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  • Auburn football head coach Hugh Freeze breaks silence on prostate cancer diagnosis

    Auburn football head coach Hugh Freeze breaks silence on prostate cancer diagnosis

     

     

    Auburn Tigers head coach Hugh Freeze greets fans during Tiger Walk before Auburn Tigers take on Vanderbilt Commodores at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024.

    Auburn Tigers head coach Hugh Freeze greets fans during Tiger Walk before Auburn Tigers take on Vanderbilt Commodores at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn, Ala., on Saturday, Nov. 2, 2024. | Jake Crandall/ Advertiser

    Auburn University announced on Friday that Auburn football head coach Hugh Freeze was diagnosed with an early form of prostate cancer. A full statement was released on social media channels

     

    “Thankfully, it was detected early and his doctors have advised that it is very treatable and curable,” Auburn said in the statement. “He will continue his normal coaching duties and responsibilities, and with forthcoming proper treatment, is expected to make a full recovery.”

     

    The Auburn football team is currently undergoing winter workouts in anticipation of spring practice, which is set to begin after Auburn’s spring break on March 25. Freeze laid out a plan in which the Tigers will practice four days per week, including one teaching day. 11 practices are scheduled, and the 12th practice will be the A-Day game on April 12.

     

    Following the program’s announcement on Friday, Freeze spoke out for the first time on social media on Sunday morning.

     

    “You were made for more!” said Freeze on X, formerly known as Twitter. “God’s spirit has given you power and with that power comes purpose. Our purpose is not to arrive at the gates of heaven unscathed. Our purpose is to pick someone up, to get our hands dirty, to be a shoulder to lean on.

     

    “Your purpose IS great, NOT easy! Thank you so much for everyone’s thoughts and prayers.”

     

    Freeze is heading into his third season as head coach of the Auburn Tigers. After taking the role in November of 2022, Freeze went 6-7 in his first season on the Plains and followed it up with a 5-7 season last year. He has brought in top-10 recruiting classes two years in a row, and has dominated in -state recruiting over rival Alabama.

     

    With a revamped wide receiver room, Freeze and the Tigers are hoping to make significant improvements this season with transfer quarterback Jackson Arnold.

  • CM: ‘Total clash’ – how Theo, Leao and Pulisic reacted to ‘incandescent’ San Siro

    CM: ‘Total clash’ – how Theo, Leao and Pulisic reacted to ‘incandescent’ San Siro

     

    During this season, AC Milan fans have not been afraid to show their emotions to the players, management and head coach, but it reached a boiling point this week.

     

    Against Bologna, we saw a glimpse of what things could be like with another poor result, and when the Curva Sud announced another protest, this time for the game against Lazio, there were no surprises.

     

    It has not been a shock to hear areas of the ground protest this season, whether it be against Gerry Cardinale, the head coach or even players, but Sunday’s was much different. An empty start, then met with roars of “Cardinale devi vendere, vattene”, a really telling message.

     

    With every mistake from there on out, as Calciomercato.com reports, the players were greeted with a ‘rain of whistles’, and there was no generosity. In fact, the loudest cheer of the night, barring the goal, came for Strahinja Pavlovic during his sending off, because at least he showed the fans a bit of something.

     

    Elsewhere, the reactions were not as prominent.

     

    Rafael Leao and Theo Hernandez were both booed heavily, and whilst the Frenchman ignored it, Leao did everything but that, following his assist, he cupped his ears and then posted a statement stating ‘everyone’ was against the team.

     

    Whilst Christian Pulisic tried to rally his teammates and the crowd into something positive, it had no effect, but he was not greeted with the same reaction that met his teammates.

     

    The report finishes with a terrifying admission, for Milan, it is now themselves against everyone, rather than everyone for the Rossoneri. An infectious and toxic indication of where things are.

  • Why ‘Hammer Time’ is officially over for Lewis Hamilton

    Why ‘Hammer Time’ is officially over for Lewis Hamilton

    Image credit: Scuderia Ferrari

    Lewis Hamilton has ruled out swapping the iconic “Hammer Time” hurry-up message said by Peter Bonnington for over a decade for “tempo di Martello” as it just wouldn’t sound right.

    Last season Formula 1 fans heard ‘Bono’ telling Hamilton that it is “Hammer Time” for the very last time at the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Hamilton’s last race with Mercedes.

    There’s no ‘tempo di martello’ in Lewis Hamilton’s future

    Saying farewell to not only the team but also his long-time race engineer, Hamilton admitted that it was a bitter-sweet moment when he realised that was the last ‘Hammer Time’ he would hear.

    “I noticed that today,” he told the media including PlanetF1.com after the Yas Marina race. “When he told me, I was like I can’t even remember the last time he told me ‘hammer time’.

    “I remember I told Bono to say ‘hammer time’ back in the first year together. I was like, ‘Don’t just tell me to go faster, tell me it’s ‘hammer time’ and I know what it is’.

    “What a rollercoaster ride I’ve had with Bono. He’s been one of my closest friends for many years.

    “It’s something I didn’t expect to have because he worked with Michael Schumacher—he’s worked with great drivers and for the longest time he’s stood by me.

    “For an engineer to stick by someone, as frustrating and painful as it can sometimes be — he’s stood by me every single day without fail.”

    But with Hamilton off to Ferrari and Bono extending with Mercedes, it is no longer the English engineer who is the voice in Hamilton’s ear. Instead, he will be listening to Riccardo Adami in his first season with Ferrari.

    The Italian, who was Carlos Sainz’s race engineer, has been entrusted to guide Hamilton as he adjusts to life as a Ferrari Formula 1 driver.

    But one thing he won’t be doing is saying ‘Hammer Time’ or even the Italian equivalent.

    Hamilton was asked about this during pre-season testing at the Bahrain International Circuit where the Briton spent one-and-a-half days out on track working with Adami having already had the opportunity to get to know him during his TPC runs.

    “I haven’t spoken to my engineer about that,” Hamilton admitted. “I don’t know how it would sound with an Italian accent, so I’ll have to find an Italian word, probably.

    “We’ll probably find something new.”

    But finding an Italian word to replace his iconic ‘Hammer Time’ isn’t the only thing Hamilton will have to learn in Italian.

    Having already delivered a short speech to his new team members in Maranello last month, Hamilton is learning many of the technical words that will make it easier and quicker to communicate with his side of the garage.

    “I’m in the learning phase of understanding the rear suspension, the front suspension, all the different settings they have for those and the terminology they use for them,” he said as per Reuters.

    “My engineer and I are also learning how we like to work in terms of communication. After every session, every time I go out basically we’re making adjustments to the information I give him and vice versa.

    “Roll is still roll, anti-roll bar is still anti-roll bar, but it’s some other parts of the geometry which there are different words for.

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    “I’ve got it all on my computer and I’m studying it each day and night to make sure I understand when they’re talking about the different components.

    “It’s a part of the learning process and that’s what makes it exciting because it’s all new. I’m loving that newness.”

  • Wisconsin Badgers Forward Nolan Winter Says They Still Did Great in Loss to Spartans Despite Awful 15% From Three

    Wisconsin Badgers Forward Nolan Winter Says They Still Did Great in Loss to Spartans Despite Awful 15% From Three

     

     

    Sunday saw clash of the giants in NCAA basketball as the the Michigan State Spartans and the Wisconsin Badgers battled it out in one of the best games of the season so far.

     

    Michigan State Spartans vs Wisconsin Badgers

    East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Michigan State Spartans center Szymon Zapala (10) hugs forward Jaxon Kohler (0) who tallied a double-double against the Wisconsin Badgers at Jack Breslin Student Events Center.

    The Spartans used an intense defensive run in the last three minutes to overtake the visiting Badgers who made just one field goal in the last 4:07 minutes in the game.

     

    Michigan State also lorded it over on the glass, finishing with 51 rebounds against Wisconsin’s 40.

     

    Another thing that hurt the Badgers is their three point shooting as they shot five out of 32 from beyond the arc.

     

    Despite the poor shooting, Nolan Winter believes they should go to the game still in high spirit. He thinks they still played great despite the loss.

     

    Nolan Winter, Wisconsin Badgers

    East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Wisconsin Badgers forward Nolan Winter (31) canÕt get this shot to go while defended by Michigan State Spartans guard Tre Holloman (5) during the first half at Jack Breslin Student Events Center.

    “Knowing that we shot like that and we were still right there is a good thing. Just stupid mistakes we made at the end kind of killed us, kind of shot ourselves in the foot a little bit,” he told reporters after the game.

     

    “But credit to them. Coch (Tom) Izzo is obviously one of the greatest to do it and when you play a team like that it’s going to be tough.”

     

    3-point shooting is not the only one Wisconsin Badgers missed

    The three point shooting was absent and so was the leadership of senior Max Klesmit.

     

    The starting guard was ruled out for the game due to a tightness in his right lower leg. It is the second straight game he missed.

     

    Fans should not be worried though as head coach Greg Gard confirmed that he is already recovering and that his injury is not that serious.

     

    Wisconsin guard Max Klesmit (11) watches from the bench during the second half of their game Tuesday, February 25, 2025 at the Kohl Center in Madison, Wisconsin. Wisconsin beat Washington 88-62.

    “It’s day to day,” Gard said. “We’ll see how things go with the medical people. They’ll make the determination on when he’s able to come back.”

     

    The Badgers return to action on Wednesday when they face the Minnesota Golden Gophers at the Williams Arena.

     

     

  • Lakers owner worth $8.5bn predicts NBA expansion that could divide fans

    Lakers owner worth $8.5bn predicts NBA expansion that could divide fans

     

     

    Seattle and Las Vegas have long been rumored as new NBA expansion cities.

     

    But with men’s professional basketball struggling to connect with a frustrated American audience, one of the most forward-thinking owners in pro sports is envisioning an even bigger picture for the league.

     

     

    LeBron James could be retired by the time the NBA makes a huge expansion move

    LeBron James could be retired by the time the NBA makes a huge expansion moveCredit:

    “I think what you’re going to see is more and more professional sports, like the NBA, come to Europe,” Chelsea and Los Angeles Dodgers co-owner Todd Boehly said at the Financial Times Business of Football Summit in London.

     

    While Boehly is primarily focused on getting Chelsea back into the Champions League and ushering the Dodgers to another World Series trophy, he’s also a part-owner of a Los Angeles Lakers team that features LeBron James and Luka Doncic.

     

    Boehly’s expansive sports portfolio provides him with a unique global view of the athletic world.

     

     

    He’s a 51-year-old from Connecticut with an estimated net worth of $8.5 billion.

     

     

    The 30-team league has long wanted to place a team back in Seattle — the SuperSonics moved to Oklahoma City in 2008 — and eyes Las Vegas as an ideal new destination city.

     

    But there have also been recent hints that the NBA hopes to follow the NFL’s lead and expand its reach overseas.

     

    Boehly has a big vision of where the NBA could go nextCredit: Financial Times Business of Football Summit

    He’s also keeping a close eye on Luka Doncic’s new team

     

    Boehly, far right, has a unique view of global sports and ties to several team

    Rising star Victor Wembanyama was showcased with regular-season games in Paris earlier this year, before a stunning injury placed the San Antonio Spurs sophomore on the shelf.

     

    The NBA could play future regular-season games in Manchester.

     

    But Boehly is thinking much bigger than just a couple midseason contests in an overseas country.

     

    “I think the NBA is going to be a really interesting thing to watch over the next 20 years,” said Boehly, while discussing the difference dealing with European football and American sports agents.

     

     

    “Because I think the NBA is going to become much more global, right? And then I think you’re going to see kind of the evolution of that agent market, as the NBA really becomes global.”

     

    Nashville, Vancouver, Kansas City, Mexico City and Montreal have also received interest as potential NBA expansion cities.

     

    But Boehly made it clear that the biggest move for the NBA could be across the pond and beyond.

     

    “I think it’s going to be a fascinating thing to observe,” he said.

     

    The Chelsea co-owner also keeps an eye on college football, which continues to become more pro-like, and has effectively become a minor-league talent pipeline for the NFL.

     

     

    “The other thing we have now in America, which is just a whole new wild wild west, is what’s going on in college football and college sports generally,” Boehly said.

     

    “The players are now professional athletes, right? So what’s happened?

     

    “Michigan, I believe, they compensated their quarterback with 10 million dollars to play at Michigan. And so this NIL money is changing the landscape of sports. And what it’s really doing is getting more and more sports infrastructure to be built around America.

     

    Chelsea owner Todd Boehly wants radical Premier League overhaul based on $600 billion NFL-Netflix model

    “So we’re seeing this massive development of sports infrastructure and you’re seeing kind of teams that are elite teams forming at younger and younger ages.

     

     

    “Because in America, now high school is really the new college, and college is professional, and people are going to stick around in college longer.”

     

    The NFL will bounce from Brazil and Ireland to Australia and the United Kingdom as it attempts to remain ahead of the global sports race in the streaming age.

     

    The Premier League, thus far, has avoided the temptation of playing regular-season matches in the United States, only giving the USA summer exhibitions.

     

     

  • Woolfenden on ‘frank convos’, being captain and Wembley dreams

    Woolfenden on ‘frank convos’, being captain and Wembley dreams

     

    Ipswich Town manager Kieran McKenna speaks to defender Luke Woolfenden.

    Ipswich Town take on Nottingham Forest, at the City Ground, in an FA Cup fifth round tie this evening. Here’s what defender Luke Woolfenden, who has captained the team in the previous two rounds, had to say.

     

    On last Wednesday’s 3-2 defeat at Manchester United…

     

    We felt like this was a time where we could go there and win, so to concede three set plays, when we haven’t conceded many all season, means we’re all disappointed.

     

    We’ve looked at it back and clarified whose job was what and, to be fair, boys have held their hands up. People have taken accountability. It’s just a learning curve.

     

    There was a lot of frank convos in the changing room afterwards – a lot of honesty came out, a lot of frustration – but it was all channelled in the right way.

     

    Listen, we might not get the reaction we want on Monday, but it won’t be for the want of trying. We’re honest with each other, we’re learning every day and we’ll see where that takes us.

     

    Luke Woolfenden battles with Everton’s Dominic Calvert-Lewin.

     

     

    On beating Bristol Rovers and Coventry to reach FA Cup fifth round…

     

    I think we’ve played well so far. You saw last year that every game in the FA Cup can be difficult (Town were knocked out by non-league Maidstone), but so far so good.

     

    Coventry, for me, will end up in the play-offs. I think they’ve got one of the best squads in the Championship, so for us to go there, make so many changes, and be relatively comfortable (winning 4-1) was a really good sign of how far we’ve come.

     

    Luke Woolfenden has his shirt tugged by Fulham’s Harry Wilson.

    Luke Woolfenden has his shirt tugged by Fulham’s Harry Wilson. (Image: PA)

     

    On captaining the team in the FA Cup this season…

     

    I’m probably not a typical captain in terms of going around rollocking people and getting them going. I feel like you can lead in other ways though in terms of performance and calmness and doing things at the right time, which I like to think I’ve done over the course of the cup run.

     

    I’m not like Chambo (Luke Chambers) and I’m not like skip (Sam Morsy)! I don’t think I’ll ever be like them. I just have to be myself.

     

    I feel like the fans will know, as a squad, we represent them very well. Specifically since the boss has come in, we run more than everyone else 99% of the time. We run harder, run faster, more tackles. So I feel like the fans know that the whole squad, not just me as a local lad, get what it means to play for Ipswich Town.

     

    It’s difficult for me to avoid things when things do go wrong. I’ve grown up here, so people maybe think I’m more approachable and can say what they’re feeling! Those are things I can’t always say something back to. To be fair, that is a difficult part of it.

     

    Luke Woolfenden heads the ball clear during Ipswich Town’s Premier League win against Chelsea back in December.

    Luke Woolfenden heads the ball clear during Ipswich Town’s Premier League win against Chelsea back in December. (Image: PA)

     

    On fifth round hosts Nottingham Forest, who are flying high in the Premier League…

     

    They’re a team that look like they enjoy their football. You see them after the game in their interviews all laughing and smiling.

     

    To be fair, a lot of them have been at top clubs and probably been written off by numerous people. But it’s all come together for them this season. Fair play to them.

     

    On the FA Cup as a competition…

     

    You see the legends around on matchdays and it’s a good reminder of what the club’s done before (winning the FA Cup in 1978).

     

    It’s a competition that’s changed a lot recently. Replays have gone and some of the big clubs, even teams in the Champ now, don’t put as much seriousness into it. It’s kind of lost that bit of magic.

     

    For Ipswich though, it’s always been a special competition because we won it before.

     

    And while it’s not something we bang on about everyday, there is a chance now for us to go and play at Wembley. When you get a few rounds in the chance of getting there (the semi-finals are played at Wembley) becomes a massive thing.

     

    On rotation for the FA Cup…

     

    We’ve got a massive squad. There are boys that don’t play every week champing at the bit to get in. People can see it as a negative that lots of changes get made, or it can be seen as a positive that the squad is strong enough to compete on two fronts.

     

    Motivation will be high because we all want to show we can earn a place in the Premier League team.

  • Jared Goff’s Wife Reacts as Hailee Steinfeld Turns Heads in Vogue Feature Amid Josh Allen’s Offseason Announcement

    Jared Goff’s Wife Reacts as Hailee Steinfeld Turns Heads in Vogue Feature Amid Josh Allen’s Offseason Announcement

    NFL partners are marking their style statements. Sometimes we see them on a luxury magazine feature, sometimes on a collaboration with luxury brands, or sometimes simply in fashion trends.

    (Former) Power couple Tom Brady and Gisele Bündchen set the standard with their Met Gala appearances, and endorsement deals with brands like UGG and Tag Heuer. Even Ciara and Russell Wilson have been on magazine covers, and later she launched her own fashion line. Who else should I recall? Olivia Culpo’s stunning runway shows? Or Kristin Cavallari building her own fashion brand?

    Watch What’s Trending Now!

    Similarly, Jared Goff and Christen Harper know a thing or two about life in the spotlight. One is an NFL quarterback coming off one of the best seasons of his career. The other a model gracing the pages of Sports Illustrated. Together, they navigate the intersection of sports, fashion, and celebrity—where game-day jerseys and high-fashion editorials exist in the same world.

    So when Hailee Steinfeld’s latest Vogue feature dropped, it wasn’t just Hollywood taking notice. Christen Harper, who understands the balance of dating an NFL star while building her own brand, had just one word for Steinfeld’s latest look: “Iconic.” And just like that, the conversation wasn’t just about the photoshoot—it was about the ever-blurring lines between the NFL, fashion, and pop culture.

     

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    Hailee Steinfeld recently collaborated with Vogue Philippines. She shared a post on Instagram with a shot from her recent photoshoot by Greg Swales. Leaving fans and fellow celebrities awestruck with her signature style with effortless elegance. In the comments, Christen Harper fawned over her breathtaking appearance: “Iconic”. Her reaction quickly bagged a few likes from fans.

    Which NFL quarterback is set to compete in the American Century Celebrity Golf Championship after recovering from a wrist injury?

    Josh Allen
    Patrick Mahomes
    Tom Brady
    Aaron Rodgers

    She has a friendly admiration for Steinfeld’s relationship with Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen. Their relationship is something she can relate to on a personal level. The intriguing mix of fashion, sports, and celebrity culture draws attention from both NFL and Hollywood circles. Her reaction quickly gained traction, sparking conversations across all of those.

    Steinfeld has an impact on pop culture. The actress’ influence is growing beyond acting and music. She enjoys the spotlight on her. From her fashion feature, she’s also getting attention in the sports world. The couple respects one another’s successes, keeping them busy in their respective game. The intersection of sports, fashion, and celebrity culture is always going to be at the center of conversation.

    Josh Allen’s in the American Century Championship

    Steinfeld’s boyfriend, Josh Allen, has made his own splash with his recent offseason announcement. After his first MVP award, Allen is taking time off to recharge. After his right wrist injury during the AFC Championship, he skipped the Pro Bowl to focus on healing.

     

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    Instead of getting back into intense training, Allen is off to his second-favorite sport, golf. He announced that he will once again compete in the American Century Celebrity Golf Championship. In his past appearances, he improved from 37th place in 2023 to 20th place last summer. Allen made an Instagram post on his return to Golf with a caption – “Headed back to Tahoe for the @acchampionship – See y’all on the course! I’ll be the one with the Corona Premier…”

    View this post on Instagram

     

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    The lineup has well-known competitors like Jerry Rice, Steve Young, Aaron Rodgers, Derek Carr, Tony Romo, and Charles Barkley. The tournament will happen in July at Lake Tahoe, adding a bit of friendly rivalry among NFL stars during the offseason. While Allen remains focused on football, his participation in the event highlights his love for golf and his ability to balance competition with leisure.

    As Hailee Steinfeld enjoys the spotlight from her fashion feature, Allen is enjoying his time in a different sports world. Be it intentional or coincidental, they continue to keep fans engaged with their each move, proving that the NFL offseason is never short on entertainment.

  • LeBron James, Luka Doncic, Knecht Impress NBA Fans as Lakers Beat Kawhi, Clippers

    LeBron James, Luka Doncic, Knecht Impress NBA Fans as Lakers Beat Kawhi, Clippers

     

     

     

    The Los Angeles Lakers grabbed a 108-102 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday night, thanks to a dominant 29-point performance by Luka Doncic.

     

    With the win, the Lakers improved to 38-21 as the Clippers fell to 32-28, with LeBron James adding 17 points.

     

    In addition to Doncic’s 29 points, he added six rebounds and nine assists while shooting 5-of-12 from behind the three-point line in the victory. James added five rebounds and nine assists on 6-of-17 shooting. Dalton Knecht had a standout night off the bench, contributing 19 points and two assists on 7-of-10 shooting

     

     

    On the other side of the court, Kawhi Leonard posted 33 points and 10 rebounds and James Harden added 13 points and eight assists.

     

    Fans were impressed by Doncic, James and Knecht as they stepped up to help the Lakers grab a win over the Clippers. Their combined efforts were crucial in securing the victory and extending the Lakers’ strong run.

     

    The Lakers kicked off scoring behind a Dorian Finney-Smith three-pointer off a James assist. Doncic quickly found his groove, scoring eight points in just over two minutes in the first quarter as the Lakers took a 34-28 lead into the second quarter.

     

    Late in the first quarter, Doncic went to the locker room after appearing to injure his right hip, having scored 12 points on 4-of-5 shooting. He returned to the bench just 10 minutes later.

     

    Knecht jump-started the Lakers in the second quarter, knocking down a long step-back three-pointer that was quickly followed by another to collect six quick points. After holding the Clippers to just 15 points in the second quarter, the Lakers took a 56-43 lead into halftime.

     

    Out of halftime, Leonard scored back-to-back buckets for the Clippers as they started the half with a 4-0 run. James and Doncic took turns exchanging buckets, scoring six straight points for the Lakers as they entered the fourth quarter with a 12-point lead.

     

    Despite being outscored 25-19 in the fourth, the Lakers avoided a costly defensive goaltending call that was ruled a clean block after review and the Lakers pulled off the victory against their in-town rivals.

     

    The Lakers will look to grab their seventh straight win against the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday at home.

     

     

  • Commanders’ QB Jayden Daniels has 2 word reaction to Deebo Samuel trade

    Commanders’ QB Jayden Daniels has 2 word reaction to Deebo Samuel trade

     

    The rising star is fired up about his new wide receiver in Washington.

     

    Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) scrambles during the first quarter of a NFC wild card playoff against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium.

    Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) scrambles during the first quarter of a NFC wild card playoff against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium.

    As the 2025 NFL Combine winds down in Indianapolis, the Washington Commanders find themselves as the talk of the league after trading for longtime San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel.

     

    The Commanders entered the offseason in search of reinforcements alongside All-Pro Terry McLaurin to help rising star quarterback Jayden Daniels continue to ascend. After being linked to Chris Godwin and Tee Higgins, Washington was instead able to part with a fifth-round pick to land Samuel.

     

    Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels poses with the Offensive Rookie of the Year award during Super Bowl LIX NFL Honors at Saenger Theatre.

    Daniels has already made it clear that he’s excited about his newest target. In the aftermath of the trade going down, the NFL’s Offensive Rookie of the Year shared a two-word reaction on Instagram that shows he’s ready for more following Washington’s run to an NFC Championship appearance.

     

    “Let’s work!” Daniels wrote while tagging Samuel.

     

    Jayden Daniels

    Jayden Daniels/Instagram

    The deal doesn’t come without risks as Washington is now on the hook for the entirety of his $17.55 million salary in 2025. Samuel played at less than 100% for most of last season, missing two games while dealing with calf, wrist, oblique, and rib injuries along with a bout of pneumonia that briefly put him into the hospital.

     

    Samuel finished the 2024 campaign with 806 total yards and four touchdowns both of which were the second-worst of his career outside of a 2020 season when he played in just seven games. He recorded a season-high eight catches for 110 yards in a 23-17 loss to the Minnesota Vikings on September 15.

     

    The 49ers drafted Samuel in the second round of the 2019 NFL Draft. He requested a trade from San Francisco during the 2022 offseason but ultimately signed a three-year/$71.5 million contract with the franchise. Samuel wanted to move on again following the conclusion of last season and general manager John Lynch honored his request.

     

    Deebo Samuel

    Dec 30, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. (1) celebrates after a play during the first quarter against the Detroit Lions at Levi’s Stadium.

    If Samuel can recover this offseason and use the motivation from the trade to bounce back, he could be a difference-maker in Washington. He’s only a few years removed from an All-Pro season in 2021 where he caught 77 catches for 1,405 yards and six touchdowns along with rushing 59 times for 365 yards and eight more scores.

     

    Daniels has to be salivating as the Commanders have acquired Samuels and retained offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury over the last few weeks. As a rookie, the No. 2 overall pick completed 331/480 passes for 3,568 yards with 25 touchdowns to nine interceptions. Daniels added 148 rushes for 891 yards and six scores.

     

    Washington will continue to search for pieces to add around Daniels during free agency and the NFL Draft.

     

    Which Wide Receivers Do The Commanders Have Under Contract For 2025?

    Chris Moore, 10th year

     

    Terry McLaurin, 7th year

     

    Deebo Samuel, 7th year

     

    Lawrence Cager, 6th year

     

    Mike Strachan, 5th year

     

    Demetric Felton, 5th year

     

    Kazmeir Allen, 3rd year

     

    Luke McCafferey, 2nd year

     

    Stick with CommanderGameday and the Locked On Commanders podcast for more FREE coverage of the Washington Commanders throughout the 2024 season.

  • Alabama transfer takes massive parting shot at Big Ten team on his way to Tuscaloosa

    Alabama transfer takes massive parting shot at Big Ten team on his way to Tuscaloosa

    The transfer portal has reshaped college football in ways fans could have never imagined, and few players have embodied this new era quite like offensive tackle Kadyn Proctor. The former five-star recruit has taken a rollercoaster ride through his collegiate career, and after a short stint at Iowa, he’s heading back to Alabama with some choice words about his time in the Big Ten.

    Proctor originally committed to Alabama out of high school, joining the Crimson Tide in 2023 as one of the most highly touted offensive linemen in the country. But after just one season in Tuscaloosa, he surprised many by transferring to his home-state school, Iowa. The move seemed to be driven by proximity to home and the appeal of playing for the Hawkeyes, but just a year later, he’s once again heading south—this time with a brutally honest assessment of what made him leave the Big Ten behind.

    In a recent interview, Proctor didn’t hold back when explaining why he decided to leave Iowa and return to Alabama. He pointed to one glaring issue that he felt was missing from the Hawkeyes’ program.

    “I never heard the words ‘national championship’ come out of their mouths,” Proctor said bluntly.

    That’s a parting shot that certainy isn’t going to sit well with Iowa fans.

    The Hawkeyes’ last claimed national championship was in 1960—long before the era of the College Football Playoff.

    In contrast, Alabama has been synonymous with competing for championships. Even in the wake of n remains the same in Tuscaloosa: winning it all. Of course, the Crimson Tide will have quite the uphill battle in actually competing this year even in the SEC, much less for a national championship.

    With Alabama entering Year 2 under Kalen DeBoer, Proctor’s return is a major boost for an offensive line that will need to protect the next quarterback to replace Jalen Milroe.