Latest news with #BoJackson
Time of India
23-04-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Can a player really say no to an NFL team that wants to sign him?
NFL players have limited control over draft outcomes but can sometimes influence which team selects them. (Credit: Getty Images) Every spring, the NFL Draft transforms the dreams of college football stars into reality. It's a moment filled with anticipation, hope, and life-changing decisions, as young athletes wait to hear their names called by one of the 32 NFL franchises. But while being drafted is considered a golden ticket to professional football, not every player is eager to embrace the team that selects them. So, what really happens when a player decides they don't want to join the franchise that picks them? What happens when a player doesn't want to join the team that picks him? The draft system is designed to maintain competitive balance in the league, allowing the lowest-performing teams from the previous season to pick first. This approach helps weaker teams bolster their roster with top talent. However, this very system can also leave high-potential prospects facing a tough choice—join a struggling team or take a controversial stand. Can a player refuse a draft pick NFL? A player's dissatisfaction can stem from multiple reasons—disagreements with the team's management, lack of trust in the franchise's direction, or simply a desire to play in a more competitive or familiar environment. For example, a highly-rated quarterback might feel stunted joining a team with poor offensive line protection, or an athlete might worry about career longevity in a franchise with a history of instability. But here's the catch: once a team drafts a player, they hold exclusive rights to negotiate a contract with them. The player cannot choose to sign with another team unless a trade is arranged or they re-enter the draft the following year—an option that comes with its own set of consequences. While NFL rules don't allow players to prevent teams from drafting them, they can refuse to sign a contract. However, this decision is rarely taken lightly. Holding out for a year and re-entering the draft may seem like a bold move, but it carries financial and reputational risks. Missing a year of professional play can stall development and put a dent in a player's earning potential. A striking example of this approach came in 1986 when Bo Jackson, who had been drafted first overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, chose not to sign. 'Bo knows' his worth, and he wasn't impressed with the Buccaneers' management. Instead, he played baseball with the Kansas City Royals and returned to the NFL the following year, this time picked by the Los Angeles Raiders in the seventh round. He went on to carve a unique career as a dual-sport phenomenon. Another famous case is that of John Elway in 1983. Drafted by the Baltimore Colts, Elway had no intention of joining the team. He made his stance clear and was eventually traded to the Denver Broncos. This bold move paid off handsomely, as he later led the Broncos to two Super Bowl victories. Most rookies, however, choose not to ruffle feathers. The risk of being labeled a 'problem player' often outweighs the benefit of holding out. As NFL hopefuls work tirelessly to reach the pros, the last thing they want is a PR disaster before stepping onto the field. Yet, the rulebook is clear: 'Players cannot refuse a draft pick, but they can refuse to sign a contract.' It's a narrow window of resistance, but a legitimate one. Most players who explore this route do so quietly, opting for behind-the-scenes negotiations or a well-timed trade request rather than public statements that could damage their image. In essence, the draft is both a gateway and a gamble. It opens the door to NFL glory, but doesn't always guarantee the destination a player dreams of. While cases like Jackson and Elway stand out as successful examples of standing one's ground, they remain exceptions in a system where compromise often rules the day. For most, the priority remains simple—get into the league first, and shape the future from there. Also Read: A perfect balance of mystery and warmth, why Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are the ideal 'Black Cat' and 'Golden Retriever' duo Get the latest IPL 2025 updates on Times of India , including match schedules , team squads , points table and IPL live score for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Don't miss the list of players in the race for IPL Orange Cap and IPL Purple cap .
Yahoo
12-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
A New Nike Air Max 95 Big Bubble Colorway Is Arriving at Retailers Right Now
Air Max 95 season continues. After Nike surprised fans with a 'Reverse Gradient' Air Max 95 Big Bubble release Wednesday in partnership with The Museum of Modern Art and teasers began emerging of a 'Bright Mandarin' colorway, yet another version of the sneaker is arriving at select retailers this week ahead of a wider release. Available now at retailers including Footpatrol is a new Air Max 95 OG in 'Obsidian/Obsidian/Varsity Maize.' The look's navy and yellow combination has drawn comparisons to the Michigan Wolverines, and while not an original colorway, the design itself is reminiscent of some of the model's popular 2000s-era styles. More from Footwear News Bo Jackson's Iconic Nike Air Trainer SC Sneaker Is Coming Back in Time for Summer This Nike Collaboration Was Released in an Unusual Place - and Every Single Pair Is Customized It's colored in a predominantly obsidian upper with maize accenting throughout, including contrast stitching which highlights the Air Max 95's human anatomy-inspired design. The yellow shade also fills in the sneaker's enlarged Air units, which have been tweaked to more closely resemble the classic running sneaker's original look. While this sneaker does not bear any official Wolverines branding, Nike has a long history with the University of Michigan. The school was featured in Nike's groundbreaking 1985 Dunk High 'Be True To Your School' pack. Later, as endorsement wars heated up, Michigan left Nike for Adidas in 2007 before realigning with the Beaverton, Oregon-based company in 2016 — to the tune of up to $173.8 million. The school's football team was the first Jordan-backed team. With a stateside release unconfirmed, this Air Max 95 OG Big Bubble 'Michigan' style is available now from retailers including Footpatrol for a retail price of 175 pounds, which, as of publishing, converts to around $229 before overseas shipping is factored in. The sneaker's SKU is IB7936-400. Best of Footwear News Allen Iverson's Reebok Deal: The Details of His Lifetime Contract NBA All-Star Weekend's Most Iconic Sneakers of All Time Super Bowl Halftime Show Shoes Through the Years: From Michael Jackson's Loafers to Rihanna's MM6 Maison Margiela x Salomon Sneakers
Yahoo
02-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Detroit Tigers fan in Alabama has been rooting for the team since 1984
I grew up a Detroit Tigers fan in rural Alabama in the 1980s. Where I'm from, all we really had was college football. You were either an Alabama or Auburn football fan. I have family that lives in Lincoln Park, so our family vacations would consist of driving to Detroit for a week during summer break. I had became a Tigers fan just from watching them on TV during the '84 season. Living in Atlanta Braves country meant that it was rare to get to see them on TV much. So during the 1985 season, we went on vacation to Detroit, and I got to live my childhood fantasy of seeing a game in Detroit. Your guide to Tigers Opening Day 2025: Parking, tickets, food, things to do, more It was my first baseball game ever to see in person. I still remember, to this day, going to the game. The Tigers played the Mariners. I still have my ticket stub somewhere. I fell hopelessly in love with the Tigers from that point on. I've had a few great memories of games there from the past. I remember having a hot dog, having my first beer at a game. I remember getting Bo Jackson's autograph, of all places in Detroit, instead of here in Alabama. (Editor's note: Jackson was a running back at Auburn University.) In 2018, I got to bring my family to a game in Detroit, and see my son have the time of his life at the game, just as I did so many years before. I have been a Tigers fan from probably age 9 or 10 till now. Even during the lean years, I've never once considered jumping ship, even when Atlanta was rolling in the 90s. I remember the feeling I had watching the Tigers win it all in '84, the anger I had seeing Kansas City win it all in '85, or the heartbreak falling in the playoffs in '87. I'm in my early 50s now, and hopeful for the future of our team. Jason Hayes Cullman, Alabama This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Lifelong fan in Alabama writes love letter to Detroit Tigers | Letter
Yahoo
11-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Bo Jackson, Birmingham Barons announce collaboration in 2025 menu unveiling
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT) — The Birmingham Barons announced Tuesday a partnership with Auburn legend Bo Jackson. Jackson and the Barons are collaborating in the 2025 menu unveiling, which will feature foods such as 'Bo's Hometown Burger.' It's a burger crafted with angus patties from Jackson's 'Bo's Burgers' line. CBS 42 Road to the Final Four: Morning Edition 3/11 Every burger will come with a Birmingham Barons Bo Jackson baseball card souvenir. Jackson will return to Birmingham on July 25 to celebrate the new item, throw out the first pitch and watch the Barons face the Montgomery Biscuits at Regions Field. The new menu items will also include Nashville hot chicken tenders, brisket nachos and fried pickle spears. The Barons start their 2025 season April 4 against the Knoxville Smokies in Birmingham. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
