Patriots defensive lineman LeKevin Smith tells John Tomase of the Boston Herald, “I’m trying to learn my plays and not make any mistakes.  A mistake can tear down everything you’ve built up.”

Says Patriots DB Willie Andrews of being charged with marijuana possession and intent to distribute, “It was a situation I shouldn’t have been in in the first place, but we all make mistakes and you learn from those.”

Jets LB Bryan Thomas admits that “maybe I got too complacent” last season.

Cowboys special teams coach Bruce Read thinks rookie RB Felix Jones and, he hopes, Pacman Jones, will improve the return game.

Complicating matters for disgruntled Cowboys LB Greg Ellis is that he must take part in 85 percent of the off-season conditioning program to earn a bonus in his contract.

Says Bills S Ko Simpson, “I told the coaches on the first day we started OTAs I feel like a kid on Christmas Day.”

The investigation surrounding Dolphins CB Will Allen is expected to continue for about another month.

Dolphins DE Jason Taylor is expected to be fined if he misses next weekend’s mandatory minicamp.

When asked at the Super Bowl ring ceremony whether he’s playing next year, Giants DE Michael Strahan said, “We’re not even going there. . . .  Tonight was about the past.”

Eagles WR Bam Childress says the coaches like calling his name.

Eagles DE Chris Clemons says size doesn’t matter.

Lions C Dominic Raiola says the new offense, without coordinator Mike Martz, is, “a lot more simplified and geared to running the ball first.”

Says Browns OT Joe Thomas of his off-season job hosting a fishing show, ”It’s great.  I get paid to do two hobbies.”

It’s hard to gauge the progress of Browns QB Brady Quinn because he’s throwing to guys who won’t make the team.

A 14-year-old in a wheelchair spent a day with the Steelers as part of ESPN’s “My Wish” series.

Packers coach Mike McCarthy is planning to practice 22 times in training camp, with just five two-a-days.

Says Packers DE Aaron Kampman of surveying the damage a tornado did to his home town, “Kind of the initial thing is shock, obviously, because it’s a place where I grew up, and it’s hard to recognize the area.”

Vikings LB E.J. Henderson thinks he won’t need to blitz as much now that DE Jared Allen is rushing the passer.

Says Jaguars WR D’Juan Woods of trying to make the team after getting cut in 2007, “I have the type of attitude that if I fail the first time, I’m never going to give up.  I’ll just work harder at it and pray I get another shot.”

Steve McNair says he has no regrets about retirement.

Falcons assistant head coach Emmitt Thomas sat for six hours so a sculptor could make his Pro Football Hall of Fame bust.

Says Falcons rookie LB Curtis Lofton of spending time with veterans, “They know the defense really well, they pay great attention and they’re helping me learn how to learn.”

Denver Mayor John Hickenlooper says police are still investigating the murder of Broncos CB Darrent Williams.

Broncos S John Lynch says he’s comfortable competing for playing time with younger players.

Panthers LB Dan Connor has learned that carrying the helmets of his veteran teammates is part of life as a rookie.

Says Panthers G Toniu Fonoti, “This is a second chance for me, a chance to come back and prove myself and make things better between me and football.”

Chiefs QB Brodie Croyle calls what he’ll be running this year “a pretty simple offense. It’s giving guys the chance to go out and play, not a whole lot of thinking about it, just go out and line up and go.”

Chiefs LB Napoleon Harris seems to think he’s being unfairly blamed for the team’s problems: “We were 4-12, so somebody’s going to get blamed I guess. . . .  Coaches tell me one thing, I read another.”

Saints DE Will Smith will attend the team’s mandatory minicamp.

Bucs QB Luke McCown is comfortable with his place in the team’s crowded quarterback competition.

The Cardinals’ rookies are touring the Pro Football Hall of Fame today.