Garrett Wilson hopeful he'll be a 'Jet for life', excited to team back up with Justin Fields
Can Arthur Smith Be Steelers QB Whisperer? | Steelers Morning Rush
Welcome to Steelers Morning Rush, our new daily short-form podcast with Alan Saunders, giving a longer perspective on a single news topic surrounding the Pittsburgh Steelers or the National Football League. Today, it's offensive coordinator Arthur Smith, and his ability to mentor the team's next quarterback. The Steelers have a plan to trade up to draft a quarterback in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, finally addressing the position after several missteps in the aftermath of the retirement of Ben Roethlisberger. But is Smith the right guy for the job to develop a rookie quarterback? It's not anything he's ever done before in his two seasons as Tennessee Titans offensive coordinator and three as Atlanta Falcons head coach, but there are some reasons to think that Smith will be capable of molding a talented passer, especially his success in resurrecting the careers of Ryan Tannehill and Justin Fields. So can Smith be the Steelers' quarterback whisperer? Alan breaks it down. #steelers #herewego #nfl CONNECT WITH STEELERS NOW: Steelers Now: https://steelersnow.com SN on Twitter: https://twitter.com/pghsteelersnow SN on FB: https://facebook.com/steelersnow SN on Insta: https://www.instagram.com/pghsteelersnow/
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New York Times
22 minutes ago
- New York Times
Steelers finally get their quarterback in Aaron Rodgers, but buyer beware
It feels like we just watched Aaron Rodgers on a weird, man-on-the-streets version of a reality TV dating show, one in which our dapper dude begrudgingly committed to someone after a far more arduous saga than anyone ever imagined. Resigned to the belief that a third-best option was better than no option at all, our bachelor talked himself into awarding the rose to the only partner left standing. Together, they awkwardly begin their new union, ignoring the signs that suggest this won't end well. Advertisement That's basically what happened between Rodgers and the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday. Some 85 days after the revamping New York Jets released him, after the Minnesota Vikings pledged loyalty to second-year pro J.J. McCarthy, and after the New York Giants signed Jameis Winston and Russell Wilson in free agency and drafted Jaxson Dart for good measure, Rodgers is officially a Steeler. Contingency plan Mason Rudolph led the Steelers' first-team offense through its sixth and final voluntary offseason practice session. But the plan now calls for Rodgers to fly to Pittsburgh, where on Tuesday he'll take the field for his new team's three-day mandatory minicamp, catch his breath for six weeks and then report for training camp No. 21 and begin his quest for one last shot at football glory. Their patience — or desperation — rewarded, the Steelers got their guy. They're rolling the dice on yet another long-in-the-tooth quarterback, viewing him as better suited to lead their roster into battle than any journeyman, project quarterback or unproven rookie. This is a buyer-beware situation, however. The Steelers signed a sure-fire Hall of Famer with a Super Bowl ring, four MVPs and 10 Pro Bowl selections on his resume. But Rodgers, who turns 42 in December, is a shell of himself. Coach Mike Tomlin and general manager Omar Khan envision Rodgers replicating what Tom Brady did with Tampa Bay and leading the Steelers on a storybook championship march. But Rodgers is no Brady — who was a robot of a professional, even at 43, with no agenda beyond winning — and this Steelers roster is not on par with those 2020 Buccaneers. To be clear, Rodgers is better than any other quarterback the Steelers have on their roster. Rudolph, on his second stint with the team, is 9-8-1 with 28 touchdowns, 20 interceptions and 13 fumbles in five seasons. Skylar Thompson has three starts and 10 total appearances to his name, with just one touchdown pass and three interceptions. Sixth-round rookie Will Howard is a project quarterback. Advertisement So, Rodgers, who has seen every blitz package and coverage scheme known to man, will prove more proficient in directing a Steelers offense that this offseason swapped out wide receiver George Pickens for DK Metcalf and replaced running back Najee Harris with third-round pick Kaleb Johnson. But this is the same Rodgers who is coming off the most disappointing showing of his career after struggling to effectively direct a Jets offense that featured Pro Bowl-caliber wide receivers Davante Adams and Garrett Wilson and potent running back Breece Hall. Pittsburgh does have a consistently reliable defense. But will Rodgers fare much better with the Steelers, who have fielded pedestrian offenses for years? It's not like team officials made dramatic upgrades to that side of the ball. Metcalf, for whom the Steelers traded before awarding him a $132 million contract, may have Pickens beat in the maturity department. But statistically, the differences are negligible. And that raises the question of why, if Pittsburgh was so intent on this Rodgers fling, it didn't hang onto Pickens for one more season to ensure this over-the-hill legend at least had a dynamic receiver tandem with which to work. Just as Metcalf may not be a legit upgrade over Pickens, Rodgers might not be any better than Russell Wilson. Compare the aging former NFC rivals' last three seasons. The numbers are eerily similar. Rodgers completed 63.7 percent of his passes; Wilson 63.4 percent. Rodgers had 54 touchdown passes and 23 interceptions. Wilson had 58 touchdown passes and 24 interceptions. Rodgers went 14-21; Wilson 17-24. But an eight-year playoff win drought and a refusal to do what it takes to acquire a top-flight rookie quarterback and endure the development stages have clouded the Steelers' judgment. Did they forget that Father Time remains undefeated? Sure, Brady and Peyton Manning managed to deliver Super Bowls to new teams as the sun set on their careers. But those occurrences are rare. Just ask Joe Montana and the Chiefs, Joe Namath and the Rams, Johnny Unitas and the Chargers, Warren Moon and the Vikings and Seahawks and Cam Newton and the Patriots. Advertisement Eventually, the magic fades. But it's not the physical decline that should concern the Steelers the most. A team that prides itself on professionalism and discipline, led by the ultimate culture guy in Tomlin, needs only to examine Rodgers' off-field behavior the last three years to realize this is not an ideal fit. Tomlin always preaches, 'The standard is the standard. We're going to do things the Steeler way.' He's all about accountability and team above self — yet he hitched himself to a quarterback notorious for finger-pointing when things go south. Did Pittsburgh forget how Rodgers' time in Green Bay ended? Unhappy with the way team president Mark Murphy and general manager Brian Gutekunst were running the team and his lack of input, Rodgers was publicly critical of both and wanted Gutekunst fired. Fatigued by his antics and growing non-football interests, the Packers moved on with Rodgers in the dark. Did the Steelers forget how Rodgers criticized the dysfunctional ways of the Jets organization, eventually leading to head coach Robert Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas getting fired? Rather than accept accountability for New York's shortcomings during last year's 5-12 debacle, Rodgers regularly used his buddy Pat McAfee's show as a platform to call out teammates and Jets leadership. Pittsburgh officials are guilty of arrogance, viewing themselves as a far superior franchise to the Jets and immune to such a debacle. Perhaps they see more similarities to Green Bay and believe Rodgers will embrace a return to structure and simply play his role. But that would require Rodgers to possess a keen focus and unquenchable thirst for winning at all costs and the humility necessary to adapt and alter his approach. If Tomlin thinks he's getting a laser-focused Rodgers who's all about sacrificing for the greater good, he should think again. Sure, Rodgers may have expressed respect during this drawn-out courtship, which seemingly even included Tomlin cutting a deal that let the quarterback skip all but three days of the offseason program. But as he welcomes Rodgers aboard, Tomlin is putting himself and the franchise at great risk. Advertisement League insiders have long regarded Tomlin as a strong leader of men with a knack for managing complicated personalities and getting his charges to exceed expectations and overcome adversity. He draws praise for having never experienced a losing season in 18 years as head coach. However, he'll have to use every management and relationship-massaging trick he's got to prevent Rodgers from taking a stick of dynamite to the Steelers' near pristine culture if things play out poorly. Critics have long said that while Tomlin's avoidance of losing records is remarkable, his unwillingness to evolve in the areas of team operations, staff construction and talent evaluation actually holds the Steelers back. If losses mount and Rodgers makes the same observations about an antiquated approach, he'll certainly pull back the curtain on this boss, as he has on others, and subject a proud franchise to embarrassment. Speaking of relationships, one of the most important ones will be that of the quarterback and offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. Many league insiders believe that to avoid a combustible situation, Tomlin will give Rodgers freedom to operate as he pleases. It will take work for Smith to align his conservative, run-first philosophies with those of Rodgers, who still views himself as a gunslinger. The two have never worked together. Smith worked under Matt LaFleur, Rodgers' head coach in Green Bay, when LaFleur was the offensive coordinator in Tennessee. And Steelers quarterbacks coach Tom Arth had a brief stint as an offseason teammate of Rodgers' in 2006. But there are no pre-existing ties to ensure this thing remains on track. Blending existing concepts with those of a veteran quarterback isn't easy. Just ask Bruce Arians and Byron Leftwich, who spent half of the 2020 season trying to do so for Brady before finding the perfect mix late in that season. And that was while working with the laser-focused Brady and not a quarterback like Rodgers with meandering interests and a strong sense of entitlement. Ideally, Smith would have had all offseason to cultivate a relationship with his quarterback and integrate his favorite concepts and plays into the Steelers' playbook. The two could have experimented, massaged and tweaked throughout the offseason. But instead, they will receive one three-day on-field stretch together before reconvening for training camp. Advertisement How will Rodgers respond if the offense sputters, should he and Smith clash? Will he eventually go rogue and get into on-field trouble while overestimating his declining physical gifts? And then there's chemistry with teammates. Unlike the Jets' experiment, Pittsburgh isn't going out to get as many hand-picked former Packers for Rodgers. Instead, he will have to start from scratch on Tuesday and continue throughout training camp. And even then, will it be enough? If he threw Jets teammates he'd known for nearly two years under the bus, what will he do to Pittsburgh players he hardly knows? Will Tomlin and Steelers owner Dan Rooney be able to stomach weekly outlandish comments from their quarterback on McAfee's show? Pittsburgh's desperation for a deep playoff run is real — so real it feels like the usually conservative Tomlin and Steelers were willing to ignore a dozen red flags, including that they were nowhere close to his first choice. But maybe things will not go as disastrously as they could. Maybe Rodgers will change his stripes and be the model teammate and ultimate professional — a big maybe. He doesn't make the Steelers better than the AFC North rival Baltimore Ravens. He might not even have the capability to carry Pittsburgh past Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals. We won't even talk about the Kansas City Chiefs. So, is this soul-selling dance worth it? There's no Super Bowl run left in this version of Aaron Rodgers. If we're being honest, the best realistic scenario involves this experiment going woefully wrong, and at last, the Steelers find themselves in position to draft a top-flight quarterback. At worst, Rodgers and the Steelers labor through another season and finish a tick above .500 — as is customary — only to remain stuck in football purgatory with no clear path out.
Associated Press
40 minutes ago
- Associated Press
Cracked Media Ventures Announces Strategic Expansion into Emerging Sports Markets
06/05/2025, Carmel, Indiana // PRODIGY: Feature Story // Cracked Media Ventures Cracked Media Ventures, a premier remote sports broadcasting and digital media innovation company, has announced its expansion into new sports verticals beyond its tennis roots. Formerly known for its flagship brand, Cracked Racquets, it's now leveraging its proven media infrastructure, robust streaming technology, and highly engaged digital audience to serve growing demand in sports such as pickleball, paddle, and volleyball. 'Our mission has always been to bridge the gap between elite-level sports and the audiences who crave more coverage, insight, and access,' says Dalton Thieneman, Co-Founder and CEO of Cracked Media Ventures. 'We've built a model that has proven successful in tennis, and we see the same untapped potential in other sports. We're excited to bring our content-driven, tech-forward approach to these fast-growing communities.' This expansion is Cracked Media Ventures' response to the growing interest in non-mainstream and Olympic-adjacent sports. It was realized that coverage remains fragmented and nonexistent. Hence, it aims to deploy Cracked Racquets' services into each of these sports using the same scalable infrastructure and storytelling strategy that has solidified its name in the tennis space. Cracked Racquets Cracked Racquets has been widely regarded for improving how tennis content is created, consumed, and distributed. Built on four pillars, it has become a go-to platform for comprehensive college and junior tennis coverage. Its broadcast division has delivered live streaming across NCAA Division I, II, and III championships. Moreover, Cracked Racquets regularly collaborates with leading networks, athletic conferences, and national governing bodies. These include ESPN+, the Intercollegiate Tennis Association (ITA), the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC), the Big 12 Conference (Big 12), and the Southeastern Conference (SEC). With its programming distributed either through premier sports streaming platforms or on YouTube, the brand has earned a reputation for providing professional-grade production. The company's proprietary broadcast tool, known as CrossCourt Cast, is capable of covering multiple matches simultaneously. The software enables facilities and leagues to self-produce matches using AI-integrated, app-connected cameras. Schools, conferences, and event operators benefit from a turnkey broadcast solution that includes real-time commentary, multi-angle switching, and instant replay. All of these are designed to deliver top-notch viewer experiences while staying budget-conscious. In addition to its broadcasting innovations, Cracked Racquets boasts a robust audio media network. It has our critically recognized podcasts: The Mini-Break, Cracked Interviews, Great Shot Podcast, and Inside-Out. They collectively deliver depth in tennis storytelling and analysis. Each series combines expert insights and narrative-driven content, cultivating a dynamic and informed tennis community. These shows have earned multiple industry accolades and serve a loyal, growing listener base that spans fans, athletes, coaches, and insiders. Fans voted The Mini-Break as a finalist for the 2025 Best Tennis and Racket Podcast by The Sports Podcast Group. In addition, Cracked Interviews was named one of the Best 80 Tennis Podcasts and Best 100 NCAA Podcasts by Million Podcasts. Besides digital content, the company supports grassroots engagement through live event activations and branded merchandise. From emceeing professional events to energizing collegiate competitions with music and crowd interaction, the Cracked team offers end-to-end event production services that bring flair and energy to courtside experiences. Its apparel line, known for sleek, performance-ready designs featuring the 'Cracked' insignia, allows fans and athletes to wear the brand across all levels of play. With this expansion, Cracked Media Ventures seeks to replicate this successful multi-platform model in sports that, like tennis, possess passionate player bases but lack sustained media visibility. Its future-facing approach revolving around accessibility, community, and tech-driven production positions the company at the forefront of modern sports coverage. Media Contact Name: Dalton Thieneman Email: [email protected] Source published by Submit Press Release >> Cracked Media Ventures Announces Strategic Expansion into Emerging Sports Markets
Associated Press
40 minutes ago
- Associated Press
San Juan Oaks Golf Club Selected as U.S. Amateur Championship Qualifying Site
Hollister, CA June 05, 2025 --( )-- San Juan Oaks Golf Club has been selected as one of 45 local qualifying sites across the United States, Canada and Mexico for the upcoming U.S. Amateur Championship, to be held this August at The Olympic Club in San Francisco. The qualifying event will be held at San Juan Oaks on Tuesday, June 24, bringing top amateur players from across the region to compete on one of Northern California's most celebrated prestigious honor highlights San Juan Oaks' significant recent upgrades and its growing reputation as a premier destination for championship-level golf. Designed by PGA legend Fred Couples and architect Gene Bates, San Juan Oaks offers a layout that is both challenging and fair—a rare combination that has earned praise from top amateur and professional players alike. With its strategic bunkering, rolling elevation and meticulous conditioning, the course is ideally suited to test the skills of the game's best emerging talent. 'We're honored to welcome the USGA and the U.S. Amateur to San Juan Oaks,' said Manny Freitas, general manager of San Juan Oaks Golf Club. 'This is a proud moment for our entire team and a testament to the tremendous work that has gone into elevating this course. Our team put a lot of thought into updating the course to test every aspect of a player's game. With strategic bunkering and firm, fast greens, San Juan Oaks is designed to challenge top amateurs while still offering a fair and rewarding experience.' The recent course enhancements—part of a broader reimagining of the San Juan Oaks experience—have further elevated its profile. Players and guests now enjoy not only world-class conditions, but also fine dining at 36° North, casual fare at McCann's and Slices and a fully renovated Pro Shop and clubhouse experience. San Juan Oaks Golf Club is located just outside San Juan Bautista in the rolling hills of Hollister, California, and is widely regarded as one of the top golf destinations in Northern California. Contact Information: Gunn Jerkens Jennifer Stoddard 562-499-6707 Contact via Email Read the full story here: San Juan Oaks Golf Club Selected as U.S. Amateur Championship Qualifying Site Press Release Distributed by
