Latest news with #Humphries
USA Today
3 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Mike LaFleur impressed by OT D.J. Humphries early in Rams training camp
Veteran offensive lineman D.J. Humphries is already earning praise from Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur for his professionalism and presence early in training camp. D.J. Humphries has only been at the facility for a short amount of time, but the Los Angeles Rams' veteran tackle hasn't taken long to make a strong impression. The longtime Arizona Cardinal joined the Rams back in June, a move the organization made after starting left tackle Alaric Jackson was diagnosed with blood clots. Humphries, who the Cardinals drafted in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft, brings in a decade of experience to the Rams' offensive front and has a reputation for being one of the more dependable left tackles in the league. Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur knows all about Humphries from his time coaching with the San Francisco 49ers and what has stood out is the man within the helmet and jersey. 'I've unfortunately, or fortunately, gone up against him a lot over the last six, seven years,' LaFleur said. 'So I've always respected his game. But I didn't know him personally until we brought him in.' That all changed quickly when Humphries arrived in Southern California just before the team made its way out for Maui camp in Hawaii. 'We got him so late in the summer, I didn't really know what to expect,' LaFleur added. 'But just in these past few days, it's clear, he's a professional. A real pro. It's awesome to have him.' Humphries, 31, spent nine seasons in Arizona (2015-2023) and was signed late last year by the Kansas City Chiefs. Across 10 seasons, the former Florida Gator has started 100 games and was named a Pro Bowler in 2021. Now returning to the NFC West, he steps into the other side of the rivalry, bringing leadership and experience that the Rams will rely on in the potential absence of Jackson. 'Guys like him, they raise the standard,' LaFleur concluded. 'He's been through it. He gets it. That matters.' Whether he ends up starting or not, Humphries' presence is already being felt around the locker room and on the field. For a team that has played in the postseason the last two years and has those same expectations for 2025, having that kind of veteran tone setter is no small thing. Follow Rams Wire on X and Facebook for more coverage!
New York Post
20-07-2025
- Sport
- New York Post
Luke Littler vs. Ryan Searle preview: PDC World Matchplay odds, picks for Sunday
Gambling content 21+. The New York Post may receive an affiliate commission if you sign up through our links. Read our editorial standards for more information. The biggest star in darts, Luke 'The Nuke' Littler, will begin his campaign at the World Matchplay with a match against Ryan 'Heavy Metal' Searle in the Round of 32 on Sunday. Littler looked like he couldn't be stopped in the beginning of the year. He captured the 2025 World Championship in January, and then followed that up with his first ever UK Open title. The teenage sensation was the favorite to win the 2025 Premier League, and he captured the top seed for the playoffs, but fell to Luke Humphries in the final. Since then, Littler has come off the boil a bit. Luke Littler in action at the World Cup of Darts. Getty Images The 18-year-old has not been shy about the rigorous schedule he's had to play this year, and it does seem like fatigue could be catching up to him. Littler is just 5-3 since losing to Humphries in the Premier League, and he's played tournaments in Germany, Denmark, New York City, and Poland in the last six weeks. There's still no reason to doubt that Littler is one of the best two players in the world along with Humphries right now, but you do have to wonder if he'll be vulnerable as a massive favorite against Searle on Sunday. At his best, Littler is consistent and doesn't let his opponents have a leg off. He'll need to bring that game with him to the stage on Sunday, because Searle is a terrific scorer who can get white hot in a moment's notice. The price is right on Heavy Metal to pull the upset on Sunday. The Play: Ryan Searle +475 (DraftKings) Why Trust New York Post Betting Michael Leboff is a long-suffering Islanders fan, but a long-profiting sports bettor with 10 years of experience in the gambling industry. He loves using game theory to help punters win bracket pools, find long shots, and learn how to beat the market in mainstream and niche sports.
Scottish Sun
20-07-2025
- Sport
- Scottish Sun
Luke Humphries furious with darts fan after shock defeat in World Matchplay opener
SHOT DOWN Luke Humphries furious with darts fan after shock defeat in World Matchplay opener Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) LUKE HUMPHRIES was furious with the 'Blackpool Blower' whistler as he was sent crashing out of the World Matchplay opener. The defending champ was shown the exit door, losing 10-8 to dashing Dutchman Gian van Veen at the Winter Gardens last night. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Luke Humphries was furious with a fan as he crashed out of the World Matchplay opener. 2 Humphries was eliminated by Gian van Veen World No1 Humphries, 30, showed his anger to a whistling fan midway through the clash. In the end the power-scoring of Van Veen won the contest. The Dutch star said: 'It means so much. I think it's the biggest win of my career. 'To be here at the iconic Winter Gardens on my second time. Last year I missed five match darts and before I hit the double four tonight, I missed three match darts. I thought 'here we go again'. Finally I hit that winning double.' Van Veen opened in style and broke Humphries' throw in the first leg with double 16. The flying Dutchman was bang on song and soon doubled his lead. Finally, the World No1 got on the board with double 10 and it was soon level with double eight. Then 'Cool Hand' delivered a wonderful 146 with double 16 to go in front for the first time. CASINO SPECIAL - BEST CASINO BONUSES FROM £10 DEPOSITS Van Veen wasn't done, he won the next three after the break to retake the lead at 5-3. Humphries then missed tops and was clearly angry by a whistler in the crowd. 'This is why we play darts indoors' - Video of Luke Littler and Luke Humphries struggling in new tournament emerges He then stared out into the crowd after finally winning the leg to level up the match at 5-5. But the Dutchman just kept coming back but missed three darts to win it before eventually wrapping it up with double four. Cameron Menzies was crushed 10-2 by Danny Noppert, which included a humiliating moment. Trailing 3-0, the Scot managed to bust 178 by hitting a 180 in the fourth leg. In his 20th successive Matchplay, James Wade marched on with a comfortable 10-3 victory over Joe Cullen.
Rhyl Journal
20-07-2025
- Sport
- Rhyl Journal
Luke Humphries stunned by Gian van Veen in World Matchplay opener
Humphries was hoping to become just the fourth man to defend his title in Blackpool after he won for the first time in 2024. But he was not at his best at the Winter Gardens and was downed 10-8 by the Dutchman van Veen, who celebrated the best win of his career. VAN VEEN DETHRONES HUMPHRIES! 🤯 What a moment for Gian van Veen! The young Dutchman secures his first win on the Winter Gardens stage with a thrilling 10-8 victory over reigning champion Luke Humphries!#MatchplayDarts | R1 — PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) July 19, 2025 Humphries' exit will make Luke Littler the overwhelming favourite for the event, with the teenager kicking off his campaign against Ryan Searle on Sunday. Despite not being at his best, Humphries still had chances to beat Van Veen but could only convert 28 per cent of his double attempts. Van Veen made his move to break at 7-7 and then eventually got over the finishing line on his fourth match dart. 'This feels like the biggest win of my career, to be here at the iconic Winter Gardens,' he said.'Finally I got that winning double and this is the biggest win of my career. 'I guess this makes me the number one seed! I am just going to enjoy this one tonight. 'It means the world, I felt really relaxed on the stage, to beat the reigning champion and world number one, it's an amazing feeling. 'Luke is a true champion, a great guy and the true world number one. To beat the world number one is amazing but it is just one game. I take it game by game.' James Wade celebrated 20 successive years at the World Matchplay by coasting to a 10-3 win over Joe Cullen. Wade threw his best-ever average at the Winter Gardens of 104.44, hitting 10 out of 15 doubles. THE MACHINE MARCHES ON! 👏 📊 104.44 average💪 67% on the doubles James Wade – featuring in his 20th consecutive World Matchplay – produces his highest ever average on the Winter Gardens stage to storm through to round two!#MatchplayDarts | R1 — PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) July 19, 2025 He hit out at anyone who believes he cannot win the title next week, referencing an old spat with Sky Sports pundit Wayne Mardle who once questioned him. 'I can do it again, 100 per cent. I'm good enough to win this tournament. I mean, I think if anyone believes any different, I think they're a little bit Wayne Mardle-d. 'But I respect Wayne as well. I mean, Wayne's a wonderful person. He's got great knowledge of the game. I think he writes quite a few other players off. 'But I can win this tournament. Of course, again, it's no secret.' Danny Noppert beat Cameron Menzies 10-2, setting up a second-round meeting with Van Veen. Wessel Nijman ensured it was a perfect night for the Dutch contingent with a brilliant win over eighth seed Nathan Aspinall. Nijman, on debut at the Winter Gardens, downed the 2023 champion in style with a 10-6 victory.
North Wales Chronicle
19-07-2025
- Sport
- North Wales Chronicle
Luke Humphries stunned by Gian van Veen in World Matchplay opener
Humphries was hoping to become just the fourth man to defend his title in Blackpool after he won for the first time in 2024. But he was not at his best at the Winter Gardens and was downed 10-8 by the Dutchman van Veen, who celebrated the best win of his career. VAN VEEN DETHRONES HUMPHRIES! 🤯 What a moment for Gian van Veen! The young Dutchman secures his first win on the Winter Gardens stage with a thrilling 10-8 victory over reigning champion Luke Humphries!#MatchplayDarts | R1 — PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) July 19, 2025 Humphries' exit will make Luke Littler the overwhelming favourite for the event, with the teenager kicking off his campaign against Ryan Searle on Sunday. Despite not being at his best, Humphries still had chances to beat Van Veen but could only convert 28 per cent of his double attempts. Van Veen made his move to break at 7-7 and then eventually got over the finishing line on his fourth match dart. 'This feels like the biggest win of my career, to be here at the iconic Winter Gardens,' he said.'Finally I got that winning double and this is the biggest win of my career. 'I guess this makes me the number one seed! I am just going to enjoy this one tonight. 'It means the world, I felt really relaxed on the stage, to beat the reigning champion and world number one, it's an amazing feeling. 'Luke is a true champion, a great guy and the true world number one. To beat the world number one is amazing but it is just one game. I take it game by game.' James Wade celebrated 20 successive years at the World Matchplay by coasting to a 10-3 win over Joe Cullen. Wade threw his best-ever average at the Winter Gardens of 104.44, hitting 10 out of 15 doubles. THE MACHINE MARCHES ON! 👏 📊 104.44 average💪 67% on the doubles James Wade – featuring in his 20th consecutive World Matchplay – produces his highest ever average on the Winter Gardens stage to storm through to round two!#MatchplayDarts | R1 — PDC Darts (@OfficialPDC) July 19, 2025 He hit out at anyone who believes he cannot win the title next week, referencing an old spat with Sky Sports pundit Wayne Mardle who once questioned him. 'I can do it again, 100 per cent. I'm good enough to win this tournament. I mean, I think if anyone believes any different, I think they're a little bit Wayne Mardle-d. 'But I respect Wayne as well. I mean, Wayne's a wonderful person. He's got great knowledge of the game. I think he writes quite a few other players off. 'But I can win this tournament. Of course, again, it's no secret.' Danny Noppert beat Cameron Menzies 10-2, setting up a second-round meeting with Van Veen. Wessel Nijman ensured it was a perfect night for the Dutch contingent with a brilliant win over eighth seed Nathan Aspinall. Nijman, on debut at the Winter Gardens, downed the 2023 champion in style with a 10-6 victory.
