Latest news with #MondayNightFootball
Hindustan Times
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Hindustan Times
Peyton Manning shares key Bill Belichick update that might disappoint fans
Peyton Manning shared some news that may disappoint football fans. Bill Belichick will not be returning to ManningCast for the 2025 NFL season. Belichick, a six-time Super Bowl champion, was a weekly guest on the show in 2024. He joined after leaving the New England Patriots and gave fans smart and honest football analysis. Many viewers loved his coaching stories and dry sense of humor. Now, Belichick has a new full-time job. He's the head coach of the North Carolina Tar Heels football team. That means he's too busy to be on TV every week. Also Read: NFL's innovative Toy Story Funday Football brings animated magic to Sunday's Falcons vs. Jaguars game Peyton confirmed the news during the Memorial Tournament pro-am, where he played golf with Nick Saban and Steph Curry. "Obviously, [Belichick] seems busy right now coaching college football," Peyton told 97.1 The Fan. "So, he won't be back this year. He'll be hard to replace, like, I thought his insight was great." ManningCast, which started in 2021, is part of Monday Night Football on ESPN. It's made by Peyton's company, Omaha Productions. He co-hosts the show with his brother, Eli Manning. The show mixes game analysis with jokes and fun interviews with famous guests. Belichick added a serious football voice to the mix during the 2024 season. Now that Belichick is gone, the show will go back to having different guests each week. "We'll try to probably go back to, kind of, rotating guests and, you know, having coaches and players, which I always like their insight," Peyton explained. "But also the actors and musicians that, you know, the common criteria to be a guest is you gotta love football. And I love, and Eli and I both love, being around people who love football as much as we do in all different walks of life." Belichick recently signed a five-year deal to coach the Tar Heels. It's his first college coaching job in many years. He is now focused on recruiting, building his coaching staff, and leading North Carolina in the ACC. Peyton didn't rule out Belichick coming back someday. But for now, he's fully focused on his new team. ManningCast will return for its fifth season on Monday, September 8, when the Minnesota Vikings play the Chicago Bears.
Time of India
14 hours ago
- 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
New York Times
15 hours ago
- Business
- New York Times
Vikings' sneakiest big move of the offseason? The late-night trade for RB Jordan Mason
The game had just ended, and here Jordan Mason came, weaving through the tunnels toward the San Francisco 49ers' locker room. A massive 'SC Top 10' pendant dangled from his neck. One of the television cameramen filming this walk lobbed a question: 'How does it feel? Week 1, and you got the dub.' 'I feel great, man,' Mason responded. 'I feel blessed. I've been working for this moment.' Advertisement Next to him, a teammate hollered, 'That boy a dog!' The camera panned to future Hall of Fame tackle Trent Williams, who was minutes removed from an on-field interview filled with praise of Mason. Last fall, the third-year running back started the regular-season opener in the place of the injured Christian McCaffrey. Mason posted 147 rushing yards on 'Monday Night Football' against the New York Jets. Williams swore it wasn't a fluke, and the next week validated his opinion. Jordan Mason in his first career start ⬇️ 147 Rushing Yards 5.3 Yards per Rush 3.2 Yards Before Contact per Rush 3.1 Yards After Contact per Rush 1 Rushing TD % of Rushes for 5+ Yards: 50% — The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) September 10, 2024 The 49ers flew to Minnesota and squared off against one of the NFL's best defenses. San Francisco lost that afternoon to the Vikings, but Mason made an impression. He ran for 100 yards on 20 carries, pressing the edge constantly, then hop-stepping his way into cuts in ways that had the Vikings players and staff raving about the performance afterward in the locker room. Who is that dude? Where did he come from? Why hasn't anyone heard of him until now? It's no wonder the Vikings sprang at the opportunity to trade for him in March. Minnesota finalized the move late Saturday night after a whale of a week to open free agency. The team had spent more than $100 million on new players for the trenches, and rightfully, the signings of guard Will Fries, center Ryan Kelly and defensive tackles Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave occupied the headlines (along with the quarterback conversation). The Vikings didn't need to spend meaningful resources on another running back. They had re-signed veteran Aaron Jones, and the NFL Draft class provided plenty of intriguing prospects. If Mason, then a restricted free agent, had not surfaced as a possible option, the Vikings would've likely prioritized a late-round running back. His availability intrigued Minnesota's brass for reasons beyond his performance in Week 2. Advertisement First, there are the advanced statistics. Next Gen Stats developed a metric using player-tracking data to assess the degree to which running backs generate more yards than expected. In 2024, Derrick Henry ranked first, followed by Saquon Barkley. Who trailed them at No. 3? Mason. He forced missed tackles at a rate comparable to Henry. His rushing yards after contact reside among the league's best. Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has said that running back production is about as difficult to parse as at any position. The ground game hinges on offensive line success. Scheme and run-game design are integral, too. However, Mason checks all the data boxes to determine the future impact. Then there's everything else — the answers to these questions: Who is that dude? Where'd he come from? Why hasn't anyone heard of him until now? It seems impossible these days, but some talent still slips through the cracks. Maybe evaluators are too focused on speed over feel. Maybe coaches rely too heavily on prospect camps. Mason grew up in the heart of the South, about 30 minutes north of Nashville. Yet for a time, the only Division I college offer he received came from the University of Texas-San Antonio. Andy McCollum, who in the late 2010s recruited small-town Tennessee high schools for Georgia Tech, couldn't understand. He pulled Mason out of a cooking class at Gallatin High. Mason 'yes, sir'-ed his way through questions in the hallway. Teachers later confirmed that the well-mannered youngster was a solid student in addition to his exceptional football abilities. McCollum relayed the report to then-Georgia Tech head coach Paul Johnson, who peppered him. 'Who else is recruiting him?' Johnson asked McCollum. 'Well, nobody.' 'Why not? What's wrong with him?' 'Nothing.' Johnson almost grunted, not satisfied with the responses. It wasn't enough that Mason ran for 2,050 yards and 23 touchdowns as a high school senior despite defenses putting nine defenders in the box against him. It wasn't enough that the only player to beat him out for Mr. Football was a rangy receiver named Tee Higgins. It wasn't enough to hear stories about Mason running for more than 200 yards while sniffling between plays with the flu during one game for Gallatin, then visiting an urgent care afterward to receive an IV. Advertisement It wasn't even enough after McCollum convinced Johnson to sign Mason. First, Georgia Tech recruited Dontae Smith, then it coveted Jamious Griffin. As if those two weren't acceptable, even as Mason ran for 899 yards and averaged 5.2 yards per carry as a sophomore, the Yellow Jackets went after another running back, Jahmyr Gibbs. Indeed, even current Georgia Tech coach Brent Key considers it close to embarrassing that a team with Mason and Gibbs in the backfield finished 3-9. 'Them two jokers together were unbelievable,' said Tashard Choice, then Georgia Tech's running backs coach. As the 2022 draft approached, Key, Choice and others begged NFL coaches and scouts to take a chance on Mason. Go back and watch a Thursday night game from early in Mason's career, they'd say. It was fourth-and-2. Georgia Tech had called a timeout. Amid a huddle near the sideline, Mason urged the coaches: 'Give me the ball.' He took an up-the-middle carry that initially looked stonewalled, but Mason churned his feet and somehow wiggled his way across the first-down marker. Go back and watch a Duke game from later in Mason's career, they'd say. Mason noticed a linebacker creeping toward the line of scrimmage. He shouldered pass-protection responsibilities for the play, and in practice, coaches challenged the running backs to wave at the blitzers pre-snap as a display of confidence. So Mason did it. The linebacker nodded. They collided in the 'A' gap, Mason flattened him, and they dapped up after the play. Coaches like Key and Choice raved about Mason's vision and processing. The only way to describe it was to think of a putt-putt course with a windmill. The putter has to hit the ball at the perfect time for it not to get sideswiped, just as the running back has to hit the hole while defenders float toward him like a tidal wave. The best backs don't just see the hole, but they cut and climb at the precisely correct times. Mason had a knack for this, they said. Yet nobody in the NFL seemed to care. They asked about his 40-yard dash time. It maddened Choice, who at least took solace in the fact that Mason landed at arguably the best place an undrafted running back could land. Mason played sparingly in his first couple of seasons, but eventually McCaffrey dubbed him 'Mariano Rivera,' the 49er whose sheer presence meant the victory had been secured. Advertisement Last year's opportunity, combined with growth that both Mason and legendary 49ers running backs coach Bobby Turner talked about at length, caught the attention of teams like the Vikings. They viewed the exchange of a fifth-round pick for a 26-year-old with minimal tread on the tires as a no-brainer. Still, the deal was overshadowed by everything else the Vikings had done. Even now, the focus is elsewhere, but Mason couldn't care less. He knows it won't be long before he's ripping through another defense. It won't be long until his team's most accomplished players are left to do the talking for him afterward, hollering some iteration of what those who get to watch him daily always come to believe: That boy a dog!
NBC Sports
a day ago
- Entertainment
- NBC Sports
Peyton Manning: Bill Belichick won't return to ManningCast in 2025
When Bill Belichick took the job as head football coach at the University of North Carolina, A.D. Bubba Cunningham said Belichick will continue to make regular appearances on ESPN's Pat McAfee Show and on the Monday night ManningCast. Peyton Manning recently said otherwise. Via Drew Lerner of Manning told 97.1 The Fan in Columbus that the show will proceed without Belichick as a weekly contributor. 'Obviously, [Belichick] seems busy right now coaching college football,' Manning said. 'So, he won't be back this year. He'll be hard to replace, like, I thought his insight was great. But we'll try to probably go back to, kind of, rotating guests and, you know, having coaches and players, which I always like their insight, but also the actors and musicians that, you know, the common criteria to be a guest is you gotta love football. And I love, and Eli and I both love, being around people who love football as much as we do in all different walks of life.' Belichick was the first ever weekly guest on the alternative to Monday Night Football. It's unclear why circumstances changed from Cunningham saying Belichick will keep doing it in December to Manning saying, as of May, that Belichick is out. It would have been destination viewing, if only to hear whether a voice from off camera might declare at some point, 'We're not talking about this.'
New York Post
2 days ago
- Sport
- New York Post
Yankees' World Series rematch turning into nightmare
Things are not going well for the Yankees in their World Series rematch against the Dodgers. Access the Yankees beat like never before Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Greg Joyce about the inside buzz on the Yankees. Try it free During Saturday's game, the Yankees got down big quickly, with the Dodgers scoring 10 runs in the first two innings. Will Warren, who started on the mound for New York, went just 1 1/3 innings and gave up seven earned runs, including a three-run homer to Dodgers third baseman Max Muncy in the second inning. Yankees reliever Brent Headrick relieved him and gave up three earned runs in just 2/3 of an inning, with the Dodgers expanding their lead to 10-0 after the first two frames. 3 New York Yankees pitcher Will Warren reacts in the second inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect 3 Los Angeles Dodgers' Max Muncy, center, is congratulated by Freddie Freeman, right, and Shohei Ohtani after hitting a three-run home run during the fifth inning of a baseball game Saturday, May 31, 2025, in Los Angeles. AP Outside of an Aaron Judge solo home run in the fourth inning, the Yankees' offense has thus far remained quiet. Los Angeles added four more in the fifth — three on another Muncy homer — to take a 14-1 lead. CHECK OUT THE LATEST MLB STANDINGS AND YANKEES STATS The Post's Greg Joyce noted the Dodger Stadium organist began to play the 'Monday Night Football' theme at that point. Of the first four pitchers of the game, Ian Hamilton was the only Yankee to not yield a run over two scoreless frames. This large deficit for the Yankees comes after an 8-5 loss to the Dodgers on Friday, when Max Fried had his worst start of the season, giving up six earned runs in five innings, including two home runs to Shohei Ohtani. 3 Aaron Judge reacts from the dugout in the third inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium on May 31, 2025 in Los Angeles, California. Getty Images 'I felt like the guys did a great job tonight, putting up early runs, and for the most part I just didn't do my job,' Fried said after the start. 'I'm a competitor, I want to go out there and win. So the fact that we had a lead and I gave it up a couple [of] times, it's not going to sit well with me. But just got to be able to use it as motivation to go out next time and make sure it doesn't happen again.'
