Herrion had ischemic heart disease, with significant blockage in his right coronary artery that caused the death of heart muscle, according to Amy Martin, a forensic pathologist and deputy coroner in Denver County. Herrion's heart was slightly enlarged, a condition that could be related to anything from heart disease and high blood pressure to heredity.
Noteworthy
* Pittsburgh running back Jerome Bettis won't play in Sunday's season opener against Tennessee because of the strained right calf that kept him out of the team's final preseason game.
With Bettis and Duce Staley (knee surgery) hurting, coach Bill Cowher said No. 3 running back Willie Parker will make his first career start.
* Defensive coordinator Ray Rhodes will not be with the Seattle Seahawks for the regular-season opener at Jacksonville after being hospitalized for dizziness.
Rhodes, 54, was sent to a hospital by team doctors on Sunday for a series of tests. He was released from the hospital yesterday.
* Detroit backup quarterback Jeff Garcia won't need surgery on his broken left leg. The decision was made after a leg and ankle specialist confirmed the initial diagnosis.
* Wide receiver Koren Robinson, a troubled underachiever with Seattle, agreed to terms on a 2-year contract with the Minnesota Vikings. *
