Dramatic Finish: The 150th Kentucky Derby’s Unforgettable Photo Finish

By

-

May 7, 2024

73573537007-2024-derby-day-ms-55 — Photo Cred: LA Times

The 150th Kentucky Derby will be remembered for one of the most dramatic finishes in its storied history. As the horses thundered down the final stretch, Mystik Dan found himself in a desperate battle to maintain his lead, with two determined challengers surging towards him. What followed was a heart-stopping moment frozen in time, as three noses crossed the wire simultaneously. Mystik Dan, an unexpected 18-1 shot, showed incredible tenacity, clinging on by the narrowest of margins.

However, the race wasn’t over at the finish line. A delay of several minutes ensued as officials meticulously examined the closest three-horse photo finish since 1947. In that historic race, Jet Pilot secured victory by a mere head over Phalanx, who in turn was just a head in front of Faultless. Yet, the 150th Derby surpassed even that level of intensity. Mystik Dan managed to eke out a win by a nose, narrowly edging out Sierra Leone, while Forever Young trailed just another nose behind in third. Notably, Sierra Leone, the runner-up, was the most expensive horse in the race, valued at a staggering $2.3 million.

Photo Cred: Church Hill Downs

The early stages of the race had seen long shots Track Phantom and Just Steel take charge, leading the field through the opening strides. Meanwhile, the 3-1 favorite, Fierceness, opted for a strategic position, racing three-wide just off the leaders as the tension mounted. Yet, as the contenders approached the top of the stretch, the dynamics of the race underwent a seismic shift.

The atmosphere crackled with anticipation as the leaders battled for supremacy, each stride bringing them closer to the moment of truth. In the end, it was Mystik Dan who defied the odds, his determination and grit etching his name into Derby lore. The 150th Kentucky Derby will forever be remembered for its unforgettable finish, where three determined competitors fought tooth and nail, leaving spectators on the edge of their seats until the very last stride.

Timberwolves take game 1 on road in second round vs Nuggets

By

Augustus Oswald

-

May 6, 2024

0

O7CQZGJP7NH6JLEQJMO4ZOQSCQ — Photo Cred: Cleveland.com

After securing a spot in the second round for the first time since 2004 by sweeping the Phoenix Suns, the Timberwolves made a statement by clinching Game One against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado, on Saturday with a score of 106-99. Rising star Anthony Edwards stole the show, leading all scorers with an impressive 43 points, shooting 17-29 overall and 3-7 from beyond the arc, along with grabbing seven rebounds and dishing out three assists. On the opposing side, Nikola Jokic of the Nuggets contributed 32 points, shooting 11-25 overall, while also securing eight rebounds and nine assists.

Photo Cred: ESPN

This marks the first time the reigning champions, the Denver Nuggets, have found themselves trailing in a series since the 2021-22 postseason. Denver struggled notably with bench scoring, managing only 12 points compared to Minnesota’s 23. Naz Reid, named Sixth Man of the Year, showcased his prowess with 16 points for the Timberwolves, shooting 7-11 overall and 2-4 from three, with 14 of those points coming in the crucial fourth quarter. Karl-Anthony Towns and Mike Conley also made significant contributions, finishing with 20 and 14 points respectively.

Minnesota maintained an impressive 52.4% shooting overall, while Denver settled at 46.7%. Michael Porter Jr. continued his strong postseason performance for Denver, netting 20 points on 6-13 shooting overall, including 4-7 from beyond the arc. Despite a slow start, Jamal Murray, still grappling with a lingering calf injury, managed to tally 17 points, shooting 6-14 overall and 2-4 from three, alongside four assists. Aaron Gordon, after a standout performance against the Lakers, struggled once again, finishing with only 9 points on 4-6 shooting.

Photo Cred: Star Tribune

Minnesota surged ahead with an early 18-4 lead, powered by Edwards’ 13 points. However, the Nuggets swiftly responded with a 13-0 run, closing the gap to 18-17 with 1:56 left in the first quarter. The game remained tight throughout the first half, with Edwards leading the charge for Minnesota with 25 points by halftime. Although the Nuggets held a slim 44-40 lead at halftime, Minnesota’s Reid and Conley combined for 30 points in the second half, after managing just two points in the first.

The third quarter saw both teams trading blows, with the Nuggets entering the final quarter with a narrow 73-71 lead. Murray’s four-point play gave Denver an 81-80 lead early in the fourth quarter, but Edwards quickly responded with a 4-0 run. Christian Braun’s clutch three-pointer tied the game at 84 with 6:24 remaining. However, Minnesota seized control with an 8-0 run, effectively sealing the victory with a commanding 102-91 lead and 1:36 left on the clock.

Assistant coach Micah Nori stepped up as head coach for Minnesota, filling in for the sidelined Chris Finch, who suffered a torn tendon in the previous round and underwent surgery. This marks the second consecutive postseason meeting between Minnesota and Denver, with the Nuggets winning the first-round series 4-1 last season. As the series progresses, the Nuggets aim to bounce back and secure a win in Game Two at home, while the Timberwolves seek to extend their lead to 2-0 against the defending champions before heading to Minnesota for Games Three and Four.

232 High Schools Have Players Selected in 2024 NFL Draft

By

Stephen Patrick

-

May 6, 2024

0

NEW YORK — May 3, 2024 — With the conclusion of the 2024 NFL Draft, this year’s class of drafted rookies will soon begin life in the NFL. While each drafted rookie enters the NFL from a different background, the one thing they all have in common is an outstanding experience playing high school football. A total of 232 high schools contributed to the 257 players selected in the seven rounds of the April 25-27 Draft.

“Each year, the NFL Draft marks a transition from college football to the NFL,” said NFL Vice President of Football Development ROMAN OBEN. “The Draft represents years of hard work and childhood dreams fulfilled, shared by families and entire communities. Two hundred fifty-seven players were drafted representing 232 different high schools. Many more received phone calls to sign as rookie free agents. As American football continues to gain global appeal, it inspires boys and girls from around the world to dream the NFL dream, catch the passion of playing, and experience the life-transforming development of character, confidence, and resilience unique to football participation.”

BISHOP GORMAN (Las Vegas, Nev.) and IMG ACADEMY (Bradenton, Fla.) led the way with three players selected, while 21 high schools – AVON (Ind.), BLAIR ACADEMY (Blairstown, N.J.), CALABASAS (Calif.), DEERFIELD BEACH (Fla.), DENTON (Texas), GODBY (Tallahassee, Fla.), GONZAGA (Washington, D.C.), GOOD COUNSEL (Olney, Md.), HAMILTON (Chandler, Ariz.), LONE STAR (Frisco, Texas), PINSON VALLEY (Pinson, Ala.), RAVENWOOD (Brentwood, Tenn.), RIVER ROUGE (Mich.), SAINT JOSEPH’S PREP (Philadelphia, Pa.), SAINT THOMAS AQUINAS (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.), SPANISH FORT (Ala.), ST. FRANCES (Baltimore, Md.), TIMBER CREEK (Sicklerville, N.J.), VALOR CHRISTIAN (Highlands Ranch, Colo.), WEDDINGTON (Matthews, N.C.) and WEIKIVA (Apopka, Fla.) – each had two players selected.

“It’s great for my high school and great for the Las Vegas Valley as a whole,“ said Chicago Bears wide receiver ROME ODUNZE, a graduate of Bishop Gorman. “We will continue to represent Vegas and if you’re a coach looking for some ballers you know where to find us! Bear Down.”

IMG Academy, with JC Latham (No. 7 overall) and J.J. McCarthy (No. 10), became the first high school to have two players selected in the top-10 of the same NFL Draft since at least 1970. IMG Academy is the only school to have multiple players drafted in each of the past six years and have produced a first-round selection for the fifth-consecutive draft (Latham and McCarthy in 2024, Nolan Smith in 2023, Evan Neal in 2022, Greg Newsome in 2021 and Cesar Ruiz in 2020).

Gonzaga High School, in Washington, D.C. – with No. 1 overall selection Caleb Williams (Chicago Bears) and No. 11 pick Olu Fashanu (New York Jets) – joined IMG Academy as the only high schools to produce multiple first round selections in 2024.

“It’s exciting to have two guys from Gonzaga get drafted this year,” said Chicago Bears quarterback CALEB WILLIAMS, a graduate of Gonzaga. “I think it speaks to the history and tradition of our great program and hopefully we can have more Eagles drafted in the years to come!”

The breakdown of the 23 high schools that had multiple players drafted by NFL clubs:

HIGH SCHOOL	TOTAL	PLAYERS (NFL TEAM/ROUND)
Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas, Nev.)	3	Rome Odunze (Chicago/1); Jaden Hicks (Kansas City/4); Edefuan Ulofoshio (Buffalo/5)
IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.)	3	JC Latham (Tennessee/1); J.J. McCarthy (Minnesota/1); Xavier Thomas (Arizona/5)
Avon (Ind.)	2	Blake Fisher (Houston/2); Isaac Guerendo (San Francisco/4)
Blair Academy (Blairstown, N.J.)	2	Ray Davis (Buffalo/4); Sanoussi Kane (Baltimore/7)
Calabasas (Calif.)	2	Jermaine Burton (Cincinnati/3); Johnny Wilson (Philadelphia/6)
Deerfield Beach (Fla.)	2	Brandon Dorlus (Atlanta/4); Michael Pratt (Green Bay/7)
Denton (Texas)	2	Brandon Coleman (Washington/3); Ja’Tavion Sanders (Carolina/4)
Godby (Tallahassee, Fla.)	2	Javon Solomon (Buffalo/5); Jaylen Key (New York Jets/7)
Gonzaga (Washington, D.C.)	2	Caleb Williams (Chicago/1); Olu Fashanu (New York Jets/1)
Good Counsel (Olney, Md.)	2	Kris Jenkins (Cincinnati/2); Cam Hart (Los Angeles Chargers/5)
Hamilton (Chandler, Ariz.)	2	Jawhar Jordan (Houston/6); Brenden Rice (Los Angeles Chargers/7)
Lone Star (Frisco, Texas)	2	Jaylan Ford (New Orleans/5); Trey Taylor (Las Vegas/7)
Pinson Valley (Pinson, Ala.)	2	Bo Nix (Denver/1); Kool-Aid McKinstry (New Orleans/2)
Ravenwood (Brentwood, Tenn.)	2	Graham Barton (Tampa Bay/1); Junior Colson (Los Angeles Chargers/3)
River Rouge (Mich.)	2	Ruke Orhorhoro (Atlanta/2); Kamal Hadden (Kansas City/6)
Saint Joseph’s Prep (Philadelphia, Pa.)	2	Marvin Harrison Jr. (Arizona/1); Jeremiah Trotter (Philadelphia/5)
Saint Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.)	2	Dallas Turner (Minnesota/1); Jaden Davis (Arizona/7)
Spanish Fort (Ala.)	2	Kris Abrams-Draine (Denver/5); D.J. James (Seattle/6)
St. Frances (Baltimore, Md.)	2	Chris Braswell (Tampa Bay/2); Blake Corum (Los Angeles Rams/3)
Timber Creek (Sicklerville, N.J.)	2	Tarheeb Still (Los Angeles Chargers/5); Devin Leary (Baltimore/6)
Valor Christian (Highlands Ranch, Colo.)	2	Roger Rosengarten (Baltimore/2); Luke McCaffrey (Washington/3)
Weddington (Matthews, N.C.)	2	Malik Mustapha (San Francisco/4); Will Shipley (Philadelphia/4)
Wekiva (Apopka, Fla.)	2	Renardo Green (San Francisco/2); Tyler Davis (Los Angeles Rams/6)

HIGH SCHOOL STATES WITH MOST NFL PLAYERS DRAFTED IN 2024 PER CAPITA

STATE	POPULATION *	NFL PLAYERS	NFL PLAYERS PER CAPITA
District of Columbia	689,545	4	1 NFL player per 172,386 people
Louisiana	4,657,757	11	1 NFL player per 423,432 people
South Dakota	886,667	2	1 NFL player per 443,334 people
Georgia	10,711,908	23	1 NFL player per 465,735 people
Hawaii	1,455,271	3	1 NFL player per 485,090 people

UNITED STATES	331,449,281	251	1 NFL player per 1,320,515 people
* Based on most recent U.S. Census Data (2020)

STATE BREAKDOWN BY HIGH SCHOOL

STATE	PLAYERS DRAFTED	STATE	PLAYERS DRAFTED
Florida	30	Colorado	2
Texas	24	Iowa	2
Georgia	23	Massachusetts	2
California	18	Oklahoma	2
Louisiana	11	Oregon	2
New Jersey	11	South Dakota	2
Alabama	10	Utah	2
Maryland	10	Washington	2
North Carolina	10	Connecticut	1
Ohio	10	Delaware	1
Arizona	8	Idaho	1
Illinois	7	Kansas	1
Michigan	7	Kentucky	1
Indiana	6	Minnesota	1
Pennsylvania	6	Virginia	1
Mississippi	5	West Virginia	1
Nevada	5
New York	5
District of Columbia	4	International	6
Missouri	4
Tennessee	4
Hawaii	3	TOTAL	257
South Carolina	3
Wisconsin	3

Some interesting notes on high schools in the 2024 NFL Draft:

Thirty-nine states and the District of Columbia each had at least one player drafted.

Florida produced 30 drafted players, the most among all states, and is the state to produce the most drafted players in five of the past seven NFL Drafts (2018-19, 2021, 2023-24). Florida led all states with six first-round selections, including top-10 choices JC Latham (IMG Academy, Bradenton), Michael Penix (Tampa Bay Tech, Tampa) and J.J. McCarthy (IMG Academy, Bradenton).
Over the past seven NFL Drafts (2018-24), schools from Florida (216 total), Texas (206) and California (151) have had the most players selected.

For the 18th time in the past 19 seasons, at least one player who attended high school outside of the United States was selected in the NFL Draft. The 2024 players selected: G Isaiah Adams (Ajax, Ontario, Canada), T Travis Clayton (Basingstoke, England), TE Theo Johnson (Windsor, Ontario, Canada), T Giovanni Manu (Pitt Meadows, British Columbia, Canada), TE Tanner McLachlan (Lethbridge, Alberta, Canada) and P Tory Taylor (Melbourne, Australia).
- Clayton – a member of the International Player Pathway (IPP) Program Class of 2024 and a former rugby player from England – is the third-ever IPP athlete to be drafted, joining Jordan Mailata (2018 NFL Draft, from Australia) and Mortiz Böhringer (2016 NFL Draft, from Germany).

For a state-by-state breakdown of all players selected in the 2024 NFL Draft, click here.

Skip Holtz seeks three-peat for the first time in history

By

Iliyan Lakhani

-

May 6, 2024

0

skip-holtz-usfl-championship — Photo Cred: SI

An undefeated halfway through the regular season is quite the feat, but Skip Holtz and the Birmingham Stallions have effortlessly dominated their opponents time and time again. The offense operates with precision, while the defense holds strong both on the ground and in the air. These are the qualities of champions, and under Holtz’s guidance, the franchise is poised to achieve unprecedented success in the UFL.

Photo Cred: UFL

Holtz’s strategic prowess strikes fear into the hearts of opposing teams. The coaching staff’s meticulous analysis of game footage shines through as the Stallions execute plays with impeccable timing. A notable instance was their game against the D.C. Defenders, where Holtz cleverly leveraged weather conditions to secure victory with a flawless game-winning drive. While the players executed on the field, it was Holtz’s composed and sharp thinking that laid the foundation for success.

Under Holtz’s leadership, the defense blazes with determination, a testament to his ability to inspire. Every player, whether starting or playing limited snaps, is driven to make an impact in any situation. This was evident in their dominant performance against the Memphis Showboats, where the Stallions’ relentless mentality resulted in a decisive victory, leaving Memphis struggling to gain traction.

Photo Cred: UFL

Winning drives deep into the Stallions’ DNA, and Holtz has consistently emphasized this mentality, particularly in moments of adversity. Yet, it’s Holtz’s adaptability and versatility as a coach that truly distinguish him. He has demonstrated his skill by seamlessly switching quarterbacks, adjusting offensive focus, and exploiting opponents’ weaknesses. He epitomizes an elite head coach and is undoubtedly deserving of the Coach of the Year title.

With only five games remaining, the Stallions appear unstoppable, having overcome every challenge thus far. No team seems capable of besting Birmingham, especially with Holtz and his coaching staff at the helm. While players receive well-deserved praise, it’s Holtz who has played the most pivotal role in their undefeated run. His week-by-week approach to each opponent has proven effective, and the payoff is undeniable.

Colorado Rockies off to historically bad start in 2024 season

By

Augustus Oswald

-

May 6, 2024

0

After enduring a dismal 59-103 record in 2023, the Rockies couldn’t have started the 2024 season much worse. Predicted to go 60-102 by oddsmakers, their 7-24 start comes as no shock, yet it marks historic ineptitude for Colorado. The Rockies now hold the record for the most consecutive games trailed to start a season, falling behind in their first 31 games. Surpassing the St. Louis Browns’ 28-game mark set in 1910.

Photo Cred: MLB

Holding a 5-0 lead entering the ninth against the lowly Miami Marlins, pitcher Ryan Feltner appeared primed for his first complete-game shutout with just 79 pitches. However, the Marlins rallied, and reliever Justin Lawrence’s collapse led to a heartbreaking 7-6 loss in 10 innings, with Miami not leading until their walk-off single. The Rockies have often been competitive but plagued by close losses.

Of their 24 losses, 11 have come within two runs. Yet, they’ve also endured blowouts, notably a 16-1 Opening Day thrashing by the Arizona Diamondbacks, who scored 14 runs in the third inning, the most in a single inning on Opening Day since 1900. Following a dramatic 10-9 comeback win against the San Diego Padres, they were swept by the struggling Houston Astros in Mexico City. Offensively, the Rockies have faltered, ranking 14th in batting average (.241), 25th in runs scored (113), and 27th in home runs (23), despite playing at hitter-friendly Coors Field.

Their home struggles extend to just 14 homers in 14 games, resulting in a 5-10 home record and a dismal 2-14 on the road. Adding to their woes, they’ve been consistently outscored 37-17 in the first inning. Pitching has been a debacle beyond the first inning, with the Rockies ranking last in team ERA (6.00), WHIP (1.62), and batting average against (.294).

Photo Cred: MLB

Closer Justin Lawrence sports a 6.00 ERA with one blown save, while opponents hit .317 against him. The starting rotation boasts a collective 1-15 record. Though the season is young, the Rockies face significant challenges with their pitching and offense, likely heading towards another 100-plus loss season unless a dramatic turnaround occurs. Nonetheless, fans hope for the continued growth of the team’s young talent and farm system as Colorado rebuilds.

NFL Offseason Workout Program Dates Announced

By

Stephen Patrick

-

May 6, 2024

0

NEW YORK — May 1, 2024 — Voluntary offseason workout programs are intended to provide training, teaching, and physical conditioning for players. The calendar for 2024 is below. As per Article 21 of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, each club’s official, voluntary nine-week offseason program is conducted in three phases: Phase One consists of the first two weeks of the program with activities limited to meetings, strength and conditioning, and physical rehabilitation only.

Phase Two consists of the next three weeks of the program. On-field workouts may include individual or group instruction and drills, as well as “perfect play drills,” and drills and plays with offensive players lining up across from offensive players and defensive players lining up across from defensive players, conducted at a walk-through pace. No live contact or team offense vs. team defense drills are permitted.

Phase Three consists of the next four weeks of the program. Teams may conduct a total of 10 days of organized team practice activity, or “OTAs”. No live contact is permitted, but 7-on-7, 9-on-7, and 11-on-11 drills are permitted.

Article 22 of the Collective Bargaining Agreement stipulates that clubs may hold one mandatory minicamp for veteran players. This minicamp, noted below, must occur during either week three or week four of Phase Three of the offseason program. Each club may hold a rookie football development program for a period of seven consecutive weeks, which in 2024 may begin on May 13. During this period, no activities may be held on weekends, with the exception of one three-day post-Draft rookie minicamp, which may be conducted on either the first or second weekend following the draft.

For specific information and detailed offseason program rules, please see Articles 21 and 22 of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, available on nflcommunications.com.

The NFL Offseason Workout Program calendar (dates are subject to change at the discretion of individual clubs):

ARIZONA	OTA Offseason Workouts:	May 20-22, May 28-30, June 3-6
	Mandatory Minicamp:	June 11-13
	Rookie Minicamp:	May 10-12

ATLANTA	OTA Offseason Workouts:	May 13-14, May 16, May 20-21, May 23, June 3-4, June 6
	Mandatory Minicamp:	June 10-12
	Rookie Minicamp:	May 10-12

BALTIMORE	OTA Offseason Workouts:	May 20, May 22-23, May 28, May 30-31, June 3-4, June 6-7
	Mandatory Minicamp:	June 11-13
	Rookie Minicamp:	May 3-5

BUFFALO	OTA Offseason Workouts:	May 20-21, May 23, May 28-30, June 3-4, June 6
	Mandatory Minicamp:	June 11-13
	Rookie Minicamp:	May 10-11

CAROLINA	OTA Offseason Workouts:	May 20-21, May 23, May 28-29, May 31, June 3-4, June 6
	Mandatory Minicamp:	June 11-13
	Rookie Minicamp:	May 10-12

CHICAGO	OTA Offseason Workouts:	May 20-21, May 23, May 28-29, May 31
	Mandatory Minicamp:	June 4-6
	Rookie Minicamp:	May 10-11

CINCINNATI	OTA Offseason Workouts:	May 28-30, June 3-6
	Mandatory Minicamp:	June 11-13
	Rookie Minicamp:	May 10

CLEVELAND	OTA Offseason Workouts:	May 21-23, May 28-30, June 3-6
	Mandatory Minicamp:	June 11-13
	Rookie Minicamp:	May 10-12

DALLAS	OTA Offseason Workouts:	May 21-23, May 29-31
	Mandatory Minicamp:	June 4-6
	Rookie Minicamp:	May 10-11

DENVER	OTA Offseason Workouts:	May 21-23, May 28-30, June 3-6
	Mandatory Minicamp:	June 11-13
	Rookie Minicamp:	May 10-12

DETROIT	OTA Offseason Workouts:	May 21-23, May 29-31, June 10-12
	Mandatory Minicamp:	June 4-6
	Rookie Minicamp:	May 10-12

GREEN BAY	OTA Offseason Workouts:	May 20-21, May 23, May 28-29, May 31, June 3-4, June 6
	Mandatory Minicamp:	June 11-13
	Rookie Minicamp:	May 3-4

HOUSTON	OTA Offseason Workouts:	May 20-21, May 23, May 29-31
	Mandatory Minicamp:	June 4-6
	Rookie Minicamp:	May 10-11

INDIANAPOLIS	OTA Offseason Workouts:	May 21-23, May 29-31
	Mandatory Minicamp:	June 4-6
	Rookie Minicamp:	May 10-12

JACKSONVILLE	OTA Offseason Workouts:	May 20-21, May 23, May 28-29, May 31, June 3-6
	Mandatory Minicamp:	June 10-12
	Rookie Minicamp:	May 10-11

KANSAS CITY	OTA Offseason Workouts:	May 20-22, May 28-30, June 4-7
	Mandatory Minicamp:	June 11-13
	Rookie Minicamp:	May 4-6

LAS VEGAS	OTA Offseason Workouts:	May 20-21, May 23, May 28-29, May 31, June 3-6
	Mandatory Minicamp:	June 11-13
	Rookie Minicamp:	May 10-11

L.A. CHARGERS	OTA Offseason Workouts:	May 20-21, May 23, May 29-31, June 4-7
	Mandatory Minicamp:	June 11-13
	Rookie Minicamp:	May 10-12

L.A. RAMS	OTA Offseason Workouts:	May 20-21, May 23, May 28-29, May 31, June 3-6
	Mandatory Minicamp:	June 10-12
	Rookie Minicamp:	May 10-11

MIAMI	OTA Offseason Workouts:	May 20-21, May 23, May 28-29, May 31
	Mandatory Minicamp:	June 4-6
	Rookie Minicamp:	May 10-12

MINNESOTA	OTA Offseason Workouts:	May 20-21, May 23, May 28-29, May 31, June 10-13
	Mandatory Minicamp:	June 4-6
	Rookie Minicamp:	May 10-12

NEW ENGLAND	OTA Offseason Workouts:	May 20-21, May 23, May 29-31, June 3-6
	Mandatory Minicamp:	June 11-13
	Rookie Minicamp:	May 10-12

NEW ORLEANS	OTA Offseason Workouts:	May 21-23, May 28-30, June 3-6
	Mandatory Minicamp:	June 11-13
	Rookie Minicamp:	May 10-12

N.Y. GIANTS	OTA Offseason Workouts:	May 20-21, May 23, May 28-29, May 31, June 3-4, June 6-7
	Mandatory Minicamp:	June 11-13
	Rookie Minicamp:	May 9-11

N.Y. JETS	OTA Offseason Workouts:	May 20-21, May 23, May 28-29, May 31, June 3-4, June 6-7
	Mandatory Minicamp:	June 11-13
	Rookie Minicamp:	May 3-5

PHILADELPHIA	OTA Offseason Workouts:	May 20, May 22-23, May 28, May 30-31
	Mandatory Minicamp:	June 4-6
	Rookie Minicamp:	May 3-4

PITTSBURGH	OTA Offseason Workouts:	May 21-23, May 28-30, June 3-6
	Mandatory Minicamp:	June 11-13
	Rookie Minicamp:	May 10-12

SAN FRANCISCO	OTA Offseason Workouts:	May 20-21, May 23, May 28-29, May 31
	Mandatory Minicamp:	June 4-6
	Rookie Minicamp:	May 10-11

SEATTLE	OTA Offseason Workouts:	May 20, May 22-23, May 28, May 30-31, June 3-4, June 6-7
	Mandatory Minicamp:	June 11-13
	Rookie Minicamp:	May 3-5

TAMPA BAY	OTA Offseason Workouts:	May 21-23, May 28-30, June 4-6
	Mandatory Minicamp:	June 11-13
	Rookie Minicamp:	May 10-12

TENNESSEE	OTA Offseason Workouts:	May 20-21, May 23, May 28-29, May 31, June 10-13
	Mandatory Minicamp:	June 4-6
	Rookie Minicamp:	May 10-12

WASHINGTON	OTA Offseason Workouts:	May 14-15, May 17, May 21-22, May 24, June 4-5. June 7
	Mandatory Minicamp:	June 11-13
	Rookie Minicamp:	May 10-12

COLLEGE FOOTBALL PLAYOFF & CITY OF ATLANTA PREPARING TO HOST COMPLETE WEEKEND OF EVENTS AROUND 2025 CFP NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP

By

Stephen Patrick

-

May 6, 2024

0

mg_collegefootballplayoff_1 — Photo Cred: SI

ATLANTA – More than 100,000 local residents, plus visitors from across the country, are expected to attend fan events preceding kickoff of the 2025 College Football Playoff (CFP) National Championship. At a news conference today at M. Agnes Jones Elementary School in Atlanta, plans were revealed for a “Championship Campus” experience that will transform the region into a three-day celebration of college football.

“An entire weekend of fun activities will precede Monday, January 20,2025, when the College Football Playoff National Championship will be decided,” said Bill Hancock, executive director of the CFP. “It will be an opportunity for fans of all ages to come together to sample what college football is all about, and you don’t have to have a ticket to the game to be a part of it. We’ve worked closely with the Atlanta Football Host Committee to develop fan-friendly events that thousands will enjoy come January.”

“We are honored to be the first city to repeat as host for the CFP National Championship and look forward to welcoming college football fans from around the country in January,” said Dan Corso, president, Atlanta Sports Council and Atlanta Football Host Committee. “This event gives us another opportunity to showcase our incredible city and the event’s impact will be felt long after the final whistle blows through the work of teachers across our state who work tirelessly to guide students to brighter futures.”

The 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship will be decided at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Monday, January 20, but the celebration will get started Saturday, January 18, with the opening of Playoff Fan Central at the Georgia World Congress Center in downtown Atlanta. The free family-friendly interactive experience will include games, clinics, pep rallies, special guest appearances, autograph signings and exhibits celebrating college football and its history.

Downtown Atlanta will be home to one of the country’s largest annual traveling music festivals, AT&T Playoff Playlist Live!, which will also begin on Saturday, January 18. Each year, the star-studded event attracts some of music’s top acts. Past talent has included Jack Harlow, Latto, the Jonas Brothers, Saweetie, Pitbull, Twenty One Pilots, Doja Cat, Meghan Trainor, Usher, The Chainsmokers, Darius Rucker, Flo Rida, John Mellencamp, Sting and Lenny Kravitz, among others. This year’s talent lineup and dates will be announced at a later date.

On Saturday, January 18, fans are also invited to attend Media Day within Playoff Fan Central at the Georgia World Congress Center. A free event, Media Day will feature one-hour interview sessions with student-athletes and coaches from each of the College Football Playoff National Championship participating teams, where fans are provided with the unique opportunity to watch and listen in.

On Sunday, January 19, the Trophy Trot will wind its way through the streets of downtown Atlanta. The Trophy Trot will feature races at both the 5K and 10K distances, offering a chance for locals as well as out-of-town fans to take part in national championship weekend. Each Trophy Trot participant will receive a t-shirt and finisher’s medal. More information, including how to register, will be made available soon.

Sunday evening, Taste of the Championship will serve up a foodie’s delight at the Georgia Aquarium, offering attendees the opportunity to indulge in gourmet food and drink prepared by chefs local to Atlanta and the community hosting the 2025 national championship game. This premium dining experience serves as a unique and elevated exploration of local cuisine on the eve of the national championship game More information, including how to buy tickets, will be made available in the fall.

In addition to all the fan activities taking place in Atlanta around the national championship game, the CFP Foundation is already hard at work making an impact in classrooms across the state. Each year, the CFP Foundation develops a comprehensive strategy to support teachers within the local community of the CFP National Championship host. The CFP Foundation and its Extra Yard for Teachers (EYFT) platform works in partnership with local institutions of higher education, sports organizations, corporations, and nonprofits to elevate the teaching profession by supporting educators and helping improve student outcomes.

The CFP Foundation will put Georgia teachers in the spotlight throughout national championship weekend with a series of events and activities aimed at honoring and empowering educators. The Extra Yard for Teachers Summit, slated for Saturday, January 18, is a gathering of teachers from across the state who come together for high energy and relevant professional development and to hear inspiring speakers who recognize the hard work of those on the front lines of educating students. Past speakers and presenters have included Miguel Cardona, U.S. Secretary of Education; Condoleezza Rice, former U.S. Secretary of State; Charles Best, founder of DonorsChoose.org; Desmond Howard, ESPN college football analyst; Holly Rowe, ESPN college football sideline reporter; Carl Lewis, nine-time Olympic gold medalist, and many more. The 2025 event will offer in-person (for local educators) and virtual live and on-demand options for teachers across the country to attend the event at no cost. Registration for both the in-person event and online options will open in the coming months at CFP-Foundation.org.

The CFP Foundation and Atlanta Football Host Committee (AFHC) have also launched the Georgia Teachers Initiative (GTI) to celebrate, support, engage, connect and provide resources to PK-12 teachers through a newly-developed statewide platform and community. Together with GTI, the city of Atlanta and the CFP Foundation look to build on the $4 million collective investment since the 2018 national championship game while expanding the legacy impact to teachers across the state of Georgia with a goal of reaching one-third of all educators statewide (over 100,000) by kickoff of the 2025 national championship game.

The GTI will support Georgia educators through a multi-million dollar financial investment in education via resources, grants and recognition activities, including the ones announced today:

$100,000 in DonorsChoose reources that will fund classroom projects in over 550 schools in nearly 90 counties across Georgia
An additional $100,000 commitment to support the continuation of Atlanta Mayor Dickens’ “ATL YEAR OF THE YEAR” initiative, which is aimed at providing safe spaces, as well as investments in early childhood education and workforce development programs
Awarding “Innovation Grants,” which will be awarded multiple times throughout the year
The launch of a weekly “teacher spotlight” that will include a $1,000 DonorsChoose gift card that those recognized teachers can use for classroom resources

Additionally, the newly-launched GeorgiaTeachersInitiative.org serves as a hub for Georgia’s PK-12 educators, who can sign up now to join the online community in order to stay up-to-date on the latest resources, events, giveaways, upcoming events and more.

“The work we do in schools and supporting educators across the host region are the legacy of these championships in the local community,” said Britton Banowsky, Executive Director, College Football Playoff Foundation. “The CFP Foundation works closely with the organizing committee and educators to design a meaningful impact strategy that maximizes the opportunities and meets the highest needs of the community.”

The 2025 College Football Playoff National Championship will take place on Monday, January 20 at 7:30 p.m. ET. The game will air live on ESPN.

For more information on the College Football Playoff and the 2025 CFP National Championship, visit CollegeFootballPlayoff.com. To learn more about supporting local efforts and the Atlanta Sports Council/Atlanta Football Host Committee, visit ATLCFP2025.com.

Reactions to the NFL Draft: Winners and Losers

By

Sam Cohen

-

May 6, 2024

0

The NFL Draft has concluded, ushering in significant changes for rosters across the league. Let’s assess some winners and losers from this year’s rookie selections.

Winners: Bears: The Bears made substantial roster upgrades in the Draft, securing their franchise quarterback in Caleb Williams, drawing comparisons to future Hall of Famer Patrick Mahomes. They also bolstered their receiving corps with Rome Odunze, complementing Keenan Allen and DJ Moore. The addition of tackle Kiran Amegadje addresses a major need. With this influx of young talent, the Bears aim to make significant strides next season.

Cardinals: With a strong position in a quarterback-heavy draft, the Cardinals seized the opportunity to enhance Kyler Murray’s arsenal by selecting Marvin Harrison Jr. Adding Max Melton shores up their depleted secondary, while Trey Benson from USC offers depth in the backfield alongside James Connor. Addressing various needs, Arizona aims to bounce back from a disappointing previous season under second-year head coach Jonathan Gannon.

Losers: Falcons: Despite needing defensive reinforcements, the Falcons surprised by drafting quarterback Michael Penix Jr. early, despite investing heavily in Kirk Cousins. While Penix boasts elite talent, his injury history raises concerns. Passing on a premier edge rusher like Dallas Turner with the eighth overall pick was a missed opportunity. Though they bolstered their defense in later rounds, the decision to draft Penix over immediate defensive help casts a shadow on their draft strategy.

Bills: While the Bills made some decent picks, such as Keon Coleman to offset losses in the receiving corps, their first-round trades could prove costly. Trading with rival Kansas City Chiefs potentially strengthened their offense with Xaiver Worthy, who broke the 40-yard dash record at the combine. The Bills also failed to adequately replace Tre’Davious White’s departure, despite selecting Myles Harden in the seventh round.

As the Draft concludes and voluntary OTAs commence, teams are shaping up for the upcoming season. Can any team challenge the Chiefs in the AFC? Will breakout teams like the Lions and Texans sustain their success? And could the Jets end their playoff drought with a healthy Aaron Rodgers? These questions will find answers as the season kicks off.

Cornerback RJ Johnson Transferring from Arkansas to Colorado

By

Augustus Oswald

-

May 6, 2024

0

Freshman cornerback RJ Johnson, hailing from Locust Grove, Georgia, is making a move from the Arkansas Razorbacks to the Colorado Buffaloes after redshirting for one season at Arkansas. He will have four years of eligibility remaining. Johnson’s lone appearance for Arkansas came against Western Carolina on Sept. 2, where he did not register any statistics, as per Arkansas’ bio page on Johnson.

Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing 180 pounds, Johnson was rated as a consensus three-star prospect out of high school. He showcased versatility at Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy in McDonough, GA, playing on both sides of the ball. According to Arkansas’ bio page, Johnson compiled 56 total tackles, including one tackle for loss, in his senior season.

Photo Cred: X

He made an impact on defense with two interceptions, two pass breakups, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery, while also contributing on offense with 32 receptions for 486 yards and five touchdowns. As reported by the Daily Camera’s Brian Howell, Johnson becomes the third player transferring to Colorado in the spring portal window from Eagle’s Landing Christian Academy. He joins former teammates Brandon and Colton Hood, along with Zack Owens.

Brandon, a running back of the class of 2024, Colton, a cornerback transfer from Auburn, and Owens, an offensive line transfer from Clemson. The additions of Colton and Johnson inject youth into a Colorado secondary that witnessed freshmen cornerbacks Adam Hopkins, Omarion Cooper, and five-star Cormani McClain enter the transfer portal this spring. They will bolster a position group featuring senior Travis Jay and junior standout Travis Hunter.

MVP Front Runner Adrian Martinez Leads a Stampede

By

Iliyan Lakhani

-

May 6, 2024

0

Adrian Martinez, a standout among the league’s premier superstars, led his Birmingham Stallions to an emphatic 18-point victory over the Memphis Showboats on Saturday evening. Martinez showcased his dominance, tallying 393 total yards and three touchdowns. He dismantled the Showboats defense, completing 64% of his passes and averaging five yards per carry. Coach Skip Holtz’s strategic decision to rely on Martinez, the league’s leading rusher, over veteran quarterback Matt Corral proved pivotal.

It showcased Holtz’s astute understanding of the Showboats’ tactics and his unwavering confidence in Martinez’s abilities. The result was a flawless performance by the Stallions, amassing 466 yards and 22 first downs. They maintained an impressive 16 yards per completion and a 3-4 record in the red zone, highlighting their offensive prowess. Despite inconsistency in the receiving corps throughout the season, the players rose to the occasion against Memphis’ defensive backs.

Photo Cred: AL

Kevin Austin Jr., formerly with the Jacksonville Jaguars, delivered a standout performance with four receptions, 108 yards, and a touchdown. Marlon Williams, a product of the University of Central Florida, consistently found himself in the endzone, contributing two touchdowns to his four catches for 58 yards. Martinez’s pinpoint accuracy and the collective effort of the receiving group showcased their ability to exploit gaps in a talented defense.

On the defensive end, the intensity matched that of the offense. Defensive coordinator John Chavis devised an outstanding game plan to counter Memphis’ strategies. While several players made significant contributions, strong safety Kenny Robinson Jr. stood out with four tackles, an interception, and a pass breakup. Robinson Jr. is making a strong case for one of the best safeties in the league this season.

Looking ahead, next Saturday promises a clash of titans as the Stallions prepare to face the St. Louis Battlehawks at Protective Stadium. With Birmingham on the verge of an undefeated season, the stakes are high. Intense preparation, especially on defense, will be crucial as they prepare to counter A.J. McCarron and his top-tier throwing abilities. The anticipation is palpable, and fans eagerly await this highly anticipated matchup.

.st0{fill:#FFFFFF;} .st1{fill:#E52E2E;} Sports Radio America

Hot topics

Finance

Marketing

Politics

Strategy

Hot topics

Finance

Marketing

Politics

Strategy

Company

Headlines

Newsletter

Sports Radio America