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Tennessee Oilers

If there were such a thing as the Thick Skin Award, then sixth-year left tackle Brad Hopkins would have been a multiple winner early in his career, with coaches and the media constantly on his case for allowing too many blind-side quarterback hits. Now, though, Hopkins has improved to become one of the Oilers' most effective blockers. Prime example: In a 31-14 defeat of the Bills last Nov. 23, Hopkins allowed nine-time All-Pro Bruce Smith only one tackle.... Ex-Packer Craig Hentrich signed for $1.1 million per year, making him the NFL's first million-dollar punter.... G.M. Floyd Reese called Steve McNair last Feb. 14 to wish him a happy 25th birthday. "I've got a hell of a present for you," Reese said. It was Yancey Thigpen.

—by Richard Deutsch

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