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Yahoo
an hour ago
- General
- Yahoo
Kaleb Johnson Must Perfect Pass Protection to Make Steelers Rookie Impact
PITTSBURGH — There's a steep learning curve in one aspect of Kaleb Johnson's professional game. The Pittsburgh Steelers tailback knows how to carry the ball. In a much smaller sample size, he's demonstrated that he's able to catch passes out of the backfield. Getting pass protection down is a facet of Johnson's game that he wants to solidify. He has a solid tutor in Jaylen Warren, who's put more than a few rushers on their backs while playing for the Steelers. Advertisement 'Warren, I've been on him every day about it,' Johnson said after Thursday's OTA practice at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. 'Questioning him how to do this, how to do that, and make sure I get my technique down to Point A.' Johnson worked through drills, jabbing his hands into a large weighted ball, shuffling in front of assistant coaches holding pads, and lunging at a large punching bag from his knees. He's learning there's more to the craft than simply stepping into someone. 'Adjusting to the technique of pass-blocking,' Johnson said. 'It was different when I was at Iowa. It was just you get out there and you get low and hit, but now here you've gotta (get) technique, low, and bring your hips.' Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kaleb Johnson at OTAs on May 28, 2025. — Ed Thompson / Steelers now The Steelers' third-round draft pick has been trying to soak up whatever he can from the veterans in the room, including free agent addition Kenneth Gainwell. Advertisement 'He definitely looks like a rookie,' Gainwell said of Kaleb Johnson with a laugh. 'I love his attitude of wanting to learn. He wants to learn from us. He actually pushes all the time, and just coming in just asking, 'What do I need to be doing on this? How am I looking on this?' Or, 'What steps (do) I need to be taking on this?' … I'm happy he's asking questions.' This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Kaleb Johnson Must Perfect Pass Protection to Make Steelers Rookie Impact Related Headlines
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Who is the Jets' face of the franchise?
East Rutherford, NJ October 1, 2023 Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes gets out of the grasp of Quinnen Williams of the Jets in the second half. The New York Jets host the Kansas City Chiefs at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on October 1, 2023. Credit: Chris Pedota, / USA TODAY NETWORK East Rutherford, NJ October 1, 2023 Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes gets out of the grasp of Quinnen Williams of the Jets in the second half. The New York Jets host the Kansas City Chiefs at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on October 1, 2023. Credit: Chris Pedota, / USA TODAY NETWORK As a result of the many years of losing seasons, Jets fans are typically quick to rip on players. In that way, they are like every other New York sports fan. But some players are just beloved by the fans, even if they aren't a top performer. Those athletes who succeed in New York City become immortalized. Advertisement Here, I'll go over some of the Jets' fan favorites and players who are cherished Is Quinnen Williams the face of the Jets' franchise? Starting off with possibly THE fan favorite, Quinnen Williams has a strong case for being considered the Jets' face of the franchise. I mean, what is there not to love about this guy? Fans love him for so many reasons, including the iconic moment when he blessed himself after sneezing. Since then, Williams has been nothing but a consistent and strong force on the interior of the Jets' defensive line. Over the last three seasons, he has been a Pro Bowler, and in 2022, he was a first-team All-Pro. Advertisement Along with his on-field skills, off the field, he has been a big part of the community. After losing his mother to breast cancer, Williams has donated and motivated a lot of his time outside of football to fighting the cause. The Quinnen Williams Foundation helps support single-parent households and promotes cancer awareness. What is there not to love about Quinnen Williams? Breece Hall is stellar both on and off the field Breece Hall is a dynamic, playmaking running back who is cherished by Jets fans. This past season, Hall didn't look like himself, but you couldn't tell that to Jets fans. To them, this guy is the greatest runner of the football ever. But even with Hall not looking great this season, he is definitely talented. Credit: Kevin R. / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images In 2023, Hall had just shy of 1,000 yards on the ground and was just short of 600 yards through the air, with nine touchdowns. Even though he did not have a great season in 2024, the talent is still obviously there. Advertisement Outside of football, Hall is engaged in many different organizations and groups. One of his biggest supporting roles is being a big member of the Make-A-Wish Foundation, where he supports and spends time with hospitalized children and their families. He also has a cereal brand named after him, 'Breece The Beast Box,' where some of the proceeds gathered go towards underserved youth football teams for equipment. Sauce Gardner One of the most talented players in the NFL, Sauce Gardner is praised and loved by all Jets fans. If you don't take a deep dive into the 2024 season, and look at the past two, it is obvious why Gardner is considered among the best defensive players in the NFL. Advertisement A two-time All-Pro, two-time Pro Bowler, and Defensive Rookie of the Year, the resume for Gardner is absolutely elite. Credit: Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images In Detroit, where Gardner is from, he gives back to the community. His biggest contributions back to his community are hosting football camps, where underprivileged youth get to learn from one of the best. At these camps, the youth not only learn about football, but they are also taught the importance of education and all that comes from it. All of these players are more than just that. They are very strong willed men, who love to help out their communities and causes. This is why they are beloved by Jets fans. Advertisement Related Headlines
Daily Record
3 hours ago
- Sport
- Daily Record
Tom Brady gets Lyndon Dykes fired up for Scotland resurgence as NFL legend 'more than just a face' at Birmingham
Dykes says Brady has been a presence around Birmingham City and is 'more than just a face' at the club Lyndon Dykes has revealed how NFL legend Tom Brady can help him return fit and firing for Scotland when World Cup qualifying kicks off. The Birmingham City striker's domestic season ended on February 22 with a calf injury against Reading. Dykes was desperate to work his way back via Scotland's June friendlies. But he's missed out on the action against Iceland and Liechtenstein and will need to wait until autumn to join up with Steve Clarke 's squad. Dykes insists he'll have the best of care for that bid thanks to a seven-time Super Bowl winner. Brady is a shareholder in the Blues as well as a minority owner with NFL franchise Las Vegas Raiders. The former New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback is heavily engaged in improving the sports performance side at City. And Dykes said: 'It's great having someone like that who has been so successful in his own sport. 'He does pop in and out and I've met him a couple of times. He brings a different mentality and knowledge to certain things. 'He's got a lot of input, he's not just a face. He's around the place and he's got ideas about what he wants. 'Some of the stuff they've brought to the club has been really good, like the medical department. He's brought a different outlook to the physio room, with his own head of medicine and the way they try to do things so that there are fewer injuries. 'He's very inspirational. Going forward, I feel it's going to be very successful with him and the owners there, Tom Wagner and the Knighthead group. 'I actually do like the Raiders but I didn't really have an NFL team as such. Hopefully he can get me on an NFL pitch because I think I could be all right at that as well! I'd have to put a bit more muscle on because some of those boys are massive.' Dykes is targeting a fresh scoring streak for Scotland after going 13 games without netting. The Aussie-born ace hit goals in four consecutive games in 2022 World Cup qualifying. He scored as Scotland edged 1-0 wins over Moldova, Austria and the Faroe Islands as well as in the 3-2 thriller against Israel at Hampden. Scotland were beaten by Ukraine at the semi-final play-off stage to miss out on the Qatar finals. The 2026 renewal, hosted by USA, Canada and Mexico, is now firmly in the 29-year-old's sights. Dykes said: 'The best feeling in the world is scoring goals. I went on a great run last World Cup qualifying, scoring big goals when we needed it. 'That's what I aim to do again but it's not always about scoring goals. I just want to play my part for the team. As long as we're winning and performing, that's the main thing. I've been stuck on nine goals for a little bit now so I'm desperate to hit double figures. 'I told John McGinn a while ago that I was catching him but he's starting to slip away, so I need to pull my finger out and make sure I score a few more. 'The World Cup is the aim. I was lucky enough to play in the first Euros we qualified for. When I joined up with Scotland at first, that was one of my major goals and the World Cup was another. 'We've got the opportunity to do that now. I've got full belief in my team-mates, myself and the whole of this nation that we can qualify for the World Cup. I'm sure if we did, it would be amazing for the whole country.' Dykes has suffered much worse than an injury ruling him out of action for four months. A bout of pneumonia landed him on a drip in hospital in a terrifying health scare for the big striker and his family in January 2023. That frightening episode gives him valuable perspective when dealing with fitness issues in his career. 'It builds your character and makes you stronger in the long run,' added the ex-Livingston and QPR hitman. 'That's why I've switched my brain to think positives out of some things, such as going out to the Euros last summer and just being around the boys and doing a bit of TV work. 'Even though I was devastated not playing, this is football. It's been my most difficult season with injuries so far in my career. 'Obviously getting injured before the Euros was very disappointing. And the back end of this season, being injured for a while has obviously has been tough. I'm feeling good now.' Dykes scored five goals for Birmingham as they romped to the League One title and reached the EFL Trophy Final. A stunning late Dykes header against Bradford secured a Wembley place for ex-Celtic coach Chris Davies and his team. They lost to Peterborough in the showpiece but, over the long term, the Blues were miles clear of the rest. Dykes said: 'Obviously I didn't want to go down to League One but the way the club are building and what they're trying to do for the future is something that appealed to me. This season was a step backwards but it was two steps forward as well.'
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
L.A. Pride Events Guide 2025
L.A. Pride Events Guide 2025 originally appeared on L.A. Mag. Pride Month is here and the calendar is packed with festivities to celebrate and elevate the queer community. From parties and parades to concerts and community-driven experiences, Los Angeles always goes all out in the spirit of equality and love. Despite some reported sponsorship cuts, this year is no exception. Check back here each week for updates as the month progresses for more events, club nights and activities. WEHO PRIDEMAY 22 - JUNE 30One of the largest Pride celebrations in the world, WeHo Pride returns with a full weekend of community events, parties and parades May 30 - June 1. From the Dyke March and Women's Freedom Festival to the massive WeHo Pride Parade and Street Fair, Santa Monica Boulevard will be bursting with color. WeHo's 40-day celebration kicks off May 22 — Harvey Milk Day — and continues throughout the month. For Sunday's parade, model and actress Cara Delevingne, actress and filmmaker Nava Mau, Love on the Spectrum star Pari Kim, and former NFL player Chris Kluwe serve as 2025 WeHo Pride Parade Icons. FESTIVALMAY 30 - JUNE 1As WeHo Pride's signature music event, Outloud takes over West HollywoodPark with an all-star lineup. This year's headliners include Maren Morris (at Friday's free event), Lizzo, Remi Wolf, Kim Petras, Honey Dijon and Paris Hilton— plus DJ sets, surprise guests, the Summertramp splashy bash and enough glitter to power the Sunset Strip. THE PIRATE PARTYMAY 30Ahoy, queer sailors! Dusti Cunningham and Jeff Rasul invite you to The Pirate Party at The Virgil—a raunchy, seafaring soirée with naughty pirate gogos, DJ Sindri spinning deep sea shanties, and an open call for stripping down to your skivvies. Shake yer booty and cruise for treasure (or trouble). PRIDEJUNE 5-22Santa Monica's monthlong celebration includes art installations, pop-ups and community events across the Promenade and beyond. It all leads up to Pride on the Pier (June 22), a free oceanfront bash with DJs, fireworks and fun for all ages. CCA'S CELEBRATION OF LGBTQ+ CINEMA & TELEVISIONJUNE 6The Critics Choice Association's second annual Celebration of LGBTQ+ Cinema & Television will take place at the Fairmont Century Plaza. Sherry Cola will host the festivities, which will honor over 20 creatives from the entertainment world and stream on HereTV in June. VENICE PRIDEJUNE 7Since 2016, the coastal community's celebration of its LGBTQ community has been one of the most joyful events of the year, leading to the iconic Venice Pride Flag Lifeguard Tower and higher visibility for queer culture in L.A. This year, the big block party and 'Gaywatch' gathering returns with music and revelry. PRIDE PARADEJUNE 8LA Pride celebrates its 55th annual LA Pride Parade on Hollywood Boulevard, between and including Highland Avenue and Cahuenga Boulevard. More than 100,000 spectators and participants are expected for an epic celebration, followed by the official after-party at the LA Pride Village. LA PRIDE VILLAGEJUNE 8Adjacent to the parade route is the LA Pride Village, where the day's celebrations will continue with a music stage, community stage, two full-service bars, sponsor activations and giveaways, as well as more than 80 vendors and exhibitors and dozens of food trucks and stalls. The street festival is free and open to all. OPENINGSJUNE 10, 17The Getty goes all in on Pride with two major exhibitions: $3 Bill: Evidence of Queer Lives (June 10 - Sept. 28) and Queer Lens: A History of Photography (June 17- Sept. 28). Check the calendar for free discussions and film screenings, and shop the Pride Pop-up starting June 3. PRIDE NIGHT AT DODGER STADIUMJUNE 13A grand slam celebration of LGBTQ+ Pride, the Dodgers' annual Pride Night features a rainbow-packed pregame, special guests and a custom Dodgers Pride jersey with select ticket packages. AFTER DARK: PRIDE NITEJUNE 18, 20Celebrate Pride with Mickey and the gang during two exclusive nights at Disneyland. Expect after-dark parades, themed food, rainbow photo ops and late-night rides. General admission tickets are $169 per guest. Tickets to the event include admission as early as 6 p.m. until the park closes at 1 a.m. GAY MENS CHORUS OF LA'S JUNE 21-22The popular 200-member chorus performs dance anthems and musical numbers from iconic musicals including Singin' in the Rain, Hairspray, and The Producers, plus hits from Lady Gaga, Luther Vandross, ABBA, Earth Wind and Fire and Donna Summer. PRIDEJUNE 28The San Fernando Valley turns up for Pride with a local celebration spotlighting queer talent, small businesses and community pride in the 818. This story was originally reported by L.A. Mag on May 30, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Arizona Cardinals' Josh Sweat, Will Johnson named among 100 most important players in 2025
The Arizona Cardinals have a number of players they will be counting on in 2025. They added a number of players defensively, both veterans and rookies. According to CBS Sports, two new defensive additions, one veteran and one rookie, are among the 100 most important players in the NFL in 2025. Advertisement Pass rusher Josh Sweat and cornerback Will Johnson come in at Nos. 40 and 41. After having one of the poorest pass rushes in the NFL, the Cardinals signed Josh Sweat in free agency as part of a defensive overhaul, reuniting him with Jonathan Gannon. They also drafted Walter Nolen 16th overall, and the good parts of his film are as good as anyone's. But the rookie who might have a bigger immediate impact is Will Johnson. Viewed as a blue-chip talent (CB1 in the CBS Sports prospect rankings), Johnson fell to the second round due to medical concerns, but he is a major upgrade if healthy. Sweat will be expected to lead the outside rush for the Cardinals. His two best seasons in the NFL were when Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon was the defensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles. Johnson will now have the opportunity to make an immediate impact as veteran cornerback Sean Murphy-Bunting's season ended with a knee injury and landed him on the non-football injury reserve. Johnson could be the Cardinals' CB1 starting in Week 1. If both are as advertised, the Arizona defense will be much-improved, and an improved defense paired with an efficient offense, which is what Arizona's unit was a year ago, the Cardinals should be contenders in a tight NFC West. Advertisement Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts. This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: 2 Cardinals defenders named among 100 most important players in 2025
