Vikings' Udeze retires after cancer comeback

Kenechi Udeze's determination never seemed to waver. Not around others, at least.

Diagnosed with a deadly form of cancer known as acute lymphoblastic leukemia in February 2008, the Vikings' defensive end not only made it clear he would beat the disease but also remained confident he would return to the football field in 2009.

That remarkable goal seemed to be coming closer to being a reality this spring when Udeze took part in the Vikings' offseason practices. However, it was during that time that Udeze began to realize that neuropathy in his feet, a side effect of his chemotherapy treatments, meant a return to the NFL likely wouldn't be possible.

After discussing the subject with coach Brad Childress in recent weeks, Udeze was placed on the Vikings' reserve/retired list Thursday.

RAVENS SIGN FIRST-ROUND PICK OHER: For Baltimore Ravens rookie offensive tackle Michael Oher, signing his five-year, $13.8 contract Thursday marked yet another milestone in his winding life journey.

"It is very special," Oher said during a press conference at the team hotel. "You've got to forget where you came from and move forward and continue to work hard and put all your trust in the right people."

It's hard to forget where Oher came from.

He was homeless for a time as a teenager in Memphis, Tenn., with his mother addicted to crack cocaine before he was adopted and embraced by a wealthy family that enrolled him in an exclusive private school. Oher became an All-American at Ole Miss and was the 23rd overall pick in the draft.

RAIDERS SIGNS TOP PICK: Rookie receiver Darrius Heyward-Bey signed a five-year contract with the Oakland Raiders on Thursday that will guarantee him at least $23.5 million.

Heyward-Bey joined the team in time to participate in Thursday's afternoon practice session, their second of this year's training camp.

"It feels great to get it done," he said. "I wanted to be here as soon as possible. I told my team that and we got the job done."

Oakland did not reveal terms of the contract, but a person involved in the deal told The Associated Press on condition of anonymity that the seventh overall pick will get a base salary of $38.25 million along with the guarantee.

BRADY'S BACK: Tom Brady is back taking snaps with the New England Patriots as they open training camp.

The Patriots quarterback even kept playing through a torrential downpour Thursday, leading the offense through its paces.

PIERCE GOES TO BAT FOR BURRESS: New York Giants linebacker Antonio Pierce appeared Thursday before the grand jury investigating gun charges against former teammate Plaxico Burress and was expected to return today.

Pierce did not comment as he left the courthouse. His lawyer, Michael Bachner, said, "We expect the grand jury testimony to continue tomorrow. At that point, after that, we'll make a statement."

Pierce's testimony Thursday came one day after Burress appeared before the grand jury in hopes of persuading the panel not to indict him on charges of carrying an unlicensed firearm.