Sometimes we get so carried away with the big news on the NFL negotiations and such that the good news slides under the radar.

Got word that Lions defensive end Turk McBride graduated from the University of Tennessee with a degree in sociology.

McBride played four seasons at Tennessee (2003-06) , but was 16 credits shy of a degree when he was drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs. The Lions claimed him off waivers in 2009.

If it hadn’t been for the NFL lockout, this feat might not have been accomplished. McBride spent most of the days Monday-Thursday during the spring semester on the Knoxville campus according to a release from his agent.

“It was always my goal to go back and get my degree, and the timing seemed right with the lockout this year to go ahead and get all 16 credits completed,’’ McBride said. “I’m ready to get back to the football field, but I’m also very happy that I was able to go back and get my degree.’’

Good for him. Many athletes intend to go back to school and earn their degree, but never find a way to do so. McBride made it happen.

(Follow me on Twitter @PaulaPasche)