Fever's Sophie Cunningham Gains New Fan in Eagles Running Back
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
Caitlin Clark, Sophie Cunningham, and the Indiana Fever had WNBA fans buzzing this week as they got into multiple heated incidents in a matchup against the Connecticut Sun. As Cunningham defended the Fever's star sharpshooter, it convinced Philadelphia Eagles running back AJ Dillon to make a purchase.
On Wednesday, Dillon took to social media to post a screenshot that proved he added a Sophie Cunningham jersey to a digital shopping cart. There was no context beyond that, but it's clear that Cunningham's recent chain of events made the veteran running back a big fan, if he wasn't already.
Similar to Cunningham, Dillon is linking up with a new pro team for the first time this season. As he hit the free agency market, Dillon signed a short-term deal with the Eagles to become one of Saquon Barkley's backups. According to reports, Dillon joined the Eagles on a one-year deal.
Sophie Cunningham #8 and Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever cheer from the bench against the Chicago Sky at the United Center on June 07, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.
Sophie Cunningham #8 and Caitlin Clark #22 of the Indiana Fever cheer from the bench against the Chicago Sky at the United Center on June 07, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois.The 27-year-old running back entered the NFL as a second-round pick in 2020. He was selected by the Green Bay Packers out of Boston College. When he left the NCAA, Dillon had 4,382 yards and 38 touchdowns in 35 games. He also caught 21 passes for 236 yards and two scores.
Dillon appeared in 11 games with the Packers as a rookie. While he had a limited role in 2020, taking on just 46 carries, his workload increased a ton during year two. Despite not starting more than two games, Dillon picked up 187 carries. He rushed for 803 yards and reached the end zone five times.
Read More: Ex-Eagles Linebacker Blasts Jalen Hurts' Massive Snub on List
During the 2022 season, Dillon rushed for 770 yards and scored a career-high seven touchdowns. Last year, Dillon's production in Green Bay reduced once again, as he averaged a career-low 3.4 yards per carry. He finished the season with 613 yards and two touchdowns.
Read More: Eagles Star Reflects on Drastic Change in His Offseason Approach
The Eagles' backfield saw a key change behind Saquon Barkley this offseason. As Kenneth Gainwell hit the open market, he signed a contract to join the Pittsburgh Steelers. While the Eagles have the second-year rusher Will Shipley in the mix, more depth, competition, and experience at the position couldn't hurt. Howie Roseman brought on the former Packer to potentially take up the carries behind Barkley, who had an MVP-worthy season in the Eagles' backfield last year. Dillon could see some major benefits getting behind a dominant Philly line.
For more Philadelphia Eagles and NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
29 minutes ago
- Yahoo
Indiana Fever vs. Golden State Valkyries: How to watch Caitlin Clark's next game of the 2025 WNBA season
Indiana Fever vs. Golden State Valkyries: How to watch Caitlin Clark's next game of the 2025 WNBA season Caitlin Clark and the Fever face the Valkyries tonight. Here's how to tune in.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Caitlin Clark eager to move forward after Indiana's scuffle with Sun
Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) is hit by Connecticut Sun guard Marina Mabrey (3) during a scuffle in the second half of a WNBA basketball game in Indianapolis, Tuesday, June 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) tries to get past Connecticut Sun guard Saniya Rivers (22) in the second half of a WNBA basketball game in Indianapolis, Tuesday, June 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) tries to get past Connecticut Sun guard Saniya Rivers (22) in the second half of a WNBA basketball game in Indianapolis, Tuesday, June 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) is hit by Connecticut Sun guard Marina Mabrey (3) during a scuffle in the second half of a WNBA basketball game in Indianapolis, Tuesday, June 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark (22) tries to get past Connecticut Sun guard Saniya Rivers (22) in the second half of a WNBA basketball game in Indianapolis, Tuesday, June 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy) SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Caitlin Clark has no interest in rehashing Indiana's physical, testy win against Connecticut when she was shoved to the floor by Marina Mabrey. Mabrey's hit on Clark in Tuesday night's game was upgraded to a flagrant 2 on Wednesday. Advertisement 'I think (Coach) Steph talked about it plenty after the last game and it is what it is, you move on,' Clark said Thursday before playing the Golden State Valkyries in her first visit to San Francisco. 'My focus is just on tonight.' Jacy Sheldon poked Clark in the eye in the third quarter and the Fever star cringed while grabbing at her face. Sheldon then chest bumped her before Clark pushed back and Mabrey got involved by bumping Clark to the floor. A sellout crowd has been anticipating Clark's stop in the Bay Area with the game circled on the calendar for the expansion team from the day the schedule was released. It comes two days after the Fever's 88-71 home win against the Sun featuring three late ejections and further discipline. Clark has been studying Stephen Curry from afar and taking notice of how the Warriors superstar deals with swarming, physical defenses and regular double teams — much like what Clark sees every night. Advertisement Part of it, she said, has been a commitment to getting stronger. She increased her weight lifting regimen coming into her second WNBA season. Clark realizes she will face a top defender and her share of hits with all attention on her. 'Steph is somebody I've watched and watched a lot of film, I try to watch as many Warriors games as I can just because I love the way he plays and there's so much I can learn from him,' she said. 'But I think when you look at Steph and something I remember from the first time I actually watched him in person is how strong he is physically. He's built, he really is. I think that also kind of showed me going into Year 2 is how much time I really needed to put into the weight room to be able to play at this level of physicality and also not get tired through the course of a game.' Valkyries coach Natalie Nakase planned to put a body on Clark at every chance to make things tougher on her, even from way out. Advertisement Clark is averaging 21.3 points and 8.7 assists while shooting 40% from 3-point range. 'Obviously you've got to pick her up higher, she shoots from the logo so you can't pick her up at the logo just because again that's a super comfortable shot,' Nakase said. 'It's almost like a layup to her. You'll see her going to her left so we've just got to be aware.' ___ AP WNBA:
Newsweek
2 hours ago
- Newsweek
NFL Insider Links Eagles To Free Agent Defensive Playmaker
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Cornerback is one of the highly anticipated position battles for the Eagles this summer, with Kelee Ringo and veteran Adoree' Jackson vying for the CB2 spot opposite Quinyon Mitchell. According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, Philadelphia may be adding another name to the mix. During a recent radio appearance on 97.5 The Fanatic, Fowler stated that the Eagles have free agent CB Asante Samuel Jr. 'on their radar.' "Asante Samuel Jr., who is coming back from a neck injury, was one of the top free-agent corners,'' Fowler said. "He probably won't sign until late July. I do know the Eagles have thought about that one, and that's on their radar as well." Samuel was a 2021 second-round pick by the Los Angeles Chargers and was their top corner before he suffered a shoulder injury last season. Per ESPN's Kris Rihm, Samuel has been dealing with shoulder issues since his childhood, but doesn't think it will affect his career long-term. He was limited to four games last year and reportedly underwent neck surgery in April, which limited his market during free agency. INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 08: Asante Samuel Jr. #26 of the Los Angeles Chargers reacts following an NFL football game between the Los Angeles Chargers and the Las Vegas Raiders at SoFi Stadium on September... INGLEWOOD, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 08: Asante Samuel Jr. #26 of the Los Angeles Chargers reacts following an NFL football game between the Los Angeles Chargers and the Las Vegas Raiders at SoFi Stadium on September 08, 2024 in Inglewood, California. MoreThe 25-year-old isn't a strong tackler but has elite coverage skills when healthy, recording 35 pass breakups and six interceptions across his first three seasons. His most notable performance came in an AFC Wild Card Game against the Jaguars, where he picked off Trevor Lawrence three times in the first half. The Eagles are no strangers to Samuel's legacy. His father, Asante Samuel Sr., spent four years in Philadelphia from 2008 to 2011, earning three Pro Bowl selections and an All-Pro nod. His nine interceptions in 2009 were tied for the most in the league with Jairus Byrd, Darren Sharper, and Charles Woodson. If Samuel Jr. gets a clean bill of health following his July checkup, several teams are likely to show interest as they finalize their training camp rosters. There aren't many better landing spots than the Eagles, who are known for taking on reclamation projects and rebuilding their value. Mekhi Becton just signed a $10 million contract after thriving at right guard for Philadelphia. Isaiah Rodgers joined the Eagles while serving a gambling suspension and became a key contributor on their path to winning the championship. Samuel Jr. could be the next redemption story. As it currently stands, the Eagles have Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean, Kelee Ringo, Adoree Jackson, Eli Ricks, Mac McWilliams, and Parry Nickerson on their roster at cornerback. Adding another talented name at a low cost is right up Howie Roseman's alley. For more Philadelphia Eagles and NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
