T.O. finds life after the NFL, in Texas

From the where-are-they-

now file, or the how-low-can-you-sink question (take your pick), we offer this news item: Terrell Owens' future is with the Allen Wranglers of the Indoor Football League.

To answer the first question, T.O. is in Allen, a small burg about 25 miles north of Dallas.

As to the second question, consider this quote: "I'm headed back to Texas. IFL, here I come. Allen, Texas, here I come," T.O. said in a video linked on his Twitter account. "Allen, Texas . . . I'll see you in the end zone."

Owens - who did not have a single nibble back on Oct. 25 when he and agent Drew Rosenhaus invited the NFL to a workout staged in Calabasas, Calif. - will be paid $250,000 to $500,000 to play with the Wranglers, who begin their 14-game season Feb. 25.

When it comes down to it, that's pretty good scratch for a 38-year-old six-time Pro Bowler with admitted money problems. Also, the deal reportedly gives him an ownership stake in the Wranglers.

No word on whether the Wranglers were at the Oct. 25 workout, although it could have been likely. At the time, Rosenhaus told ESPN: "I definitely feel there are some teams out there that are interested."

Brady is back

Tom Brady was back at practice Thursday, and everyone associated with the Patriots was acting as if he never missed a snap.

Brady was out the previous day resting his left (nonthrowing) shoulder, and the team treated his being sidelined four days before the AFC championship game as no big deal. So did Brady.

"It's not the first practice I have missed over the years," Brady said with a shrug - of both shoulders.

So is Manning

New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning was back at practice Thursday after missing part of Wednesday's workout with "a stomach bug."

"I'm 100 percent," Manning said after practicing for Sunday's NFC championship game against the 49ers in San Francisco. "I had a full practice today, did everything, took every rep. I feel good."

Another concussion suit

A third lawsuit has been filed by retired NFL players over brain injuries allegedly caused by on-field concussions. The suit, in Philadelphia, comes a week before U.S. judges decide whether to consolidate similar cases filed around the country.

At least eight related lawsuits have been filed in New York, New Jersey, Georgia, and Florida. The lawsuits claim the NFL hid evidence linking concussions to permanent brain injuries and seek millions in compensation.