Latest news with #RookiePremiere
Yahoo
a day ago
- Business
- Yahoo
3 from Browns NFL draft class among NFLPA Rookie Premiere class, 1st look in uniforms
The Cleveland Browns have a seven-person NFL draft class where the big decision was who they didn't draft (along with having an extra first-round pick next year) and the biggest name/story is their final selection, QB Shedeur Sanders. The Browns rookie class finished up rookie minicamp and were joined by veterans for a few days of offseason activities. All seven have a long way to go with the hopes that DT Mason Graham, LB Carson Schwesinger and RB Quinshon Judkins will have the biggest impact. QB Dillon Gabriel should get more looks than Sanders early, with both rookie quarterbacks having a chance to create a little chaos in an interesting quarterback room. Advertisement For the 31st year, the NFLPA brought together rookies for a 'Rookie Premiere,' which is really a showcase to help the players look for endorsements and future business endeavors. This year, 42 players headed out to Los Angeles, including top pick Cam Ward all the way down to seventh-rounder Quinn Ewers. Three Cleveland players, Judkins, Gabriel and Sanders, put on their Browns uniforms for the first time in public with just three defenders, Abdul Carter, Mykel Williams and Travis Hunter (listed at both CB and WR) among the group: A poorly done (by me) cutup of the three Cleveland players can be seen here: Of note, Sanders seemingly chose the more loosely fitting sleeves, a sort of throwback look, while Gabriel and Judkins have the more modern tight sleeves on their jerseys. Advertisement The NFLPA's website makes it clear the point of the Premiere: ...the event introduces these rising stars to the commercial side of professional football, setting the stage for future endorsement success and financial empowerment. This year's Rookie Premiere will include autograph signings and trading card photoshoots with Panini America, official Fanatics jersey unveilings, as well as live-action and studio content sessions. For media, the event offers dynamic photo and interview opportunities, capturing rookies as they step into their next chapter on and off the field. Rookies will also participate in orientation sessions led by union leadership, gaining insights into group licensing, personal branding, and passive income opportunities, building on their NIL experiences from college. Still nice for fans to get to see some of their rookies in their uniforms, even if most defenders, including the Browns top pick in Graham, were not at the event. A throwback to a decade ago, the 2015 NFL draft rookie Premiere class, shows RB Duke Johnson smiling (and the only player with their eye black on for the picture) and WR Vince Mayle looking very unhappy: What are your initial thoughts on seeing these three in their Browns uniforms for the first time? More from
Fox Sports
27-05-2025
- Sport
- Fox Sports
Panthers rookie WR Tetairoa McMillan: 'I'm looking forward to bringing joy back'
Selected with the eighth overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft out of Arizona, All-American receiver Tetairoa McMillan is settling in with the Carolina Panthers as one of the more exciting rookies in this year's class. He's already had a rookie minicamp to get his bearings in Charlotte, showed off his No. 4 jersey and started building a rapport with new teammates, especially third-year quarterback Bryce Young. The 6-foot-4, 220-pound receiver took a few minutes to talk with FOX Sports about how he's preparing for his NFL debut and how much better the Panthers can be in 2025. FOX Sports: You've signed on, if you will, with Sharpie, and got to put your autograph skills to full use at the NFLPA Rookie Premiere event in Los Angeles. Have you perfected that NFL autograph already? McMillan: I actually changed my signature once I got to the league. It kind of looks like a star. FOX Sports: What was rookie minicamp like for you, to get that first taste of the NFL, even if it's just against other rookies? McMillan: I would definitely say that was a dope moment. That was probably one of the first times where it felt real. Going through the whole draft process the last four or five months, then finally getting to put on a jersey and go out to the practice field. It was a blessing. I'm just looking forward to competing vs. the defense and getting acclimated with the people in the building, my teammates, the coaches, as well as the playbook. FOX Sports: What are your first impressions of your new head coach, Dave Canales? McMillan: Man, I love him. I feel like I'm a little biased, just because he's a Cali kid like me. Just the things that he's done, his résumé, what he's done with big X receivers, I can see myself in the offense that he runs, and I'm loving it so far. I'm trusting him and his plan that he has set for me and his team. I'm excited to see what the future holds for us. FOX Sports: He worked with DK Metcalf in Seattle and then Mike Evans in Tampa, and now he has a big receiver in Carolina with you there. Have you watched much tape of those two to see how he worked with them in the past? McMillan: We obviously go over install, and they have clips from Seattle and Tampa, and all those clips that he pulls up, he wants us to watch. He knows the different looks and different ways to run different concepts, but yes, I'm watcing a lot of those two the last couple days. FOX Sports: You'll hear people shorten your first name to "Tet." What do you like to be called? McMillan: People either call me T-Mac or Nalo (short for his hometown in Hawaii, Waimānalo). That's where I'm from in Hawaii, kind of a thing that started with my boys in college, so I just roll with it. FOX Sports: When you look at other receivers in the league, are there guys you pattern yourself after, guys with similar body types or skill sets? McMillan: There's not anyone in particular that I watch, but I'm sure I'll be watching a lot more DK Metcalf and Mike Evans in the near future, so I might as well get used to them. FOX Sports: You picked No. 4 for your NFL jersey number, the same number you wore in high school in Anaheim and in college at Arizona. Is there any significance to the number? McMillan: I started wearing it my sophomore year of high school. The first number I wanted was 11, but one of the seniors had it, so I just kind of went with 4, because it was the only option open. And you know, ever since then, I like to think of it as the number of me. It's like a relationship — it's been loyal to me and I'm going to try my best to stay loyal to No. 4. I'm going to take it as far as I possibly can. FOX Sports: You've joined a fairly young receiver room — Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker are second-year guys, Jimmy Horn is a rookie like you — but you also have veteran guys to help mentor the younger receivers. McMillan: I like our room right now. We have a little bit of both, a lot of young receivers, but then we also have the oldest receiver in the league in Adam Thielen. He's kind of that role model for us. He's going on Year 13, and not too many people get to play 13 years in the league. I'm just glad I got in a room where there's a vet I can look up to and we can all look up to. There's a lot of wisdom, a lot of knowledge that we've never experienced. … Him being a good influence and role model to all the receivers in the room, that's a blessing for us. FOX Sports: Are there other guys that you trained with in the draft process who are rookies around the league now going through the same things you are? McMillan: I was training with Emeka (Egbuka, Bucs first-round pick), training with Ja'Corey (Brooks, now with the Commanders), and I trained with Elic Ayomanor, with the Titans. That was at Exos in Scottsdale, Arizona. FOX Sports: Did you enjoy the whole draft process? McMillan: Yeah, it's a blessing. At the end of the day, not many people get to go through that process. It gets repetitive. There's a lot of traveling. The frustrating part for me was just, I wanted to find out who, what jersey I get to put on, who I get to play for. I'm just happy that I found out, and happy that it's here. FOX Sports: I was looking at Carolina's rookie receiving records, and they're all within reach for you. The Panthers have had only one 1,000-yard rookie receiver, Kelvin Benjamin in 2014 — he had 1,008 yards. The rookie record for touchdowns is nine and is his as well, and the rookie record for catches is 80, from Christian McCaffrey in 2017. Would it mean something to you if you got any of those? McMillan: Records are supposed to be broken. At the end of the day, I just want to do what the team needs me to do. I'm looking forward to winning a lot of games and bringing light and joy back to Bank of America Stadium, to the people of Charlotte. I'm ready just to have fun and get the show on the road. FOX Sports: What would a successful season mean for Carolina this year? Two years ago, the Panthers were picking No. 1 overall to get Bryce. Last year they improved to five wins, and a lot of people think they can take another step forward with your help this year. McMillan: I think there's a lot of things that can happen with us. I think the future is super bright for this team. It's my first time in the league, so I don't know what a good team and what a bad team look like. I know that Bryce can be that guy at quarterback, I know we have a great O-line, I know our running back room is really solid, with Chuba (Hubbard) and Rico (Dowdle). The receiver room, we're young but we also have some savviness to us. And obviously, the defensive side of the ball, we've got some real good dudes, Jaycee (Horn) at corner. I'm looking forward to battles with him in practice. I think the sky's the limit for us, especially offensively. I think the scheme we have, the offense we're running, is legit, and we have the guys to go out and execute. FOX Sports: What can you focus on between now and the start of your first NFL training camp in July? McMillan: It's just learning the playbook like the back of my hand, so I can just go out there and play free, play fast. I want to build a relationship with my teammates and coaches. These are the guys I'm going to play with, and specifically Bryce. He's the guy who's going to dictate my future. Being able to train with him and build that chemistry, that's a must, for sure. FOX Sports: You played against Bryce Young in high school in California? McMillan: Man, he blew us up by 45 points. FOX Sports: You just did the Rookie Premiere event in Los Angeles, which can mean signing a ton of rookie cards. Did they let you personalize any of the autographs? McMillan: That was a dope experience. I think there were some where I put "KEEP POUNDING" and stuff like that. FOX Sports: It's been a whirlwind few months for you. What's been your favorite part so far? McMillan: Obviously, No. 1 is signing my rookie contract, for sure. I was fortunate to sign my first-ever NFL contract with a Sharpie S-Gel pen, and I'm looking forward to signing more autographs and more signatures, more contracts with my Sharpies. Greg Auman is an NFL Reporter for FOX Sports. He previously spent a decade covering the Buccaneers for the Tampa Bay Times and The Athletic. You can follow him on Twitter at @gregauman . Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account , and follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily! recommended Get more from National Football League Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more
USA Today
24-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Broncos RB RJ Harvey hints at number change
Broncos RB RJ Harvey hints at number change When Denver Broncos rookies picked their jersey numbers earlier this month, running back RJ Harvey landed on No. 37. It seems safe to assume that won't be his number when the regular season arrives. During an interview with Meghan Payton (Sean Payton's daughter) at the NFLPA's Rookie Premiere last week, Harvey indicated that he hopes to secure a single-digit number with the Broncos. Meghan mentioned No. 4, then Harvey suggested No. 5, which currently belongs to wide receiver Trent Sherfield. This week, after the UCF Knights posted a mural on their Instagram story showing Harvey wearing No. 37 in a Denver uniform, the running back responded on his own Instagram story with the caption: "Shoulda waited." Sherfield has never worn No. 5 in the NFL, so he might not have a special attachment to it. The veteran receiver previously wore Nos. 16 (twice), 81, 14 and 11 before landing with the Broncos this offseason. We'll see if Harvey is able to strike a deal with his new teammate for No. 5 ahead of organized team activities next week. Related: These 25 celebrities are Broncos fans.
USA Today
22-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Jaxson Dart: 'It's a privilege' to be New York Giants quarterback
Jaxson Dart: 'It's a privilege' to be New York Giants quarterback The New York Giants selected Ole Miss quarterback Jaxson Dart as the 25th overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft in Green Bay last month. The selection is seen as the possible end of the Giants' years-long search for their next franchise quarterback. "I think he's got a lot of qualities you look for in a good quarterback," Giants general manager Joe Schoen said of Dart on draft night. "He's tough, makes good decisions with the football, pushes the ball down the field, has athletic ability, played in a really tough conference, started there at USC as a young guy. But did a really good job throughout this process of our meetings, board work, workouts and the tape that we liked. Look forward to working with him. Glad he's here." The feeling is mutual. Dart has been connected to the Giants for some time, dating back a few years, stemming from his relationship with Giants great Eli Manning. Dart was not only a star at Ole Miss, like Eli, but he was also a frequent attendee at the Manning Passing Academy. 'Eli has been a huge role model of mine,' Dart told Sports Illustrated at the NFLPA Rookie Premiere last week in Los Angeles last week. 'Even before I got to Ole Miss, being able to watch him beat Tom (Brady) twice, that was incredible.' Dart participated in the Giants' rookie minicamp but has yet to come to terms with the team in regards to his initial contract. That has not tamped down his enthusiasm one bit. He knows he's landed in a great situation. "Quite honestly, it's something I'm really looking forward to. It's a privilege to be the quarterback for the Giants," he said. "I'm going to take it upon my shoulders to make sure that I handle it and approach it the right way, go out there and give it everything that I got. I feel like if I do that, then I'll have no regrets. There's not a better city to play for, there's not a better place to be than New York." Dart has a ways to go before he takes over the mantle as the team's starter under center. Veteran Russell Wilson is the starter with another free agent vet, Jameis Winston, backing him up. The Giants' other quarterback, Tommy DeVito, is the only one in the room who has run head coach Brian Daboll's offense. Dart feels fortunate to have such a fertile and friendly support system around him. He won't be forced into the lineup and will be afforded the proper length of time to learn the offense and acclimate to the NFL level. He spoke highly of the three other players in the team's quarterback room. "They've been great. They were three of the first people to reach out to me when I got drafted, heard my name called," he said. "I've watched Russ since he was with the Seahawks, winning a Super Bowl. And I have one of his jerseys, so it's great to be in that room and then getting to learn from guys like Jameis, who has bounced around from a few different places, but has played at such as high level, has such a great understanding of the game and has so much knowledge, being able to use him as an asset to just learn and continue to grow. And then Tommy, I mean Tommy is a baller, so it's been great to have a relationship with him. We have a special quarterback room." As for Dart's relationship with Daboll, he's bought into the idea one hundred percent. "Coach is great. We formed such a strong connection throughout this combine time and just this whole offseason of draft prep. It's been just a privilege to get to play for him," said Dart. "There's not another coach I'd rather be playing for. Just his ability to develop quarterbacks, see the game as a whole. He's coached every single position. He understands it through and through. I love his intensity, I love the way he coaches. This is where I wanted to be, so I'm grateful to be able to play under a coach like him." So far, so good for Dart. Everyone is getting along just swimmingly thus far. Now all they need to do is win some football games. It shouldn't be too difficult to improve on last year's 3-14 season.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Shedeur Sanders sends clear message about disrespect over jersey number
Shedeur Sanders is writing his own narrative after some tried to write it for him. Deion Sanders' son known as 'Grown' solidified his long-standing nickname during the NFLPA Rookie Premiere. In the days leading up to the NFL Draft, a great deal of conjecture surfaced regarding the Colorado signal-caller. Most of it unconfirmed and most of it negative. A player that had no draft projections outside the first two rounds by anyone of significance, fell to the fifth round. Advertisement Perhaps the biggest NFL Draft slide of all time. From the lead up to the draft, to three weeks post draft, the story of the Draft was the 'why' behind Shedeur's famous slide. The answer of why may never be completely confirmed with many fans throwing words around like 'collusion' and 'punished.' However, Sanders arrived in Cleveland ready to go. Everyone who has watched him with consistency has likely picked up on a similarity between person and persona. Deion invented Primetime as a persona to allow him to elevate his value. Shedeur, who plays QB, does not need a persona to improve earning potential for the position. The blueprint though would explain why there is also Sanders and 2Legendary. 2Legendary talks about 'Brady Mode' and flashes the watch if the moment calls for it. Sanders along with about 40 other noteworthy NFL rookies made their way to California for the Premiere. Gravitating to what is familiar is simply human nature. On their way to the event, Sanders and Travis Hunter find themselves seated near each other on the bus. While this was a nice visual for CU Buffs fans, there was a momentary concern that Shedeur might lean into that human nature and spend most of any disposable time with Hunter. Once inside the event though, Shedeur could be seen mingling with other rookies, like Cam Ward, Tyler Shough, and Cam Skattebo. But for the most part, Shedeur spent the bulk of that disposable time with new teammate and projected RB1 Quinshon Judkins. Even to a casual fan, a rookie QB spending time getting to know and assisting his future RB1 is the best way to spend that time. Advertisement Shedeur in his own way looked out for Judkins. Showing Sanders' ability to be in the moment and maintain a strong mindfulness, he got dressed next to Judkins and noticed something that could've been missed. Judkins was almost ready to walk out in just the brown under socks. Shedeur mentioned to him nonchalantly, 'They wanna see the stripes' while holding the over socks with white-orange-white-orange-white striping Shedeur was hinting at. It says something about that preparation anonymous sources claimed Shedeur didn't have. What rookie is worried about the uniform inspector in May? A rookie that understands what his future role will be. As part of the jersey reveal event, rookies were asked to participate in certain vendor aspects. One of those included sitting at a table with four condiment cups with indescribable contents within them. Someone off camera informed Shedeur that they hope he will try each one and give a review on how they taste. Related: Travis Hunter roasts Shedeur Sanders over being broke from NFL Draft slide The moment Sanders could not identify what was in those cups he said very plainly, 'I don't know what that is. Naw, I'm sure they're nice. I'll take your word for it.' Then he politely but not abruptly exited that table. There have been many NFL players who had to release a statement about a failed drug test. In many of those cases, they will say 'I have to be more responsible with what I put in my body.' It might've just been that he didn't trust strange looking food. Either way, it was the smart thing to do. Advertisement Related: Deion Sanders drops latest kid rankings with surprising No. 1 Cleveland is now figuring out that Sanders has a built in fanbase. During the event, he took a moment to address his fans and anyone who has spoken aggressively about 'his number.' The fans will go to bat for Shedeur even if he's never asked them to. In this direct appeal, he does not mince words. This was a cease-and-desist letter told verbally in under 10 seconds. Sanders made it clear, to let it go on the No. 2. He went so far as to say, don't even call me '2' anymore. 'Don't even call me 2 anymore. Call me 12. If you call me 2, you're disrespecting me,' Sanders said. From the moment Shedeur didn't go as high as expected, football fans have seen Sanders; not 2Legendary compose himself like the lifelong trained professional he is. He's done and said everything the way teams, players, coaches, and front offices want a QB to be. Advertisement Related: Shedeur Sanders signs rookie contract with Cleveland Browns Despite pre-draft reports to the contrary. 2Legendary will likely return, but not until he has earned it. Not because it's the will of the people but because that's how he sees it. The first time he leads a game winning drive in Cleveland, it'll be 'wrists up' to the Dawg Pound and they will love him for it. Until then, he seems content to keep his head down, work like he has something to prove, and prepare to be the Legendary version of himself. When the situation calls for it.
