Latest news with #Pitts
Axios
a day ago
- Sport
- Axios
Wake Forest takes on Notre Dame in the 2027 Duke's Mayo Classic in Charlotte
Notre Dame will take on Wake Forest in the 2027 Duke's Mayo Classic at Bank of America Stadium in Uptown. Why it matters: It will be one of two Duke's Mayo Classic games at the stadium in 2027 — college football matchups that draw thousands of people to Uptown and pump millions into the local tourism economy. As one of the country's most storied football programs, Notre Dame draws national TV audiences and has a huge fan base known for traveling to games. Wake Forest, about an hour and a half from Charlotte, is a smaller but respected program with a devoted, national fan base. Between the lines: This will be the second time Charlotte has hosted two Duke's Mayo Classic games in a season. However, it won't be a double-header like it was in 2021 when Appalachian State played East Carolina and Georgia played Clemson within a matter of days in Uptown, Charlotte Sports Foundation CEO Will Pitts tells Axios (CSF oversees the Duke's Mayo Classic and several other sporting events in Charlotte). Instead, the games will be spread out. North Carolina A&T will take on North Carolina Central on Aug. 28, 2027, in the Duke's Mayo Classic. The historic rivalry is known as the Aggie-Eagle Classic. Notre Dame and Wake Forest will meet in Charlotte further into the season. The date and time are TBD. Tickets will go on sale closer to the game, but fans can register for presale details at Flashback: Notre Dame and Wake Forest had been scheduled to play each other in September 2020 at Bank of America Stadium, but the game was rescheduled because of COVID, then ultimately canceled. Notre Dame later lost to Clemson that year in the ACC Championship in Charlotte. What they're saying: "Welcoming programs like Wake Forest and Notre Dame not only energizes our local economy but also deepens the city's reputation as a premier destination for major sporting events," Pitts said in a statement.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
As Falcons open up training camp, Penix Jr. says offense's goal is to be unstoppable
The Atlanta Falcons opened training camp this week. The defense will be a work in progress, but the offense should be one of the most explosive in the league. Training camp marks the beginning of a new year, new expectations and lots of excitement. Fans have already reserved all the passes for the first three practices. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Every single player on the Falcons roster reported on time to training camp. Head coach Raheem Morris says he's fired up for his second season. Channel 2's Alison Mastrangelo asked if he feels different heading into training camp this year compared to last year. 'That's a good question, Alison, it's like I don't know if it feels different. I just think it feels more settling, more at ease. I think it's feels even more familiar than it had felt before,' Morris said. 'Being back the second time, being back with the same people, being back a lot of the new faces, being with your second draft class." Michael Penix Jr. is coming into Year 2 knowing his role. He's no longer a backup or rookie, he's the starting quarterback. This offseason, Penix Jr. put in extra work with Drake London and Kyle Pitts. He has high expectations for the offense. 'You know, we should unstoppable. So that's our goal. We want to be No. 1 in all the categories on the offensive side of the ball," Penix Jr. said. Penix Jr. said this offseason he worked on his golf game with Pitts. He started playing last year and has taken a few lessons. He said Pitts is a much better golf, but he enjoys spending the time with his teammates as he continues to build confidence and relationships away from the field. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter]
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Michael Penix Jr. believes Falcons offense 'should be unstoppable,' emphasizes getting ball to Kyle Pitts
After the first practice of Atlanta Falcons training camp, quarterback Michael Penix Jr. delivered a message before fielding his first question. "See we got KP the ball today," Penix said unprompted, referencing the involvement of tight end Kyle Pitts in the offense Thursday. Penix smirked, then added: "There's gonna be a lot of that." Pitts is entering the final year of his rookie contract. The highest-drafted tight end in NFL history, Pitts hasn't lived up to the perhaps fantastical expectations he faced when he was drafted No. 4 overall in 2021. As a rookie, the former Florida star recorded the third-most receiving yards (1,026) of any tight end in the league that season. But he found the end zone only once. In each of the three seasons since, Pitts hasn't even come close to returning to the 1,000-yard receiving mark. Plus, he's averaged just 74.3 targets per season in that span, finally reaching 10 career receiving touchdowns in 2024. Pitts has been underutilized in the Falcons' offense, particularly over the past three years. Penix indicated that won't happen again in 2025. Entering his first training camp as Altanta's QB1, the now-second-year signal-caller has big plans for a unit coordinated by Zac Robinson that's stacked with a deck of intriguing playmakers. Pitts is one of them. Running back Bijan Robinson, who recorded the NFL's third-most rushing yards last season but was similarly underused as a rookie in 2023, is another. Not only did Penix spend extra time throwing to Pitts this offseason, but he also did the same with wide receiver Drake London, who is coming off a 100-reception, 1,271-yard and 9-touchdown campaign. 'We should be the best in the league with the guys we've got around us,' a confident Penix said, per The Associated Press. 'We should be unstoppable. So that's that's our goal. We want to be No. 1 in all categories.' In addition to London, the Falcons' wide receiving corps includes a shifty Darnell Mooney and a slippery Ray-Ray McCloud III. London ranked second in the league with 22 contested catches in 2024, according to Pro Football Focus, which had McCloud down for the most yards after the catch (342) of any Falcons wideout last season. As for Mooney, his 992 receiving yards were his most in a single season since 2021. Mooney did, however, leave Thursday's practice after diving for a deep ball and taking a hard fall, according to multiple reports. Still, the potential is clearly there for the kind of prolific offensive firepower that Penix surgically facilitated during his final season at Washington, where he became a Heisman Trophy finalist and national runner-up. Penix backed up then-newly-signed Kirk Cousins last season after the Falcons surprisingly drafted him No. 8 overall. Cousins was ultimately benched after struggling in the second half of the season while battling pain in his right arm. Penix started the final three games. Although his Falcons went 1-2 and missed the playoffs at 8-9, he showed enough promise to earn the opportunity to start full-time this season. Those games were critical to Penix's development. 'Yeah, it's very important,' Penix said Thursday, via the AP. 'Just knowing, just being able to go out there and get those games with full-speed reps — it instills confidence, knowing I can go out there and do the same thing that you saw in college and all my life. "So, you know, just I would say biggest thing is confidence." Penix signaled plenty of that the first day of Falcons training camp.
New York Times
5 days ago
- Sport
- New York Times
Falcons training camp: Kyle Pitts ignores ‘rat poison,' Michael Penix Jr. expects big things
FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. — It took one practice of the Atlanta Falcons' 2025 season for the Kyle Pitts Sr. storyline to bubble back up to the surface. The fifth-year tight end was quarterback Michael Penix Jr.'s favorite target in a brief session of 11-on-11 work to start training camp on Thursday morning, and the second-year quarterback wanted to make sure everybody noticed. Advertisement 'See we got KP the ball a lot today?' Penix said as he prepared to talk to the media after the practice. 'Gonna be a lot of that.' That's what every Falcons fan keeps hoping, but it's been a while since it actually happened. In the three years since Pitts had 68 catches for 1,026 yards as a rookie, he has totaled 128 catches for 1,623 yards. The fourth pick of the 2021 draft was fifth on the team last season in catches with 47 for 602 yards. 'Everybody wants him to duplicate his rookie season,' coach Raheem Morris said. 'I think Kyle just has to go out there and be the best version of himself.' Penix, who played golf with Pitts multiple times in the offseason, said he believes that will happen this year. 'He's been working hard. He's had a great summer,' the quarterback said. 'He said he's feeling really good coming into camp, and I can see it. He's running very good and catching the ball very good as well.' MP 🔁 KP@themikepenix x @kylepitts__ — Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) July 24, 2025 Along with playing golf with Penix, Pitts' offseason consisted of swimming lessons with his young son, Kyle Pitts Jr., and studiously not paying attention to anything written about him in the media or on social media, he said Thursday. 'I don't read that rat poison,' he said. 'I don't get on Twitter and listen to the bots. Obviously, you're human, but I don't read into that. I learned that in college. I know who I am and I know the player I am, so I don't pay too much attention to it.' Pitts declined to discuss the specifics of the injury that kept him off the field during OTAs in the spring but pronounced himself healthy. His practice plan will be 'modified' early in training camp to allow him to acclimate back to practice, Morris said, but Pitts appeared to be a full participant Thursday. Advertisement 'I'm feeling great,' he said. 'I was just working through different things (during OTAs).' Pitts will be playing on the final year of his contract this season, making $10.9 million on a fifth-year extension triggered by the team. The 24-year-old said he hasn't started thinking about his second professional contract. 'We will figure that out at the end,' he said. 'This is the first day of camp.' Here are five more observations from the Falcons' opening day of camp. Right tackle Kaleb McGary also has a modified early practice plan after missing OTAs because of an offseason arthroscopic procedure to remove bone spurs from his ankle. 'I don't know if I've had a joint feel as good in a long time,' McGary said. McGary was on the field Thursday but sat out some reps with the first team as the Falcons worked Storm Norton at right tackle as part of McGary's acclimation process. McGary, who has started 92 games in six seasons in Atlanta, is in the final year of his second contract with the team, making $16.5 million. He's open to another contract with the Falcons 'anytime they want to pay me,' he said. 'You will never find somebody more willing to be paid in all your life, trust me,' he said, 'but honestly, I'm not really worried about it. If I don't do my job well enough, there's not much reason to worry about it. One thing at a time.' Linebacker Troy Andersen (knee) will start training camp on the physically unable to perform list, Morris said. The PUP list doesn't come with a defined time designation, so Andersen could be added back to the regular roster whenever his health allows. 'He is on track,' Morris said. 'He's doing really well. He's in great spirits.' Andersen has been limited to nine games in the last two years because of injury. Advertisement Penix isn't being shy about his expectations for the offense. 'The potential? We should be the best in the league,' he said Thursday. 'We should be unstoppable. That's our goal. We want to be No. 1 in all the categories on the offensive side of the ball.' Last year, the Falcons finished 13th in scoring (22.9 ppg), eighth in yards per play (5.8) and ninth in offensive success rate (49 percent). Running back Bijan Robinson has changed his mindset about preseason football, he said this week. 'I am very realistic,' he said. 'My first year, I was like, 'Playoffs,' now I know we have to focus on the little things first. This is the NFL. It can go either way.' The Falcons haven't made the playoffs since the 2017 season. 'We have to actually do it. No more talk. Talk doesn't help anything,' Robinson said. 'If we just put our heads down and work hard, we have the pieces we need for a great season. Now it's time to come together so we can do it.' .@Bijan5Robinson bringing the jukes ⛽️ — Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) July 24, 2025 It was tough to get much of a read on the defensive depth chart Thursday as Atlanta juggled extensively on that side of the ball, but rookie defensive back Billy Bowman got plenty of work at nickel cornerback and Khalid Kareem got a somewhat surprising amount of work with the reserve edge rushers. Rookies Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. also were on the field a lot, but Morris said it will be impossible to start defining roles on defense until after the team begins practicing in pads on Tuesday. Penix, whose accuracy was an issue in his three starts last season, looked mostly sharp but not entirely. Penix threw a beautiful deep pass to Darnell Mooney on one pass but missed Ray-Ray McCloud high in the flat on another. (Top photo of Michael Penix Jr.: Dale Zanine / Imagn Images)
Yahoo
22-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Randy Pitts - Wichita Mortgage Banker Shares Spring Housing Market Tips for First-Time Buyers
As spring buying season ramps up in Wichita, mortgage banker Randy Pitts helps first-time homebuyers prepare for competitive conditions. WICHITA, KS / / July 22, 2025 / The spring real estate market is officially underway, and for many first-time homebuyers in Wichita, KS, it's both exciting and intimidating. To help these new buyers feel more confident and prepared, Randy Pitts - The Mortgage Squad is sharing timely advice for navigating today's fast-moving housing market. Shop Top Mortgage Rates A quicker path to financial freedom Your Path to Homeownership Personalized rates in minutes "As inventory tightens and demand increases during the spring months, it's crucial that first-time buyers are financially prepared and informed," said Randy Pitts, a trusted mortgage broker in Wichita, KS. "Getting organized early and having the right support can be the difference between securing your dream home - or missing out." First-Time Buyer Tips for Spring 2025 Spring tends to be the busiest time of year in real estate, especially in a growing market like Wichita. For newcomers looking to get ahead, The Mortgage Squad recommends: Start With a Pre-Approval: Pre-approval from a qualified mortgage banker in Wichita helps buyers understand their budget, strengthens their offers, and speeds up the homebuying process. Factor in All Costs: Beyond the down payment, buyers should account for closing costs, taxes, insurance, and home maintenance expenses. Work With a Local Mortgage Expert: A Wichita-based mortgage banker brings local insights and access to a broader range of loan options than big banks or online platforms. Stay Flexible: With limited listings, buyers should be ready to act fast and keep an open mind during their home search. Supporting Wichita's Growing Homebuyer Community "Buying your first home is one of life's biggest milestones," Pitts said. "We're proud to support local residents by simplifying the mortgage process and offering clear, honest advice every step of the way." The Mortgage Squad offers personalized mortgage solutions, fast turnarounds, and ongoing support to ensure clients feel confident from application to closing. Whether you're buying a bungalow in Riverside or a family home in College Hill, The Mortgage Squad is here to help. About Randy Pitts - The Mortgage Squad Randy Pitts - The Mortgage Squad is a well-established mortgage broker serving Wichita, KS, offering customized home loan services with a focus on education, accessibility, and local expertise. From first-time buyers to experienced homeowners, the team helps clients secure the best rates and lending options for their unique goals. For more information or to schedule a consultation, visit their Google Business Profile or explore resources at Media Contact Name: Randy Pitts- The Mortgage SquadEmail: RandyPitts@ +1 (316) 258-7878https:// Legal Disclaimer: The information provided in this press release is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Loan approvals are subject to credit qualifications and regulatory guidelines. SOURCE: Randy Pitts- The Mortgage Squad View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire Sign in to access your portfolio
