NFL News Roundup: Tom Brady gives update on playing future, Alex Highsmith sets lofty expectations and more | July 14, 2022

The NFL news cycle continues to roll on as we approach training camp. Players still haven't reported to team facilities, but that doesn't mean there isn't any news for us to digest.

Yesterday was quite a big day in terms of news. We saw the watering down of the Zach Wilson situation from an anomynous source.

Then there was the JaMarcus Russell interview on Ryan Clark's The Pivot podcast. The former No. 1 overall pick gave a no-holds-barred interview about everything that happened in his short-lived career that lasted just three seasons.

Lastly was the Dan Snyder situation. The Washington owner has refused to testify under subpoena but will appear voluntarily.

That brings us to today's news, which features Tom Brady's future. Meanwhile, Pittsburgh Steelers edge rusher Alex Highsmith has set lofty expectations for the 2022-23 season.

We also cover the heartbreaking news of the passing of former Panthers first-rounder Rashard Anderson. He was just 45 years old.

Here are the latest headlines around the NFL today.

Tom Brady gives update on playing future

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How long can Tom Brady keep playing in the NFL? That is a question that has been asked every year since the quarterback turned 40. With his level of play not deteriorating, Brady continues to defy the odds at the ripe age of 44.

The legendary quarterback provided an insight into how long he might have left in the NFL in an interview with Ramin Setoodeh of Variety. The quarterback suggested that he doesn't have much time left in the game, but refused to put an exact date on his retirement.

Brady said:

"I really don't (know when I'll be done playing).I would say it's year to year: Could this be my last year? Absolutely. Could I change my mind? Absolutely. I've realized I don't have five years left. I want to do it my way. I want to give it everything I got and see where I'm at. My body feels really good. I've had a lot of traumatic injuries over the years, but if things go really smoothly and we win, that'd be great."

Alex Highsmith sets lofty expectations in 2022

Pittsburgh Steelers v Cincinnati Bengals

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Alex Highsmith has set himself some rather lofty expectations ahead of his third NFL season. The 24-year-old has improved every season he has played, going from two sacks in his rookie year to six sacks last year.

However, the 24-year-old does not want to stop there. In a chat on SiriusXM NFL Radio via Steelers Depot, Highsmith stated that he wants to double his sack total from last season and get into double digits in 2022.

Highsmith said:

"I gotta hit those double-digit sack markers. And so I'm just gonna do whatever I can. I've been working my butt off this offseason. Just be the best player that I can be. I'm in great shape right now. Feel great. ... I know the goal that I've had for this year is that 10-to-12 sack mark and just continuing to make plays in the run game."

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Rashard Anderson tragically passes away

The former Panthers first-round pick was just 45 years old. Photo via Durham Herald Sun.

In tragic news, former Carolina Panthers cornerback Rashard Anderson passed away at the age of 45, his former school Jackson State announced. Jackson State Vice President Ashley Robinson commented on the tragedy.

Robinson said:

"Rashard was one of the best players in the history of our football program and an outstanding person. He attended our spring football game in April and was excited about the program returning to championship status."

Anderson was taken with the 23rd pick in the 2000 NFL Draft by Carolina but only managed to play two seasons for the franchise. He was suspended for the entire 2003 season for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy.

In total, Anderson played only 27 games in the NFL before being released by the Panthers. He passed away due to prostate cancer.

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If you use any of the above quotes, please credit Ramin Setoodeh of Variety and Steelersdepot.com and H/T Sportskeeda.

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