Turf Show Times, a St. Louis Rams community

"I’ve got a lot of respect for Michael as a player," Spags said. "Everything I’ve heard out of Philadelphia is kind of good. We haven’t gone down that road in our process yet. I think he’s a terrific player."

They came from all over, many of them leaving their teams and skipping practice, to be at Lincoln Financial Field for Friday’s memorial service honoring Jim Johnson. Steve Spagnuolo, head coach of the St. Louis Rams, John Harbaugh, head coach of the Baltimore Ravens and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell were among the 300 guests in attendance.

"My wife Maria and I are deeply saddened to hear of Jim’s passing. He was a dear friend and a special person. Our prayers and thoughts go out to his wife Vicki and their family. Jim meant the world to me, both personally and professionally. I am very blessed to have had the privilege to work for him and with him. The NFL has lost a good man."