Florida football coach Billy Napier gave Gator Nation signs of hope by leading UF to a four-game win streak to close the 2024 season.

 

As a result, Florida Gators fans are starting to open their checkbooks.

 

After two unnamed Florida football boosters pledged $500,000 each to the Florida Victorious Collective for Name, Image and Likeness funding, it took less than a week for a grassroots campaign to match those funds, resulting in a $2 million boost toward UF’s NIL efforts.

 

“We were right around half a million in the first day,” Florida Victorious chief revenue offer Erick Reasoner said. “It’s probably the biggest (surge) we’ve had. The momentum around the program, everybody jumped on board.”

 

The NIL funding could prove critical as Florida tries to build around dynamic quarterback D.J. Lagway, who was named a Football Writer Association of America freshman All-American on Tuesday.

 

With the advent of the transfer portal and Name, Image and Likeness, college football has become a game of the haves and have nots. Ohio State’s Name, Image and Likness budget reportedly stands at $20 million. Reasoner would not disclose UF’s specific NIL budget, but say the Gators are within the ballpark of blueblood programs when it comes to NIL funding.

 

“No one shares their actual numbers of course, but we’re almost certain that we’re top ten,” Reasoner said. “We actually think we’re right around top five in collectives around the country, as far as revenue.”

 

How Florida Victorious has grown as an NIL collective

Florida Victorious was founded in April of 2023, not long after the Jaden Rashada fiasco, in which UF’s former Gator Collective botched a $13.4 million deal in an attempt to sign the five-star quarterback recruit. (Rashada is suing Napier, former UF NIL director Marcus Castro-Walker and booster Hugh Hathcock over the nixed deal).

 

Reasoner said stewardship has been a big part of the collective’s philosophy.

 

“We put a focus on stewarding donors, and making them feel good about giving to NIL,” Reasoner said. “Showing them how it’s impacting the community, how they’re supporting the student-athletes.”

 

The member benefits include exclusive access to UF players and coaches through autograph signings and other events. Reasoner wouldn’t specifically divulge the current membership numbers for Florida Victorious, but gave trends regarding membership growth.

 

“We’ve at least doubled each year we’ve been around,” Reasoner said. “It’s been two to three times each year, membership wise.”

 

With the House v. NCAA Settlement potentially creating more restrictions on collectives this season, Reasoner said the collective will shift to being more member focused.

 

“Increasing our membership and making sure they’re seeing value for what they are doing,” Reasoner said.

 

Do wins and losses impact Florida football NIL support?

Reasoner said losses don’t impact Florida Victorious membership, but wins provide a boost. Instead, Reasoner said what hurts the collective most is uncertainty, which was the case through the first two months of 2024 season when Napier was squarely on the coaching hot seat.

 

“If I haven’t already signed up do I want to invest in a program and if I don’t know what the future of that program is,” Reasoner said. “I’m probably not going to invest.”

 

Florida athletic director Scott Stricklin’s vote of confidence toward Napier alleviated those concerns. A four-game win streak followed, as UF posted back-to-back wins over ranked teams LSU and Ole Miss at The Swamp, followed by a lopsided win at rival Florida State and another lopsided win over Tulane at the Gasparilla Bowl. Florida finished the year 7-5, posting its first winning record since 2020.

 

“Anyone that meets Coach Napier loves him, especially if they get to be around his processes and see what he’s doing, it’s easy for people to support him,” Reasoner said. “When people knew he was staying as the coach, it was easy for people to continue giving or jump on board.”

 

Kevin Brockway is The Gainesville Sun’s Florida beat writer. Contact him at kbrockway@gannett.com.

 

The Washington Commanders sail into long-forgotten territory on Saturday Night Football.

 

They have not been in the second round of the playoffs since Joe Gibbs was coaching. Back in the 1980s, during his first run, Washington was routinely in the mix for division and conference championships. Those days seem like ancient history.

 

But Dan Quinn, Jayden Daniels, and a host of gritty players are bringing those days back. This team still has work to do on its roster, but the Super Bowl is just two wins away. The next step may be the toughest of them all.

 

The Detroit Lions are the team Washington aspires to be. They too were recently mired in decades of futility. Then they hired a smart general manager and an inspiring head coach. They finished 2024 as the best team in the entire NFL.

 

The Commanders just defeated the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Lions have not been held below 23 points since Week 4. They led the league in scoring. They were in the top 10 in scoring defense. Their season-long scoring margin of 222 dwarfed the second-best team in the league.

 

When all-world defensive end Aiden Hutchinson was lost for the season early, analysts predicted doom. They lost stud interior defensive linemen Alim McNeill and Kyle Peko. Derrick Barnes and Carlton Davis. Then that depleted defense went out in Week 17 with the division on the line and demolished the 14-win Minnesota Vikings.

 

 

How can the underdog Commanders go into Ford Field and pull off a huge upset against a well-rested juggernaut? It won’t be easy, but here are some problems they must solve to achieve their lofty objective.

 

Problems the Commanders must solve entering Divisional Round at the Lions

 

Detroit has far too many weapons on offense to keep them from scoring. Since falling to Tampa Bay in Week 2, the only team that beat the Lions was the Buffalo Bills.

 

They won in a shoot-out, 48-42. Washington may not have to go that high to win, but they will need points. That most likely means they will have to continue their mastery of fourth-down conversions.

 

That will not merely create more scoring opportunities for Jayden Daniels and crew. It will also keep that explosive Lions offense on the sidelines. Time of possession was perhaps the biggest reason Washington was able to beat Tampa Bay.

 

This doesn’t apply on offense alone. Dan Campbell goes for it on fourth down religiously. With a dominant offensive line, a savvy veteran quarterback, and a plethora of talented receivers and runners, it has proven very difficult to stop the Lions when they need three or four yards.

 

Washington’s defense has to make plays on fourth down.

 

 

 

Social media puns fly as fans celebrate Washington’s first playoff win in 17 years

 

 

Dulles and Tampa Airports Trade Jabs After Commanders’ Playoff Victory

The Washington Commanders’ thrilling 23-20 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the NFC wild-card round sparked celebration across the DMV area. But the ripple effects of that win went beyond football. The clash also ignited a hilarious social media back-and-forth between Dulles International Airport and Tampa International Airport , capturing fans’ attention in a battle of witty airport banter.

 

On Tuesday, Tampa International fired the first shot, posting screenshots of D.C.’s below-freezing temperatures, complete with a cheeky quip about “De-icing” aircraft-a playful jab at the frosty conditions that define the mid-Atlantic winter. It didn’t take long for Dulles International to clap back, showcasing its humor and pride in its home team.

 

 

Alexis Ohanian supports Commanders in Wild Card matchup

The exchanges drew in a third contender, Norfolk International Airport, which joined the fray with the quip, “It’s giving de-nicing,” further fueling the rivalry with a well-timed pun. The lighthearted feud entertained fans online, while IAD used the moment to remind Commanders faithful that United and Delta Airlines offer nonstop flights to Detroit, setting the stage for Saturday’s divisional-round showdown against the top-seeded Lions.

 

 

 

The Commanders have plenty to celebrate. Quarterback Jayden Daniels delivered a performance to remember, throwing for 268 yards and two touchdowns. His poise during a 10-play, 51-yard drive in the game’s final minutes set up kicker Zane Gonzalez for a walk-off 37-yard field goal, sealing the franchise’s first playoff victory since 2005. According to ESPN Research, this victory ended the league’s third-longest active playoff win drought.

 

Commanders fans ready for Detroit showdown

Dulles’ witty online response matched the tenacity of the Commanders’ effort on the field. Their quick pivot to flight options for Detroit highlighted the growing trend of airports leveraging social media to connect with travelers-and, in this case, sports fans. Meanwhile, TPA’s playful jab was well-received in the Tampa area, where fans were still processing the Buccaneers’ narrow loss.

 

As Washington gears up to face Detroit on Saturday (8 p.m. ET), the stakes are higher than ever. The Lions, the NFC’s top seed, earned a bye week and home-field advantage. Commanders fans are now deciding between braving the cold at home or booking flights to Detroit for what promises to be an electric matchup.

 

While the airports’ social media rivalry offered fans a lighthearted distraction, all eyes are now on Ford Field. Can Jayden Daniels and the Commanders continue their improbable run, or will the Lions prove too much for the wild-card victors? Either way, the journey to Detroit promises to be as exciting as the game itself.

 

Everyone associated with the Washington Commanders is beaming with pride after their memorable Wild Card success at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. But the hard work isn’t over.

 

The Commanders are focused on the next challenge rather than anything they’ve accomplished previously. It’s what got them this far during a sensational first season under head coach Dan Quinn. Keeping the same mindset ahead of their sternest challenge to date is crucial.

 

Quinn knows that more will be needed to counteract the supreme threat posed by the Detroit Lions. They are the NFC’s No. 1 seed for a reason. Their offense is phenomenal and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn is a master at his craft. Couple this with being on the road in a hostile environment, it’s not hard to see where the complications could arise.

 

There is no wiggle room for the Commanders. Everyone needs to perform up to or above expectations to keep this competitive. Nothing else will do if Washington wants to cause a monumental upset en route to the NFC Conference championship game.

 

With this in mind, here are five Commanders players with no margin for error at the Lions. We’ll begin with veteran defensive tackle Jonathan Allen.

 

Commanders players with no margin for error in the Divisional Round

Jonathan Allen – Commanders DT

There wasn’t much the Washington Commanders’ defense could do to stop the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Fortunately for Dan Quinn’s squad, the offense controlled the clock with supreme efficiency to spearhead their triumph.

 

Jonathan Allen was largely anonymous at Raymond James Stadium. The veteran defensive lineman failed to register a single statistic and was contained comfortably by the Buccaneers’ offensive line interior. That has to change this weekend at the Detroit Lions.

 

Allen played 58 percent of defensive snaps last time out, so the Commanders are easing him back into the rotation after spending most of the campaign on injured reserve with a torn pectoral. But considering the opposition and the fact this could be Washington’s last game of the campaign, he’ll be tasked with more.

 

That bears more significance if Daron Payne is limited after a gruesome dislocated finger suffered at the Buccaneers. Either way, the Commanders need Allen back to his dominant best versus one of the league’s most prolific offensive lines.

 

There are growing doubts about whether Allen will be part of the team’s plans beyond 2024. This looks like a great opportunity to silence his doubters and put together an accomplished display.

 

 

 

NFL Wild Card Round picks: Why you should consider Eagles and Vikings this week

 

The Washington Commanders won their first playoff game in 19 years on Sunday, defeating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23-20 after kicker Zane Gonzalez booted a 37-yard field goal as time expired.

 

It was another unforgettable performance from Washington quarterback Jayden Daniels. Daniels completed 24 of 35 passes for 268 yards and two touchdowns. He also led the Commanders with 36 rushing yards, including a critical third-down run with under one minute remaining to put his team in position for the win.

 

No surprise, but social media was fired up about Washington’s latest win — it’s sixth in a row. We found some of the best reactions to the Commanders’ playoff win on X — formerly Twitter.

 

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Jayden Daniels impressed for the Commanders, who will face the top-seeded Detroit Lions on Saturday in the divisional round; Commanders won their first post-season game since 2006; Watch the conclusion to the NFL season live on Sky Sports

 

 

Washington Commanders place kicker Zane Gonzalez, middle, is congratulated by teammates after kicking the game winning field goal against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game in Tampa, Fla., Sunday, Jan. 12, 2025

Image: Zane Gonzalez (middle) kicked the game-winning field goal for the Washington Commanders

Zane Gonzalez kicked a dramatic 37-yard field goal off the post as time expired to see the Washington Commanders beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23-20 in a thrilling NFL wild-card game.

 

Jayden Daniels ran for a critical first down to set up Gonzalez’s 37-yard field goal attempt, that clanged off the right upright and went through, to give Washington their first playoff win in 6,945 days.

 

Daniels, playing with a bandage beneath his right eye after his face was bloodied, became the third rookie quarterback in three years to win a playoff game, as the Commanders (13-5) set up a meeting with the No 1 seed Detroit Lions in the divisional round.

 

 

Zane Gonzalez (middle) kicked the game-winning field goal for the Washington Commanders

Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers (10-8) missed several opportunities and the veteran quarterback committed a costly turnover in the fourth quarter. The Bucs couldn’t get one yard on two tries from the Commanders 12 and settled for a field goal to tie the game before Washington’s winning drive.

 

Daniels threw for 268 yards and two touchdowns, joining C.J. Stroud and Brock Purdy as rookie QBs to win playoff games in the past three seasons, as Washington won in the post-season for the first time since 2006.

 

 

Commanders set up Lions showdown

The Buccaneers opened the season with a 37-20 victory at home against the Commanders in Daniels’ first game. Daniels went on to have an outstanding season, was selected to the Pro Bowl and helped Washington improve from 4-13 to 12-5.

 

Now, he has them headed to Detroit to face Jared Goff and the Lions’ high-octane offense.

 

 

Jayden Daniels celebrated extending the Commanders’ NFL season

“It means a lot, man,” Daniels said. “You could just see all the fans over here, man, they’re waiting for us. They’ve waited a long time for this moment and this feeling, so I’m just so happy for them.”

 

After Tampa Bay’s defense held inside the five in the opening minute of the fourth quarter to preserve a 17-13 lead, Mayfield gave the Commanders the ball right back when he fumbled an exchange on a handoff to Jalen McMillan.

 

Washington recovered at the Buccaneers 13. On fourth-and-two from the five, Daniels connected with Terry McLaurin in the back of the end zone for a 20-17 lead.

 

 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans is tackled against Washington Commanders safety Quan Martin, bottom right, and linebacker Dante Fowler Jr., foreground left, during the second half

Mayfield drove the Buccaneers to a second-and-one at the Commanders 12 but they settled for a 32-yard field goal by Chase McLaughlin that tied it at 20-20 with 4:41 left.

 

The Bucs never got the ball back, thanks to Daniels, who calmly led his team downfield. With less than a minute left, he was hit behind the line of scrimmage but scrambled for four yards on third-and-two, allowing him to take a knee to set up Gonzalez’s winning kick.

 

What next?

Wild Card Weekend concludes Monday night when the Minnesota Vikings face the Los Angeles Rams from 1am in the early hours of Tuesday.

 

The Divisional Round begins next weekend, with the Commanders travelling to play the Lions on Saturday night (Sunday 1am UK time), after the Houston Texans face the Kansas City Chiefs ).

 

Super Bowl LIX takes place on Sunday February 9 at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, live on Sky Sports NFL. Stream NFL and more top sport with NOW.

The Washington Commanders could elevate their defense by acquiring four-time Pro Bowl defensive end Maxx Crosby through trade.

The Commanders made a bold move by selecting quarterback Jayden Daniels second overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, and a similar aggressive trade for Crosby could significantly enhance their defense. Tyler Brooke of The 33rd Team proposed this trade idea, suggesting that with Daniels on a rookie contract, Washington’s Super Bowl window might already be open. A move for Crosby would bolster their defense and make them a more dangerous NFC team.

Brooke highlights that Daniels’ affordable contract allows the Commanders to make high-impact moves. The last six Super Bowl-winning teams have had quarterbacks on rookie deals, showcasing how this financial flexibility enables win-now trades. Washington also has ample cap space ($99 million) and draft assets (particularly in 2026) to pursue a move for a star like Crosby.

A trade could be plausible as Crosby recently expressed uncertainty about his future with the Las Vegas Raiders, stating “we’ll see” when asked on The Rush podcast (via Tashan Reed of The Athletic).

A trade for Crosby could be a game-changer for Washington, providing the defense with a key player capable of transforming its performance in the same way Daniels has energized the offense.

Maxx Crosby Would Improve Commanders’ Defense Washington’s playoff position owes much to Daniels, while the defense has been inconsistent, ranking 18th in points allowed and struggling against the run, allowing 4.8 yards per carry. Crosby’s impact would be felt immediately, not just as a top-tier pass rusher but also in run defense, where he recorded 13.5 run stuffs despite a tough season with the Raiders, according to ESPN.

Crosby’s ability to disrupt plays is evident in his consistency, as he trails only Pittsburgh Steelers All-Pro T.J. Watt for consecutive games with multiple tackles for loss, per KTNV’s Nick Walters. His presence on the Commanders’ defensive line would give them a formidable edge-setter and a powerful force up front. However, his biggest value lies in his ability to rush the passer.

With 59.5 career sacks, Crosby combines various pass-rush techniques, including brute strength, fast hands, quick takeoff, and excellent flexibility. A prime example of his ability to rush the passer is his sack against the Denver Broncos in Week 5, showcasing his swift hands and impressive agility, as highlighted by Ryan Holmes of Put On Raiders.

By adding Crosby to the line, the Commanders would have a complete defensive end capable of capitalizing on the attention paid to other key players like defensive tackles Jonathan Allen, Daron Payne, and Jer’Zhan ‘Johnny’ Newton. Crosby would elevate the play of those around him, making him worth the investment, especially since the Commanders have already made a similar high-profile move in the secondary.

Commanders Are Willing to Make Big Defensive Trades Washington’s general manager Adam Peters showed his willingness to make bold moves when he traded for cornerback Marshon Lattimore mid-season. The four-time Pro Bowler cost them a third, fourth, and sixth-round pick in the 2025 NFL draft, a high price, but the team is relying on Lattimore to shut down top receivers.

The Commanders could have similar expectations for Crosby, hoping he becomes the dominant