Latest news with #AFCChampionship
Forbes
3 hours ago
- Sport
- Forbes
Chiefs Remember What Tyrann Mathieu Meant To Their Defense
While standing next to Patrick Mahomes, Tyrann Mathieu of the Kansas City Chiefs holds up the Lamar ... More Hunt Trophy after defeating the Tennessee Titans in the AFC Championship Game in 2020. (Photo by) Kansas City Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo has not texted or called Tyrann Mathieu, following the do-everything safety's retirement on Tuesday. That's not a knock on their relationship. Spagnuolo said he loves him. 'T5 is like one of his favorite players,' Chiefs defensive lineman Chris Jones said. But Spagnuolo is waiting for the right moment to reach out. He wants to contact him when Mathieu is not getting inundated with messages. Mathieu came in at exactly the right moment for the Chiefs too. He and Spagnuolo both joined the Chiefs in 2019, transforming a defense that had ranked next to last in yards allowed the year before. As a result of that unit's improvement, the Chiefs reached the Super Bowl in Mathieu and Spagnuolo's first year with the team, marking the franchise's first Super Bowl in 50 years. 'Special, special guy,' Spagnuolo said, 'He was a key piece to what we were doing.' The Chiefs signed Mathieu to a three-year, $42 million deal in March of 2019, and the versatile safety lined up all over the field, starting 47 games for the Chiefs from 2019 to 2021 and earning All-Pro honors in 2019 and 2020. Jones credits the physicality that belied Mathieu's 5-9, 190-pound frame — along with his intangibles — in helping create the championship culture in Kansas City. 'He brought a sense of leadership,' Jones said, 'a sense of tenacity that this team was missing to get over that hump and win a ring.' Two years after he won that ring, though, the Chiefs chose not to re-sign him, and Mathieu ended up signing a three-year, $28.3 million contract with his hometown New Orleans Saints instead. Despite that parting of ways, Mathieu, who spoke while at the 'Glow Up Classic' flag football game benefiting New Orleans' 18th Ward during the week of Super Bowl LIX in his hometown, said he still roots for the Chiefs and that there was 'no bad blood.' 'Great memories,' he exclusively shared. 'I've been in this league long enough to know it's just a business.' Before making a business decision and announcing his retirement on Tuesday, Mathieu was slated to earn $4 million on a one-year contract with the Saints in 2025 and join Justin Reid, his former Houston Texans teammate who also replaced him in Kansas City. 'The question I got when I first signed with Kansas City was how am I going to be the next Tyrann Mathieu,' Reid said. 'I was like, 'There's no chance. I have no shot at being the next Tyrann Mathieu. There's no way I can do what he's done, but I can be the best Justin Reid I can be.'' Along with playing next to Reid on the Texans in 2018, Mathieu played five years for the Arizona Cardinals who drafted him in the third round of the 2013 NFL Draft. During his 12-year career, he played with a ferocity that fit his nickname of 'Honey Badger.' But Mathieu didn't love the moniker at first, preferring his original nickname of 'T Rex.' 'It was hard,' he said, laughing about it. 'I went from one of the biggest, most deadliest creatures of all time.' In his social media post announcing his retirement, the Honey Badger said 'this isn't goodbye — it's just the next chapter.' Spagnuolo concurred. 'He'll do something great going forward,' Spagnuolo said. 'He might end up being the president.'
News18
6 hours ago
- Sport
- News18
Transfer News: Mohun Bagan SG Rope In Abhishek Singh Tekcham On 4-Year Deal
Last Updated: Mohun Bagan Super Giant signed full-back Abhishek Singh Tekcham from Punjab FC on a four-year deal. Mohun Bagan Super Giant on Thursday announced the signing of full-back Abhishek Singh Tekcham from Punjab FC on a four-year deal for the upcoming season. The 20-year-old from Manipur played in the majority of Punjab FC's Indian Super League matches in the 2024/2025 season. He has made 22 appearances, totaling 1,958 minutes on the field in the ISL. In the previous season, Abhishek Singh Tekcham made 12 Indian Super League appearances for Punjab FC and provided two assists. What Did Abhishek Singh Tekcham Say On Joining Mohun Bagan SG? 'I received offers from several big clubs in the country. But the reason I chose Mohun Bagan Super Giant is because it is the No. 1 club in the country. You win championships at Mohun Bagan. You win trophies. You chase dreams," Abhishek Singh Tekcham was quoted as saying after his move. 'Their continuous trophy-winning journey inspired me to join them. This club is always in the title race. I also dream of winning titles in the club's jersey," Abhishek said, after joining the club. 'While playing for Punjab, I won the I-League. But I have not won the premier competitions in the country – the ISL and the Shield – yet. I hope I'll be able to fulfil that dream by playing for Mohun Bagan. 'Many top stars of Indian football are here. Training and playing with them will benefit me. Though I have played for India, I aim to play in the AFC Championship. That's a dream I want to fulfil," Abhishek added. view comments First Published: July 24, 2025, 15:06 IST Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Tom Brady says he saw Peyton Manning as ‘the enemy'—and used it to fuel his greatness
Images via Getty In the world of elite sports, rivalries aren't just about wins and losses—they're psychological battles that shape careers, reputations, and even relationships. That's exactly what Tom Brady reflected on in the latest edition of his 199 newsletter, published on Monday, July 21. The retired quarterback, now 47, offered a rare and brutally honest look into the mental armor he built during his 23-year NFL career—particularly when it came to his icy dynamic with fellow icon Peyton Manning. While fans saw two of the greatest quarterbacks of all time trading touchdowns and dueling in AFC Championship games, Brady reveals he was waging a personal war in his own head—one that kept him from making real friendships and pushed him toward historic greatness. How Tom Brady's rivalry with Peyton Manning became a mental weapon When Tom Brady entered the NFL in 2000 as the 199th overall pick, he didn't just arrive with a chip on his shoulder—he built entire rivalries out of perceived slights. One of those centered around Peyton Manning, who had been the No. 1 overall pick two years earlier in the 1998 NFL Draft. Manning was the golden boy from an SEC powerhouse. Brady was a sixth-rounder from Michigan. And in Brady's mind, that gap had to be closed. 'When I look back on my relationship with Peyton Manning,' Brady wrote in his July 21 newsletter, 'my respect, admiration, and appreciation for him as a competitor has grown with each passing year.' But during their playing days, things were very different. 'It was always there, don't misunderstand,' he added, 'but while we were competing against each other I couldn't let that get in the way of the fact that he was my enemy, that he didn't respect me, that he thought he was better than me because he was a #1 pick from an SEC school — or at least that's what I made myself believe.' That self-imposed storyline wasn't about bitterness—it was a tool. 'Convincing myself that those things were true created a sense of urgency within me to prove him wrong,' Brady said. 'And it provided the extra bit of energy and motivation necessary to lock in and focus and execute just that much more so that I could beat him more often than he beat me.' Tom Brady, who won seven Super Bowls across two franchises (six with the New England Patriots, one with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers), saw the strategy pay off. But it came at a cost. 'That's why the greats like Michael Jordan didn't have friends during the season,' he noted. 'Kobe Bryant wasn't collabing with anyone who wasn't in purple and gold. Tiger Woods didn't have friends on tour. Nolan Ryan and Roger Clemens would throw at their moms if they were in another team's jersey. ' Brady admitted that his attitude created tension not just with Manning but with most opponents. 'For my part, I didn't have any real friends on any other teams when I played,' he wrote. 'I had the guys on my team and that was it.' Tom Brady and Peyton Manning's rivalry fueled NFL greatness—and left a lasting legacy Years after both legends walked away from the game, Brady says he's come to appreciate what that rivalry truly meant. 'I maybe didn't fully know it at the time, but I needed someone to look up to, who inspired me to be better,' he wrote. 'Now when I see him, the only thing I can say is thank you.' Tom Brady and Peyton Manning were never close on the field—but that distance may have been the very thing that elevated them both. Brady's grudge wasn't personal—it was purposeful. And in the end, it forged two of the greatest careers in NFL history. Because sometimes, what looks like resentment is really just reverence in disguise. Also Read: New Orleans Saints give Tyler Shough historic $10.8M deal as rookie QB battle heats up Catch Rani Rampal's inspiring story on Game On, Episode 4. Watch Here!
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Ravens Pro Bowler mentioned as Baltimore's biggest X-factor
This coming Baltimore Ravens season is about sealing the deal. You won't convince anyone of anything to the contrary. They hosted an AFC Championship two years ago, and they lost. That loss carried over into 2024. This past January, they sought redemption. Again, they were eliminated. This time, they were bounced during the Divisional Round. Many may not want to hear this because their main goal was to raise the Lombardi Trophy, leading them to view the past two seasons as failures. However, there is much to be excited about. This team has many achievements to be proud of, and this season is indeed about sealing the deal. They have positioned themselves well to accomplish that. ESPN names the Ravens' biggest X-factor ESPN recently released a ranking of the NFL's best rosters, using projected starting lineups to inform its creation. Lamar Jackson is named as Baltimore's biggest strength. There's no surprise there, right? The right guard position was labeled their biggest weakness, while Tyler Loop was the non-starter to know. That brings us to X-factors. Left tackle Ronnie Stanley earned himself a mention. "Left tackle Ronnie Stanley. This is all about his health. Stanley didn't miss a game last season, which helped earn him a well-deserved contract, but that doesn't mean the injury risks all went away. When Stanley and Jackson are on the field, the Ravens' offense is awfully hard to beat." Those were the words of Seth Walder. He was one of the contributors to this one. It seems intriguing that no role players or young defenders were mentioned as X-factors or possible breakout stars. Perhaps that angle has been worked enough. Stanley is a two-time Pro Bowler and a former 2019 First-Team All-Pro. Baltimore is loaded. Stanley has fought his way back from past injury concerns. If he can enjoy another healthy run in 2025 (and if this team can figure out their problems along the offensive front), the Ravens may finally achieve the redemption they have been seeking. This article originally appeared on Ravens Wire: Ravens Pro Bowler mentioned as Baltimore's biggest X-factor
USA Today
2 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Ravens Pro Bowler mentioned as Baltimore's biggest X-factor
This coming Baltimore Ravens season is about sealing the deal. You won't convince anyone of anything to the contrary. They hosted an AFC Championship two years ago, and they lost. That loss carried over into 2024. This past January, they sought redemption. Again, they were eliminated. This time, they were bounced during the Divisional Round. Many may not want to hear this because their main goal was to raise the Lombardi Trophy, leading them to view the past two seasons as failures. However, there is much to be excited about. This team has many achievements to be proud of, and this season is indeed about sealing the deal. They have positioned themselves well to accomplish that. ESPN names the Ravens' biggest X-factor ESPN recently released a ranking of the NFL's best rosters, using projected starting lineups to inform its creation. Lamar Jackson is named as Baltimore's biggest strength. There's no surprise there, right? The right guard position was labeled their biggest weakness, while Tyler Loop was the non-starter to know. That brings us to X-factors. Left tackle Ronnie Stanley earned himself a mention. "Left tackle Ronnie Stanley. This is all about his health. Stanley didn't miss a game last season, which helped earn him a well-deserved contract, but that doesn't mean the injury risks all went away. When Stanley and Jackson are on the field, the Ravens' offense is awfully hard to beat." Those were the words of Seth Walder. He was one of the contributors to this one. It seems intriguing that no role players or young defenders were mentioned as X-factors or possible breakout stars. Perhaps that angle has been worked enough. Stanley is a two-time Pro Bowler and a former 2019 First-Team All-Pro. Baltimore is loaded. Stanley has fought his way back from past injury concerns. If he can enjoy another healthy run in 2025 (and if this team can figure out their problems along the offensive front), the Ravens may finally achieve the redemption they have been seeking.
