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Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Eagles Add Former Clemson Standout Who Grew Up Bleeding Midnight Green
Eagles Add Former Clemson Standout Who Grew Up Bleeding Midnight Green originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Marcus Tate wasn't selected in the 2025 NFL Draft. But on Monday, he got the call that mattered most—from the team he's been rooting for since he was a kid. Advertisement The Philadelphia Eagles announced they've officially signed Tate as an undrafted free agent, bringing the former Clemson standout full circle in a storybook moment. Tate, who grew up in Sunrise, Florida, posted a heartfelt photo on social media shortly after inking the deal—a childhood picture of himself holding up an Eagles jersey. The caption read: 'Nawwww if y'all know me, this really means some, been rocking with the birds since day one I don't play bout them.' Tate (6-5, 321 pounds) was a tryout player at Philadelphia's rookie minicamp earlier this spring. After showing enough promise despite his injury history, the Eagles rewarded him with a contract, making him the second tryout player to earn a spot this offseason, joining wide receiver Giles Jackson from Washington. Advertisement A four-year contributor at Clemson, Tate played in 42 games with 37 starts and logged 2,502 offensive snaps—primarily at left guard, with occasional reps at tackle. He was named a second-team All-ACC selection in 2024 and became just the third true freshman offensive lineman in Clemson history to start a season opener, which came against Georgia in 2021. Clemson University offensive lineman Marcus Tate (OL40) answers questions at a press conference during the 2025 NFL Combine at Indiana Convention Center.© Jacob Musselman-Imagn Images Despite a productive college career, injuries derailed his draft stock. Tate underwent reconstructive surgery on his MCL and MPFL after the 2024 season, opting to play through the pain for his teammates during Clemson's run to the College Football Playoff. 'I wanted to finish the season,' Tate told TigerNet. 'I gave us the best chance to be successful, and I wanted to do whatever I could to be on the field with my guys… We had a great year.' Advertisement NFL evaluators like Dane Brugler and Lance Zierlein still saw enough talent in Tate to project him as a late-round pick, but his inability to participate in pre-draft workouts left his evaluation incomplete. Now healthy, Tate will compete with a young group of offensive linemen in Philadelphia that includes fellow rookies Drew Kendall, Myles Hinton, Cameron Williams, and Hollin Pierce. But for Tate, this signing is more than a chance to prove himself—it's a lifelong dream realized. From holding an Eagles jersey as a kid to suiting up at the NovaCare Complex, Marcus Tate's story just added its most meaningful chapter yet. Advertisement Related: Trevor Lawrence Staring Down Make-or-Break Season for Superstardom Related: Hunter Renfrow Signs with Panthers—and This Bizarre NFL Pattern Points to a Super Bowl Run This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 4, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
07-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Miami Dolphins need more very large people and Kenneth Grant fits the bill
MIAMI GARDENS — Nick Saban likes to say, "Big people beat up little people." The Miami Dolphins have needed more big people. When did Dolphins rookie defensive tackle Kenneth Grant realize he was big? "Kindergarten," Grant said, after the Dolphins made him the NFL's 13th overall pick. Advertisement This is an oversimplification, of course. You can't just be big and you can't just add a bunch of big people and expect to win a Super Bowl. Or, at least, a first playoff game this century. Grant is 6-foot-4, 331 pounds, though he's said he played at 345 for Michigan last season. Grant is an "off the bus guy." He's the guy you want the other team to see getting off the bus before a game. The Dolphins have been perceived as too soft, with an emphasis on speed and creativity over sheer force and will and power. The hope for general manager Chris Grier is Grant delivers on all that promise of power. Big people beat up little people. Miami Dolphins combat soft label by adding giant Kenneth Grant INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 26: Kenneth Grant #DL12 of Michigan speaks to the media during the 2025 NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center on February 26, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by) It would have been great if the Dolphins were able to move down five or seven or nine spots and pick up an extra Day 2 pick and still land Grant. Advertisement But moving down, finding love and winning the AFC East is hard to do. "We were actively trying to do it," Grier said of working the phones to move. Some draft pundits have given the pick a D or an F, but that is meaningless. The Dolphins badly wanted to add a toughness gene to their makeup for 2025, and Grant fits the bill. Grant has studied Buccaneers big man Vita Vea. "Just a wrecking ball," Grant said. "He causes havoc in the backfield." The addition of Grant should help free up Zach Sieler to make plays. Coach Mike McDaniel said Sieler texted him "happy things," after the selection. Was Grant really, as reported, nearly 300 pounds in middle school? Advertisement "I guess around there,' Grant said, adding, "To be honest, I don't think I was 300 in middle school. That sounds a little off." A lounge chair off the deck of a ship, as they say? Either way, the Dolphins have added a very, very big anchor in the middle of the defensive front. Could Grant have a Tim Bowens-type impact? One can hope. The Dolphins entered the NFL Draft with 15 linebackers and four defensive linemen and so you knew the defensive trenches would be addressed in Rounds 1, 2 or 3. Was Grant a little bit of a reach at 13? Maybe. Probably. A small reach for a needed big man. Doesn't matter what the pundits say anyway. Advertisement All that matters is that Grant plays as well as Grier and McDaniel and defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver need him to – in less than five months. NFL Draft pick Kenneth Grant fills immediate Dolphins need Grant may not be fully formed and it will be interesting to see what percentage of snaps he ends up playing, especially what percentage on third downs. But Grant is a unique athlete. He can move very well for a very big man. And that is something Miami desperately needs. The Dolphins also need a butt-kicker, to be juvenile for a moment. Robert Hunt was a butt-kicker on the offensive line trenches and Miami is still seeking his replacement. Michigan defensive lineman Kenneth Grant (78) celebrates after Ohio State misses a field goal during the second half at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024. To an extent, Grant replaces Christian Wilkins, a year too late, though Grant is bigger and not as explosive. But, still, Grant should replace Wilkins' toughness and grit and impact. They hope. Advertisement Should. There are no guarantees. We know Grant is big. We know he adds toughness. Miami Dolphins' Kenneth Grant should help Zach Sieler "Pocket push," McDaniel said. The Dolphins entered Day 2 with massive, gaping needs at cornerback and guard, and we'll see if Grier successfully triages the problems. But the Dolphins have added a very, very big person on Day 1 of the NFL Draft. And the Dolphins believe he's the right guy to help beat some people up on Sundays. Joe Schad is a journalist covering the Miami Dolphins and the NFL at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at jschad@ and follow him on Instagram and on X @schadjoe. Sign up for Joe's free weekly Dolphins Pulse Newsletter. Help support our work by subscribing today. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Miami Dolphins' Kenneth Grant a small reach for a needed big man
Newsweek
30-04-2025
- Sport
- Newsweek
Falcons and Jeff Ulbrich Hit With $350,000 Fine for Shedeur Sanders Prank Call
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. Shedeur Sanders waited until the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft for his name to be called, but he was fooled into thinking that call was done during the second. Sanders' number was found, and it was revealed that the son of Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich called Sanders to prank him into thinking he was getting a draft call from a GM. More news: Browns HC Responds to Shedeur Sanders Prank Call Incident After the league discovered that the prank call was enacted by Ulbrich's son, an investigation was launched. It was revealed that Jax Ulbrich saw the number on his father's iPad and used it to prank Sanders. Now, the league has come down with a massive punishment. The Falcons have been fined $250,000, and Ulbrich has been fined $100,000. The NFL has confirmed that the #Falcons have been fined $250,000 and DC Jeff Ulbrich $100,000 for failing to prevent the disclosure of confidential information distributed to the club in advance of the NFL Draft. — Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 30, 2025 The statement for the fine that Ian Rapoport shared states the fines were for "failing to prevent the disclosure of confidential information distributed to the club in advance of the NFL Draft." INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 28: Shedeur Sanders #QB13 of Colorado speaks at the podium during the 2025 NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center on February 28, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 28: Shedeur Sanders #QB13 of Colorado speaks at the podium during the 2025 NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center on February 28, 2025 in Indianapolis, more: Falcons DC's Son Publicly Apologizes For Shedeur Sanders Prank Draft Call Following the revelation that Jax used the number to prank Sanders, he released a statement apologizing. Jax Ulbrich, Jeff Ulbrich's son, released an apology for his role in the Shedeur Sanders prank call. I'm told he also reached out to the Sanders family directly to apologize. By all accounts, Jax is a good kid who made a mistake and he's doing what he can to hold himself… — Zack Rosenblatt (@ZackBlatt) April 27, 2025 The statement reads: "On Friday night I made a tremendous mistake," Jax wrote in his apology. "Shedeur, what I did was completely inexcusable, embarrassing, and shameful. I'm so sorry I took away from your moment, it was selfish and childish. I could never imagine getting ready to celebrate one of the greatest moments of your life and I made a terrible mistake and messed with that moment. Thank you for accepting my call earlier today, I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive me." The Falcons have now released a statement regarding the matter be closed with a fine. Falcons statement on the $250,000 fine that the NFL levied against them: — Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 30, 2025 The Falcons statement reads: "We appreciate the NFL's swift and thorough review of last week's data exposure and the event that transpired due to it. We were proactive in addressing the situation internally and cooperated fully with the league throughout the process, and accept the discipline levied to Coach Jeff Ulbrich and the organization. We are confident in our security policies and practices and will continue to emphasize adherence to them with our staff, whether on or off premises. Additionally, the Ulbrich family is working with the organization to participate in community service initiatives in relation to last week's matter." The fact that the Falcons will retain Ulbrich is a win here, despite him being fined $100,000. A data breach like this is something that teams will take very seriously, as the Falcons organization has. For Jax, this is a lesson not to prank athletes and during the time when they are waiting for a call to change their lives. More NFL: Steelers Release Draft Pick Due to Major Medical Issue For more on the NFL, head to Newsweek Sports.
Newsweek
28-04-2025
- Sport
- Newsweek
Steelers Release Draft Pick Due to Major Medical Issue
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. The 2025 NFL Draft has wrapped up, and the young prospects added to each team will begin their professional football journeys. Despite the excitement that most will feel, one draftee has been dealt a significant blow. More news: Travis Hunter Reacts to Shedeur Sanders Finally Getting Drafted Pittsburgh Steelers sixth-round pick Ryan Watts has been released from the team due to a major medical issue. Watts has been advised to stop playing football altogether. Statement from GM Omar Khan on Ryan Watts: — Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) April 28, 2025 Steelers GM Omar Khan released a statement on the release. "Unfortunately, today we are releasing Ryan Watts from our roster. After consulting with our medical team, medical experts, and Ryan's representatives, we all agree that it is in Ryan's best interest to discontinue playing football at this time. We will continue to assist and support Ryan as he transitions to the next phase of his life." Watts will now presumably take some time away from football, and figure out if the injury he suffered will allow him to return to the game. INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 25: General manager Omar Khan of the Pittsburgh Steelers speaks at the podium during the 2025 NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center on February 25, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA - FEBRUARY 25: General manager Omar Khan of the Pittsburgh Steelers speaks at the podium during the 2025 NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center on February 25, 2025 in Indianapolis, news: 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Way-Too-Early First-Round Projections Watts reportedly suffered a season-ending neck injury in the preseason of college last season. Though there was hope that his neck injury would lead to his being able to play, further tests have concluded that the young cornerback. Watts was drafted in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft out of Texas. There have been multiple players who have suffered a similar injury and found their way back to the game. Miami Dolphins star Jaelan Phillips, for one. Phillips suffered a neck injury as a member of the UCLA Bruins, and was forced to medically retire from the game of football in 2018. Despite the injury, he made his way back to the University of Miami in 2019. Phillips did not play until the 2020 season, but put together an impressive campaign the next two seasons to land with the Dolphins. This is not to say that Watts and Phillips suffered the same exact neck injury, and they will heal from that injury in the same manner. However, Watts was not shut down for the rest of his life. The above statement from Khan appears to hint that Watts has only been advised to stop playing football right now, which could mean he may return to the game at some point. This is just speculation, though. Watts will have to remain off the field for the time being, but the Steelers organization is set to support him through the whole process. For more on the NFL, head to Newsweek Sports.
CBS News
26-04-2025
- Sport
- CBS News
Shedeur Sanders drafted by Cleveland Browns in 5th round of NFL draft
Quarterback Shedeur Sanders was picked by the Cleveland Browns in the fifth round of the NFL Draft on Saturday. The former Buffaloes star and son of Coach Deion Sanders, who many experts thought would be a first-round pick, was picked after initially not having his name called in the first four rounds. Shedeur Sanders #QB13 of Colorado speaks at the podium during the 2025 NFL Combine at the Indiana Convention Center on February 28, 2025 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Brooke Sutton / Getty Images Several other quarterbacks were drafted before Sanders: Cam Ward from Miami went to the Tennessee Titans with the first overall pick. The New York Giants traded up to select Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart with the No. 25 pick. The New Orleans Saints drafted Louisville quarterback Tyler Shough with the No. 40 pick. And the Seattle Seahawks drafted Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe in the fourth round with the No. 92 pick. Sanders finished his college career by breaking the Buffaloes' single-season passing record and being named the Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year. Last Saturday, CU honored him in a ceremony where his jersey number was retired at Folsom Field in Boulder.
