Latest news with #DefensivePlayeroftheYear-caliber
NBC Sports
23-07-2025
- Sport
- NBC Sports
Denzel Ward: Browns can be best defense in the NFL, I can be Defensive Player of the Year
Browns cornerback Denzel Ward thinks he and his teammates can be the NFL's best this season. Ward said that after the Browns' defense had a down year in 2024, they believe they're going to be the top defense in football in 2025. 'That's our goal, to be the best defensive in the NFL, and we're going to get there. We're going to make it happen,' Ward said. And Ward said he believes he can win the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year award. 'I think I'm capable. I'm definitely a Defensive Player of the Year-caliber player,' Ward said. 'But I take things a day at a time. Awards and that stuff will come down the road. My focus is just to be the best I can each day.' Ward is a four-time Pro Bowler, but he's never received a single vote for Defensive Player of the Year. That kind of recognition would mean that he, and the Browns, have taken a major step forward.
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Victor Wembanyama Looks Healthy While Playing Soccer In Viral Video
Victor Wembanyama has found a way to stay in the spotlight—even in the offseason. The San Antonio Spurs phenom has been vacationing in Costa Rica, and while most NBA players might kick back and relax, Wemby's out here putting on a show. Advertisement First, it was on the hardwood at the Los Angeles de La Fortuna Sports Center in San Carlos, where the 7-foot-4 Frenchman casually launched shots like he never left the NBA floor. Then came the soccer field. San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama.© Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images Wemby surprised a group of young local athletes by hopping into their pickup soccer match. Not only did he play for more than an hour, but he also took photos, signed autographs, and—naturally—drew a crowd as word got out that a real-life NBA All-Star was in town. The most encouraging part? He looked completely healthy. Wembanyama missed the final stretch of the NBA season after undergoing a procedure to treat deep vein thrombosis in his right shoulder. Advertisement That scare sidelined what had been a Defensive Player of the Year-caliber campaign. But seeing him moving freely on the soccer field, without restriction or discomfort, is an early sign that he's on track for a full recovery. Spurs fans weren't just entertained—they were relieved. 'This is the funniest thing I've seen in my life,' one fan wrote. 'Dude is a giant,' another added. 'Wemby is like that one friend that isn't bad at anything… it's just annoying,' someone joked. 'Imagine getting crossed up and scored on by somebody that is 7'4…' a user posted. 'This is why his footwork and mobility are so good for a big man,' another pointed out. Looks like Costa Rica is doing wonders for Wemby's health and highlight reel. Advertisement Let's hope the progress continues for one of the NBA's biggest stars. Related: Patrick Mahomes Reveals His Mindset After Super Bowl Letdown Related: Kirby Smart, Georgia Trending For Nation's Top QB
USA Today
09-03-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Micah Parsons seemed overjoyed about Myles Garrett's new contract helping him in Cowboys negotiations
Micah Parsons seemed overjoyed about Myles Garrett's new contract helping him in Cowboys negotiations As one of the NFL's premier defenders over the last few years, Micah Parsons understandably wants a new monster contract from the Dallas Cowboys. The Defensive Player of the Year-caliber is entering the fifth year of his rookie deal. But at the moment, the Cowboys don't seem all that willing to reward him with one. His peer Myles Garrett's new contract might completely shift this dynamic. On Sunday, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that Garrett had agreed to a contract extension with the Cleveland Browns that will average $40 million per year and give him over $123.5 million guaranteed. After requesting a trade, Garrett is officially the NFL's highest-paid edge-rusher. Money talks, folks. This new monster deal appeared to stun Micah Parsons, who actually seemed really happy about Garrett setting a benchmark for his talks with Dallas. (Warning: NSFW reaction below.) If the Cowboys were hoping Parsons would take any sort of hometown discount and play nice with them, that possibility has almost certainly gone by the wayside. Parsons knows he's comparable to Garrett, and he knows what he's worth. It's likely time to pay up or shut up, Dallas.
