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an hour ago
- Entertainment
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Five-time GRAMMY nominee to headline Downtown Rescue Mission's 50th anniversary celebration
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) — The Downtown Rescue Mission announced its headliner for its 50th anniversary celebration. The Mission announced that five-time GRAMMY nominee and award-winning Christian artist Matthew West will headline the celebration on September 16 at the Von Braun Center Saturn Ballroom. The celebration marks the rescue mission's 50 years of ministry and service to help the homeless in North Alabama and surrounding communities. The event is said to feature two ticketed events: A lunch featuring comedian Mike Williams and a dinner with a special performance by West and more entertainment from Williams. 'This is a celebration of fifty years of lives being transformed,' Jonathan Walsh, Executive Vice President of Development, said. 'Having Matthew West join us is special because his music reflects the themes of redemption and hope that align with the Mission's purpose. It brings visibility to the cause we've worked toward since 1975.' All proceeds of the event will benefit the rescue mission to help provide shelter, meals and recovery programs for those in the community. Below are the ticket and table sponsorship prices: Lunch (11 a.m. through 1 p.m.) — $120 Dinner (6 p.m. through 9 p.m.) —$150 Table sponsorships — from $800-$1,000 For tickets and more information, you can visit Downtown Rescue Mission's website here. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to
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2 days ago
- Sport
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Mike Williams' abrupt retirement has Chargers searching for a wideout to fill a big hole
EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — A week into the Los Angeles Chargers' training camp, an unexpected hole has quickly become a coaching staff and front-office focal point. It's a void that measures 6-foot-4 and 220 pounds, was previously inhabited by veteran wideout Mike Williams, and now needs a sizable presence to step into an opportunity. That was the primary takeaway after visiting Chargers camp Saturday, just days after Williams abruptly retired on the first day of practice and pushed the franchise to start mulling limited options. It's a roster concern that exacerbates an early — but somewhat typical — camp theme for many teams: The defense is ahead of the offense; the installation process is just now getting traction; and conversations are intensifying behind closed doors about roster questions that will need to be answered from inside the current depth chart or supplemented with an outside addition. For the Chargers, nothing represents that reality more than the starting 'X' receiver spot, which not only lost Williams' prototypical size and strength at the position, but also his baked-in chemistry with quarterback Justin Herbert, whom Williams played with from 2020 to 2023. All of that drove Los Angeles to reunite with Williams in free agency last March, bringing some important depth and options to the position alongside rising young star Ladd McConkey. Unfortunately, with Williams battling lingering health issues from the spring, the reliable free-agent signing ended up being the least reliable development in the first week of camp. 'Nothing's shocking to me — I was definitely disappointed, though,' Chargers offensive coordinator Greg Roman said of Williams' retirement. 'I really enjoyed my time with Mike. I've watched him throughout the years, obviously coming out of the draft and watched him flourish here over the years. … I don't know that it changes things a lot. You know, you lose a Mike Williams, that is what it is. It's not easily replaceable. But we like where everybody is going. We like the guys we have. We've just got to work to keep getting better. I like the trajectory we're on.' [Get more Chargers news: Bolts team feed] So what now? Well, a few things are in play. First and foremost, the Chargers have the option on the table of adding one of the free-agent wideouts who are currently waiting for the right opportunity to open. Among them are former Chargers star Keenan Allen, who makes the most sense given that he's still productive and has also played with Herbert, as well as veterans Amari Cooper and Gabe Davis. All would be expected to be bargain price options at this stage. Even with the veteran options on the table, the Chargers seem intent on getting a good look at other players who could step in and potentially replace Williams in the aggregate. Third-year receiver Quentin Johnston faces a referendum of sorts this season, despite growing in production during his first two seasons with the Chargers. Coming off a rough performance in a playoff loss to the Houston Texans, Johnston is going to have to showcase more consistency and reliability across the course of the season if he's going to develop into the bona fide No. 2 next to McConkey. He'll also now have to contend with a pair of rookies who are already stalking opportunities to take a bite out of the snaps opened up by Williams' departure: second-round pick Tre Harris, who has already flashed some of the big-play ability he showcased at Ole Miss, and fifth-round pick KeAndre Lambert-Smith, whose top-tier speed and early groove with Herbert already has the coaching staff and front office excited. Barring a free-agent signing or trade, one or more of that trio is going to get a slew of snaps to help fill the gap left by Williams' departure. The only question now is who steps up from one day to the next to earn the trust of Roman and head coach Jim Harbaugh. Other notes from Chargers camp Putting together a preseason watch list for my All-Pro vote, the Chargers' brass advanced two of their youngest players: wideout Ladd McConkey and right tackle Joe Alt. Interestingly, one member of the braintrust said McConkey's superb rookie season is not perceived as anything close to his ceiling internally. One thing that has the staff buzzing? McConkey opens camp a little bigger and stronger than anticipated. While it's not via a big weight gain, the staff noted that McConkey is visibly stronger. As for Alt, the Chargers think he and a healthy Mekhi Becton could form one of the better right guard/right tackle duos in the league this season. The team is also confident that Alt could swing to left tackle if injuries necessitate it, making him one of the most versatile young anchor tackles in football. How much did the Chargers like wideout Tre Harris in the draft? I was told that while running back Omarion Hampton was the team's target with the 22nd overall pick, there was a trade-back scenario that could have come into play if Hampton had come off the board board early. While there were various options on the table, if Hampton was gone by No. 22, the Chargers would have entertained moving to the bottom of the first round (likely to the Philadelphia Eagles' original pick at No. 32), where they would have been comfortable taking Harris to close out the first round. Instead, they got Hampton and then white-knuckled Harris making it all the way to the 55th overall pick in the second round. Another rookie to watch this season: fifth-round tight end Oronde Gadsden II, who a team source says has made strides getting stronger and bigger only a few months since the draft. Despite players like Sam LaPorta and Brock Bowers popping as rookies in recent years, tight ends usually have a slow build in terms of production. But Gadsden has already had flashes in camp as a receiver and could factor more than expected as the season moves along.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
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With Mike Williams gone, Quentin Johnston confident he can deliver for Chargers
They lost a cherished teammate hours before they started training camp. But the Chargers receivers knew just what to do when they heard of Mike Williams' sudden retirement. 'At this point [we're] just treating it like the next man up,' receiver Quentin Johnston said. 'Him leaving was unexpected, but at the same time, we just gotta fill in the blank and keep moving.' Williams' sudden departure has left an already questionable receiver group with even more to prove. The 6-foot-4 receiver was coming off one of the worst seasons of his career but was still expected to add a familiar, trustworthy face for quarterback Justin Herbert. When it came to winning 50-50 balls, Williams was one of the best ever, offensive coordinator Greg Roman said. Read more: Chargers' Mike Williams retires from football: 'You can't really replace a guy like that' And in a group that was led by a standout rookie last year, the 30-year-old Williams was a much-needed veteran presence. 'It's not easily replaceable,' Roman said. 'But we like where everybody's going. We like the guys we have, we just gotta work, keep getting better.' Star receiver Ladd McConkey is already leading the way. Despite a record-setting rookie season, McConkey has already tweaked small details that could result in big improvements in his second season, Roman said. The former Georgia star's work ethic already sets the tone: Roman walked by the receivers room at the Chargers' practice facility Saturday morning and saw McConkey sitting alone studying Friday's practice film. But who will step up after McConkey? After his drop-plagued 2023 rookie season, Johnston improved drastically last year when he caught 55 passes for 711 yards receiving and a team-high eight touchdowns. But even the jump in production hasn't quieted some critics who remain disappointed in the former first-round pick. With Williams' departure, Johnston could take an even bigger leap. Encouraged by the support of his teammates and coaches, he said his confidence is at an all-time high. 'I got what it takes to still be here,' Johnston said. 'I just gotta go out there and prove that every day.' Rookie Tre' Harris can push Johnston on the outside. The 6-foot-3 Mississippi alumnus delivers some of the same traits as Williams, but Roman has started Harris in a role that more mirrors how former Chargers receiver Joshua Palmer played. Palmer, who signed with the Buffalo Bills in free agency, had 584 yards receiving and one touchdown on 39 catches last season. Harris, who caught 114 passes for 2,015 yards receiving and 15 touchdowns in two seasons at Mississippi after beginning his career at Louisiana Tech, insists to coaches he can play any position. But Roman is mindful to not overload the second-round pick, especially after he missed several days of training camp because of a contract dispute. Harris reported to training camp Friday, one day after the whole team, but nearly a week behind quarterbacks and other rookies who reported July 12. Read more: 'The Harbaugh way': Even practice jerseys are a source of pride 'It was music to my ears when I heard that he signed and he was getting in,' Roman said. 'It's so important for young receivers to be in camp. There's been so many different adjustments, it's just a different game. So far he's been outstanding. A really smart guy. On top of everything. … Attention to detail, technique, really excited for him. So far, so good.' Harris was a focal point of his first practice Friday, becoming a frequent target in team and seven-on-seven periods. Receiver Jalen Reagor kept a close eye on the rookie as the sixth-year, former first-round pick shouted instructions on which routes to run. They often huddled on the sideline after plays. Reagor is on his third team after the Philadelphia Eagles drafted him in 2020. Not only is he the Chargers' most experienced receiver, he remains a reliable option outside with his versatility and speed. 'He does everything really well,' Herbert said. 'I think he's one of those guys, whether it's the quick game, whether it's the intermediate stuff or the deep balls like that, he's definitely fast enough to be able to take the top off and he's such a great route runner. He's able to beat man coverage and another guy that you feel comfortable going to whether it's zone or man, just finds a way to get open.' Rookie KeAndre Lambert-Smith sustained an undisclosed injury during the spring, but is back to full speed for training camp, Roman said. The Chargers loaded up on offensive firepower during the draft, adding two rookie receivers and tight end Oronde Gadsden, a converted wide receiver who could add more lift to the passing offense. The additions appeared to be a signal from the front office that Johnston had to take another step forward in his career to maintain his place on the team. But like the leaping touchdown pass he caught over his shoulder during Friday's practice, Johnston took it all in stride. 'Water off a duck's back,' wide receivers coach Sanjay Lal said during the spring. 'I haven't seen anything. I told him he's a starter because he is and he's operating that way.' Etc. Left tackle Rashawn Slater took a rest day during Saturday's practice, Roman said. With right guard Mekhi Becton still celebrating his Super Bowl ring, right tackle Joe Alt shifted to the left in place of Slater, Trey Pipkins III subbed in at right tackle and Jamaree Salyer stepped in at right guard. Despite starting at right guard last year, Pipkins isn't a top contender for a starting spot at left guard, where Bradley Bozeman and Zion Johnson have rotated during the offseason. Pipkins instead will be a swing tackle option off the bench, coach Jim Harbaugh said. … Running back Raheim Sanders missed a second consecutive day of practice Saturday. Get the best, most interesting and strangest stories of the day from the L.A. sports scene and beyond from our newsletter The Sports Report. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
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4 days ago
- Sport
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Ex-Steelers wide receiver announces retirement on Day 1 of training camp
In a shocking turn of events, a former Steelers wide receiver has announced his retirement from the NFL at age 30. On Thursday, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that ex-Steelers wideout Mike Williams, who signed with the Los Angeles Chargers this offseason, retired on Day 1 of training camp. "Sources: Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams' agent, Tory Dandy, informed the team last night that, after eight seasons, his client is retiring from the NFL," Schefter wrote on X. "Williams walks away from the game at age 30." Williams was traded from the Jets to the Steelers in November 2024, and despite showing promise in Pittsburgh's offense, he ultimately finished his Steel City tenure with just nine receptions, 132 receiving yards, and one touchdown in nine games. He was one of the most underrated 50/50 wide receivers in the league, and his surprising retirement leaves a solid final career stat line of 330 receptions, 5,104 receiving yards, and 32 touchdowns in 106 games. For up-to-date Steelers coverage, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like. This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Former Steelers WR retires on Day 1 of Chargers training camp
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
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Ex-Steelers wide receiver announces retirement on Day 1 of training camp
In a shocking turn of events, a former Steelers wide receiver has announced his retirement from the NFL at age 30. On Thursday, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that ex-Steelers wideout Mike Williams, who signed with the Los Angeles Chargers this offseason, retired on Day 1 of training camp. "Sources: Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams' agent, Tory Dandy, informed the team last night that, after eight seasons, his client is retiring from the NFL," Schefter wrote on X. "Williams walks away from the game at age 30." Williams was traded from the Jets to the Steelers in November 2024, and despite showing promise in Pittsburgh's offense, he ultimately finished his Steel City tenure with just nine receptions, 132 receiving yards, and one touchdown in nine games. He was one of the most underrated 50/50 wide receivers in the league, and his surprising retirement leaves a solid final career stat line of 330 receptions, 5,104 receiving yards, and 32 touchdowns in 106 games. For up-to-date Steelers coverage, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like. This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Former Steelers WR retires on Day 1 of Chargers training camp
