Latest news with #LombardiAward
Boston Globe
03-06-2025
- Business
- Boston Globe
Patriots first-round pick Will Campbell signs rookie contract
The 21-year-old, a left tackle at Louisiana State, has been working with the Patriots' starting offensive line during the spring. The 6-foot-6-inch, 319-pounder was a first-team All-American last year, and a finalist for the Lombardi Award, given annually to the nation's top lineman. Second-round pick TreVeyon Henderson and fourth-round choice Craig Woodson are New England's only remaining unsigned rookies. Christopher Price can be reached at
Time of India
02-06-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Who is Carl Nassib? All you need to know about the first openly gay player in the NFL
Carl Nassib, first openly gay player to play in NFL games (Getty Images) Carl Nassib's journey from NFL standout to history-maker just took another meaningful turn. His Raiders jersey will now be permanently displayed at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. 'I just want to take a quick moment to say that I'm gay,' Nassib had revealed in a heartfelt 2021 Instagram video. His courage not only broke barriers in the NFL but continues to inspire inclusion and acceptance nationwide. All about Carl Nassib, first openly gay player in the NFL Early life and background Born on April 12, 1993, in West Chester, Pennsylvania, Carl Paul Nassib grew up in a football-oriented family. Attended Malvern Preparatory School before enrolling at Penn State University, where he walked on to the football team. College Career Nassib started as a walk-on at Penn State, earning a scholarship and becoming a standout player. In 2015, his lone season as a starter, he led the NCAA with 15.5 sacks and won the Lombardi Award as the nation's top college lineman or linebacker. His performance showcased his work ethic and grit, traits he later emphasized as key to success in football regardless of personal identity. NFL career Selected by the Cleveland Browns in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft, Nassib played seven seasons across three teams: Cleveland Browns (2016–2017): Played two seasons, part of a challenging 0-16 season in 2017. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2018–2019, 2022): Had two stints, totaling three seasons. Las Vegas Raiders (2020–2021): Played two seasons, during which he made his historic announcement. Over 100 games, Nassib recorded 25.5 sacks, 187 tackles, 59 quarterback hits, four forced fumbles, and one interception. On September 13, 2021, in a Monday Night Football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Nassib made a game-changing strip-sack on quarterback Lamar Jackson in overtime, leading to a Raiders' 33-27 victory. This marked him as the first openly gay player to appear in an NFL regular-season game. Coming out and historic milestone On June 21, 2021, Nassib came out as gay via an Instagram video from his home in West Chester, Pennsylvania. He stated, 'I just want to take a quick moment to say that I'm gay. I've been meaning to do this for a while now, but I finally feel comfortable enough to get it off my chest.' He emphasized the importance of representation and visibility, hoping that coming out would one day be unnecessary. Carl Nassib opens up on his football journey & coming out as NFL's first Gay player| The Pivot Nassib revealed he agonized over the decision for 15 years, describing himself as a private person not seeking attention. A pivotal moment came during a conversation with his openly gay uncle, who was dying of cancer, which inspired Nassib to come out publicly to support others. A humorous incident during a 2020 game against the Browns, where players reacted negatively to Nassib using 'gay' as a derogatory term, also reassured him of allies in the NFL. His announcement was widely praised by the NFL, teammates, fans, and media. The NFL issued a statement supporting Nassib's courage and commitment to equality, and the Raiders matched his $100,000 donation to The Trevor Project, a nonprofit focused on suicide prevention for LGBTQ+ youth. While Michael Sam was the first openly gay player drafted by the NFL (St. Louis Rams, 2014), he never played in a regular-season game. Nassib's active participation set a new precedent, building on Sam's groundwork. Post-NFL career and legacy Nassib announced his retirement on September 6, 2023, calling it a 'bittersweet' moment. He shifted focus to his company, Rayze, a social media platform connecting volunteers with nonprofits, inspired by his volunteering experiences with the Buccaneers. Nassib has continued supporting The Trevor Project, including announcing a Cleveland Browns draft pick in 2024 alongside the organization's founder. He also works with the NFL on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, leveraging his unique perspective as an openly gay former player. On May 21, 2025, the Smithsonian National Museum of American History began displaying Nassib's No. 94 Raiders jersey from the 2021 Ravens game, recognizing his historic contribution to 'Athletic Achievement and Social Progress.' Nassib's coming out was a landmark for the NFL and men's professional sports, demonstrating that openly gay athletes could thrive without compromising their careers. Media analyses noted widespread support, suggesting a shift toward inclusive masculinity in sports. His visibility inspired others, including Jacksonville Jaguars assistant strength coach Kevin Maxen, who came out in 2023. Nassib's actions provided a model for future athletes, emphasizing personal authenticity and professional success. While Nassib remains the only NFL player to come out while active, his experience highlighted growing acceptance in sports, though challenges like homophobia persist. He expressed hope that more players would come out on their own terms. Nassib described football as a 'punishing industry' where work ethic, perseverance, and grit outweigh personal identity. He valued the NFL's support and aimed to foster a compassionate culture. Known for financial savvy, Nassib gained attention during HBO's Hard Knocks for advising teammates on savings, reflecting his practical approach to life. Carl Nassib's journey from a Penn State walk-on to an NFL trailblazer underscores his resilience and commitment to authenticity. His historic coming out in 2021, impactful play, and ongoing philanthropy through Rayze and The Trevor Project have cemented his legacy as a pioneer for LGBTQ+ visibility in sports. His Smithsonian recognition ensures his story will inspire future generations. Also Read: "Queens supporting queens": Fans go wild as Taylor Swift and Selena Gomez spotted having intense heart-to-heart during cozy dinner night out in NYC
USA Today
21-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Ex-Rams DT Aaron Donald named among the top-25 best college players since 2000
Ex-Rams DT Aaron Donald named among the top-25 best college players since 2000 The Los Angeles Rams drafted a generational player when they took Pittsburgh defensive lineman Aaron Donald with the No. 13 pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. Donald put together a likely Hall-of-Fame NFL career, but he was also one of the best college players of the past 25 seasons, according to The Athletic's Bruce Feldman. Feldman ranked Donald the No. 20 player on his top-25 college players since 2000 list. "Everything Donald was doing in the NFL for the Rams he first did for Pitt," Feldman wrote. "He had at least 16 tackles for loss in three consecutive seasons, capping his career by winning just about every college award a D-lineman can get in 2013: the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Chuck Bednarik Award, Outland Trophy and the Lombardi Award. "'His production was off the charts,' said NFL Network's Bucky Brooks, a former NFL scout. 'It was ridiculous for a D-tackle to have that kind of stuff. He dominated.' "In all, his 67 tackles for loss lead all defensive tackles in the 2000s." Donald finished his collegiate career with 29.5 sacks, 67 tackles for a loss and six forced fumbles. Those are impressive numbers over just 51 games, but they paled in comparison to his NFL production. Donald totaled 111 sacks, 176 tackles for a loss and 24 forced fumbles in 154 career games over 10 seasons. His work led to a Pro Bowl selection in all 10 seasons as well as eight first-time All-Pro teams and three Defensive Player of the Year awards. While this was a college-only list, Donald proved that his production at that level led directly to his NFL dominance.
USA Today
09-05-2025
- Business
- USA Today
Kelvin Banks, Jr. signs four-year contract worth $27.7 million with Saints
Kelvin Banks, Jr. signs four-year contract worth $27.7 million with Saints Kelvin Banks, Jr. set to cash in major signing bonus. The New Orleans Saints have signed first-round draft pick Kelvin Banks Jr. to a four-year contract worth $27.73 million, securing the former Texas Longhorns standout as a cornerstone of their offensive line. Banks, selected ninth overall in the 2025 NFL Draft at Lambeau Field, is set to receive a fully guaranteed contract that includes a signing bonus of approximately $16.8 million, slightly above the projected slot value for his draft position. The deal underscores the Saints' commitment to fortifying their offensive front after a 5-12 season, their worst since 2005. A 6-foot-5, 315-pound left tackle, Banks arrives in New Orleans after a decorated college career. He started all 42 games during his three seasons at Texas, earning the 2024 Outland Trophy as the nation's top interior lineman and the Lombardi Award, while twice being named SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week. Banks' consistency and versatility made him one of the top offensive line prospects in the draft, with scouts projecting him as an immediate impact starter at either tackle or guard. 'I'll play wherever they put me,' Banks said after being drafted. 'If I'm one of the best five linemen on the field and I get an opportunity to go out there and start and to earn that right, then I'm going to play wherever they put me'. Banks, a native of Humble, Texas, was a five-star recruit out of Summer Creek High School and started at left tackle as a true freshman for the Longhorns. Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian praised Banks' reliability and mental makeup, calling him 'a premier tackle in the NFL'
CBS News
29-04-2025
- Sport
- CBS News
Detroit maintains record for number of people attending NFL draft
One year after hosting the 2024 NFL draft, Detroit remains the most attended city in the three-day event. According to the NFL, 600,000 people attended this year's draft in Green Bay, Wisconsin, which is fewer than the 700,000 fans who flooded downtown Detroit last year. Before Detroit, the record was 600,000, set at the 2019 draft in Nashville. Months after the draft, officials said the city reported $213.6 million in revenue, with $161.3 million of the revenue coming from visitors traveling to Southeast Michigan. More than 60% of the $161.3 million remained in the Detroit region as household incomes, business owners and tax revenues. Pittsburgh will host next year's draft. Who did the Lions select in the 2025 draft? The Detroit Lions had seven picks in the draft, focusing on building their defensive and offensive lines after being plagued with injuries in the 2024 season. The Lions, with a 15-2 record, earned the No. 28 pick in the first round of the draft. The team earned the No. 1 spot in the NFC playoffs, advancing to the divisional round, but struggled to produce a win, losing to the Washington Commanders. Here are the players selected by the Lions this year: Tyleik Williams, Pick No. 28: Defensive tackle Tyleik Williams from Ohio State was the Lions' first-round pick Thursday night. The Virginia native earned third-team All-Big Ten honors. Williams started 13 games in the 2024 season for the Buckeyes, who recently won the national championship. At Ohio State, Williams's career included 136 tackles, 27 tackles for losses totaling 97 yards, 11.5 quarterback sacks, 10 pass break-ups, and four quarterback hurries. Tate Ratledge, Pick No. 57: Offensive guard Tate Ratledge from Georgia was selected as the 27th pick (57th overall) in the second round of the NFL draft. The pick came after the Lions traded from 28th to 25th in the second round. Ratledge was a third-team Associated Press All-American and a first-team All-SEC in the 2024 season. Standing at 6 feet 6 inches tall, the Georgia native appeared in 10 games, starting nine of them last year. He was named SEC Co-Offensive Line Player of the Week and was on the watch lists for the Lombardi Award, Senior Bowl and Outland Trophy. Isaac TeSlaa, Pick No. 70: After trading with the Jacksonville Jaguars in the third round, the Detroit Lions selected wide receiver Isaac TeSlaa as the 70th overall pick. The Hudsonville, Michigan, native attended Arkansas, where he played all 13 games with five starts in the 2024 season. At 6-foot-4, he collected an Arkansas career-best with 120 receiving yards on five receptions, including a 75-yard touchdown on the opening drive against Texas A&M in 2024. TeSlaa's receiving yards were the ninth-most in the history of the Southwest Classic (Arkansas–Texas A&M football rivalry). Miles Frazier, Pick No. 171: After trading with the New England Patriots in the fifth round, the Lions drafted guard Miles Frazier with the 171st overall pick. A three-year starter at LSU, Frazier began his career at Florida International, where he was a freshman All-American. Frazier was a Joe Moore Award finalist in 2023. At 6-foot-6, 317 pounds, Frazier started 12 games at right guard in 2024 and played at right tackle in the Texas Bowl. The Patriots received the 182nd and 228th overall picks in the trade. Ahmed Hassanein, Pick No. 196: Edge Ahmed Hassanein was selected with the 20th pick (196th overall) in the sixth round of the NFL draft. In 2024, Hassanein led Boise State with 15.5 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks. The 6-foot-2, 267-pounder ranked third in the FBS in quarterback hits (17) and fifth in total pressures generated (62) in 2024. He tallied 48 total tackles as a senior. A two-time first-team All-Mountain West Conference, Hassanein is the first player from Egypt to play in the FBS. Dan Jackson, Pick No. 230: Georgia safety Dan Jackson was taken with the 14th pick (230th overall) in the seventh round. A third-team All-SEC selection in 2024, Jackson appeared in 14 games, with 13 starts. The 5-foot-11, 194-pounder totaled 64 tackles, two interceptions, three pass breakups, a forced fumble and a blocked kick as a senior. Dominic Lovett, Pick No. 244: The Georgia wide receiver was taken with the 28th pick (244th overall) in the seventh round. Lovett led the Bulldogs in 2024 with 59 receptions and six touchdowns. The 5-foot-10, 185-pounder appeared in all 14 games for Georgia last season and spent the first two years of his career at Missouri.
