Bill Cowher, Leslie Frazier and Eric Mangini showed their patriotism in a personal way by joining U.S. troops in the Middle East for the Fourth of July. Listen to Frazier describe his feelings about the trip, see photos from the NFL/USO tour here, and watch as Cowher tells "NFL Total Access" about his experiences with Steelers fans on tour.
Here's what else is on tap for Thursday:
Brooks: Matt Ryan vs. Joe Flacco
Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco both entered the league as first-round picks in 2008. Which QB is better? Bucky Brooks examines. **More ...**
• The latest step in the NFL's continuing effort to make the stadium experience more fan-friendly might involve microphones placed on players so fans can listen in via an in-stadium phone application.
• Owners Jeffrey and Christina Weiss Lurie told Philadelphia Eagles employees that the Luries' upcoming divorce -- announced on Wednesday -- will have no effect on franchise operations.
• Former Oakland Raiders defensive end Anthony Wayne Smith, awaiting retrial on a 2008 murder charge, has been charged with three other murders in Los Angeles County.
• Ray Perkins, who coached the New York Giants 30 years ago, thinks his good friend Tom Coughlinhas "another 15, 20 years in him."
•Peyton Manning taking hits or Andrew Luck's first NFL action? Running back holdouts or running backs coming back from injuries? Jamie Dukes and Charles Davis key you in on which topics you should be paying attention to as we approach training camp.
• Elliot Harrison continues his series reviewing the best games of 2011 with No. 12. And check out Elliot's choice for No. 13, involving an fateful fourth-down decision.
Wyche: What's next in 'bounty' case?
The player suspensions in the Saints' "bounty" case were upheld, so Steve Wyche looks at what could happen next. **More...**
• It's more accepted than ever that above-average height is required to excel as an NFL quarterback, but NFL.com's Ian Rapoport takes a look at the surprising success of some vertically challenged signal-callers.
• Happy birthday to New England Patriots WR Brandon Lloyd, who turns 31 on Thursday. Also celebrating a birthday is Pro Football Hall of Famer James Lofton, who turns 56.
• Your fantasy team plays in the NFL, so why don't you play on NFL.com? Sign up now to play the official free fantasy game of the NFL.
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