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New York Times
25-07-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Ravens are enjoying the Jaire Alexander experience, and the feeling is mutual
OWINGS MILLS, Md. — Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey, the second-longest-tenured player on the team, could tell early on that Jaire Alexander would fit in well in Baltimore. In the weeks before veterans reported to training camp, Humphrey got text messages from Alexander that included observations and opinions as the longtime Green Bay Packer watched film of the Ravens' defense. Alexander told Humphrey he was especially impressed with a clip of Humphrey trying to fight two Pittsburgh Steelers offensive linemen during a game last season. Advertisement After arriving at training camp, Alexander quickly linked up with 'The Breakfast Club,' a small group of Ravens that meet at 6 a.m. in the weight room at the Under Armour Performance Center for an early morning workout. Alexander, though, had one request: He wanted a speaker placed right where the players were working out, rather than relying on the ones in the ceiling. 'He said, 'No, I need the boombox right by here, right in my ear,' and I'm like, 'All right, that's different,'' Humphrey said. 'It has been exciting, but what I like the most is just his swag to the game. I think confidence is the biggest key you can have at cornerback, and I think you can never have too much confidence. I think he's a perfect fit for our secondary.' In Wednesday's first training camp practice, Alexander broke up two passes and made one known by breaking out his trademark seatbelt celebration and preening to the crowd. On Thursday, Alexander was beaten on a deep ball by second-year wide receiver Devontez Walker. Alexander wanted a rematch and got the better of Walker on the second rep, registering the pass breakup and letting Walker know about it afterward. When the one-on-one segment ended, just as Alexander was set to match up against tight end Mark Andrews, the cornerback expressed his displeasure to anybody within earshot. 'I wanted one more, just one more rep,' Alexander said after Thursday's practice. The Ravens are enjoying the full Alexander experience, and the feeling is mutual. After seven years in Green Bay, a period that saw Alexander get selected to two Pro Bowls, become the highest-paid cornerback in league history, miss 34 total games over the last four seasons and ultimately get released by the Packers in early June, Alexander is fully embracing his new NFL home. 'I'm in love. What can I say? The weather is great. The fans are great. The city is great, so I think I'm in a great place,' Alexander said in his first media availability since joining the team. 'It's actually an amazing feeling. Defense wins championships, so I'm in the right place to do that.' Advertisement The Ravens signed Alexander, 28, to a one-year, $4 million deal less than two weeks after his release from Green Bay. Interested in playing for a Super Bowl contender and wanting to reunite with his former Louisville teammate, quarterback Lamar Jackson, Alexander had the Ravens on his short list of teams he was interested in. Baltimore had long admired Alexander as a player and had contemplated trading for him during the 2024 season. Despite returning perennial Pro Bowler Humphrey and 2024 first-round pick Nate Wiggins, and signing veteran Chidobe Awuzie while also drafting four total cornerbacks over the past two years, Baltimore learned long ago that it can never have enough players at the position. However, when Alexander traveled to Baltimore for a free-agent visit, he wasn't fully sold on the fact that he would be signing with the Ravens. It didn't take long after he arrived for him to reach that point. 'Vibes never lie,' Alexander said. 'I am big on energy and energy exchange, so I got good vibes here, and it seemed like they wanted me here, and they cared. So, that played the biggest part in it.' I was just making sure 😅⚡️ — Lamar Jackson (@Lj_era8) July 24, 2025 Now, the Ravens hope Alexander bucks a trend and stays healthy. If he does, the Ravens could have one of the top secondaries in the NFL. Yet, Alexander played just four games in 2021 and seven each in 2023 and 2024. When he's been healthy, he's been one of the league's top corners. However, since 2020, the only season in which he managed to stay healthy was the 2022 campaign. He played in 16 games, registered five interceptions and 14 pass breakups and made his second Pro Bowl. 'Physically, I'm great,' Alexander said. 'I'm out there practicing, so I can't thank God enough.' Alexander said the culture in Baltimore is different than the one he was used to in Green Bay. He also said the intensity of training camp practices is ratcheted up from his previous experiences. Despite a tumultuous ending, Alexander said he had a great time in Green Bay, built many long-term relationships and appreciated the Packers' organization and the city. Advertisement Asked if he's circled the Ravens' Week 17 matchup against the Packers on his calendar, Alexander said, 'No, I circle every week. Everybody's going to get it.' • Defenses are typically ahead of offenses this time of year. That was no different Wednesday, a session dominated by Baltimore's defensive unit. However, Humphrey said the defense came away from Wednesday's first practice disappointed in its play and its inability to force turnovers. 'Turnovers are, by far, the biggest thing that has been preached,' Humphrey said. The Ravens finished tied for 20th in the NFL last season with just 17 takeaways. They lost the turnover battle, 3-0, in the season-ending loss to the Buffalo Bills in the AFC divisional round. Those results have made forcing turnovers a top priority for the defense heading into the season. The focus showed in Thursday's practice as the defense registered three interceptions in emerging as the clear winner from the workout. Inside linebacker Trenton Simpson got the first one, picking off a Jackson pass that hit off the hands of tight end Isaiah Likely. A few plays later, undrafted rookie safety Reuben Lowery, who seems to be around the ball a lot, corralled an errant throw from Devin Leary. Later in practice, rookie first-round pick Malaki Starks intercepted a Jackson overthrow right outside the end zone. Middle linebacker Roquan Smith also forced a fumble by punching one out of tight end Charlie Kolar's hands, but Kolar fell on the loose ball. • The lone new practice absence for the Ravens was wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins. Coach John Harbaugh said the Ravens kept Hopkins sidelined 'out of an abundance of caution' after the 33-year-old fell hard on his leg while making a back-shoulder catch Wednesday. It doesn't sound like Hopkins will miss too much time. Second-year receiver Dayton Wade left practice early with an undisclosed issue. Advertisement • Tyler Loop got the day off from live action Thursday, leaving all the kicking reps to John Hoyland. The undrafted kicker out of Wyoming had a nice day, converting on all nine of his attempts during team periods. Hoyland's long was 43 yards. • The offensive play of the day came courtesy of a deep Jackson to Rashod Bateman touchdown. Jackson placed the ball perfectly between Wiggins and safety Kyle Hamilton. Bateman ran under it to make the catch. Beyond the turnovers, the defensive play of the day occurred when Smith stayed step for step with Justice Hill and never lost sight of the ball. Smith prevented what looked like a sure completion by wrestling the ball out of Hill's hands about 35 yards downfield. • Outside linebacker David Ojabo and cornerback Jalyn Armour-Davis, two returning players perceived to be on the roster bubble, are both off to solid starts in camp. Ojabo broke up a pass in Wednesday's practice and has given starting right tackle Roger Rosengarten some issues in each of the first two days. Armour-Davis, meanwhile, had two pass breakups Thursday and went tumbling through a makeshift fence, set up to keep fans and reporters at an appropriate distance from the field, on one of them.
Yahoo
22-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Fans 'Go Wild' Over Morgan Wallen's Latest Walkout With Hall of Fame Legend: 'The Goat'
Fans 'Go Wild' Over Morgan Wallen's Latest Walkout With Hall of Fame Legend: 'The Goat' originally appeared on Parade. When it comes to Morgan Wallen's concerts, fans are usually just as hyped to see the walkout as they are to hear the live music. In fact, the East Tennessee native's entrances have become quite a tradition, serving as a major moment in their own right as they've featured a slew of big-time celebrities like Travis Kelce, Joe Rogan, Mike Tyson, Theo Von, and others. So when Wallen played his two-night stint at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin, on Saturday, June 28, and Sunday, June 29, as part of his I'm The Problem Tour, ticket holders expected the reigning CMA Entertainer of the Year to make a grand entrance with someone iconic in tow. Unfortunately for folks, that wasn't the case during night one of the two-show run as Wallen chose to walk out to the stage solo — a rare event. But, night two was a different story. On Sunday, June 29, the 'Love Somebody' hitmaker surprised fans when he invited NFL legend and former Green Bay Packer quarterback Brett Favre to take part in his pre-show routine. The pair had fans screaming as they strolled out together, with attendees catching a clear view of the spectacle on the jumbotron. A fan video shared on TikTok shows the moment in action and features the words 'Just when we think Morgan Wallen is walking out alone, he makes Wisconsin go wild with Brett freaking Favre,' spread across the screen. The clip shows Wallen walking solo, wearing a ball cap, jeans, and a dress shirt. 'Broadway Girls' can be heard playing over the loudspeaker as he meets Favre halfway. The two can be seen shaking hands before sharing a hug and a smile. 'The legend himself,' one follower commented below the video, including two heart emojis in their message. 'The way I would have simply passed away,' another follower wrote, with a third person adding, 'The GOAT.' Wallen's back-to-back shows at Camp Randall Stadium were quite a treat for folks as no other artist has performed at the facility, which is home to the Wisconsin Badgers, since 1997. The last performers that played at Camp Randall Stadium were U2 and The Rolling 'Go Wild' Over Morgan Wallen's Latest Walkout With Hall of Fame Legend: 'The Goat' first appeared on Parade on Jul 5, 2025 This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 5, 2025, where it first appeared. Solve the daily Crossword
USA Today
12-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Aggie Football Alum Terrence Murphy hooks ownership role in SFC's Third Coast Renegades
Life after sports can be challenging for many athletes, especially when the game they devoted their lives to is no longer part of their daily routine. This is even more pronounced for professionals whose careers end abruptly due to injuries. There are countless cautionary tales of players struggling post-retirement, many of whom never planned for what came next or made poor financial decisions. That's why it's essential for athletes to seize opportunities to learn and build an identity beyond their sport. Terrence Murphy—former Texas A&M standout and Green Bay Packer—has done exactly that over the past two decades. Murphy was selected in the second round of the 2005 NFL Draft, but his promising career was cut short by a neck injury, forcing him to retire in 2007. Yet he was far from lost—he had already begun investing in real estate, laying a foundation for long-term success. Over the next 20 years, Murphy expanded his portfolio to include more than 100 companies across various sectors, including real estate, construction services, technology, venture capital, and sports. Beyond his regular youth camp in Bryan–College Station, Murphy has embraced the growing sport of pickleball, contributing as both an owner and media creator. His most recent move? Joining the ownership group of the Third Coast Renegades Angling Club, part of the Sport Fishing Championship (SFC). Founded in 2021, the SFC is a competitive sport fishing league representing 16 regions across North America. When asked what drew him to the Third Coast Renegades and the SFC, Murphy shared: "Fishing is about precision, patience, and purpose: the same values that drive successful teams and businesses. Through Third Coast Renegades AC, we're building something bigger than sport; we're creating legacy, community, and opportunity.' 'SFC is pioneering something new, and I'm proud to be part of it. And what also attracted me to SFC was the innovative team structure—they've built something truly unique by creating the camaraderie with teams and fans." Murphy's story serves as a powerful example for former athletes seeking purpose beyond the game. While not everyone will build an empire like his, they can discover something meaningful and fulfilling. Terrence Murphy has always been a go-getter, and it's exciting to imagine what he'll accomplish over the next 20 years. Contact/Follow us @AggiesWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Texas A&M news, notes, and opinions. Follow Jarrett Johnson on X: @whosnextsports1.
USA Today
15-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Packers TE Tucker Kraft wants to do more damage downfield in 2025
Packers TE Tucker Kraft wants to do more damage downfield in 2025 Tucker Kraft was one of the NFL's most efficient pass-catching tight ends on short throws during the 2024 season, but the tackle-breaking Green Bay Packer wants to take his game to the next level by becoming a better weapon down the field in 2025. Including the postseason, Kraft caught 47 of his 55 passes on targets thrown under 10 yards in the air last season, per Pro Football Focus. But he was only targeted 10 times on passes 10 or more yards in the air, highlighting his limited opportunities as a downfield receiver. The Packers leaned on Kraft in the short game, using him as a check down option, in the flat on short routes or on screens to get the ball in his hands quickly and easily and make the most of his incredible ability to break tackles after the catch. But there's a next step for Kraft as a third-year player with huge potential. No tight end in the NFL is a consistently dominant threat on throws over 20 yards down the field, but the intermediate range -- between 10 and 19 yards -- is where the best of the best do most of their damage. Five tight ends had 300 or more receiving yards in that intermediate area in 2024: George Kittle (second-team All-Pro), Mark Andrews, Travis Kelce (Pro Bowl), Trey McBride (Pro Bowl) and Zach Ertz. Kraft, meanwhile, ranked 22nd among tight ends in receiving yards and tied for 34th in receptions in the intermediate area. This past week, Kraft said he wanted to get better at separation against man-to-man coverage and reading coverage schemes pre-snap to help power an improvement as a downfield receiver in 2025. Kraft did plenty of damage when given the opportunity downfield last season. He caught eight of his 10 targets on throws over 10 yards in the air, creating 270 receiving yards and three touchdowns. Quarterbacks had a perfect 158.3 passer rating when targeting him on throws of both 10-19 yards down field and 20 or more yards, so there's evidence of what Kraft can do when provided the opportunity. Winning more against man coverage would provide more opportunities. And it's clear the Packers want to make Kraft more of a focal point of the passing game after he turned only 70 total targets into 707 receiving yards and seven scores in 2024. The game's best pass-catching tight ends can beat linebackers and safeties to all areas of the field when defenses elect to play man coverage, get into passing windows and find soft spots in zone coverages, and make plays in the scramble drill when quarterbacks extend plays. Kraft can catch the short pass and make magic happen after. To become a truly elite tight end, Kraft must become a higher volume target in the downfield parts of the field -- a goal he's set and ready to chase in 2025. Tucker Kraft, downfield receiving stats in 2024 (PFF)
USA Today
11-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Did Wisconsin football great Melvin Gordon almost become a Green Bay Packer?
Did Wisconsin football great Melvin Gordon almost become a Green Bay Packer? The 2025 NFL draft in Green Bay, Wisconsin, was a celebration of football in the state. With Lambeau Field as a stunning backdrop, the Badgers were well-represented during the event. Thirteen program greats, including Melvin Gordon, Joe Thomas, Montee Ball and Jonathan Taylor, took center stage to announce picks. Gordon did so for the Los Angeles Chargers, the team that drafted him No. 15 overall back in 2015. During a radio appearance with ESPN Wisconsin, the Badger legend discussed his extensive ties to the Badger state, plus a notable pre-draft interaction he had with the Packers. "The Packers actually sat me down," Gordon began. "They said, 'We're probably not going to draft you. You're probably going to go a little earlier, you won't fall to us.' But we had a little heart-to-heart. That was dope for me, being a Wisconsin kid. We just talked about how good a player I was. If I was to drop to them, there would be a chance. But the Chargers picked me, and that's that. I can see why people have love and passion for this place. The tradition, just everything." Gordon was fresh off a 2014 senior season at Wisconsin that included 2,587 yards and 29 touchdowns on 343 carries. He concluded that campaign with a trip to New York for the Heisman Trophy ceremony, although the award went to Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota. The Badger great was one of the top running backs in the 2015 draft, along with Todd Gurley (Georgia). After Gurley went No. 10 overall to the then-St. Louis Rams, then-San Diego Chargers selected Gordon just five picks later. According to his story, the Packers may have been a landing spot had he fallen near their pick at No. 30. Green Bay ended up taking cornerback Damarious Randall, who played just three years with the team. The Packers could have used an elite running back like Gordon over the ensuing seasons. Eddie Lacy (758 yards) was their leading rusher in 2015, then Ty Montgomery (457 yards) in 2016, Jamaal Williams (556 yards) in 2017 and Aaron Jones (728 yards) in 2018. Gordon finished the first four years of his NFL career with 641, 997, 1,105 and 885 yards, respectively. He also scored 38 total touchdowns (28 rushing, 10 receiving) during that time. The former Badger running back falling to the Packers is an interesting 'what-if' for fans of football in the state. It would have taken a considerable drop from No. 15, though Gordon says there would have been interest had that drop occurred. Contact/Follow @TheBadgersWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Wisconsin Badgers news, notes and opinion
