choice," said Thompson. "Your job is go back to school, teach everyone to put good things in their bodies. Garbage in, garbage out -- healthy in, healthy out."

The theme of the day, structured around football lingo like "pre-game" and "charge the field," was spreading the word on healthy eating and physical exercise to vanquish the enemy: childhood obesity. The American Dairy Association was a co-sponsor, providing breakfast and lunch (turkey, lettuce, cheese and tomato on whole-grain bread) and low-fat milk, fruit and bottles of water.

After breakfast, students got to experience the thrill of running through one of the tunnels that led to the field. Then they did the kinds of team-building group exercises familiar to adults who have been on management retreats.

They listened to a talk from Brown, who was a trombone player at his high school in Miami before the school principal talked him into trying out for varsity football. After playing in college, he was an offensive tackle in the NFL for 18 seasons. Today, he's a broadcaster and analyst for ESPN.

"What you put in your body will affect your performance," he said, whether you are an athlete or a student. "And you've got to get outside and play every day."

At this age, he said, kids are developing habits, and Brown says he tells his 12-year-old son the same thing he told his audience: "My mom made sure I always had vegetables on my plate, and I tell him the same thing. It can be a fight every day, though, to get him to eat vegetables."

But as a dad, he won't give up.

Alexis Longstreet, 12, of Forest Park Elementary School in Euclid, said the message is getting through to her. "I learned that 'filling up' is about eating healthy," she said. Being a cheerleader keeps her active, but she said she knows she can exercise more, too.

Emily Muffler, 13, came all the way from Fremont. She's a member of her school's volleyball, softball and basketball teams, and she's learned that what she eats affects how well she does.

"Eating right really makes a difference," she said. "Breakfast is important, and I have to make time for it."

Toward the end of the day, the kids broke off into groups to come up with ideas for videos that will be posted online at SchoolTube in the next two weeks.

One group of boys turned a banana into a football, grunting, "Eat Healthy."

A group of girls formed a circle and said, "It's important to stretch," and they leaned into backbends and yoga's standing bow pose.

All the groups were to be assigned Flip cameras to take back to school to make more videos that will be entered into an online challenge.

What type of penalty will the Ohio State Buckeyes receive from the NCAA?

Terry Gilliam / Associated PressFormer Ohio State coach Jim Tressel and Ohio State AD Gene Smith.

Who knows when the NCAA will levy sanctions on the Ohio State Buckeyes. It could be any day now, or the NCAA could really stick it to the Buckeyes by making an announcement during Michigan week.

So what will happen? Will the Buckeyes get slapped on the wrist, or will the NCAA come down hard on Ohio State?

With everything that has happened from the tattoo scandal, payment to players at a fundraiser and overpaying players for their summer jobs, could mean heavy penalties for the scarlet and gray.

But will Ohio State's self imposed penalties (suspensions, forced out Jim Tressel, paid back bowl money, etc.) be enough?

Back then, you might run into an end like George Young walking down the street or meet Lou "The Toe" Groza.

View full sizeCleveland NewsCoach Paul Brown poses with the Browns' "nine old men" who were ending their seventh season Sunday, Dec. 27, 1953, in a championship game against the Detroit Lions. From left, front, end Dante Lavelli, guard Lin Houston, center Frank Gatski, end George Young. Standing, from left, fullback Marion Motley, quarterback Otto Graham, end Mac Speedie, tackle Lou Groza and guard Bill Willis.

I was a Cleveland Press delivery boy and I remember seeing the Cleveland Browns' George Young pushing a baby stroller down Detroit Ave. near St. Rose Church. I keep this in memory since he was a such a large man pushing that little stroller.

I also remember strolling thru downtown Berea as an adult, and running into Lou Groza on several occasions.

I would ask Lou how he was doing and he would always reply, "Oh, I can't kick," and then would laugh!

-- Lou Zachea, Nevada

Relive the Browns' history

Interested in past seasons' of Cleveland Browns football? The Plain Dealer and cleveland.com have compiled every game story for the team's entire history. There's even a menu that allows you to zero in on the game you're interested in or sift through the whole list in various ways.

What's your story?

Your Northeast Ohio memory doesn't have to be long and it doesn't have to be complicated. We're looking for stories that show us what it was like to live in this area throughout the decades. If you've got a story to share, please use our online submission form.

The Buckeyes and Nebraska are playing the what-if game on Saturday.

APOhio State head coach Luke Fickell, center, watches as his players stretch.

Over the summer, at least, the Ohio State Buckeyes vs. Nebraska look like a can't miss game.

OSU and Nebraska looked like two of the favorites to play in the Big Ten championship game. Ohio State-Nebraska was unquestionably the Big Ten's main event, writes ESPN's Adam Rittenberg.

Now it might as well be called the What-If Bowl.

The what-ifs could drive Buckeye Nation batty: What if Tressel were manning the sideline Saturday night? What if Pryor returned to call signals in the type of road setting where he thrived for much of his career? What if DeVier Posey returned to provide some much-needed experience to a green receiving corps? What if Fickell could return to what he does best, coaching the linebackers? What if the Buckeyes had survived the opening stretch at 5-0 instead of 3-2?

Nebraska also can play the what-if game, especially after its humbling loss to Wisconsin last week. What if the defense had played to its potential from the start of the season? What if top cornerback Alfonzo Dennard hadn't gone down with an injury midway though camp and missed the first three games?

What if?

Around the Horse Shoe

Columbus Dispatch: President Gee says system is not broken.

The Toledo Blade: The Buckeyes deal with new issues.

Cleveland.com: Should coach Luke Fickell support the suspended players?

The Dayton Daily News: Ohio State needs to be accountable. 

HuskerExtra.com: Nebraska still looking for secondary help.

Buckeye offense must make offensive-line adjustments to produce against Nebraska defense, says Plain Dealer OSU beat writer. Watch video

CLEVELAND, Ohio - Welcome to today's edition of Starting Blocks TV, hosted by Chuck Yarborough and Branson Wright.

The Ohio State Buckeyes are trying to battle through problems on and off the field as they prepare for Saturday's Big Ten prime-time game at Nebraska. With a decision from the NCAA looming sometime later this fall, what penalties do you think the Buckeyes will draw from the NCAA? That's the question in today's Starting Blocks poll.

Today's guest on SBTV is Plain Dealer Ohio State beat writer Doug Lesmerises, who has thoughts on how the Buckeyes have not helped their situation with recent self-reported violations.

Doug also discusses whether Ohio State can fix its offensive woes in Lincoln against a Nebraska defense that has not played particularly well, either; and he talks about why Saturday's game is worth watching, even though losses by both teams have taken some of the luster off the matchup.

SBTV will return Thursday, and we're hoping to have Browns safety T.J. Ward as our special guest.

Also, don't miss on this week's edition of the Browns Insider webcast, which streams each Thursday at 10 a.m. and then is archived at cleveland.com/browns.

The agent for Peyton Hillis defends his client.

John Kuntz / The Plain DealerPeyton Hillis dives past the pylon.

The agent for Peyton Hillis advised his player not to play with strep throat because of his concern Hillis might have been too weak to play, writes an Associated Press story.

Agent Kennard McGuire disputes reports Hillis’ absence was connected to him seeking a contract extension from the Browns.

McGuire said Hillis, who rushed for nearly 1,200 yards last season, has been affected by the ongoing contract talks and feels underappreciated.

In the article, McGuire has been in “constant contact” with the Browns.

More Cleveland Browns

Colt McCoy is a works in progress, writes News-Herald reporter Jeff Schudel.

Dimitri Patterson is ready to step in while Joe Haden is out, writes Nate Ulrich and Stephanie Storm of Ohio.com.

In this ESPN article, it takes a look how the Browns need to hold onto the ball.

Peyton Hillis may have to prove himself again, writes Mike Peticca on Cleveland.com.

Jim Ingraham of The News-Herald gives us his analysis of the Cleveland Indians' 2011 season. Today is part one of his three-part series on the infield. He writes how the infield had to deal with so many changes. In fact,  20 players started games at the five infield positions. He also writes how the Indians used six second basemen, five third basemen, four...

Chuck Crow | The Plain DealerIndians shortstop Asdrubal Cabrera.

Jim Ingraham of The News-Herald gives us his analysis of the Cleveland Indians' 2011 season.

Today is part one of his three-part series on the infield. He writes how the infield had to deal with so many changes. In fact,  20 players started games at the five infield positions. He also writes how the Indians used six second basemen, five third basemen, four first basemen, three shortstops and two catchers.

Catcher

Did any player in the majors have a more interesting stat line than Carlos Santana?

He led the team in home runs (27), doubles (35), sacrifice flies (seven) and walks (97), and was second on the team in hits (132), runs scored (84) and RBI (79). All that despite hitting .202 vs. right-handed pitchers, against whom nearly 70 percent of his total at-bats for the year came.

Third base

Like Kipnis at second, Lonnie Chisenhall looks like the real deal at third. The Indians will likely keep defensive specialist Jack Hannahan around for insurance, but Chisenhall showed steady progress offensively after being recalled.

Around the horn

Paul Hoynes writes on Cleveland.com how Grady Sizemore's future is unclear following his knee surgery.

Asdrubal Cabrera is a candidate for the Hank Aaron award, as one of the game's best all-around hitter.

Sizemore presents a $9 million dilemma for the Tribe.

"Everyone loves to make excuses for Colt McCoy. I'm not into making excuses. I want to see results, and the results on the field are obvious. Colt isn't accurate past two yards and doesn't have the vision or arm strength to attack downfield. So go ahead, make any excuses you want. The fact remains that Colt was a 3rd round draft pick for good reason." - EricCartman13

View full sizeJoshua Gunter | The Plain DealerColt McCoy hasn't had a full season's worth of starts in his young career.

In response to the story Cleveland Browns coach Pat Shurmur views Colt McCoy as 'almost a rookie', cleveland.com reader EricCartman13 isn't sold on Colt McCoy. This reader writes,

"Everyone loves to make excuses for Colt McCoy. I'm not into making excuses. I want to see results, and the results on the field are obvious. Colt isn't accurate past two yards and doesn't have the vision or arm strength to attack downfield. So go ahead, make any excuses you want. The fact remains that Colt was a 3rd round draft pick for good reason."

"I don't care about the history of durability of running backs in the NFL. Right now, Hillis is the most talented offensive player the Browns have - the best running back and the best receiver. He needs to be on the field, and for Shurmur to not have him involved in the offensive game plan is just poor coaching." - sofldog

View full sizeGetty ImagesPeyton Hillis has been one of the Browns' best playmakers in his short time with the team.

In response to the story Peyton Hillis: A career perspective -- having to prove himself, time and again, cleveland.com reader sofldog thinks Hillis needs to get touches. This reader writes,

"I don't care about the history of durability of running backs in the NFL. Right now, Hillis is the most talented offensive player the Browns have - the best running back and the best receiver. He needs to be on the field, and for Shurmur to not have him involved in the offensive game plan is just poor coaching."

"Most fans expect loyalty out of players and rip them to shreds when they opt to leave via free agency. Yet those same fans show no loyalty whatsoever to a player who has dealt with injuries. They would just cut him loose to save money, the very money that they expect the Indians to throw at other free agents in a futile attempt to get them to come to Cleveland. Loyalty is a two-way street. If you want loyalty out of players, you better show it to them as well." - Rising From The Ashes

View full sizeChuck Crow | The Plain DealerGrady Sizemore is trying to come back from yet another surgery.

In response to the story Cleveland Indians' Grady Sizemore undergoes arthroscopic surgery on right knee, cleveland.com reader Rising From The Ashes thinks fans who cry about loyalty can't have it both ways. This reader writes,

"Most fans expect loyalty out of players and rip them to shreds when they opt to leave via free agency. Yet those same fans show no loyalty whatsoever to a player who has dealt with injuries. They would just cut him loose to save money, the very money that they expect the Indians to throw at other free agents in a futile attempt to get them to come to Cleveland. Loyalty is a two-way street. If you want loyalty out of players, you better show it to them as well."

Deal announced today, with Woods ready to return to the PGA Tour at the Frys.com Open beginning Thursday.

Associated PressTiger Woods today during the pro-am at the Frys.com Open in San Martin, California.

SAN MARTIN, California -- Tiger Woods has his first major endorsement since his downfall two years ago, announcing a deal Wednesday with Rolex to be one of its ambassadors.

Woods had lost five major endorsements in the two years since he was exposed for serial adultery and eventually divorced. He previously had a watch deal with Tag Heuer, which dropped him two months ago.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed, although it is believed to be longer than five years.

Woods earlier this year announced a deal in Japan to endorse a heat rub product for Kowa Company Ltd., although that was geared exclusively for Japanese markets.

The Rolex deal is far more significant, and it was announced the day Woods returned to the PGA Tour at the Frys.com Open. His agent at Excel Sports Management, Mark Steinberg, promised more deals to come.

"This makes a big statement," Steinberg said at CordeValle, where he was watching Woods tee off in the pro-am. "I think this shows me where people are with Tiger Woods."

Woods has lost endorsement deals with AT&T, Accenture, Tag Heuer, Gatorade and Gillette since his downfall.

Steinberg said Rolex would be the first of a "couple of announcements" related to endorsements, including a deal for Woods' golf bag. He has had his foundation logo on the bag since AT&T dropped him a month after Woods' sex scandal unfolded in November 2009.

He said a bag deal was likely to be announced in as early as six weeks. Woods has been in negotiations with Fry's Electronics, sponsor of this week's tournament, although those discussions have been going on for most of the year.

This is a return to Rolex of sorts for Woods. He had an endorsement deal with Tudor, a Rolex brand, when he first turned pro.

Swiss-based Rolex said it was paying tribute "to the exceptional stature of Tiger Woods and the leading role he plays in forging sport's global appeal."

"Rolex is convinced that Tiger Woods still has a long career ahead of him, and that he has all the qualities required to continue to mark the history of golf," the company said in a statement.

Woods has 14 majors and 82 wins worldwide, although none since he won the Australian Masters on Nov. 15, 2009. He fell out of the top 50 in the world ranking for the first time in 15 years.

He missed most of this summer recovering from injuries to his left leg. Woods is playing four more times this year, starting with the Frys.com Open, followed by the Australian Open, Presidents Cup and the Chevron World Challenge.

Steinberg said the Rolex logo would not be visible as Woods plays golf. He had a watch in his bag during the pro-am, Steinberg said. Woods doesn't wear a watch when he plays golf.

"I'll be attending local high school basketball games this winter regardless of what these millionaires decide to do with their season. The games cost about $6. CSU is always entertaining, too. Unlike the NBA, you see players who are coached to play the game with class, fundamentals and loyalty to their team." - fleamo

View full sizeJason Miller | Associated PressGary Waters and the CSU Vikings probably wouldn't mind some locked out NBA fans stopping by the Convocation Center this winter.

In response to the story NBA lockout 2011: All preseason games canceled; first 2 weeks of regular season lost if no deal by Monday, cleveland.com reader fleamo thinks there are plenty of good options to watch basketball this winter if there's no NBA. This reader writes,

"I'll be attending local high school basketball games this winter regardless of what these millionaires decide to do with their season. The games cost about $6. CSU is always entertaining, too. Unlike the NBA, you see players who are coached to play the game with class, fundamentals and loyalty to their team."

Agent Kennard McGuire also says he is in "constant contact" with the Browns about Hillis' contract situation.

AP PhotoAgent Kennard McGuire said Peyton Hillis was too sick to play in the Sept. 25 game against Miami. McGuire was concerned that because Hillis had been weakened he "could have hurt himself and the team."

CLEVELAND — Fearing Peyton Hillis was weakened from strep throat and could risk injury, his agent advised the Browns' bruising back not to play on Sept. 25 against Miami.

Hillis left Browns Stadium about two hours before kickoff, a decision that has led to speculation he was upset over ongoing negotiations with the club on a contract extension.

However, agent Kennard McGuire told The Associated Press that Hillis was too sick to play, and that he could have jeopardized his career if he played at less than 100 percent.

"I would give him the same advice to him or any of my clients as if he were my son," McGuire said in a phone interview. "The game is physical enough, and the way Peyton plays the game, he needs all the elements of his physical game. Him being sick, and the level of his sickness, is the equivalent of being injured.

"Not only could he have hurt himself but he could have hurt his team. Nobody embodies Cleveland like Peyton Hillis. If anyone wants to point a finger, point it at me."

In the aftermath of Hillis' decision not to play, suspicions have been raised about the 25-year-old's motives and some have questioned if he sat out in protest.

On Sunday, citing unidentified sources, ESPN reported that some players in Cleveland's locker room wondered if Hillis' contract situation was a factor in him deciding not to play.

McGuire, like coach Pat Shurmur, was disturbed that if there were teammates who felt that way, they should have had the "courage" to speak out publicly.

McGuire said Hillis, who rushed for nearly 1,200 yards and 11 touchdowns in his first season with Cleveland, has been affected by contract talks with the club.

"He's human, of course it's on his mind," said McGuire, adding he has been in "constant contact" with the Browns. "Would it affect him being a pro? No. Does he feel underappreciated? Yes. He's human. We all in life have a perceived value of our worth now, and he doesn't take for granted what he's earning now.

"But we do believe that he's deserving of something that mirrors his production of last year."

Hillis carried Cleveland's offense in 2010 under former coach Eric Mangini. Acquired in a trade from Denver for quarterback Brady Quinn, Hillis didn't take long to storm into the hearts of Browns fans with a bulldozing running style that matched this blue-collar football city's hard-working identity.

During the offseason, Hillis won a fan vote over Philadelphia quarterback Michael Vick to grace the cover of the Madden 12 video game.

Last season, Hillis caught 61 passes and became the first player in team history to rush for more than 1,000 yards, make 50 catches and score 10 TDs in the same season.

He's in the final year of a rookie contract that will pay him $600,000 and Hillis wants to be rewarded for his breakout season.

In the past month, the Browns have given contract extensions to several players they have identified as part of their future "core." Pro Bowl offensive tackle Joe Thomas, tight end Evan Moore, defensive tackle Ahtyba Rubin and linebacker Chris Gocong have all received new deals.

Hillis would figure to be in line for an extension, but McGuire indicated the sides aren't near a deal.

"Both the Browns and I are in constant communication," he said. "The fact that the Browns are in contact sends a message that both sides want to procure an agreement. It's just that we are not aligned at this time as to what that value is. Details of these talks will always remain between me and the organization."

There are other factors that may be holding up an extension for Hillis.

Shurmur has installed a West Coast offense, which puts a premium on passing and could significantly reduce Hillis' carries. Also, second-year back Montario Hardesty is healthy after missing his rookie season with a knee injury, and the Browns are trying to figure how to best use him and Hillis in the same backfield.

The Browns may also be wary of giving Hillis a huge contract for fear his aggressive, pounding style will take its toll, lead to injury and shorten his career.

Hillis only had 10 carries in Sunday's 31-13 loss to Tennessee, fueling belief the Browns might be punishing him for the contract issue — or not playing a week earlier.

Afterward, Hillis said he wanted the ball more, but didn't complain about the low number of touches.

"Take it up with the coach," Hillis said. "I'm just running the plays that he tells me to do. I'm just riding the tide and waiting my chances and opportunities and trying to get things done when I can."

On Monday, Shurmur, who is filling the dual role of offensive coordinator, insisted Hillis' attempts were not limited because the Browns were trying to "devalue" the back or for any other off-field reason.

"Absolutely not," Shurmur said. "It's a non-issue."

Shurmur said Hillis remains a major piece in Cleveland's offense as the Browns head into their bye week.

"He's a terrific player," he said. "He's a big part of what we do. And again, if I were here a year ago and I could have felt all this, I might have a different answer. The running back in any offense, especially ours, is a very important piece and he needs to touch the football."

Also this week, several of Hillis' teammates defended his decision to sit out a week earlier.

"You've got to be at your best to play this game," said linebacker Titus Brown. "This is the NFL. If Peyton was able to play, he would have played. He loves this team."

-- TOM WITHERS, AP SPORTS REPORTER

Missouri may join the SEC but likes the Big Ten better.

AP

A University of Missouri official says the school hopes to join the Southeastern Conference but would have preferred an offer from the Big Ten that never came.

The person, who is familiar with the discussions involving conference affiliation, spoke Wednesday on condition of anonymity because the school has not commented publicly about its intentions.

Missouri hoped to join the Big Ten last year but the league instead chose Nebraska. The university official said the Big Ten remains Missouri's top choice but that conference "has no interest."

"That's what's left," the official said, referring to the SEC.

Missouri's seven voting curators agreed unanimously Tuesday night to give Chancellor Brady Deaton authority to look elsewhere rather than immediately commit to the troubled Big 12 Conference. Just one day earlier, Big 12 leaders — including Deaton — agreed to equally share the wealth from the conference's most lucrative television deals if its members agree to lock those top-tier TV rights into the league for at least six years.

The agreement is subject to approval by university governing boards — a step Missouri curators don't want to take until the school is able to "fully explore options for conference affiliation ... which best serve the interests of the University of Missouri," board chairman Warren Erdman told The Associated Press.

The Big 12 is down to 10 members and will lose Texas A&M to the SEC next year after the departures of Colorado to the Pac-12 and Nebraska to the Big Ten.

SEC athletic directors and Commissioner Mike Slive met Wednesday in Birmingham, Ala., to discuss the logistics of Texas A&M's arrival. A conference spokesman said the meeting was called several weeks ago.

Slive has not ruled out further expansion, and Tennessee athletic director Dave Hart has said the SEC will eventually add members.

Besides being a fresh blow to the Big 12, a Missouri departure would threaten its long-standing rivalry with neighboring Kansas, one of the oldest in college sports. Kansas basketball coach Bill Self told the Lawrence Journal-World that the border showdowns may not continue if Missouri bolts.

"I have no ill will toward Missouri at all, but to do something at a time that could be so damaging and hurtful to a group, I can't see us just taking it and forgetting," he told the newspaper.

Kansas athletics director Shannon Zenger was less forceful, appealing instead to the Tigers' sense of loyalty to the league.

"We believe the Midwest deserves a strong conference for student-athletes, fans and alumni, and it is our desire that Missouri will stay committed - as Kansas is - to the Big 12 Conference," he said.

It's too soon to say if Mack will play Oct. 16 in Oakland.

Thomas Ondrey / The Plain DealerAlex Mack has not missed a game in his three seasons. Will that streak stay alive Oct. 16 after having an appendectomy?

CLEVELAND -- Browns center Alex Mack was released from Cleveland Clinic today after having an appendectomy on Monday.

 Club spokesman Neal Gulkis said Mack is "resting comfortably at home and continues to progress well in his recovery."

 Mack played every snap in the Browns' 31-13 loss to Tennessee on Sunday despite feeling very ill. It was later learned he suffered from appendicitis.

 On Tuesday, coach Pat Shurmur said it was too early to speculate on Mack's availability for the Browns' next game Oct. 16 at Oakland, but he wasn't ruling him out. Two Mahoning Valley products -- John Greco or Steve Vallos -- would replace Mack if he couldn't go.

 There is franchise precedent for a quick recovery from an appendectomy.

 In 1990, wide receiver Reggie Langhorne played in the season opener 18 days after having an emergency appendectomy.

 If Mack were to play against Oakland, he would beat Langhorne's record by four days.

Top two Ohio cities, based on a number of factors, are No. 21 Cincinnati and No. 36 Columbus.

Associated PressThe Texas Rangers celebrating their 4-3 playoff series-clinching win over the Rays in Tampa on Tuesday night. The Rangers' emergence as a powerhouse helps boost Dallas-Fort Worth as a dynamic sports area.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The best thing that can be said for Cleveland in The Sporting News' new rankings of 271 American sports cities is that there are 226 places behind us.

Cleveland comes in at No. 45. The Dallas-Fort Worth area is ranked first, replacing Chicago, which dropped to fourth.

The Sporting News explained its criteria for the rankings:

Sporting News’ Best Sports Cities rankings, which look at the 12 months from summer 2010 to summer 2011, are based on point values assigned to various categories, including but not limited to, won-lost records, postseason appearances, applicable power ratings, number of teams and attendance.

Not only do professional teams in the major sports figure into TSN's equation. For instance, Dallas-Forth Worth got boosts from its college sports teams, its Major League Soccer FC Dallas team, its high school football, the Texas Motor Speedway and its hosting of postseason football bowl games. Minor league teams matter, too.

The list, though, begs one question right off the bat. How good of a sports area can Tampa-St. Petersburg -- which is ranked 10th -- really be?

And, even if attendance for a baseball team is just one of the factors in the rankings.

The Tampa Bay Rays faded after contending in the American League East during most of the season, then rallied to earn the AL wild card berth.

The Rays, though, finished 28th among 30 MLB teams with a season home attendance of 1,529,188 fans (18,878 per game). Even the No. 24 Cleveland Indians drew better, with 1,840,835 fans (22,726 per game).

The Tampa-St. Petersburg area embarrassed itself in the Rays' two home playoff games against the Texas Rangers, with crowds of 32,828 and 28,299 in Games 3 and 4, respectively. Would that have happened in Cleveland?

The Rays' Tropicana Field capacity is 34,078. Because of the usual apathy shown toward the team, the Rays have felt comfortable to gradually shrink the capacity from 45,000 in 1998, the team's first season in the park.

The 10 best sports cities in the United States, according to the Sporting News: 

1. Dallas-Ft. Worth; 2. Boston; 3. Philadelphia; 4. Chicago-Evanston; 5. New York; 6. Pittsburgh; 7. Atlanta; 8. Los Angeles; 9. Miami; 10. Tampa-St. Petersburg.

Ohio cities in the top 271:

21. Cincinnati; 36. Columbus; 45. Cleveland; 103. Oxford; 109. Kent; 115. Athens; 125. Dayton; 126. Akron; 187. Bowling Green; 188. Toledo; 209. Youngstown.

This is a time of year when the oldest race horses have a last shot at winning a race before heading to pasture.

 This is a time of year when the oldest race horses have a last shot at winning a race before heading to pasture.

 Eagle Time pulled off the feat Saturday at Thistledown, wrapping up a long career with a victory in a $4,000 claiming race with Hector Rosario Jr. in the saddle. A 14-year-old stallion, Ohio racing rules mandate Eagle Time call it quits before his 15th birthday. Every race horse's official birthday is Jan. 1.

 A cheap claiming race is quite a drop in class for Eagle Time, though it has been a long time since he finished eighth in the 2000 Ohio Derby to Milwaukee Brew. It was his second win in five starts this year. He has won 16 of 82 career starts, earning $277,396. Eagle Time's two stakes wins were in the Texas Derby at Sunland Park in 2000, and the Memorial Day Handicap at Mountaineer Race Track in 2003.

 Owner-trainer Rick Jordan of Dillsboro, Ind., will put Eagle Time to work in 2012 in the breeding shed, not a new career. The son of Light of Morn was first retired in 2004, standing at stud in Ohio before heading to the Breakaway Farm in Indiana. His most successful foals were Eagle Won, who captured some claiming races, and allowance race winner Sir Jim. Back at the races in 2009, Jordan also bred Eagle Time to a couple of mares in 2010 and 2011.

 During the second half of his racing career, Eagle Time won six of 24 races between 2009 and last Saturday.

 Jordan told Thistledown officials that the horse has always been sound. When he returned to racing, it seemed the harder they trained him, the better he raced - until Eagle Time ran out of time.

 At Northfield Park, Hard Time Gone will be the pacer that's gone after Dec. 31. The 14-year-old won his last start on Sept. 7, the 20th victory of his racing career. The homebred is owned and trained by Dale Ross of Vienna, Ohio, and catch-driver Robin Miller was in the sulky. Hard Time Gone was listed to race on Monday, but was scratched when trainer Ross became ill.

 The old-timer raced like a young pacer in his last start. The bay son of Curragh was the favorite and didn't disappoint, winning by more than eight lengths in 1:59, his top mile of the season.  The gelding won't have a chance to pass on his pacing prowess.

 Fortune 6 ends: Thistledown will discontinue its Fortune 6 betting on Friday. There will be a mandatory pay out that day. The Fortune 6, which began on opening day at Thistledown, was a dime wager that paid out the entire pool only when a single ticket picked all of the winners of six consecutive races. When there were multiple winners, 40 percent of the pool went to the winners and the rest was carried over.

 Gold Fever pans out: Gold Fever is getting older, and the 12-year-old pacer has been getting better. The son of Artsplace is owned by Jim Harrington of Seven Hills and trained by Darrell Rideout. On Saturday, he notched his 10th win in 29 starts this season, and his 56th lifetime victory, with Aaron Merriman at the reins. His winning ways would have been profitable for a horse fan who'd bet him all season long, said track announcer Ayers Ratliff. A $2 win bet on all of his 29 starts costing $58 would have earned $117.40. That's a mark of consistency.

 Noble busy winning: Northfield Park reinsman Dan Noble, 28, of Wilmington, Ohio continues lead North America in driving victories, with 606 wins this year. He's followed by George Brennan (592 wins), Tim Tetrick (570), Dave Palone (564) and Scott Zeron (443). Other Northfield regulars in the standings are Aaron Merriman (19th, 332 wins), Ryan Stahl (33rd, 254), Kurt Sugg (41st, 228 ) and Dan Charlino (43rd, 24).

 Peelers problem: After the phenomenal three-year-old filly, See You at Peelers, ran her winning streak to 22 victories in her career, she vaulted into the national spotlight. Then the Jimmy Takter-trained wonder horse lost a couple of races, falling back to earth.

 Takter said they've finally found what has been bothering the daughter of Bettor's Delight. Diagnosed with heart inflammation, 10 days of medication have her back pacing in her normal sizzling style. Takter is hoping See You At Peelers will be fully recovered in time to make the last two major stakes of 2011, the Breeders Crown on Oct. 29 at Toronto's Woodbine and The Messenger, where she'll tackle the colts on Nov. 12 at New York's Yonkers Raceway.

 The heart test was performed at Takter's New Jersey farm. He said the veterinarian was astounded the talented filly could clock a 1:51 training mile despite a heart problem.

Maynard, a St. Edward High School alum, tries to take the lightweight title from Edgar. More than three years ago, he handed Edgar his lone loss. The two fought to a draw on New Year's Day, 2011.

Associated PressFrankie Edgar (left) and Gray Maynard (right) as they fought to a draw on New Year's Day, 2011, in Las Vegas.

CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Lakewood St. Edward High School alum Gray Maynard challenges lightweight champion Frankie Edgar in a co-main event UFC bout on Saturday night in Houston.

Edgar (13-1-1) holds the title despite his struggles against Maynard (10-0-1). Maynard handed Edgar his lone loss in April, 2008. Then, on New Year's Day this year, Edgar rallied to salvage a draw with Maynard.

This summer, The Plain Dealer's Chuck Yarborough wrote a feature story about Maynard's desire to succeed as he prepared for Saturday night's title fight against Edgar.

The other main event matches featherweight champion Jose Aldo against Kenny Florian.

Yarborough writes today about one of the most intriguing fights on the mixed martial arts under-card: heavyweight Stipe Miocic, a former standout multi-sport athlete at Eastlake North High School and Cleveland State, making his UFC debut in a bout against veteran Joey Beltran.

Maynard, 32, is bigger than Edgar, owns a more powerful punch and is a better wrestler. Edgar, 29, is a superb technician who is faster than Maynard and has better jiu-jitsu skills.

What kind of quarterback is Colt McCoy? Who knows, he's only played 12 games.

Twelve games.

That's how many Colt McCoy has played as the Browns' quarterback.

Twelve games, as in eight games last season, four this season.

Twelve games is three-fourths of a full NFL 16-game season.

Twelve games under two head coaches, two offensive coordinators and with no receivers who have established themselves in the NFL.

Twelve games have told us little about McCoy, but I recently received at least three emails insisting he's another Charlie Frye.

OK, let's look at that. In 21 games (19 starts) with the Browns from 2005 to '07, Frye threw 14 touchdowns and 23 interceptions while being sacked 71 times.

Who knows what McCoy will become, but I've seen Frye. Even after just 12 games, we know McCoy is no Frye -- not with 12 touchdown passes and 12 interceptions in 12 games.

I received an interesting email from Jim Miller in New York. Some people have said McCoy must become a "Drew Brees-type" quarterback. Let's hope he is even 80 percent of Brees.

But we knew little about Brees after his first 12 games.

He sat his first season (2001) in San Diego.

He started all 16 games of his second season and had 17 touchdown passes, 16 interceptions and a quarterback rating of 76.9. In his second season as a starter (2003), Brees played 11 games and had 11 touchdown passes, 15 interceptions and a 67.5 rating.

McCoy is on pace this season to throw 24 touchdowns, 12 interceptions, complete 58 percent of his passes and have a 78.7 rating.

Brees didn't have a breakout season until his third year as a starter. But with McCoy, we're still talking 12 games.

Joe Maylish emailed some stats from Football Outsiders that suggest McCoy holds the ball too long. That leads to sacks that are his fault. But his sacks, for an average loss of 5.8 yards, are not as damaging as those suffered by other quarterbacks.

He's been sacked 29 times in his 12 games -- he's not a statue waiting to be tackled in the pocket.

So the stats were interesting, but the picture was mixed.

Overall, McCoy stays away from negative plays such as interceptions and sacks.

Obviously, McCoy is not a 6-5 physical specimen with a rocket arm. He's not a "pretty" quarterback in terms of style. That much is obvious after 12 games.

Nor does the job overwhelm him, something else that is clear after 12 games.

Yes, he seemed shaky in the pocket in the second half of Sunday's 31-13 loss. But the Browns were having him throw a franchise-record 61 times, and the Titans' defense was relentlessly blitzing because they had a big lead.

The fact is the Browns came into the season with two guards (Shawn Lauvao and Jason Pinkston) who had started a total of three games. Right tackle Tony Pashos was hurt for the first three games, and while Pashos is a solid lineman, he's not Pro Bowl caliber.

It turns out Pro Bowl center Alex Mack was playing with appendicitis Sunday. No wonder the line had a rough day, as did McCoy.

If you are the opposing defensive coordinator facing the Browns, name a player -- aside from Peyton Hillis -- in an orange helmet who worries you? That gives you an accurate scouting report of the inexperience and lack of impact players at the skilled positions.

McCoy is with a rookie head coach, a new offense, and a team that has lost at least 10 games in nine of the past 12 seasons. The Browns are 14-34 over the past three season.

McCoy was the 10th different Week 1 quarterback since 1999 playing for the fifth different head coach. At some point, all the changing, all the rushing to judgment has to stop.

For McCoy, it's 12 games. For Pat Shurmur, it's four games. For Browns fans, it's time for the dreaded P-word: Patience. Or else it will just be more of the same, more changing coaches, throwing away quarterbacks and making absolutely no progress.