Latest news with #LombardiTrophy
The Herald Scotland
9 hours ago
- Sport
- The Herald Scotland
Browns' new helmets create latest headline in offseason full of them
"As the kings of keeping things clean, we're here to back the Browns as they embrace a bold new look this season - with the launch of their all-brown alternate helmets," said Ryan Meegan, co-founder and CMO of DUDE Wipes. "We're pumped to team up with the Browns for one of the most iconic helmet reveals the league has ever seen." Alright, pal. It's a helmet. And an(other) ugly one, devoid of the creativity which would likely be quite welcomed in an alternate uniform. And based on online fan reaction, seems like most of them think the "Alpha Dawg" looks like, well, you know. There's more. Per the Browns, "as the presenting sponsor of 'Alpha Dawg,' DUDE WIPES initiated a one-of-its-kind stunt on Lake Erie with a covered object on a 20-foot barge 100 yards offshore from Huntington Bank Field (Tuesday). Following the announcement of the alternate helmets today, the object was unveiled to be a large inflatable DUDE WIPES x Browns brown helmet to help bolster excitement for fans." Have a look ... An even better angle lol — ThatsGoodSports (@BrandonPerna) July 23, 2025 (This Lake Erie mishap occurred seven years after former coach Hue Jackson took a plunge into its waters to fulfill a promise after the team's 0-16 2017 season.) As you might imagine - and you don't need an active imagination - the internet has taken it from there, and one can probably guess which direction the digital conversation has taken. As for the fan "excitement?" Harder to find. But you've got to hand it to the Browns. Has any team coming off a 3-14 season ever generated this many headlines in an offseason? (And, for the record, these are also the same self-proclaimed alpha dawgs who have played more seasons - 56 - than any team, save the Detroit Lions, without reaching a Super Bowl.) First, their best guy, 2023 Defensive Player of the Year Myles Garrett, kicked off the week leading up to Super Bowl 59 by requesting a trade after eight ringless years. Garrett even composed something of a goodbye letter, writing: "As a kid dreaming of the NFL, all I focused on was the ultimate goal of winning a Super Bowl - and that goal fuels me today more than ever. "My love for the community of Northeast Ohio and the incredible fanbase of the Cleveland Browns has made this one of the toughest decisions of my life. These past eight years have shaped me into the man that I am today. ... While I've loved calling this city my home, my desire to win and compete on the biggest stages won't allow me to be complacent. The goal was never to go from Cleveland to Canton, it has always been to compete for and win a Super Bowl. "With that in mind, I have requested to be traded from the Cleveland Browns." Six weeks later, Garrett signed a $40-million-a-year contract extension, the club's mud money evidently slaking his thirst for a Lombardi Trophy. Don't be surprised if it's a decision both parties regret in time. A few weeks later, owner Jimmy Haslam copped to the mistake that set the organization on fire, a la the Cuyahoga River ... as if the rest of the world couldn't see the folly of the 2022 trade for dirtbag quarterback Deshaun Watson, whom Haslam doubled down on with a fully guaranteed, five-year, $230 million contract. "We took a big swing and miss with Deshaun," Haslam said at the league's spring meeting in late March. "We thought we had the quarterback, we didn't and we gave up a lot of draft picks to get him. So we've got to dig ourselves out of that hole. (It) was an entire organization decision and it ends with Dee and I, so hold us accountable." Give him credit for the mea culpa, and there are certainly plenty of owners in the league who wouldn't have offered one. It came three years after Haslam and his wife were supportive of Watson, who also cost the Browns three first-round draft picks, despite his rampantly lurid behavior at Houston-area massage parlors that led to two dozen lawsuits and an 11-game suspension from the NFL, which also mandated that Watson undergo evaluation and counseling. His acquisition caused many supporters to turn in their fan cards and also necessitated the trade of incumbent quarterback Baker Mayfield, a Pro Bowler the past two seasons for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Then came the draft. Oh, the draft. After GM Andrew Berry had sent unmistakable signals - perhaps smoke signals - in the days leading up to it that he'd likely draft dual threat Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter with the No. 2 overall pick, once he got on the clock, he instead traded it to the Jacksonville Jaguars. Some Browns fans were as aghast at the decision as they were upon seeing those Alpha Dawg helmets. Others applauded Berry for picking up a Round 2 choice plus a first-rounder in 2026 while only having to move down from No. 2 to No. 5 this year. The jury will get a few years to render its verdict, but the deliberations will continue in the interim. Yet even that blockbuster was mere prelude to Cleveland's involvement in the 2025 draft's overarching plotline: the free fall of Colorado quarterback Shedeur Sanders ... which ended when the Browns took him in the fifth round with the 144th overall selection. Neither Berry nor head coach Kevin Stefanski looked thrilled by the Sanders pick once it was made based on their on-camera reactions provided by draft telecasts. Berry claimed Day 3 fatigue was to blame, while Stefanski said that the video didn't truly align with the selection in real time. Still, they seemed far more exuberant in the moment about the quarterback they took 50 spots earlier, Oregon's Dillon Gabriel. (A word about Stefanski and Berry. The former is a two-time Coach of the Year. The latter has constructed two playoff teams - in Cleveland no less - despite being stripped of all those first-rounders by the Watson deal, a transaction both he and Stefanski seemed to endure through gritted teeth as it was being hailed by Haslam in 2022. Makes you wonder if taking Sanders was their idea.) Whew. Since then, it's been pretty quiet. (Not really.) Stefanski announced he'd be conducting a competition between former Super Bowl MVP Joe Flacco, veteran Kenny Pickett, Gabriel and Sanders to find his starting quarterback for 2025 - a four-way battle at pro sports' most important position that, cough, typically happens with most NFL teams in a given year. Sanders was ticketed twice for excessive speeding in Ohio. Fellow rookie Quinshon Judkins was arrested on a misdemeanor domestic violence and battery charge, and the team is now waiting to sign him. Hall of Famer Charles Woodson joined the Browns' ownership group as a limited partner. Ohio governor Mike DeWine signed a budget infusing Haslam's plan for a new suburban stadium with $600 million. Just last week, the Browns even helped high school flag football for girls become sanctioned as a sport in Ohio - and, hey, give them deserved credit where it's due, like in this instance. But not Wednesday, when ... brown crowns. If you believe the cliche that there's no such thing as bad publicity, then the Browns are a burgeoning buzz dynasty. Yet despite all the attention they've generated in recent months, they're likely headed for another last-place finish that will (again) leave them well short of the Super Bowl and quite possibly looking for yet another quarterback in 2026. In time, maybe Stefanski and Berry can elevate the on-field product to a level on par with the team's PR acumen. It's just going to take perseverance and a little luck. But until then? (DUDE) wipe, rinse and repeat. All NFL news on and off the field. Sign up for USA TODAY's 4th and Monday newsletter.
USA Today
14 hours ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Roku lands broadcast deal to deliver the Eagles' definitive Super Bowl story
Roku secures a deal with NFL Films and Dan Silver's BD4 to release the Eagles' definitive Super Bowl documentary. If you're like most, you have probably already spent more money than you planned to on Philadelphia Eagles Super Bowl memorabilia. Oh well... You only live once. We waited a long time for that first Lombardi Trophy in 2018, and now we have seen the Birds win two. Why not live a little? Why not party like rock stars? Philly has turned the page and is now looking ahead to another season. It took a while, but they finally received their Super Bowl rings. Wouldn't you know it? Jalen Hurts has no plans of wearing his. Oh well... Maybe, once his playing days are over, he can enjoy another cigar, kick his feet up, and enjoy some of his accomplishments. That doesn't mean the rest of us can't enjoy that celebration a bit longer, though. Fans and the media can look as far ahead or as far back as they want. They won't be suiting up for any games this year. NFL Films will partner with Roku to release the Eagles' Super Bowl documentary Here's something of note. The Hollywood Reporter shared an exclusive on the first day of Eagles training camp. Roku, NFL Films, and Dan Silver's BD4 are partnering to release Super Bowl Champions: The 2024 Philadelphia Eagles. This is a documentary described as the "definitive" documentary about the 2024-25 championship-winning season. 'We are excited to produce the definitive story of the Philadelphia Eagles' incredible 2024 season, which culminated with a victory in Super Bowl LIX. We thank Dan Silver and BD4 for bringing this film to a tremendous partner in the Roku Channel, and we look forward to sharing the Eagles' championship run with their audience.' Those were the words of Jessica Boddy, NFL Films vice president of commercial operations and business affairs. Roku's head of sports, Joe Franzetta, states the following. "We're thrilled to be the home for 'Super Bowl Champions The 2024 Philadelphia Eagles' and can't wait to give our users an exclusive look into the Philadelphia Eagles' unforgettable season. Roku Sports aims to create personalized viewing experiences for fans with their favorite teams and leagues, so we're excited to use the power of our platform to connect audiences with this tremendous NFL Films and BD4 documentary." The documentary debuts on Friday, July 25. No die-hard football fan needs a lecture on the fantastic job NFL Films does. The release, at the time of this story's release, is still a ways away, and it feels like this one will be worthy of Oscar consideration. Buckle up. Mark those calendars. This one should be a fun watch.
USA Today
15 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Minnesota Vikings training camp Day 1 medical updates: OL remains the focus
The Vikings roster has reported to Eden Prairie, and as a result, they have started their journey into the 2025 season. It starts at home in Minnesota, but they hope it ends on the road in Santa Clara, where they have a chance to raise the Lombardi Trophy for the first time. The worst part of football, especially during training camp, is waiting for injury updates as they occur or as players attempt to return from injuries sustained the previous season. In the case of the Vikings, they had to battle the injury bug more than they did any divisional opponent. It will make monitoring injuries throughout camp a big part of our coverage here on Vikings Wire over the next couple of weeks. After day one, the stars on offense who are fighting their way back dominated the news cycle, though Kevin O'Connell and the players offered updates on most who were dealing with injuries.
USA Today
15 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Vikings training camp notebook, day 1: McCarthy gets unleashed, Metellus practices
Airing it out to Addison 🎯 The Vikings roster has reported to Eden Prairie, and as a result, they have started their journey into the 2025 season. It starts at home in Minnesota, but they hope it ends on the road in Santa Clara, where they have a chance to raise the Lombardi Trophy for the first time. Kwesi Adofo-Mensah and Kevin O'Connell have new extensions, as do their assistants and coordinators. J.J. McCarthy is finally healthy and ready to take over the controls of a franchise that trusted him enough to stick with him when so many other options presented themselves. All in all, the coaching staff remains essentially unchanged, while the roster sees some position groups infused with youth and talent to solidify them. The first day of training camp has wrapped, though, for the team, and there is a lot to break down. We did our best to decide what was worth sharing and discussing, as a lot happened, we narrowed it down to three key points. Of course, we rounded up some quick hitters as well for your enjoyment. J.J. McCarthy gets unleashed The long-awaited return of J.J. McCarthy was finally unveiled to everyone in a much more competitive setting as the Minnesota Vikings opened training camp on Wednesday. After not seeing im in any clips or meaningful reps since last August, the team wasted no time in letting everyone know what is waiting for them in 2025. Every media member present at practice posted about the legendary throw made by McCarthy to Jordan Addison that resulted in a 60-yard touchdown. While no one was able to post the clip, the team did everyone a favor, as we can see above. It will be the first of many we see over the next couple of weeks, and in the process, the excitement to see McCarthy against the Texans on August 9 will grow. Joshua Metellus was a full participant Joshua Metellus is entering the final year of his contract with the Vikings, and to say he has outperformed it would be an understatement. The veteran safety has become a fan favorite both on and off the field, thanks to his play and social media presence. Despite all of that, it remained up in the air if he would test fans' loyalties by doing a hold-in for the first day of training camp, where he would be present but not participate with the team. While several players have achieved success during recent training camps by doing this, Metelluss walks to the beat of his own drum, and that means he is going to play. The veteran safety was available for everything the team needed in camp on Wednesday, and it resulted in him assuming the role of starting safety opposite Harrison Smith. The team has made it clear they want to make him a part of their future, so a contract is coming. Perhaps he is increasing his value in the meantime by practicing despite the lack of financial security. Defense in mid-season form The defense thrived in its playmaking ability in 2024, whether it was getting after the quarterback or forcing turnovers, they made it happen. Brian Flores benefits from having the majority of his defense returning in 2025, with some new pieces sprinkled in, such as Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave. They lost some key pieces in the secondary, such as Camryn Bynum and Stephon Gilmore, but all in all, they are set heading into camp. They proved their readiness for the new season during the first practice, scoring not one, but two defensive touchdowns. The first came on the first pass of the day when linebacker Ivan Pace Jr intercepted Sam Howell. That was followed up by a patented Gink 6 when Andrew Van Ginkel picked off a screen pass from Brett Rypien and returned it for a touchdown. To say the defense is in mid-season form may be an understatement, though. Quick hitters
USA Today
17 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Bucs training camp Day 1 medical updates: No timetable for stars on offense
The Bucs roster has reported to Tampa Bay, and as a result, they have started their journey into the 2025 season. It starts at home in Tampa Bay, but they hope it ends on the road in Santa Clara, where they have a chance to raise the Lombardi Trophy for the second time in five years. The worst part of football, especially during training camp, is waiting for injury updates as they occur or as players attempt to return from injuries sustained the previous season. In the case of the Bucs, they had to battle the injury bug more than they did any divisional opponent. It will make monitoring injuries throughout camp a big part of our coverage here on Bucs Wire over the next couple of weeks. After day one, the stars on offense who are fighting their way back dominated the news cycle, though Todd Bowles offered updates on most Bucs players who were dealing with injuries.
