NFL-National Football League roundup

Jan 20 (The Sports Xchange) - Bill Belichick considers Donald Trump a personal friend, but when the new President of the United States used the pre-inauguration stage Thursday night to give the New England Patriots a shoutout, the stone-faced coach maintained his game face. Asked at his Friday press conference ahead of the AFC Championship game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday whether he's ever been mentioned by a president-elect in an inauguration speech before, Belichick said, "No." When asked for his reaction, Belichick said: "We have a big game." Belichick did send a letter of support to Trump during the height of the campaign. Quarterback Tom Brady is also a supporter. - - - The NFL announced the dates for two of the four London games scheduled in 2017. The league confirmed the two regular-season games to be played at Wembley Stadium in Weeks 3 and 4: the Baltimore Ravens-Jacksonville Jaguars on Sept. 24 and the New Orleans Saints-Miami Dolphins the following week on Oct. 1. The Jaguars and Dolphins are the "host" teams. The NFL previously announced there would be four 2017 games scheduled in the International Series in London. The other two will take place at Twickenham Stadium. The Cleveland Browns will play a "home" game against the Minnesota Vikings and the Los Angeles Rams will play a "home" game against the Arizona Cardinals. - - - Atlanta Falcons star wide receiver Julio Jones will not have any limitations in Sunday's NFC Championship Game against the Green Bay Packers after nursing a toe injury this week. Falcons coach Dan Quinn told reporters that Jones, who aggravated a toe sprain in last Saturday's 36-20 divisional playoff win over the Seattle Seahawks, returned to practice Friday and was a full participant. - - Baltimore Ravens linebacker Zachary Orr is just grateful he can literally walk away from the game of football. The 24-year-old was forced to retire after three seasons because of a congenital neck and spine condition. Orr was initially placed on injured reserve after suffering a herniated disk Christmas day against the Pittsburgh Steelers. However, the career-ending congenital condition was not diagnosed until he underwent a physical after the season. The condition leaves him more vulnerable to paralysis or even death if he continues to play. - - Johnny Manziel craves a return to the NFL and the embattled quarterback said he is now a sober person. Manziel told ESPN that he achieved sobriety without professional help and is focused on becoming a better person. The former member of the Cleveland Browns said he appreciates all the people who helped him "during the truly rough patches" in 2016. - - - The current injury to Jordy Nelson brought the worst pain of his life, but the Green Bay Packers' leading receiver is determined to be on the field for Sunday's NFC Championship Game despite broken ribs. - - - Atlanta Falcons linebacker Vic Beasley, who led the NFL in sacks, was selected as the 2016 NFL Most Improved Player of the Year in voting conducted by the Professional Football Writers of America. - - - Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker James Harrison is listed as questionable for Sunday's AFC Championship Game with the New England Patriots due to shoulder and triceps injuries. Tight end Ladarius Green (concussion, illness) and running back Fitzgerald Toussaint (concussion) were also listed as questionable for Pittsburgh. - - - Three-time Super Bowl champion and Patriots Hall of Fame linebacker Tedy Bruschi will serve as New England's honorary captain for the AFC Championship Game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday. - - - The NFL announced the names of 103 total underclassmen who have been granted eligibility for the 2017 NFL Draft, which is scheduled for April 27-29. (Editing by Andrew Both)