By Bobb Burgess, Boston.com

Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski may need back surgery, according to a report in USA Today.

Just as the news was getting better on Rob Gronkowsi's arm, there's word his back is once again acting up and could require surgery as well.

The New England Patriots' tight end recently underwent an MRI on his back to check on a disc issue he had dating back to last season, a person informed of Gronkowski's medical status told USA TODAY Sports.

The person, who spoke on condition of anonymity because of the Patriots' policy of not publicly detailing injuries, said the issue is with a different disc than the one that needed to be shaved down in via surgery 2009 and that a final decision on whether surgery will be required has not yet been made.

ESPN's Adam Schefter is reporting that Gronkowski's back issue is minor, according to a source.

Gronkowski is expected next week, according to the Boston Globe, to have another surgical procedure on his injured and previously infected left forearm, this time replacing a metal plate.

By Zuri Berry, Boston.com Staff

Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel was down in San Diego to work with quarterback coach George Whitfield Jr. He took the time to take in a Padres game, where he whacked a home run in batting practice before proceeding to throw a rather unique ceremonial first pitch.

Manziel dropped back on the mound, and rolled out to his left before throwing the baseball across his body to Mark Kotsay. See it here.

Kotsay, in a show of gamesmanship, caught the ball behind his back.

By Zuri Berry, Boston.com Staff

Prior to the start of the Red Sox and Rays game Thursday night, a young girl was given the opportunity to throw out the first pitch at Tropicana Field, unaware of the surprise that was in store for her.

Alyana Adams, 9, didn't know who she was throwing the first pitch to, expecting the masked man in a Rays uniform to probably be catcher Jose Molina. But it turned out to be her father, Lt. Col. William Adams, who had been deployed in Afghanistan.

The Rays and the United Services Organization set up the surprise reunion, bringing Adams back to town Monday, holed up in a hotel ahead of his Thursday night surprise, according to the Tampa Bay Tribune.

Before the ceremonial pitch, the video screen blared with a message from Alyana's father, telling her "remember, take a deep breath, focus and have fun, baby. Daddy loves you."

Of course, she was shocked to see her father instead of Molina. Dana Adams, her mother, was shocked too. It was a heartfelt moment.

MLB Network's Heidi Watney joined Chris Gasper and Adam Kaufman on Boston Sports Live today to discuss the Red Sox.

Listen to her interview below.

Watney appears on MLB Network's "Quick Pitch" program weekdays at 1 a.m. Tonight, that will air shortly after the network's broadcast of a showdown between the Tigers and Rangers, which features a pitching matchup of Justin Verlander vs. Yu Darvish. Find MLB Network on your TV using FindMLBNetwork.com.

By Marie Torto, Boston.com Staff

Toronto Maple Leafs left winger Joffrey Lupul said a lot about last night's loss to the Bruins on Twitter this morning.

That hockey game will haunt me until the day I die...

— Joffrey Lupul (@JLupul) May 14, 2013

In less than 15 minutes, the message was retweeted just under 1,000 times and favorited over 2,900 times.

By Robert Burgess, Boston.com staff

Red Sox chairman Tom Werner took to RedSox.com this afternoon to defend slugger David Ortiz and to criticize Boston Globe columnist Dan Shaughnessy for asking questions about performance-enhancing drugs.

Werner called the question of whether Ortiz had been using drugs to enhance his performance "false, inflammatory and without real basis."

He went on to write that while baseball had improved itself, including instituting tougher drug testing policies, the media, in his mind, has work to do to not tarnish "the public's enjoyment and appreciation for exploits well done."

"Should we not speak out and insist upon solid journalistic standards and not stand by complacently and silently, lamenting their erosion?" Werner wrote on the team's website. "Those who publicly ask questions must take responsibility for their words."

Earlier this week, Shaughnessy wrote a column recounting a conversation he had with Ortiz about the designated hitter's hot start to the season and what he thinks about suspicions of performance-enhancing drugs.

"They had the right, but was it right?" Werner wrote of the Globe publishing the column. "We're in a new media world, and fact-less accusations stick. In today's media world, the question -- even if it's false, inflammatory and without real basis -- can become the story."

Brian McGrory, editor of The Globe, said, "Dan Shaughnessy did what good columnists do. He gave voice to the questions that were on the minds of many people."

"Rather than fling accusations from afar, Shaughnessy went right to the source, respectfully posing a series of questions to David Ortiz, face-to-face, and receiving thoughtful answers in return," McGrory said. "The insightful responses, quoted at length, gave readers a logical explanation to Ortiz's torrid start this season. The job of a journalist is to ask these hard questions, and then give a good airing and proper context to the answers. Dan Shaughnessy did exactly that."

Werner went on to invoke Ted Williams, Jackie Robinson, and Tim Wakefield in defense of the 37-year-old Ortiz, who was hitting .353 through 17 games this season.

"Does this mean that whenever an athlete -- particularly a Dominican athlete -- does something exceptional, we have to assume he cheated?" asked Werner.

"I know it's an uncomfortable and awkward topic. It's not fun for me either," Shaughnessy said on Boston Sports Live, adding that Ortiz failed a drug test in 2003. "Some people are uncomfortable that the questions are asked. I'm not. That's our job."

By Zuri Berry, Boston.com Staff

A report by Yahoo! Sports claims Red Sox pitcher Clay Buchholz was likely using sunscreen mixed with rosin on his forearm to get a better grip on the ball, which led to accusations that he was throwing a spitter against the Toronto Blue Jays.

Toronto broadcasters Dirk Hayhurst and Jack Morris claimed Buchholz was "loading the ball" during his May 1 start against the Blue Jays in Toronto. But as Yahoo! Sports' Jeff Passan reports, he was actually using something that is quite prevalent in the sport.

"Two veteran pitchers and one source close to the Red Sox told Yahoo! Sports that about 90 percent of major league pitchers use some form of spray-on sunscreen – almost always BullFrog brand – that when combined with powdered rosin gives them a far superior grip on the ball.

Passan also reports:

While Buchholz declined comment through a Red Sox spokesman Wednesday, one source close to the Red Sox confirmed the team's pitchers almost all rely on sunscreen for better grip on finicky balls, particularly in cold, bad weather.

Read the story.

Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan, who played at Boston College, threw out the first pitch at Boston Strong Night at a Gwinnett Braves minor-league game Tuesday in Georgia.(Associated Press photo)

By Matt Pepin, Boston.com Staff

Boston sports stars Jason Varitek, Matt Ryan, Rodney Harrison, and Dee Brown helped the Gwinnett Braves and Pawtucket Red Sox celebrate a Boston Strong Night on Tuesday at Gwinnett's stadium in Lawrenceville, Ga.

All four have connections to both Boston and Georgia, and they threw out the first pitches at Coolray Field. A portion of ticket sales went to One Fund Boston, and a silent auction was held.

"I have two homes in my heart, one here and one there," said Varitek, the former Red Sox catcher who is now a special assistant with the team, in a story on the Gwinnett Braves' website. "Boston will always be a big part of me. But I think everyone feels a connection to Boston now and wants to do what they can to show it. What happened was a hit to the whole country."

Varitek played college baseball at Georgia Tech. Ryan, the Atlanta Falcons' quarterback, played college football at Boston College. Harrison played for the Patriots, and Brown for the Celtics.

"I feel fortunate to be able to be take part in something like this," Ryan told MLB.com. "Boston is obviously a town that is very important to me and my wife, having gone to college up there. I'm happy to help any way I can."

All of the players wore throwback Boston Braves hats, the Fenway Park anthem "Sweet Caroline" was played, Boston Strong logos were painted behind the plate, and players walked to the plate to the music of Boston bands like Aerosmith, Dropkick Murphys and New Kids on the Block.

Gwinnett's general manager, North Johnson, scheduled the event for a night when Pawtucket would be the guest.

"I'm thankful that we could do our little part," Johnson told MLB.com. "The bombing didn't affect just Boston, it affected all of us."

Atlanta News, Weather, Traffic, and Sports | FOX 5

Tickets for the Deutsche Bank Championship PGA Tour event at TPC Boston will go on sale Wednesday at 10 a.m.

The Deutsche Bank Championship, one of the PGA Tour's playoff events, will be held on Labor Day weekend, Aug. 30-Sept. 2, at the Norton course. Tickets will be sold online at the tournament website, by phone at 800-594-8499, and at Golfsmith locations in Massachusetts.

Rory McIlroy is the defending champion.

By Marie Torto, Boston.com Staff

Tom Brady has three Super Bowl rings, but when jockey Joel Rosario rode Orb to victory in the Kentucky Derby on Saturday, Brady's reaction was nothing short of championship-winning ecstasy.

Wes Welker and Teddy Bruschi can also be seen giving the Patriot quarterback (very large) congratulatory hugs.

Brady reportedly bet $4,700 on Orb to win, which meant he walked away from the Derby around $25,000 richer.

By Marie Torto, Boston.con Staff

Boston Globe NBA reporter Gary Washburn was the only writer to cast a first-place vote for Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony in the NBA most valuable player balloting.

The other 120 first-place votes were cast for the Heat's LeBron James, who won the award for the fourth time.

Washburn explained his decision in his On Basketball column today.

On James vs. Anthony:

... My vote had more to do with Anthony and less to do with the dominance of LeBron. If you were to take Anthony off the Knicks, they are a lottery team. James plays with two other All-Stars, the league's all-time 3-point leader, a defensive stalwart, and a fearless point guard. The Heat are loaded.
If Lebron was taken away from the Heat, they still would be a fifth or sixth seed. He is the best player of this generation, a multifaceted superstar with the physical prowess of Adonis, but I chose to reward a player who has lifted his team to new heights.

Anthony's impact on the Knicks:

...This isn't the Best Player in the Game award, it's the Most Valuable Player award, and I think what Anthony accomplished this season was worthy of my vote. He led the Knicks to their first division title in 19 years. That's a long time. Anthony led the league in scoring average and basically carried an old Knicks team to the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference. Amar'e Stoudemire missed most of the season with knee issues, Raymond Felton missed six weeks, and Tyson Chandler dealt with nagging injuries, leaving Anthony, J.R. Smith, and a bunch of lottery picks from the mid-1990s to win 54 games and beat the Miami Heat three times.

Naturally, Twitter had many things to say about the situation.

I disagree with @gwashnbaglobe's decision to vote for Carmelo but I love that he's out there owning it. Our profession needs more like him.

— Seth Davis (@SethDavisHoops) May 6, 2013

Now that we know @gwashnbaglobe was the Carmelo voter can we all move on? It's not like he cost LeBron the MVP. Save the outrage.

— J.A. Adande (@jadande) May 6, 2013

@gwashnbaglobethanks for voting for Carmelo, glad someone had the courage to think outside the box

— ted tokarski (@tedtokarski) May 6, 2013

@gwashnbaglobe You probably aren't a bad guy, but you should have your MVP vote taken away. Sincerely, Every Basketball Fan in the World.

— Kenny Tackett (@iamtheshinyone) May 6, 2013

By Marie Torto, Boston.com Staff

Boston sports had an all-around successful night Wednesday as the Celtics, Bruins and Red Sox were all able to take down New York and Toronto (twice), respectively. Here's a round-up of what the media in those two cities are saying today.

NEW YORK POST

Mark Berman says the Knicks got a little too cocky for their own good:

In nothing short of a choke, the Knicks allowed the Celtics to keep their season alive and take Game 5 last night in a 92-86 shocker at the Garden, staving off the anticipated Boston “funeral.”

Once ready to sweep the Celtics, the Knicks cling to a 3-2 lead in the best-of-seven series which is headed back to Boston tomorrow, echoing memories of 2004 when the Red Sox rallied from a 3-0 deficit to shock the Yankees.

No NBA team has recovered from a 3-0 series deficit.

The Knicks got too full of themselves in the past few days, and it cost them. Smith bragged the series would be over if he had not been suspended Sunday. And following the lead of Kenyon Martin, all Knicks players had black jackets and black slacks hanging in their lockers before last night’s potential Game 5 closeout, anticipating the demise of the Celtics’ season. Embarrassingly, they were forced to wear their all-black garb afterward.

“We were going to a funeral, but it looks like we got buried,’’ said J.R. Smith, who said he won’t wear black to a game anytime soon. “We got humbled.’’

Fred Kerber compares Celtics to 2004 Red Sox:

“I seen it. It was tremendous,” Celtics sharpshooter Jason Terry said about the Red Sox fabled comeback. “Papi is a neighbor. I’m very familiar with what they did and the history they made. Is it a motivating factor for us? It helps, but that alone is not going to win the series.”

No, but the Celtics are at least halfway home. After their 92-86 victory over the Knicks in Game 5 at the Garden last night, the Celtics, down 0-3 a few days ago, have made the series 3-2 with Game 6 set for Boston on Friday.

“We’re still down so our mentality has to be all out,” said Kevin Garnett, who followed up a pair of monster 17-rebound games with 18 rebounds last night while playing 39 minutes. “We’re down 3-2. The next game we lose is it. I don’t know what everybody is talking about with getting comfortable, feeling good. We’re down 3-2. It’s not like we evened it up and are going back home.”

Mike Vaccaro says Knicks will have to save their not-so-classy 'funeral' suits:

Back in the Knicks’ locker room, a string of black suits was hung with care in the players’ stalls. This could simply have been a fashion statement, a sartorial expression of unity. Except it came with a purpose: The Knicks weren’t here simply to deliver a knockout punch, but a message.

These were their funeral outfits.

Yes. That’s as galling as it sounds, especially given the events in Boston 17 days ago. Nice. Very classy.

This is a franchise that hasn’t won a playoff series in 13 years or a title in 40, a team that has yet to win THIS playoff series even as the players allowed their minds to drift forward to Atlanta, to Indiana, even to Miami. And they were preparing a Viking funeral for the Celtics before actually, you know, eliminating them.

Amazing. Just amazing.

NEW YORK TIMES

Howard Beck tells how all-black outfits backfired in game run-down:

The theme proved ill-conceived, perhaps in poor taste and absolutely poorly timed, as the Knicks stumbled through another four quarters Wednesday night, allowing the Celtics — undeniably old, but hardly lifeless — to take a 92-86 victory, extending this first-round series once again.

After starting the week with a sweep in sight, the Knicks are clinging to a 3-2 lead and heading back to Boston for Game 6 on Friday.

“We’re good; we’re good,” Carmelo Anthony said, despite the sudden shift in momentum. He added, “Mentally, we’re in a great place.”

TORONTO SUN

Steve Simmons calls Maple Leafs "cheap playoff pretenders":

If Boston didn't take the better of them physically, the Leafs players were jumpy, rushed the puck, and turned it over regularly.

The Bruins often looked to be on the power play at even strength.

And it was clear from the first minute of play that part of Boston's strategy was to challenge the Leafs defence wide--they did so and controlled the puck throughout the night.

Kostka, in particular, had a terrible playoff debut, circumstantially and not.

He was on the ice for Boston's first four goals.

His status no doubt will be discussed over the next two days.

It wasn't a whole lot better-- and possibly worse--up front.

Phil Kessel, again, was nowhere to be found, didn't win any battles, didn't ever get his speed going.

Steve Buffery describes Maple Leaf "ugly" loss period by period:

Sadly, after Wednesday’s sub-par performance, “the very winnable” quote will be thrown in Kadri’s face (wrongly). In fact, it started on Twitter before the game was even over and will be one of the storylines on Thursday ... I’ve noticed every newspaper and sports network has listed numerous “keys to victory” for the Leafs — the Phil Kessel line rising above Zdeno Chara, secondary scoring, James Reimer, etc.

At last count, there were 479 keys to victory for the Leafs. Apparently none were realized on Game 1.

Bob Elliot talks Blue Jays' beating from the Red Sox:

Mark Buehrle made his sixth start for the Jays and was roughed up for a fourth time in a 10-1 shellacking by the Boston Red Sox before 21,094 fans at the Rogers Centre on Wednesday night.

The Jays managed two hits in seven innings against Clay Buchholz. Until Brett Lawrie’s run-scoring triple with one out in the eighth, the largest cheer was Buehrle’s 1-0 pitch in the first — a ball — to David Ortiz.

There wasn’t anything to root about for Toronto fans.

“Buchholz never gave us a thing,” said Jays manager John Gibbons, displeased over the fact Melky Cabrera lined a ball into the right field corner and was thrown out at second trailing by a wide margin.

By Robert Burgess

The Red Sox will stick with Andrew Bailey as closer for now, despite the return of former closer Joel Hanrahan from the disabled list.

According to Globe sports writer Pete Abraham, manager John Farrell spoke to both relief pitchers about the decision.

"The one thing Joel is, he's honest with himself, and he understands what's going on here," Farrell told MLB Network Radio earlier today. "When he's healthy, he's going to make us a better team."

Hanrahan struggled - going 0-1 with three saves and an 11.57 ERA - before a stint on the disabled list with a hamstring injury, while Bailey has thrived in the role earning five saves.

Globe national baseball writer Nick Cafardo said via Twitter that the team wants to ease Hanrahan back without disrupting what seems to be working for the time being.

But with Bailey's injury history (he appeared in just 19 games for the Red Sox in 2012), Hanrahan may have another chance to close games later this season.

Hanrahan made rehab appearances for Pawtucket on April 26 and 28 and allowed two runs in his two innings of work. He is available to pitch tonight.

The Red Sox optioned Daniel Bard to Portland to make roster space for Hanrahan.

By Marie Torto, Boston.com Staff

Jason Collins, the 34-year-old NBA player who has come out as the first openly gay male professional athlete from a major sports league, said he struggled for years with his decision to reveal himself to the world.

"When you keep telling yourself a lie, at some point you buy your own cover story," Collins told ABC's George Stephanopoulos in an interview aired on Tuesday. "I knew that I tried everything in the book as far as trying to convince myself to live the life I should."

Collins first revealed that he was gay to his aunt. He said she told him that she already knew that he was gay.

"She had her suspicions about me but she was extremely supportive," said Collins. "I guess she's good at reading people."

Collins said that since coming out, he has received an outpouring of love and support. He hopes that his teammates and the NBA will be equally supportive in the decision he's made.

"I'm expecting support because that's what I would give to my teammates," he said. "A team is like a family, the NBA is like a brotherhood. I'm looking at it like we all support each other on and off the court. I hope that every player makes decisions that lead to their own happiness, no matter what that happiness is in life."

Collins also said why he thinks his twin brother and fellow NBA player, Jarron, never knew that he was gay.

"I'm really good at playing it straight," Collins joked. "But he's been incredibly supportive as well... I've always been protective of my little brother, who is close to 7 feet, but now he's sort of taken on that role of protecting me."

NBA veteran Jason Collins, who split his time between the Celtics and Wizards this season, admitted he was gay in an interview with Sports Illustrated. Here is some reaction from around the league and elsewhere.

-- Guard Baron Davis (last played for the Knicks in 2012):

I am so proud of my bro @jasoncollins34 for being real. #FTheHaters bit.ly/12J9el5

— Baron Davis (@Baron_Davis) April 29, 2013

-- Lakers guard Kobe Bryant:

Proud of @jasoncollins34. Don't suffocate who u r because of the ignorance of others #courage #support #mambaarmystandup #BYOU

— Kobe Bryant (@kobebryant) April 29, 2013

-- Lakers guard Steve Nash:

The time has come. Maximum respect. RT @baron_davis: I am so proud of my bro @jasoncollins34 for being real. ... tmi.me/TGSBh

— Steve Nash (@SteveNash) April 29, 2013

-- Former president Bill Clinton:

RT @billclinton I'm proud to call Jason Collins a friend. wjcf.co/154piCi

— Baxter Holmes (@BaxterHolmes) April 29, 2013

Here is President Clinton's full statement.

-- NBA commissioner David Stern released a statement, which read in part:

RT @baxterholmes: David Stern on Jason Collins: "We are proud he has assumed the leadership mantle on this very important issue."

— Boston Globe Celtics (@GlobeCeltics) April 29, 2013

-- The Red Sox praised Collins for his courage and made him an offer:

We salute you, @jasoncollins34 for your courage and leadership. Any time you want to throw out a first pitch at Fenway Park, let us know.

— Boston Red Sox (@RedSox) April 29, 2013

-- The Celtics didn't have media availability Monday, but coach Doc Rivers released a statement:

“I am extremely happy and proud of Jason Collins," Rivers said. "He’s a pro’s pro. He is the consummate professional and he is one of my favorite “team” players I have ever coached. If you have learned anything from Jackie Robinson, it is that teammates are always the first to accept. It will be society who has to learn tolerance. One of my favorite sayings is, I am who I am, are whom we are, can be what I want to be its not up to you, it’s just me being me."

-- The Washington Wizards, Collins' most recent team:

#Wizards Statement "We are extremely proud of Jason & support his decision to live his life proudly and openly." More nba.com/wizards/wizard…

— Washington Wizards (@WashWizards) April 29, 2013

Jason Collins (right) played for the Celtics and Wizards this season.

By Gary Dzen, Boston.com Staff

Jason Collins, a 12-year NBA veteran who played in 32 games for the Celtics this season, came out as gay to Sports Illustrated. He is the first active male athlete in one of the big four American professional sports (basketball, baseball, football, and hockey) to do so.

"I'm a 34-year-old NBA center. I'm black. And I'm gay," said Collins. "I didn't set out to be the first openly gay athlete playing in a major American team sport. But since I am, I'm happy to start the conversation. I wish I wasn't the kid in the classroom raising his hand and saying, 'I'm different.' If I had my way, someone else would have already done this. Nobody has, which is why I'm raising my hand."

Collins has played for six NBA teams in his career. The Celtics traded him to the Washington Wizards earlier this season in exchange for guard Jordan Crawford. Collins averaged 1.2 points and 1.6 rebounds for the Celtics, starting in seven games.

Collins cited the recent NBA lockout, the Boston Marathon bombings and Massachusetts Congressman Joe Kennedy, his old college roommate, as some of the reasons he decided to make the announcement now:

I realized I needed to go public when Joe Kennedy, my old roommate at Stanford and now a Massachusetts congressman, told me he had just marched in Boston's 2012 Gay Pride Parade. I'm seldom jealous of others, but hearing what Joe had done filled me with envy. I was proud of him for participating but angry that as a closeted gay man I couldn't even cheer my straight friend on as a spectator. If I'd been questioned, I would have concocted half truths. What a shame to have to lie at a celebration of pride. I want to do the right thing and not hide anymore. I want to march for tolerance, acceptance and understanding. I want to take a stand and say, "Me, too."

Congressman Kennedy today released the following statement in support of Collins:

“For as long as I've known Jason Collins he has been defined by three things: his passion for the sport he loves, his unwavering integrity, and the biggest heart you will ever find. Without question or hesitation, he gives everything he's got to those of us lucky enough to be in his life. I'm proud to stand with him today and proud to call him a friend.”

NBA commissioner David Stern also commented, via Twitter.

“As [NBA deputy commissioner] Adam Silver and I said to Jason, we have known the Collins family since Jason and Jarron joined the NBA in 2001 and they have been exemplary members of the NBA family. Jason has been a widely respected player and teammate throughout his career and we are proud he has assumed the leadership mantle on this very important issue," he said.

Red Sox DH David Ortiz, who has been hitting everything in sight since returning from the disabled list, revealed Sunday that he's been dealing with a personal issue off the field: He and his wife Tiffany are getting a divorce.

While sharing the news with WEEI.com and MLB.com, Ortiz stressed that he wants the public to treat his personal life as a private matter unrelated to his responsibilities on the field.

“I’m going to separate things,” Ortiz told WEEI.com and MLB.com. “Whatever is happening to me off the field is happening, but I try not to confuse that and bring that into my job. I know how to separate things. Personal life matters, and hopefully everybody respects that.”

Ortiz and his wife of nine years, Tiffany, have three children -- daughters Jessica and Alexandra, and son D'Angelo, who is a fixture in Fort Myers in February and at Fenway Park during the summer.

"There are some situations in life that work out for a period of time and at some point they don’t work out anymore and you have to move on," Ortiz went on to say. "I’m moving on. She’s moving on. Hopefully everybody respects that."

By Steve Silva, Boston.com Staff

The New York Jets have released quarterback Tim Tebow, the team announced Monday.

Looking to add more punch to their passing game during last week's NFL Draft, the Jets grabbed West Virginia QB Geno Smith in the second round.

The Jets acquired Tebow, and the mania that surrounds him, via a trade with the Denver Broncos last season, but it appears he general manager John Idzik wants to go in a different direction beyond starting quarterback Mark Sanchez.

Tebow, who was expected to bring a multifaceted attack to the Jets from the QB position, was ineffective running the football, gaining just 102 yards on 32 carries for the season. As a passer, Tebow struggled in limited opportunities with just 39 yards gained through the air for the season.

Three-time Patriots Super Bowl champion and all-around hero Joe Andruzzi is expected to announce New England's first pick Thursday night during the NFL draft at Radio City Music Hall, according to the Herald's Karen Guregian.

Look for Commissioner Roger Goodell to give mike to marathon hero Joe Andruzzi to announce Pats first pick

— Karen Guregian (@kguregian) April 25, 2013

Andruzzi tweeted Thursday afternoon that he was looking forward to being back in his home of New York City. Andruzzi was among the people helping out at last week's Boston Marathon tragedy. His three brothers, all New York firefighters, were among the first responders on 9/11.

After the bombings at the Marathon finish line, Andruzzi was seen carrying a victim to safety, but he told the Globe's Greg Bedard the next day, "I am definitely not a hero. I am just a bystander, and that led to my help.

"Many heroes that I look upon are people like my three brothers that are running into burning buildings when others are running out. Explosions are going off, and they are driving their cars down Boylston [Street] right into the heart of the scene. They are the people that don't care about their safety and are worried for other people's safety and survival.”

By Zuri Berry, Boston.com Staff

New uniforms for the Miami Dolphins, Jacksonville Jaguars and Minnesota Vikings leaked onto the internet Tuesday.

You'll notice a logo change for the Jaguars and a diminished use of orange for the Dolphins. The Vikings meanwhile seem to be stripped of their yellowish-gold trim.

Take a look.

New Jags, Vikes, and Dolphins uniforms together: twitter.com/UniWatch/statu…

— Paul Lukas (@UniWatch) April 23, 2013