Covering local news in a time of unparalleled access
By Tolly Taylor A Medill Newsmakers Report Like the events they cover, local news websites are constantly changing. Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat–regardless of how consumers access the information, sites such as DNAinfo and Chicago Magazine strive to cover stories that matter. In this edition of Medill Newsmakers, we talk to local journalists about how they have adapted […]
Bay Watch: Northwestern’s Vitale heads to Bucs, Lowry to Packers
By Tolly Taylor The Tampa Bay Buccaneers didn’t just draft Danny Vitale in the sixth round Saturday. They drafted Danny Vitale, Superback. “It sounds like they want to play me as their fullback and as a second tight end as well,” said Vitale, a hybrid “superback” at Northwestern. “That’s what I did in college, so […]
Superman, Denzel Washington and Michael Jackson rule the NFL Draft red carpet
By Tolly Taylor and Hannah Gebresilassie Current players were joined by Hall of Famers, turning out in the unseasonably cold weather for diehard fans at the 2016 NFL Draft red carpet. Stars such as Ronde Barber, Brandon Carr and Ryan Kerrigan talked to Medill Reports about their favorite superheroes, musicians and actors. [vimeo=164798118 w=474]
Dick Butkus: Did Bears need to trade up for Leonard Floyd?
By Tolly Taylor When Dick Butkus heard his former team had drafted the Dick Butkus Award winner, the Bears great said he liked the pick. Just not trading up to get college football’s best linebacker, Georgia’s Leonard Floyd. “I’m just wondering why they got the inkling he wouldn’t be there just two picks later,” the […]
Northwestern’s Bob Christian: From 12th round to NFL’s best fullback
By Tolly Taylor Bob Christian and his parents were huddled in his Sargent Hall dorm room at Northwestern when he finally got the call. The Atlanta Falcons had picked the fullback in the 12th and final round of the 1991 NFL Draft. “My day wasn’t what I thought it would be,” said Christian, who had […]
NFL Draft: Carson Wentz ‘the best servant-leader I’ve ever been around’
By Tolly Taylor North Dakota State offensive coordinator Tim Polasek directed a unit that averaged 432 yards per game as the school won its fourth straight FCS national championship last year. It helped to have Carson Wentz. The quarterback was limited to seven games because of a broken wrist, but threw for 1,651 yards and […]
5 players Chicago Bears might draft in first round — and 1 they won’t
By Tolly Taylor Here are ESPN.com writer and former NFL safety Matt Bowen’s top five potential first- round picks for the Chicago Bears, in no particular order, with the 11th overall pick Thursday at Roosevelt University’s Auditorium Theatre:
Northwestern’s Vitale a ‘superback’ suited for many positions in NFL, too
By Tolly Taylor To work on his route running, Dan Vitale catches passes from Denver Broncos quarterback Trevor Siemian. To improve his blocking explosiveness, Vitale uses specific band and barbell exercises. Everything he does is to make him stronger, faster and better at a variety of positions for the NFL. Everything he can do makes […]
Head case: Concussion collaboration tries to reduce brain trauma in college athletes
By Tolly Taylor Geoff Mogus walked to the sideline after a blow to the head sent a “tingling, burning sensation” from his head to his toes. A concerned trainer told him, “You’ve got to let me know if you’re not feeling well. It’s not worth it.” Still, the Northwestern University left guard reentered the November […]
Bowling and ‘League of Legends’ pay high school senior’s college ticket
By Tolly Taylor Steve Balachowski threw another strike, turned around and continued his explanation of “League of Legends.” His coach looked confused. He had never heard of it. The senior finished his description and then finished bowling a 217. “I went home and looked it up to see what it’s all about,” said Mike Paskvan, […]
