NEW ORLEANS (Reuters) – Democratic strategist, political pundit and media guru James Carville admits there are few things he’s more passionate about than the New Orleans Saints.

And despite his zeal, the architect of Bill Clinton’s path to the White House insists he’s over the angst the rest of the city still feels toward NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell.

NEW ORLEANS (Reuters) – Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten felt the sting of domestic violence as a youth and became determined to make a difference when he got the chance.

“A lot of people made sacrifices to help get you to this point (in the NFL),” the eight-time Pro Bowler told Reuters on Friday. “For me, my grandfather made a huge impact on my life.

NEW ORLEANS (Reuters) – The National Football League (NFL) players union has a number of ongoing disputes with the league but player safety is the top priority, Executive Director DeMaurice Smith said on Thursday.

Smith, head of the NFL Players Association (NFLPA), cited the union’s recent $100 million grant to Harvard University for a study on a range of health problems, from brain damage to heart conditions.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The Montreal Canadiens used a four-goal barrage in the second period to rout Washington 4-1 on Thursday and leave the Capitals still searching for their first win of the lockout-reduced season.

Goals by Tomas Plekanec, Andrei Markov, Brian Gionta and Josh Gorges secured the Canadiens’ second successive victory after a lackluster season-opening loss to Toronto.

OWINGS MILLS, Maryland (Reuters) – Ten days before playing the final game of his illustrious career, Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis says he is too busy to become sentimental.

The Ravens face the San Francisco 49ers in the Super Bowl on February 3, a fitting finale for the fiery future Hall of Famer regarded by many as the best linebacker of his generation.

BALTIMORE (Reuters) – With two weeks of hype left before the Super Bowl, Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh is already trying to play down the drama of facing his little brother for the National Football League championship.

John used to share a room with his brother Jim and, like many siblings, they would place tape down the middle of the room to claim their turf.

BALTIMORE (Reuters) – With the clock winding down, Ray Lewis walked to the center of the field to soak it all in.

The Baltimore Ravens sent him out there — on offense — just so the crowd could pay homage to the first ballot Hall of Fame linebacker one more time.

BALTIMORE (Reuters) – The Baltimore Ravens extended the illustrious career of Ray Lewis by routing the Indianapolis Colts 24-9 on Sunday to set up a meeting with the Denver Broncos in the second round of the playoffs.

Joe Flacco completed 12 of 23 passes for 282 yards and two touchdowns for the Ravens, who limped into the AFC wild-card playoff game with losses in four of their last five regular season games.

By Steve Ginsburg

(Reuters) – Happy, healthy and chock-full of confidence, Hall of Fame jockey Gary Stevens says he is returning to the track after a seven-year hiatus for one reason: because he can.

In fact, Stevens believes he can return to the saddle as a better rider than the one who won the Kentucky Derby three times and over $221 million in purses.

LANDOVER, Maryland (Reuters) – The Washington Redskins defeated the Dallas Cowboys 28-18 on Sunday to claim the NFC East crown for the first time since 1999 and deny their bitter rivals a spot in the postseason.

Rookie running back Alfred Morris rushed for 200 yards on 33 carries and three touchdowns, while quarterback Robert Griffin III added a 10-yard TD run to lead the Redskins.