John Clayton
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John Clayton joined ESPN in August 1995 as an NFL analyst and commentator and is seen, heard and read across nearly all of the company's outlets. He also regularly contributes to ESPN.com, ESPN Radio and ESPN The Magazine.
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December 23, 2005
Saints' Thomas slapped with four-game 'roid suspension
The Saints suffered a big blow to their defense Tuesday when they found out defensive tackle Hollis Thomas, who is having a career year, is being suspended for four games because he violated the league's steroid policy due to asthma medication he takes.
John Clayton, ESPN.com | 4 hours ago
Good injury news for Bears' Harris
It appears the Bears dodged a bullet with the knee injury to Pro Bowl defensive tackle Tommie Harris . Lovie Smith says the injury, a knee sprain, isn't season ending. With four virtually meaningless ...
John Clayton | 22 hours ago
Clayton: Bush TD landslide buries 49ers
The 49ers had no answer for Saints rookie running back Reggie Bush, who finally had his breakout game, John Clayton writes.
John Clayton, ESPN.com | Sunday, December 3
Clayton: Once again, AFC reigning supreme over NFC
This was supposed to be the year the NFC gained ground on the AFC, but that hasn't been the case, writes John Clayton.
John Clayton, ESPN.com | Saturday, December 2
Raiders could use a leg up
The Raiders will audition kickers because of the back injury suffered by kicker Sebastian Janikowski . Former Chicago Bears kicker Paul Edinger is the biggest name among the kickers the Raiders will s...
John Clayton | Thursday, November 30
Texans get fast look at Gatlin
Gary Kubiak made it sound as though Justin Gatlin 's workout with the Houston Texans was just an interesting look-see at a great, fast athlete. Gatlin, who has the world's fastest time in the 100 mete...
John Clayton | Wednesday, November 29
Sprinting to NFL? Texans work out Gatlin
The Houston Texans worked out the world's fastest man, Justin Gatlin, on Tuesday, but that doesn't mean he's making a fast entrance into the NFL.
John Clayton, ESPN.com | November 29, 2006
Clayton: First ... and 10 for Week 13
The Cowboys-Giants rematch highlights Week 13 and so much has happened since the first time they met, most of it good for Dallas and bad for New York, writes John Clayton.
John Clayton, ESPN.com | Thursday, November 30
Walsh demotion tough, necessary
Though the decision was tough to demote offensive coordinator Tom Walsh, Art Shell needed to make a move to win back some of the frustrated Raiders players on offense. The offense simply wasn't workin...
John Clayton | November 28, 2006
Hasselbeck has to go through his own speed drills
With its two stars -- Shaun Alexander and Matt Hasselbeck -- back, Seattle's ready for the stretch run, writes John Clayton.
John Clayton, ESPN.com | November 28, 2006
Clayton: Ravens embarrass Steelers and love every minute of it
The Ravens' win over the Steelers guaranteed that any talk about Super Bowl contenders must include Baltimore.
John Clayton, ESPN.com | November 26, 2006
Clayton: Newsome deserves credit for Ravens' success
Ozzie Newsome's smart use of the draft and free agency has the Ravens geared up for a Super Bowl run, writes John Clayton.
John Clayton, ESPN.com | November 25, 2006
Clayton: Scheduling a playoff trip
With all the focus on the playoffs at this point, John Clayton breaks down the remaining schedules by division to see what the playoff picture might look like.
John Clayton, ESPN.com | November 24, 2006
How healthy is Favre?
Brett Favre insisted he will play Monday night against the Seahawks, With 231 consecutive starts behind him, you'd have to agree. Still, his description of the nerve injury affecting his right elbow d...
John Clayton | November 22, 2006
Clayton: First ... and 10 for Week 12
While Indy-Philly once looked like the marquee matchup, it's a possible Super Bowl preview when the Bears visit the Patriots that highlights Week 12, writes John Clayton.
John Clayton, ESPN.com | November 22, 2006
Chiefs can give thanks to Herm
Some good strategy has been used by some coaches who have to deal with the difficulties of playing a Week 11 game on Sunday and coming back for a Thanksgiving game four days later. Herm Edwards of the...
John Clayton | November 21, 2006
Clayton: Lightning strikes twice for Chargers
Thanks to Philip Rivers' ability to forget, the Chargers have another win they'll remember for a long time, writes John Clayton.
John Clayton, ESPN.com | November 20, 2006
Quick hits on Week 12
Don't rush to judgment on Brett Favre 's elbow injury. Early reports are he should be probable for the Monday night game against the Seahawks. But it's too early to make a determination, according to ...
John Clayton | November 19, 2006
Clayton: Speed rushers taking a toll on O-linemen
Offensive linemen have been dropping like flies, and John Clayton thinks increased speed on defense is a big reason why.
John Clayton, ESPN.com | November 18, 2006
WR Lelie may recoup $220,000 repayment to Broncos
Ashley Lelie may be able to recoup the $220,000 repayment he made to the Broncos after an arbiter ruled in the receiver's favor.
John Clayton, ESPN.com | November 17, 2006
Surgery likely for Leftwich
The usually cheery Byron Leftwich was a little grumpy Thursday. He refused to discuss his injured ankle, telling reporters he won't say anything about the ankle until next Tuesday. That gave everyone ...
John Clayton | November 16, 2006
Clayton: First ... and 10 for Week 11
Things are heating up in the AFC West and the battle between the Broncos and the red-hot Chargers highlights Week 11, writes John Clayton.
John Clayton, ESPN.com | November 16, 2006
Green to start for Chiefs
Herman Edwards planned on starting Trent Green once he was cleared to practice and he was cleared for contact. Edwards even admitted during Wednesday's post-practice press conference that he was tryin...
John Clayton | November 15, 2006
QB job in Green's capable hands
Herman Edwards planned on starting Trent Green once he was cleared to practice and he was cleared for contact. Edwards even admitted during Wednesday's post-practice news conference that he was trying...
John Clayton | November 15, 2006
Testaverde to ease Brady's burden
The Patriots' signing of 43-year-old quarterback Vinny Testaverde had nothing to do with injuries. If anything, the move was made for the mental health of quarterback Tom Brady. Having Testaverde arou...
John Clayton | November 14, 2006
Switch to Campbell makes sense
Joe Gibbs was going to go to Jason Campbell sometime soon. After losing to the Eagles and effectively falling out of the NFC East race, the time was now. Even though Gibbs loves the way quarterback Ma...
John Clayton | November 13, 2006
Clayton: Heroes come in all shapes, sizes for Seahawks
Maybe it's Nate Burleson. Or Seneca Wallace. Or Maurice Morris. Or Josh Brown. There's certainly no shortage of heroes in Seattle, writes John Clayton.
John Clayton, ESPN.com | November 12, 2006
Clayton: Heroes come in all shapes, sizes for Seahawks
Maybe it's Nate Burleson. Or Seneca Wallace. Or Josh Brown. There's no shortage of heroes in Seattle, writes John Clayton.
John Clayton, ESPN.com | November 12, 2006
Campbell's time getting closer
Every Monday, Joe Gibbs assembles his assistants for a staff meeting. The subject of third sting quarterback Jason Campbell comes up. Each week, Gibbs goes around the room and has an open discussion o...
John Clayton | November 12, 2006
Clayton: Pocket passers still producing the best results
Recent QB changes might suggest that pocket passers are
losing stature in today's NFL. But that's not the case, writes John Clayton.
John Clayton, ESPN.com | November 11, 2006
Glenn's 'quad injury' more serious
Cowboys coach Bill Parcells made an interesting revelation about the injury to wide receiver Terry Glenn. Glenn missed his second day of practice with what is reported as a quad injury. Parcells revea...
John Clayton | November 9, 2006
Clayton: First ... and 10 for Week 10
The Bears and Giants have emerged at the NFC's best. Their matchup in the Meadowlands highlights an interesting Week 10, writes John Clayton.
John Clayton, ESPN.com | November 9, 2006
No changes at free safety for Tuna
Bill Parcells doesn't plan changes at free safety for now, but he reserves the right to do so if things don't improve. Last Sunday against the Redskins, Keith Davis and Marcus Coleman played free safe...
John Clayton | November 8, 2006
Clayton: Games to watch in second half
John Clayton previews the best games of the second half, starting with a huge NFC matchup between the Bears and Giants Sunday night.
John Clayton, ESPN.com | November 8, 2006
NFL to decide Brayton discipline
The NFL plans to rule Wednesday on whether to suspend Raiders defensive end Tyler Brayton, who was caught by the ESPN Monday Night Football cameras kicking Seahawks tight end Jerramy Stevens in the gr...
John Clayton | November 7, 2006
Clayton: Blitz works wonders for Seahawks
The Seahawks needed a lift and defensive coordinator John Marshall provided it with a blitz package that knocked the Raiders cold.
John Clayton, ESPN.com | November 7, 2006
With crack still in foot, Alexander's return still uncertain
Halfback Shaun Alexander will have another X-ray of his injured foot Tuesday morning, but there is no guarantee he will be able to play in Sunday's game against the Rams.
John Clayton, ESPN.com | November 7, 2006
McGahee injury could cripple Bills
McGahee aching: The Bills aren't saying how badly halfback Willis McGahee is hurt, but it's apparent he suffered a cracked or a badly bruised rib or ribs and could be out a week or two. The fact he ha...
John Clayton | November 5, 2006
Clayton: Huard lifts Chiefs into playoff hunt
Damon Huard or Trent Green? Huard has played so well that it's going to be a hard decision for Herman Edwards, writes John Clayton.
John Clayton, ESPN.com | November 5, 2006
Clayton: Runners must make most of time
Running backs might have an easier time getting into the Hall of Fame than landing long-term contracts, writes John Clayton.
John Clayton, ESPN.com | November 4, 2006
Clayton: Week 9 injury updates
John Clayton gives injury updates on all 28 teams playing this weekend.
John Clayton, ESPN.com | November 3, 2006
Clayton: Week 10 injury updates
John Clayton gives injury updates on all 32 teams playing this weekend.
John Clayton, ESPN.com | November 3, 2006
Clayton: Week 11 injury updates
John Clayton gives injury updates on all 32 teams playing this weekend.
John Clayton, ESPN.com | November 3, 2006
Clayton: Week 12 injury updates
John Clayton gives injury updates on all 26 teams playing this Sunday.
John Clayton, ESPN.com | November 3, 2006
Clayton: Week 13 injury updates
John Clayton gives injury updates on all 26 teams playing this Sunday.
John Clayton, ESPN.com | November 3, 2006
Bears sign center Kreutz to three-year extension
Four years ago, Olin Kreutz had the opportunity to make more money by leaving the Chicago Bears and going to the Miami Dolphins. He wanted to stay a Bear.
John Clayton, ESPN.com | November 2, 2006
Eagles DT Patterson inks seven-year, $32M extension
At 5-foot-11, Mike Patterson didn't tower over other top defensive tackles available in the 2005 draft, but now he can say he towers over his draft class financially.
John Clayton, ESPN.com | November 2, 2006
Clayton: First ... and 10 for Week 9
Colts-Patriots. Manning-Brady. It doesn't get much better than this. Indy's trip to New England highlights an intriguing Week 9, writes John Clayton.
John Clayton, ESPN.com | November 2, 2006
Blame runs through Palmer, too
Carson Palmer did an interesting thing Wednesday -- he took the blame for some of the problems with the Bengals offense. Halfback Rudi Johnson is complaining about not getting the ball enough. A coupl...
John Clayton | November 1, 2006
Merriman picks good time to sit
Shawne Merriman made the right move in dropping his appeal of his four-game suspension for a steroid product found in a supplement. The Chargers linebacker could have gone to a hearing next Tuesday in...
John Clayton | October 31, 2006
Inside the Huddle with John Clayton
Inside the Huddle with John Clayton
November 28, 2006
Mark Madden: 11/29
Mark reacts to the Pens win over the Islanders. Plus, John Clayton. Listen »
November 29, 2006
Quarterback Queries
AllNight: John Clayton talks about the Chargers under Philip Rivers and... Listen »
November 20, 2006
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