Police have arrested a man who they said stole a 1970 Chevrolet Impala from former Pittsburgh Steelers' running back Najeh Davenport when he left it running outside his Carrick house this afternoon.

Mr. Davenport told police that just before 1 p.m., he left his car running in the 200 block of East Meyers Street while he went inside to get something and when he returned it was gone.

Witnesses saw a man, later identified by police as Rodney Terrell Green, 22, drive off in the Impala and watched as Mr. Davenport chased after him in another vehicle.

Mr. Green sped from East Meyers toward Amanda Street in Mr. Davenport's car, hitting four parked cars, police said. With noticeable facial injuries, Mr. Green then got out of the Impala and ran down Amanda toward the Foodland on Brownsville Road, at which point Mr. Davenport called 911.

He and other witnesses were able to chase and stop him in the Foodland parking lot, where they held him until police arrived.

Mr. Green was taken to South Side Hospital before he was lodged in the Allegheny County Jail. Police said Mr. Green, who lives in the 200 block of East Meyers, is charged with four counts of accidents involving damage to unattended vehicles, theft and receiving stolen property.

(post-gazette.com)

It looks like Najeh Davenport has turned to modeling, at least in the offseason. It's not clear whether he is calling it quits on his NFL career, but we have found his modeling webpage on Modelmayhem.com. On the site, Davenport describes himself as having “been” a professional athlete and someone who is looking for “the next stage.”

Best of luck to Najeh, though we at proCanes think his NFL career isn't quite done yet and hope to see him on Sundays this coming season.

Click here to see his modeling page.

Below proCanes.com analyzes the NFL U free agent market and tries to give you, the fans, a better idea of where these free agents may end up for the 2009 season. First off, here are the different types of free agents defined in case you don't now the difference:

Unrestricted Free Agents
Unrestricted Free Agents (UFA) are players who have completed four or more accrued seasons of service and whose contracts have expired. They are free to sign with any club.

Restricted Free Agents
Restricted Free Agents (RFA) are players who have completed three accrued seasons of service and whose contracts have expired. They have received qualifying offers from their old clubs and are free to negotiate with any club until April 21, at which time their rights revert to their original club. If a player accepts an offer from a new club, the old club will have the right to match the offer and retain the player. If the old club elects not to match the offer, it may receive draft-choice compensation depending on the level of the qualifying offer made to the player.

Exclusive-Rights Free Agents
Exclusive-Rights Free Agents (ERFAs) are players who have completed between 0-2 accrued seasons of service whose contracts have expired. If tendered, they have no negotiating rights with other clubs and must sign their tender with their old club or sit out the season.

2009 UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS

Phillip Buchanon CB 5-11 186 7th Season Buccaneers:
According to members of the Buccaneers organization, many from within believe Phillip Buchanon was their most consistent cornerback last year. At the beginning of the offseason many people thought the Bucs would let Buchanon go because of the coaching changes and and change in defensive philosophy. That looks to not be the case though. The Bucs will be talking to Buchanon's agent Drew Rosenhaus this week and hope to sign before he hits the open market. After a rough beginning to his career, Buchanon seems to have settled and become a vital part of the Tampa Bay defense. Look for him to remain a Buccaneer.

Vernon Carey OT 6-5 350 5th Season Dolphins:
Vernon Carey actually never hit the free agency market despite not being franchised by the Miami Dolphins. Once the Dolphins elected not to franchise him most people began to speculate that they no longer wanted Carey and both the Chicago Bears and Minnesota Vikings would go after him. One day later though, the Dolphins did sign Carey to a 6-year $42 million contract making him the highest paid right tackle in the league. Congrats to Vernon!

Bubba Franks TE 6-6 265 9th Season NY Jets:
Bubba Franks had a disappointing 2008 season despite being teamed up with Brett Favre again. Bubba's best seasons as a Green Bay Packer were with Favre, but they never seemed to to find that magic last year as Jets. Bubba fought through injuries during the season but missed 8 games. He finished the season with only six reception for 47 yards and no TDs. The Jets did released TE Chris Baker, which would create an opening for Bubba, but they do have Dustin Keller who they are pretty high on. If Bubba stays looks for him to be Keller's backup which is a possibility as long as he can show that he can stay healthy.

William Joseph DT 6-5 308 6th Season Raiders:
Joseph was signed last offseason by the Raiders to give them help along the defensive line with the loss of Warren Sapp. Joseph was cut right before the beginning of season, but was then signed in week 8 and played the last 7 weeks of the season accumulating 8 tackles. Since being drafted by the NY Giants in the first round in 2003, Joseph has not lived up to expectations. He will probably get signed by someone in need of DL depth and it very well could be the Oakland Raiders.

Ray Lewis LB 6-1 250 13th Season Ravens:
It is rumored that the Jets are making salary cap room to possibly sign Ray Lewis. The Cowboys have been rumored to be a destination Ray would potentially prefer as well. Ray has said before that he would like to end his career as a Raven and the Ravens would really like to sign him before the free agency period begins on February 27, despite being irked by his comments at the Pro Bowl which most people think were said to get him a bigger contract. This would be the first time Ray would hit the free agent market and the Ravens are afraid that if he does he will be gone. Look for the Ravens to sign him before he hits the market.

Darrell McClover LB 6-1 226 5th Season Bears:
McClover has been important cog in the Bears' special teams for the past few years, but he missed the last 6 games due to injury this year and the Bears do not seem to be interested in resigning him. He has been a career special teams player but also has the ability to play the OLB spot. If the Bears do not re-sign him, which looks unlikely, look for him to get picked up by a team with special teams needs like the Patriots, Chiefs, or Titans.

Jerome McDougle DE 6-2 2646th Season NY Giants:
McDougle has dealt with a lot of adversity during his short career and unfortunately has never lived up to expectations despite always performing well in training camps. More than anything, he is happy to be alive considering his near-death experience of being shot in the abdomen. McDougle didn’t contribute much to the Giants, and now Osi Umenyiora is presumably coming back to join what should be a three-man end rotation with Justin Tuck and Mathias Kiwanuka. Dave Tollefson (an exclusive rights free agent) figures to be the fourth. If there’s a fifth, it’ll come out of the draft. Look for McDougle to get one more shot in someone's training camp, he has shows great resiliency throughout his tough career.

Brett Romberg C 6-2 298 5th Season Rams:
Though a little undersized Romberg has been in the thick of the starting center position for the last few years in St. Louis. He started three games in 2006, nine games in 2007 and six games in 2008. Last year he broke his hand in training camp and lost the job to Nick Leckey. Romberg did end up starting the last 6 games of the season though. The Rams seems to like Romberg more than Leckey so look for them to re-sign Romberg.

Jonathan Vilma LB 6-1230 5th Season Saints:
Re-signing MLB Jonathan Vilma is the Saints' top priority. Vilma, who was traded to the Saints a year ago, is said to be very interested in re-upping with New Orleans, but the team will not strike a deal with him until Feb. 27 — the start of free agency — at the earliest, guaranteeing that Vilma will hit the open market. Signing him before then would force the Saints to give up higher draft picks to the Giants and Jets — first- and second-rounders, respectively, instead of second- and third-rounders — per the deals for TE Jeremy Shockey and Vilma. The Saints are optimistic he will be back and so are we. Unless someone throws a lot of money in Vilma's direction look for him to sign with the Saints as soon as he hits the market.

Nate Webster LB 6-0 232 9th Season Broncos:
Webster beat out free-agent Niko Koutouvides for the starting MLB spot last fall which was a huge surprise to many considering the large contract that was given to Koutouvides. The Denver defense last year was bad. Many people blamed Webster but the problems ran much deeper than him. The DL was atrocious and injuries took their toll as well with DJ Williams missing time as well as Webster. Koutouvides was recently cut by the Broncos, which could mean that the Broncos are interested in keeping Webster. If they do, look for him to be more of an insurance policy as he can backup all three LB positions or if Williams is moved back to MLB then Webster could find a spot on the outside.

2009 RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS

Rashad Butler OT 6-4 309 3rd Season Texans:
Butler is well-respected in the Texans organization because of his ability to overcome the disease: ulcerative colitis. This was the reason for Butler's inability to keep weight on during his days in Carolina. Since then he has been able to control the disease and played in 8 games in 2007. He didn't see much action in 2008, but look for the Texans to resign him for a league minimum resulting in 3 offensive lineman from the U on the Texans (Chris Myers, Eric Winston, Rashad Butler).

2009 EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS

Orien Harris DL6-3 300 1st Season Bengals:
Harris was a standout in Saints camp in 2008 and was surprisingly released before the season started. The Bengals though, snatched him up quickly and Harris saw action in 14 games and started Week 6 against the Jets. He is an exclusive rights free agent; the team has already signed FB/TE Daniel Coats, who was the other player in that category. Look for the Bengals to re-sign him and in the off chance they don't, the Saints will be in the running for his services.

RELEASED

Ken Dorsey QB 6-4 215 6th Season Browns:
Dorsey struggled towards the end of last year when he was forced into action for four of the last five games of the season throwing zero touchdowns and 7 interceptions. Dorsey has always been limited physically but has been a great tutor for Derek Anderson and Brady Quinn. If he lands anywhere it will probably be with Rob Chudzinski and the San Diego Chargers to mentor Phillip Rivers.

Najeh Davenport RB 6-1 247 7th Season Colts:
Najeh played 4 games for the Steelers last year in the middle of the season after being released in the offseason. He was then released by the Steelers and signed by the Colts where he played in two games before being released before the start of the playoffs. Davenports has shown he can still play both as a running back and also as a kickoff return man. In week 17 he had 8 carries for 26 yards along with four receptions for 54 yards. The knock on Davenport has always been his ability to stay healthy and stay in shape. Look for him to get signed by someone in need of RB depth and also special teams player.

Prior to the game, the Colts signed offensive lineman Michael Toudouze to the active roster from the practice squad. To make room, they waived veteran running back Najeh Davenport.

The move was expected and necessary. Rookie linemen Mike Pollak and Jamey Richard missed the game with ankle injuries. Dan Federkeil started in place of Pollak at right guard.

(indystar.com)

Najeh Davenport, a member of the Colts these days, had 80 total yards, and midseason darling Donnie Avery had 40 yards and a score while sitting on waiver wires.




(espn.com)

TERRE HAUTE — It didn’t take running back Najeh Davenport very long to become a fan of the Indianapolis Colts.

The 6-foot 1, 247-pound Davenport, a fourth-round draft pick by the Green Bay Packers in 2002, had played in four games with the Pittsburgh Steelers this season before he was waived on Nov. 8. A day later, the Steelers faced Indianapolis at Heinz Field.

“They [Pittsburgh] let me go, then they brought me back, then they let me go, then they brought me back, then they let me go and then I got the call here,” Davenport said Thursday. “I was supposed to go to the New York Jets [after he was waived by the Steelers the last time]. They called me and told me that they were going to bring me in [early this week]. And then [Monday night] I got the call to come here. I got here Tuesday.

“They [Pittsburgh] released me [right before the Colts game] and brought me back the next Wednesday. And then played like two more games [with the Steelers]. When I got released [on Nov. 8], I was rooting for the Colts [to win the Nov. 9 game].”

He got his wish. Indianapolis won 24-20.

Davenport was intrigued about coming to Indianapolis and playing with an offense that featured quarterback Peyton Manning. He had heard good things about the team from former Colts running back Edgerrin James and current receiver Reggie Wayne. All three are University of Miami alums.

“I wanted to see what all the hype was about, so I was kind of happy when I got the call,” he said, adding that the toughest thing to pick up has been the offensive terminology. The basic offense is the same as what he work with in Pittsburgh.

“The only thing I knew [about the Colts] was what E.J. told me and what I learned from Reg. From the outside looking in, I thought that [picking up the offense would be] hard. But when I talked to E.J. and Reg, they said it wasn’t that hard.”
(tribstar.com)

The team signed Najeh Davenport, 29, who has been on and off the Pittsburgh Steelers’ roster the last three seasons. The Colts (9-4) like Davenport’s familiarity with the offense – Pittsburgh offensive coordinator Bruce Arians is a former quarterbacks coach with Indianapolis – and he is likely to spell running back Dominic Rhodes at times, and he could return kicks.

“He’s a very good downhill runner,” Colts coach Tony Dungy said. “I think he’ll do fine for us. At this point in time, you’re looking for someone who has experience in your system and he has it.”

(journalgazzette.net)

Well, running back Najeh Davenport’s revolving door in Pittsburgh has finally come to an end.

Davenport signed with the Colts today, a league source tells us.

Davenport was drafted by the Packers several years ago, and has been an on-again, off-again member of the Steelers over the past couple of seasons.

(pft.com)

The Pittsburgh Steelers promoted DT Scott Paxson from their practice squad to their 53-man roster and released RB Najeh Davenport. The team re-signed CB Roy Lewis to take Paxson’s spot on the practice squad.



(steelers.com)

Najeh Davenport worked out for the Broncos earlier in the week but was not signed. On Tuesday he worked out for the St. Louis Rams and took a physical but was yet to be signed.



(ffmastsermind.com)

ESPN is reporting that the Steelers have waived reserve running back Najeh Davenport to make room for the return of linebacker Donovan Woods on the roster. This is the second time in less than six months that the Steelers have cut Davenport..

This move comes as a surprise given that it has been reported that Willie Parker will not play against the Colts, and that it was only two weeks ago that Mike Tomlin described Davenport as “the only option” as a kick returner.

Davenport was waived by the Steelers in early June when he became expendable after they signed Mewelde Moore and drafted running back Rashard Mendenhall in the first round of the NFL draft. They quickly resigned Davenport in October after Mendenhall and running back Carey Davis were injured in a game against the Ravens, while Willie Parker was already nursing a sprained MCL.

During his second stint with the team, Davenport only carried twice for five yards, but he returned ten kickoffs garnering a respectable 21.5 yard average.

(espn.com)

Katmandu: Ed, what is the love affair with Najeh Davenport? Fast Willie will be back next week, Moore is solid, and Gary Russell is more than competent. Why not sign a kick returner instead of a big back who plays small like Davenport? Do you anticipate Davenport getting released? I'd much rather have Patrick Baily back on the roster anyways.

Ed Bouchette: Davenport is more than a kick returner. He is insurance in case another RB goes down. With Mendenhall on IR, I would expect Davenport to stick the rest of the season. And, if there's a kick returner out there who is all that good he would not be unsigned.

(post-gazzette.com)

There were times recently when Najeh Davenport thought he would never play football again. He had been exploring other avenues, whether in the financial world or scouting, in an effort to get on with his life’s work.

“It was like what’s next,” said Davenport. “One thing I had to learn was acceptance and patience. I didn’t know if I would play football again.”

But as we all know life has interesting twists and turns. One man’s misfortune can open the door for another. And for Davenport, that is what happened.

When Rashard Mendenhall suffered a season-ending fractured shoulder and Carey Davis sprained his ankle on Monday night against the Ravens, the Steelers needed an experienced back. That’s when Davenport’s phone rang.

“I was on a plane for part of the game headed to Milwaukee,” said Davenport. “I only saw the end of the game. But my friends started to call and told me about the injuries. Then, about one in the morning my phone rang and I was told I had a flight to Pittsburgh at seven am. That’s how it works.”

Davenport signed with the Steelers on Wednesday and was out on the practice field that afternoon raring to go.

“If it comes to it and I get the opportunity to play this week, I am sure I can do it,” said Davenport.

No starter has been determined yet, but the Steelers at least now have three healthy backs with Mewelde Moore who came through in the clutch against the Ravens, Gary Russell who was signed off the practice squad and Davenport. Head coach Mike Tomlin knows Moore and Russell are ready to go and he is hoping the same is true of Davenport.

“It’s our goal that he’s going to contribute in some form or fashion this weekend,” said Tomlin. “There are going to be some factors that determine that and of course one of them is his overall level of conditioning and another key factor is how quickly he comes back up to speed from assignment standpoint.

“He’s aware of the culture that we have here. He’s aware of the standards that we set. He’s been on this bike before. He has to get back on it and ride.”

So far, he hasn’t had trouble doing that.

“I feel comfortable just hearing some of the stuff called and getting my self familiar with it and just going over plays in my head,” said Davenport. “I am cool with it.”

(steelers.com)

With starter Willie Parker hurting and backup Rashard Mendenhall out for the season, the Steelers today signed running back Najeh Davenport. From the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:

Davenport worked out for the club late this morning and signed a contract early this afternoon. He played for the Steelers the past two years but was released after the Steelers drafted running back Rashard Mendenhall in the first round in April.

Davenport reportedly "looked to be in good shape" during his tryout before signing with the Steelers Tuesday.
The Steelers probably wouldn't have brought back Davenport if he was not in shape, but the 247-pounder has never been the most physically fit back. He is a candidate for 6-10 touches and goal-line carries in Week 5.

The Steelers will sign one more back, likely Gary Russell from their practice squad.

(cnnsi.com)

The Lions have not said they are in the market to add a running back, but they might be interested in adding one more veteran at the position before or during training camp. Most recently, free-agent RB Najeh Davenport, late of the Steelers, reportedly has said he favors the Lions and Cardinals as possible landing spots. The Lions’ potential interest is not for a lack of bodies there — the team is, in theory, stocked with Tatum Bell, rookie Kevin Smith, Brian Calhoun, Aveion Cason and Artose Pinner. The problem is that none of those players, other than Bell, has proven himself as a starting running back for a full season, and Bell was mostly an afterthought during a disastrous first season in Detroit. Smith holds promise but never has taken an NFL snap and might have to overcome some maturity issues to become a dependable full-time back. Davenport may not have the résumé of a starting back, but he has shown flashes of ability and would add size to a smaller group of backs. He also has kick-return experience, something the Lions need to shore up.

(pfw.com)

The Arizona Republic reports free-agent RB Najeh Davenport, released earlier this week by the Steelers, told Sirius NFL Radio that he is targeting the Lions and Cardinals as potential new employers. Cardinals GM Rod Graves said via text message this morning that the Cardinals have no interest.

(ffmastermind.com)

Running back Najeh Davenport is reportedly interested in playing for the Lions and Arizona Cardinals, he told NFL radio according to www.nflgridirongab.com.

Pittsburgh released the backup running back recently after the team couldn't work out a trade for him.

The Lions might want to add another running back after cutting Kevin Jones. The team still has Tatum Bell, third-round pick Kevin Smith, Brian Calhoun, Artose Pinner and Aveion Cason.

Davenport rushed for a career-high 499 yards last season and averaged 4.7 yards per carry. But he was ineffective as a starter in the Steelers' final two games after Willie Parker broke his leg.

Davenport was held to 25 yards on 16 carries in a 31-29 wild-card playoff loss to Jacksonville. That was after he gained 27 yards on 12 attempts in a season-ending loss at Baltimore.

The Steelers recently drafted running back Rashard Mendenhall on the first round and signed third-down back Mewelde Moore, moves that meant Davenport had little chance of making the team. The team also wanted to keep second-year back Gary Russell.

Davenport played with the Green Bay Packers from 2002-04. He was in the final year of a contract worth $1 million in 2008.

In April, Davenport was acquitted of a misdemeanor domestic violence charge in Cleveland Municipal Court. He was accused of slapping and punching the mother of his 5-year-old son at her Cleveland home in October.

In 2002, Davenport was arrested at his alma mater, the University of Miami, accused of breaking into a university dormitory and defecating in a woman's closet. He denied the accusation. According to published reports, he was charged with one count of criminal mischief and one count of burglary. But the charges were dismissed in exchange for Davenport teaching a series of football clinics.

(freep.com)

PITTSBURGH (AP) -- Running back Najeh Davenport was released by the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday after the team couldn't work out a trade for Willie Parker's former backup.

Also released were safety Mike Lorello, long snapper Jared Retkofsky and offensive lineman Doug Legursky.

Davenport rushed for a career-high 499 yards and averaged 4.7 yards per carry last season, but was ineffective as a starter in the Steelers' final two games after Parker broke a leg Dec. 20.

Davenport was held to 25 yards on 16 carries in a 31-29 wild-card playoff loss to Jacksonville after gaining 27 yards on 12 attempts in a season-ending loss at Baltimore.

The Steelers recently drafted running back Rashard Mendenhall on the first round and signed third-down back Mewelde Moore, moves that meant Davenport had little chance of making the team. The team also wanted to keep second-year back Gary Russell.

Davenport played with the Green Bay Packers from 2002-04. He was in the final year of a contract worth $1 million in 2008.

In April, Davenport was acquitted of a misdemeanor domestic violence charge in Cleveland Municipal Court. He was accused of slapping and punching the mother of his 5-year-old son at her Cleveland home in October.

(sportingnews.com)

When the Pittsburgh Steelers picked running back Rashard Mendenhall in the first round of the 2008 draft, it became fairly obvious that veteran Najeh Davenport would be the odd man out.

And that’s precisely the case.

A league source tells us that the Steelers are shopping Davenport, calling teams to gauge potential interest.
Davenport is signed through 2008, and he’s scheduled to earn a base salary of $1 million this season.  He rushed for 499 yards on 107 carries in 2007.

(profootballtalk.com)

When Najeh Davenport was signed prior to the 2006 season, the intention was to make him change-of-pace back — a guy who could fill the role vacated by the departure of Jerome Bettis, providing the “oompf” to Willie Parker’s “wow.”  No razzle, no dazzle, just hit-the-head-pin-hard pounding for the tough yards.

Unfortunately for both Davenport and the Steelers, a notable reluctance to attack holes in the line has led to a much less-than-stellar return on the investment, at least where the original intentions are concerned.  While he filled in admirably after Parker, then the league’s leading rusher, went down for the count in week 16, it wasn’t what the previous coaching staff envisioned for the former fourth-round pick.  And, after a season is in the books, I would say it’s safe to color the new coaching staff largely unimpressed, too.

This isn’t the first time Davenport has faced the task of out-performing his peers; the Steelers signed Kevan Barlow in the spring of 2007, a move that was, at the time, considered by many to be a welcome addition to the roster.  However, Barlow failed to perform in training camp and was cut well before the season started.  Facing competition only from unproven commodities Carey Davis and Gary Russell and then-third-down back Verron Haynes, Davenport ultimately was named the team’s second-string runner.

The competition for 2008 looks, on paper at least, to be considerably tougher.  Free-agency acquisition Mewelde Moore is considered by many to be a very capable back who was released by Minnesota because of a very crowded — and highly talented — Viking backfield.  Moore provides another runner in the Parker mold, though, so he won’t be performing any power-back roles.  However, he is likely to take over the third-down role, as he is an outstanding receiver out of the backfield and has a better burst than Davenport, making him a perfect fit for screens and short routes, and a much better candidate for draws.

On the power side of things, there are options there, too.  Carey Davis is likely to fill the role of fullback whenever needed unless Dan Kreider is healed up from a torn ACL and is re-signed.  Second-year runner Gary Russell has had a season to learn the playbook and is a very inexpensive alternative to Davenport.  Then, of course, there’s first-round pick Rashard Mendenhall, who was an excellent power runner in college, hits holes with reckless abandon, and has outstanding speed for a back his size.  Heck, he has very good speed for a guy Parker’s size.  Think a young Edgerin James with better downfield legs.

In all likelihood, there just won’t be room on an already crowded and expensive roster for a guy whose production has not really equaled his price tag, probably leaving Davenport as the odd man out.

(mvn.com)

The Steelers selected Illinois’ RB Rashard Mendenhall with the 23rd pick in the 2008 NFL Draft, a surprising selection, considering the Steelers already had Willie Parker, Mewelde Moore and Najeh Davenport. Mendenhall was a talent that the Steelers’ organization just couldn’t pass on, however, and as a result, they’ll need to make room for another RB on the roster.

We’re hearing that Najeh Davenport will be that casualty. The 29 year old Davenport has had run-ins with the law over the last few years, and while he’s very talented, his work ethic has been questioned by the coaches though, as he tends to disappear at times.
Mendenhall is expected to split time with Willie Parker, who is recovering from a broken fibula. While Parker will likely start, the rookie will see just as many reps.

(thereisnooffseason.com)

CLEVELAND, Oh. -- A Cleveland jury reached a verdict in the trial of Pittsburgh Steelers' running back Najeh Davenport Wednesday night.

Davenport was found not guilty on all counts, including domestic violence, child endangerment, and unlawful restraint.

Davenport took the stand to testify Wednesday and denied the charges brought against him.

Earlier this week, Anita Person, the mother of Davenport's child, testified that Davenport slapped and choked her and punched her stomach.

Police said Davenport and Person got into a scuffle last October when he went to Cleveland to pick up the 5-year-old.

If convicted, Davenport could've faced up to 14 months in jail.

(wpxi.com)

CLEVELAND (KDKA) ― The prosecution rested its case in the trial of Steeler Najeh Davenport.

He's charged in connection to an alleged fight with Anita Person, a former girlfriend and the mother of his 5-year-old son, in Cleveland, Ohio.

Davenport is accused getting into a physical altercation with Person over custody of the boy.

Javonne Rankin, of New Castle, Davenport's friend, witnessed the incident and took the stand in his defense.

She told the jury how a weekend visit turned into an ugly confrontation and described the fight.

"She grabs ... the head rest and just sits on Ali, he's in the child seat behind me, and I'm just in shock so I sit back, like against the dashboard and just like in total shock that this is going on," Rankin told the court.

"And Najeh starts yelling, 'Get off my son, get off my son!' and, 'You're crazy,' just like pleading her, 'Get off her son' and Najeh's just trying like get her to move, like, 'What are you doing?' ... He stopped the car."

Davenport is expected to take the stand in his own defense on Wednesday and then the case will go to the jury for deliberations.

(kdka.com)

Steelers running back Najeh Davenport is scheduled to take the stand in his own defense today in a jury trial in Ohio in connection with a domestic violence incident involving the mother of his son.

Davenport, 29, is on trial in Cleveland Municipal Court on charges of punching and choking Anita Person, 27, of Cleveland during an Oct. 4 child custody dispute outside her home.

Davenport told police that he was supposed to have his 5-year-old son for the weekend, but Person took the child away from him, according to Cleveland police. The jury could begin deliberations later today.

(pittsburghonline.com)

CLEVELAND (AP) - A woman who accused Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najeh Davenport of domestic violence testified today that he slapped and choked her and punched her stomach.

Anita Person, the mother of Davenport's 5-year-old child, said Davenport had physically abused her on several occasions, at times more severely.

The Steelers player is charged with misdemeanor domestic violence and child endangering. City prosecutors say he slammed Person to the ground, hit her and tried to choke her after he drove from Pittsburgh to Cleveland on Oct. 4th to pick up his 5-year-old son for a weekend visit.
Davenport's attorney, Patrick D'Angelo, has said photos showed that Person had no marks on her face and neck.

If convicted, Davenport could face a jail sentence of 14 months and a suspension from the National Football League.

Cleveland prosecutors today said Pittsburgh Steeler Najeh Davenport slammed the mother of his child to the ground, hit her and tried to choke her after a custody dispute in October. They said he stopped only when some youths surrounded him.

Davenport's attorney, Patrick D'Angelo, said Davenport did not hit the child's mother, Anita Person, whom he called a "drama queen.'' He said photos showed that Person lacked any marks on her face and neck.

The trial is expected to take two or three days in Cleveland Municipal Court. Davenport is accused of several misdemeanors, including domestic violence, child endangering and unlawful restraint.

If convicted, Davenport could be suspended by the National Football League for as much as four games without pay. Last year, Davenport earned $1 million from the Steelers, according to USA Today database of player salaries.

Prosecutors said Davenport drove from Pittsburgh to Cleveland on Oct. 4 to pick up his son, Najeh Jr, for a weekend visit.

They claim that Davenport told Person that she would never see her son again. That prompted Person to open Davenport's Range Rover as he was pulling away. She grabbed the child and began leaving when Davenport confronted her.

Prosecutors said he slapped Person, slammed her to the ground and tried to choke her. Neighborhood witnesses yelled for him to stop, and some youths playing basketball at a nearby court came to see what was going on.

D'Angelo said pictures of the woman showed no injuries. He said Davenport is a 6-foot-2, 260-pound running back, and if he did what prosecutors said, the woman would have suffered serious injuries.

(plaindealer.com)

Parker's replacement at tailback is Najeh Davenport, who's looking more fit, powerful and agile than he did a year ago.

Davenport had some quality years with the Green Bay Packers before they let him go. Tomlin remembers him from his days on the defensive staff at Tampa Bay, and said this Davenport looks like that Davenport.

"He does," Tomlin said. "They just came at you in waves over there at Green Bay back at that time - Ahman Green, Najeh and (Tony) Fisher. You had to get ready for all of them. And he looks like that guy. He gutted us pretty good down in Tampa one year, about 75 yards on 14 carries. I've got a sick memory. I don't know why I remember that."

Close, coach. Davenport gained 70 yards on 13 carries in that 2003 game. He also returned a kickoff 56 yards.

(heraldstandard.com)

It may not be Luke Skywalker versus Darth Vader, but a battle is being waged for the Steelers number two running back position behind starter Willie Parker. Seven year veteran Kevan Barlow and sixth year pro Najeh Davenport are competing for the role of Parker's primary back up and the loser may find himself in the NFL unemployment come September.

Kevan Barlow has been living off his performance in the 2003 season for the last three years but has failed to reach the same level of statistical success ever again. In that year he averaged 5.1 yards per carry, scored six touchdowns and rushed for 1,024 yards while only starting four games. Barlow also caught 35 passes for 307 yards and another score and showed versatility that many thought would cement him as the 49ers starter for years to come.

But over the next two seasons as the feature back Barlow's production decreased significantly. On 420 carries in 2004 and 2005, Barlow averaged only 3.3 yards per carry after averaging 4.6 on 471 carries from 2001 to 2003 and generally looked worn down and out of sync with the rest of the Niners offense. The offensive line received most of the blame for this, but with the emergence of Frank Gore in 2005 and his success running behind the same offensive line (4.8 yards per carry vs. Barlow's 3.3) Barlow essentially punched his ticket out of town and was traded to the New York Jets prior to the start of the '06 season.

When Najeh Davenport signed with the Steelers last year, following the season-opener against the Miami Dolphins, fellow running back Verron Haynes stepped in and helped him out right away. He gave him tips, helped him with the playbook, and the like.
 
Now it's Davenport's time to return the favor. Haynes was re-signed this week and is back healthy after suffering a knee injury in an offense that has taken on some changes over the past few months.  
 
"I think it's a role reversal," said Davenport. "Last year he was helping me telling me what to do, who I've got. Now I get to show him some stuff. I am telling him when he takes the field, as far as the knee, let it go."

The way Najeh Davenport measures it, a football player is only as fast as his field intelligence, his grasp of the game plan, his comprehension of the playbook.
And, man, he feels his brain synapse at 4.4, 4.5 speed nowadays.

It's a completely different Steelers state of mind from last fall.

"He had to learn everything on the run last year," new Steelers offensive coordinator Bruce Arians recalled of the backup running back, who was signed the day after the team's 2006 season opener. "It was really game plan to game plan. Now he's learning the nuances of the offense."

The Steelers signed backup running back Najeh Davenport to a two-year, $2 million contract yesterday, paying him the kind of money that should put him high in their plans for next season.

Davenport, who would have become an unrestricted free agent, received a $405,000 signing bonus, a salary of $595,000 this year and $1 million next year. He is entering his sixth season in the NFL.

The Steelers signed Davenport to a one-year contract after their first game last season when Green Bay released him. He eventually became their backup to starter Willie Parker after Verron Haynes was injured at midseason. New coach Mike Tomlin has stated a preference for using two running backs, something that is becoming a trend in the NFL.

Davenport, 6 feet 1 and 247 pounds, gained 221 yards on 60 carries last season and also returned kickoffs.

(post-gazette.com)

In a league where size and speed have increased with regularity, not many teams have resorted to using a 255-pound kick-returner. Such, though, is the case with the Steelers' Najeh Davenport, an unlikely return man who has produced surprisingly good results.

Even Bill Cowher, a former special-teams standout as an NFL player, questions the sanity of those who try to tackle him.

"I know if I was on kickoff-coverage team, to see him catch that ball on a dead run and coming at me, even if I wasn't blocked, I'm sure it's not a real inviting sight," Cowher said.

Najeh Davenport didn't welcome a change of scenery as much as he did a change of culture.

That may seem odd, considering the running back went from one franchise with a storied history and fanatical fans -- Green Bay -- to another when he signed with the Steelers.

But after coach Bill Cowher told the fifth-year pro to simply play, the 247-pound Davenport felt considerably lighter. And if starting running back Willie Parker is on his way to a big year, Davenport is on his way to a somewhat redeeming one.

There was no doubt about who would be the Steelers' starting running back this season. And now it's also clear who is his backup.

Willie Parker earned the right to be the starter full-time with his performance early in the 2005 season when both Jerome Bettis and Duce Staley were rehabilitating injuries, and he cemented his status at the exact moment he blew past Seattle safety Michael Boulware on the way to that 75-yard touchdown run in Super Bowl XL.

But if the starting spot was not an issue, there was some question about which player would fill the role as Parker's complement, because Coach Bill Cowher always has believed that to run the football the way the Steelers want to run the football, one back is never enough.

In his first game with the Steelers, running back Najeh Devenport caught a 32-yard pass against San Diego for the longest catch of his five-year NFL career.

The next week, against Kansas City, Davenport rushed 12 times for 78 yards and a touchdown. His 48-yard run against the Chiefs tied a Heinz Field record for the Steelers' longest running play. Last Sunday, against Denver, Davenport set a new career-high with five catches for 57 yards. He also returned one kickoff for 23 yards, and is averaging 22.3 yards on four kickoff returns this season.

The versatile Davenport, who signed with the Steleers on Sept. 8, is developing into a change-of-pace back behind starter Willie Parker, a 6-1, 247-pounder with speed, who has the ability catch passes, run inside and contribute on special teams.

Running back Najeh Davenport's contributions to the offense continued to grow on Sunday against the Broncos when he added the role of third down back.

Davenport replaced Verron Haynes, who was placed on injured reserve, in the role. He caught five passes for 57 yards and carried the ball twice for 17 yards.

Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger singled him out for his performance after the game and wide receiver Hines Ward sung his praises on his weekly radio show.

A 2-6 record at the season's midway point suggests it's maybe time for the Steelers to throw in the towel.

But coach Bill Cowher said he's "not concerned" about his players giving up or giving in following Sunday's 31-20 loss to the Denver Broncos at Heinz Field.

"Nobody is going to let that happen," quarterback Ben Roethlisberger said.

From running back Najeh Davenport's perspective, actions will speak louder than words, as the Steelers endeavor to keep it together.

Najeh Davenport sat quietly at his locker this week, preparing for what could be his new role on his new team, that of third-down back.

"It's not really a role," Davenport corrected. "It's an attitude."

Davenport already knows the role/attitude/assignment of a third-down back the way the Pittsburgh Steelers use one: It's not really a job that carries much glory.

"You really don't get a lot of passes," Davenport explained. "Most of it is picking up blitzes, and you might get a screen here or a draw there."

After four seasons with the Green Bay Packers, Najeh Davenport is relieved to have a change of scenery. After four years of rules, fines and what he said was an emphasis on upholding a storied image, he is glad to be with a team that can laugh, joke and win. Not to mention not worry about his weight.

Davenport said it is one of the reasons he feels refreshed and invigorated with the Steelers, who signed him last month as a backup running back. And one of the reasons he already has made several big plays for his new team, despite limited appearances.

"This is a different atmosphere," Davenport said. "Green Bay, you really had to treat it like a job, like a job-job, like working at Taco Bell, not like a career job. Here, I don't see that. I don't get that feeling. You're here to play football and you're doing something that you lov

Steelers RB Najeh Davenport will have a bigger role in the offense in the weeks to come as the team looks for someone to spell Willie Parker.

PITTSBURGH - Najeh Davenport admits he watched the clock during Packers games, sometimes counting the minutes until he could leave Lambeau Field.

Being released, he said, was actually a relief.

And signing with the Steelers has made football fun.

"It's like a whole different game," Davenport said. "In Green Bay it felt like a job. ... And not like a career job. There's a difference between a career job and a job job. It felt like I was working at Taco Bell."

Someone suggested to Fast Willie Parker that he and 247-pound Najeh Davenport could combine for some Thunder & Lightning in the Steelers backfield.

Parker laughed.

"I think there are two lightnings,'' he said.

Davenport won't be confused with having the kind of speed Parker does, but he flashed some nevertheless in his most extensive playing time since the Steelers signed him after their opening game.

Reserve running back Najeh Davenport could have an expanded role Sunday. Against the Chargers, Davenport gained 32 yards off a dump pass that set up the Steelers' only touchdown. He also played on special teams and returned a kickoff 26 yards. With Reid doubtful, Davenport is a candidate to return kickoffs against the Chiefs, Cowher said.

PITTSBURGH - Since signing with the Steelers three weeks ago, Najeh Davenport has yet to play a down. Based on how he limped off the field Monday, he might not play again Sunday in San Diego.

A running back who came to Pittsburgh in hopes of assuming the "big back" role vacated by the retirement of Jerome Bettis, Davenport suffered an undisclosed injury to his right leg at Monday's practice.

"We're not allowed to talk about injuries," Davenport said. "You'll have to ask the trainer."

It was more than a year ago that the City of Green Bay built a new parking ramp on a downtown corner. But the ground level of the Cherry Street ramp, intended for retail shops, is still empty.

The empty space is across the street from another downtown building on a corner lot slow to show development.

With room for 800 cars, the Cherry Street parking ramp fills a major space in the city's downtown. Since it opened, though, the city hasn't filled the building's ground level, 12,000- square feet of space intended for retail tenants who want a spot on a prime downtown corner.

The Steelers also have a couple of solid players worth considering for your bench. Running back Najeh Davenport, a free-agent signee, has emerged as Pittsburgh's best option in short-yardage and goal line situations. (Duce Staley blew his chance at that job with a poor preseason.)
(cnnsi.com)

Steelers coach Bill Cowher said newly acquired running back Najeh Davenport, who participated in his second practice with the team Thursday, is having no problem picking up the Steelers offense. Cowher, though, hasn't said whether Davenport would suit up for Monday night's game in Jacksonville. Davenport, 6-foot-1 and 247 pounds, is hoping to play behind starter Willie Parker.

In the season opener against Miami, Parker rushed for 115 yards, and he did it on 29 carries, showing he can take a pounding.
"He's improved dramatically," All-Pro guard Alan Faneca said of Parker.

PITTSBURGH - The Pittsburgh Steelers know they can't keep running Willie Parker 29 times per game, like they did in their opener. What they don't know is who should succeed the retired Jerome Bettis as the big running back who can wear down defenses and keep Parker rested.

Duce Staley tried out for the role but, despite still being on their roster, couldn't win the job after averaging 2.2 yards per carry during the preseason. Patrick Cobbs was the next to audition, getting a quick look following a productive camp with the Patriots, only to be cut by the Steelers.

Next up is former Packers running back Najeh Davenport, who spent the last four seasons in Green Bay - much of that time in the trainers room. The 250-pound Davenport has been productive when he's been healthy, but injuries kept him out of 29 of the 64 games he spent with the Packers.

"He's a proven big back," Steelers coach Bill Cowher said. "We were kind of looking for that. He's played third down and fullback, and that gives you some flexibility. ... He was the one guy out there who fit what we were looking for with the makeup of our roster."

It's been more than four years, and Najeh Davenport, the Steelers' newest running back, still can't escape from being linked to an incident in college.

A few weeks before he was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in April 2002, Davenport was accused by Miami Shores police of entering a dorm room at Barry University in the early morning hours of April 1, 2002.

Mary McCarthy, asleep in the room, told police she was awakened by a strange sound and saw a man squatting in her closet. The man, later identified as Davenport, had defecated in her laundry basket, police said.

"You're telling me it's a bizarre story?" Davenport said Monday. "You try looking at it from the inside-out. You try sitting there and have me ask you about that.

Najeh Davenport, as halfbacks go, is as big as a bus, and that is a role the Steelers would like him to fill.

They won't ask him to run for 10,571 yards over the next decade, or have his own television show and become one of the most popular players in team history. They would settle for some production at the goal line and some relief carries in the second half for starter Willie Parker.

They also would not mind if his last game is played in his hometown, just the way it was for Jerome Bettis in February. Davenport grew up in South Florida, home of Super Bowl XLI.

"I think they brought me in to exemplify some of the things they've been missing that the Bus brought," said Davenport, who is 6 feet 1 and weighs 247 pounds before lunch

PITTSBURGH — The Steelers added size and experience to their backfield today when they signed veteran running back Najeh Davenport to a one-year contract. Financial terms of the deal were not released.
 
Davenport (6-1, 247), a fifth-year veteran from the University of Miami, spent his first four NFL seasons with the Green Bay Packers. In 39 games, Davenport has rushed for 1,068 yards and seven touchdowns on 217 carries (4.9 avg.). He also has caught 17 passes for 107 yards (6.3 avg.).
 
Originally drafted by the Packers in the fourth round (135th overall) of the 2002 NFL Draft, Davenport missed most of the 2005 season after breaking his ankle on Oct. 9 against New Orleans. The 27-year-old Davenport, whose first name is pronounced "NAH-jay", set a personal best with 178 rushing yards on Nov. 29, 2004, against the St. Louis Rams.

GREEN BAY - The Green Bay Packers finally ran out of patience with running back Najeh Davenport.

The oft-injured Davenport was the biggest name among 19 final cuts made Saturday as the Packers moved into compliance with the NFL-mandated, 53-player limit in advance of next week's regular-season opener against the Chicago Bears.

"It was difficult," Packers general manager Ted Thompson said of the decision to release Davenport. "He's been here, he's done a good job, he did everything we asked.

"Najeh, I'm sure, will be working somewhere."

GREEN BAY, Wis. - The Green Bay Packers don't know who is going to lighten the load for running back Ahman Green this season, but now it won't be Najeh Davenport.

Davenport, an old-fashioned pile-driver with a long history of injury, was released Saturday as the Packers took a novel approach by cutting down to 51 players, two shy of the mandatory 53-man roster limit.

General manager Ted Thompson waived 19 players and in effect said goodbye to cornerback Mike Hawkins, one of three players placed on injured reserve.

GREEN BAY - Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy sent a not-so-subtle message to oft-injured No. 2 running back Najeh Davenport on Thursday: Get back to practice or you might not be here.

Davenport missed his second straight day of practice Thursday after dropping out of Tuesday night's workout with a strained hip flexor. The fifth-year running back also missed six practices earlier in camp with a calf injury.

When asked whether Davenport will play in Monday night's exhibition game at Cincinnati, McCarthy replied, "Player injuries I really can't control. Obviously, you want to see him out there. He's competing for a roster spot.

"Am I concerned? I'm concerned about what's best for our football team. We like the things Najeh has done, but he needs to get out there and play and make our football team just like everybody else."

GREEN BAY, Wis. - Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy sent a not-so-subtle message to oft-injured No. 2 running back Najeh Davenport on Thursday: Get back to practice or you might not be here.
Davenport missed his second straight day of practice Thursday after dropping out of Tuesday night's workout with a strained hip flexor. The fifth-year running back also missed six practices earlier in camp with a calf injury.
When asked whether Davenport will play in Monday night's exhibition game at Cincinnati, McCarthy replied, "Player injuries I really can't control. Obviously, you want to see him out there. He's competing for a roster spot.
"Am I concerned? I'm concerned about what's best for our football team. We like the things Najeh has done, but he needs to get out there and play and make our football team just like everybody else."

Despite starting two preseason games, Najeh Davenport is on the roster bubble in Green Bay. Multiple reports suggest Ahman Green and Samkon Gado are safe, and Davenport (hip) has now missed back-to-back practices. Green Bay is going with a youth movement, which suggests a younger option like Arliss Beach or Noah Herron will get their third running back spot

(Milwaukeee Journal-Sentinel)

With Ahman Green hoping to play in next week’s preseason game, this is Najeh Davenport’s time to shine. He has been a big-time tease during his stay in Green Bay, flashing just enough skills during a couple games each season to show what he could be, but too often winding up on the sideline with an injury.
Beyond his running skills, Davenport must improve his blocking — he was responsible for one of the sacks last week — and show he can catch after dropping an easy dump-off pass last week.
Scout.com