ion III Cairn University.Dawson made 3 of 4 from beyond the arc to total 15 points and Chen hi | Forum

MANKATO, Minn. Greg Little Jersey . -- The back injury that kept Minnesota Vikings center John Sullivan from playing last season prompted two surgeries.He couldnt touch his toes or put on his shoes for two months after the second operation in late October. He was only able to hold his infant son if his wife handed him over.He was forced to watch the games at home on television, unable to influence any of the developments that unfolded in front of him on the screen.Sullivans desire to resume his career, though, was never deterred, even if he wondered if his body would ever return to playing shape.I knew that if I recovered there was no question in my mind that I was going to come back and play this year, said Sullivan, who has started his ninth NFL season.Because I dont think Im putting the rest of my life at risk any more than I would be if I was coming off a healthy year, you know what I mean? Look, its an inherently dangerous job to a certain extent, although there are much more dangerous jobs out there, and Im very fortunate to be able to play.My body feels good. Im not being told by my body that its time to stop. So Im going to come out and keep doing what I enjoy.Joe Berger shined at center in his absence, but that doesnt mean Sullivan wasnt missed by the Vikings offense, particularly quarterback Teddy Bridgewater in terms of identifying the defenses alignment before the snap to set the protection plans.Its not good that Sullivan missed last season, coach Mike Zimmer said, but it was good that Teddy had to take this all upon himself last year.Drafted in the sixth round out of Notre Dame in 2008, Sullivan cracked the lineup in his second season and started 96 of a possible 99 games, including the playoffs until last year.Sullivan had a lumbar microdisectomy procedure done five days before the season opener to repair a herniated disc, but his progress was waylaid in mid-October when he aggravated the injury while weightlifting. He missed out on the fun of the teams first NFC North title since 2009.Youre happy, but at the same time you want to be a part of it. You feel left out, said Sullivan, whose black beard is now speckled with gray. He added: It was a frustrating year to say the least from a personal standpoint.Sullivan said he felt fully recovered by the spring, working out in the weight room with no major restrictions and running normally in conditioning drills. There were no apprehensions, he said, on the field during practice.Not for one second did I think about my back, the entire time, said Sullivan, whose contract expires after the 2017 season.He has never been picked for a Pro Bowl, but Sullivan was considered one of the best at his position around the league before his injury.Set to turn 31 next week, Sullivan has returned with no guarantee of re-establishing that status. He has been working mostly with the first-team offense, but Zimmer and new offensive line coach Tony Sparano have worked Berger and right tackle T.J. Clemmings in the starting lineup on alternate days for Sullivan and Andre Smith.I dont think I need to prove anything. I mean, its my ninth year in the NFL. Ive proved plenty, Sullivan said.What this is now is Im here because I want to work hard. Im here because I like this team. I think I have plenty of great football left in me, and I want to go out and win some games.---Online:AP NFL website: http://www.pro32.ap.org and AP NFL Twitter feed: http://www.twitter.com/AP-NFL Greg Little Panthers Jersey . Already owning gold from competition in Vancouver in 2010, Loch posted a combined four-run time of 3:27.526. That included a track-record third run of 51. Luke Kuechly Panthers Jersey . -- Aaron Murray threw for 408 yards and three touchdowns, ran for another score, and led No. http:///...-miller-blue-jersey/ . -- Bobby Ryan helped the U. LYNCHBURG, Va. -- John Dawson and Ray Chen combined for 29 points as Liberty opened the season with an 81-53 victory over Division III Cairn University.Dawson made 3 of 4 from beyond the arc to total 15 points and Chen hit 3 of 4 field goal attempts and made all six free throw attempts for 14. Ryan Kemrite and Caleb Homesley had nine points apiece.The Flames started hot, hitting 48 percent of their field goals in the first half, and made 57.7 percent inn the second half as they finished making 30 of 57 attempts. Curtis Samuel Panthers Jersey. Cairn was held to 19 of 52 shooting.The Flames went on a 10-1 run midway of the second half to open a 21-9 lead and led 39-27 at the break. They won the second half 42-26.Zachary Dolton hit 6 of 11 from long range to total 29 points for the Highlanders. ' ' '