Good news, football fans!

As of Monday afternoon, all things are pointing towards the idea that there will in fact be a 2011 NFL season. Amidst all the talk of the MLB season in full-swing, along with the NBA and NHL playoffs, it looks like football fans can breathe again and maybe relax?

It's not final yet, of course, but pending the owners' appeal it looks like the lockout will be lifted.

Players were allowed to report to team facilities, but still aren't allowed to resume activities until the lockout has officially been lifted. Either way, great news for all the fans. Despite the half-effort, thrown-together regular season schedule, the chances of 2011 happening are greater than they were a couple of days ago.

Commissioner Roger Goodell has been quoted, saying that "fans will suffer if players get their way" and he has also stated he wants to get directly back into the negotiations. So there obviously is quite a bit of work to get done before we will see the NFL back in its normal state of being, but we're making great progress.

Other news around the league (4/27/11):

*Two-time Super Bowl champ and former Miami Dolphin player and radio announcer Jim Mandich has passed away at age 62.

*Redskins may move up and draft QB Gabbert in first round.

*Steelers interested in reuniting Pouncey brothers.

*Ochocinco says 'his time is up in Cincinnati.'

The coverboy for Madden '12 will be announced later today (4 P.M. ET) on ESPN2's Sportsnation. We will either see Michael Vick grace the cover for the second time, or bull-of-running back Peyton Hillis of the Browns grace it for the first time in his short career.

The first round of the draft kicks off tomorrow night, meaning I will be bringing you one last brief preview of round No. 1 tomorrow afternoon. Wondering who will rise and fall in the first round? Stay tuned for more coverage.

Photo credit
DeMaurice Smith and Roger Goodell: found on Google