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USA Today
22-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Former Packers WR Antonio Freeman's son is rising star in American soccer
Former Packers WR Antonio Freeman's son is rising star in American soccer The son of former Green Bay Packers wide receiver Antonio Freeman is becoming a rising star in American soccer. As noted by Paul Tenorio of The Athletic, Alex Freeman -- Antonio's 20-year-old son -- is emerging as a breakout player while with Orlando City of the MLS and has caught the eye of the United States men's national team. Freeman, who plays a defensive wing position with attacking responsibilities at right back, was included on a 60-player preliminary roster ahead of the CONCACAF Gold Cup and could play in friendlies for the USMNT next month. Freeman has appeared in 17 games and scored three goals for Orlando City over the last three seasons. He's made 14 appearances and scored all three of his goals during the 2025 season, when he rose into a starting position at right back and quickly became a breakout player in the top American soccer league. From Justin Ruderman of MLS: "Before the 2025 campaign, the Orlando City homegrown fullback had a mere 10 minutes of MLS action under his belt. This year, he's already exceeded 1,200 minutes by appearing in all 14 Lions matches (starting 13), while being arguably the most dangerous attacking fullback in the league. Just 20 years old, Freeman has already scored three times and given an assist to support Orlando's devastating attack." The big-time national stage is next. Freeman has previously appeared in games for the age-limited national teams, including six games for the under-19 team and five for the under-23 team, but he could make his national debut soon. USMNT coach Maurico Pochettino called up Freeman on the training camp roster before June matches against Turkey and Switzerland. Freeman is one of eight defenders on the 27-player roster. "I think all the players that are for the first time with us, I think all deserve to be there, deserve to have the chance. … I am so clear about that," Pochettino said. "After it's about not to lose the possibility when you have the chance." Freeman's father was a decorated receiver for the Packers. He won Super Bowl XXXI and was an All-Pro and Pro Bowler in 1998. He also set the Super Bowl record for longest touchdown reception (81 yards, since broken), led the NFL in receiving yards in 1998 and ranks eighth in franchise history with 6,651 receiving yards and sixth in receiving touchdowns with 57. He played nine NFL seasons, including eight in Green Bay (1995-2001, 2003).
Time of India
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
'Some people are untouchable': Michael Vick talks about Brett Favre on Netflix documentary UNTOLD: The Fall of Favre
(Image via Getty: Michael Vick and Brett Favre) Netflix released a documentary on former Green Bay Packers star quarterback Brett Favre called UNTOLD: The Fall of Favre on May 20. It covers 55-year-old Brett Favre's controversial life, which was full of sports stardom, sexual misconduct allegations , and the Mississippi Welfare Scandal , as well as how his career was marred because of all those events. Michael Vick , the current head football coach for Norfolk State University , spoke about Brett Favre in the Netflix documentary. Vick said, 'People go to jail for stealing money every day,' pointing out the Mississippi Welfare Scandal. Also said that some people like Brett Favre are untouchable. Vick calls the system rigged because he talks from experience. Vick was jailed for 548 days for financing a dogfighting ring. — RonFilipkowski (@RonFilipkowski) Michael Vick says situations like Brett Favre's have to be played out in court, in the public eye The former NFL QB participated in the Super Bowl XXXI champion Brett Favre's upcoming documentary, UNTOLD: The Fall of Favre. Vick said in the documentary, 'People go to jail for stealing money every day. If it's that important, the right institutions can get involved. But, you know, some people are untouchable in certain ways, and that's just the way it is. I just think that's kinda how the system is rigged. You know, some situations have to be played out in court. Some have to be played out in the public.' Michael Vick was in jail for 548 days for financing a dogfighting ring As reported by EBSCO Research Starters, dogfighting facilities were found on Michael Vick's property in Virginia. Vick's property was discovered during the course of a federal investigation linked to a drug case involving his cousin. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Trade Bitcoin & Ethereum – No Wallet Needed! IC Markets Start Now Undo The investigation revealed animal abuse, mistreatment, and killings of dogs that failed to perform in fights. Michael Vick, the then Atlanta Falcons quarterback in 2007, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to a 23-month prison term, followed by a probation, and a hefty fine. Brett Favre says he did not know if the funds dedicated to welfare recipients were going to the University or to him Anthony Olivieri, Staff Writer for ESPN , wrote on May 9, 2023, in a statement to Fox News Digital, (Brett)Favre denies wrongdoing and says he had been 'unjustly smeared' by the media. He continued, 'I have done nothing wrong, and it is past time to set the record straight. No one ever told me, and I did not know, that funds designated for welfare recipients were going to the University or me. I tried to help my alma mater, USM, a public Mississippi State University, raise funds for a wellness center. My goal was and always will be to improve the athletic facilities at my university.' Also Read: Brian Williams, a former Texas A&M safety, suddenly dies of heat stroke after running a half marathon | NFL News - Times of India Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
USA Today
13-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Where the Eagles rank among the NFL's top pass-catching groups for 2025
Where the Eagles rank among the NFL's top pass-catching groups for 2025 A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith help the Eagles earn a respectable ranking, but they're snubbed from first place. Bucky Brooks, aside from owning a pretty cool football name, is one of the current era's great but sometimes underrated NFL analysts. He is a former player and scout. He has even offered respectable opinions on the Philadelphia Eagles from time to time. Brooks has proven himself trustworthy. He has earned his stripes and seen it all. Four combined pro football seasons (1994, 1996-98) led to 32 in-game regular-season appearances and another three-game playoff run during the 1996-97 season. That led to an AFC Championship Game loss to the New England Patriots. If you're curious, he only played vs. the Philadelphia Eagles once in his career, but as a member of the Kansas City Chiefs. He even has a Super Bowl ring thanks to Mike Holmgren, Brett Favre, and the Green Bay Packers' Super Bowl XXXI over the Bill Parcells-led New England Patriots. These days, Brooks lends his talents to writing and the NFL Network. He is also the co-host of the Move the Sticks podcast alongside Daniel Jeremiah. He grabbed everyone's attention recently with his well-thought-out take on one of the game's glamour positions. A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith lead an Eagles receiving corps that finishes second in Bucky Brooks' ranking of NFL pass catchers. Peruse the NFL landscape, and it's easy to find varying takes on everything. The running back position is essential again, thanks, in part, to Saquon Barkley. Now, Philly wants to resurrect the fullback position per Jeffrey Lurie. No one doubts that they can do it. If you haven't heard, the Eagles' offensive unit, led by reigning Super Bowl MVP Jalen Hurts, is the toast of the NFL. Being home to the game's top wide receiver duo has much to do with that. But, are A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith the best wide receiver duo in the NFL? The expected bias would answer that by saying 'yes'. The aforementioned Brooks seemingly places the spotlight elsewhere. In his recent ranking of top NFL pass-catching groups, Philly's wide receivers and tight end finish second to the Cincinnati Bengals. Here's Brooks' opinion about both. He states the following about Philly: "It's hard to find a glaring hole on the defending champions' roster thanks to the Eagles' superb scouting and development process. Philadelphia has utilized every acquisition method (draft, trade and free agency) to stockpile blue-chip playmakers. A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith share duties as co-WR1s in an offense that utilizes a potent running game, led by Saquon Barkley, to set up opportunities through the air. WR Jahan Dotson and TE Dallas Goedert excel at working the underneath areas to punish opponents utilizing two-deep coverage and split-safety looks designed to limit throws over the top. Despite their best efforts, few defenses have been able to neutralize the Eagles' aerial attack with Jalen Hurts tossing the ball all over the yard to a collection of sticky-fingered pass catchers with slick route-running skills and big-play potential on the perimeter." The Bengals are described this way: "The Bengals showed their commitment to the finest pass-catching trio in the league this offseason by opening the vault to retain the services of WR Ja'Marr Chase (four years, $161 million), WR Tee Higgins (four years, $115 million) and TE Mike Gesicki (three years, $25.5 million). Joe Burrow advocated for his playmakers to receive their blockbuster deals, and the money reflects how Cincinnati has dominated opponents on the perimeter. From Chase winning the triple crown in 2024 as the league leader in receptions, receiving yards and touchdowns to Higgins posting 10 touchdowns as the NFL's most feared WR2 to Gesicki snagging 65 balls as the third option on a prolific, pass-first offense, the Bengals have firepower to match any opponent in a shootout." At this point, arguments can be made for slotting A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, Dallas Goedert, and company ahead of any unit, in Cincinnati or otherwise. A.J. and DeVonta alone combined for 67 receptions, 1,079 yards, and seven TDs, and that was supposed to be an off-year, thanks, in part, to a run-heavy offense that aided Saquon Barkley's run at history. Place those bets on Philly's skill players again, especially this year, as a more balanced attack is expected. The talent is there. They have shown consistent production. They have won during the postseason and now have the hardware. Maybe crying over a second-place finish is like crying over spilled milk, but that's what winners do. For those interested, the Minnesota Vikings, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Los Angeles Rams rounded out the top five, with the Detroit Lions finishing just outside the top five with a sixth-place finish. We'll get a front-row seat to view each of those units as Philly's defense will be tested by each one at some point this season.
Boston Globe
27-04-2025
- Sport
- Boston Globe
‘I love it:' Meet Mr. Irrelevant Kobee Minor, the final pick of the 2025 NFL Draft and the newest Patriot
Nobody had a longer wait to hear their name called than Minor, who finally went at No. 257 to New England on Saturday. Advertisement 'It's just a blessing,' Minor said. 'I've been waiting all day, I didn't know if I was going to get the call or not, and I ended up waiting to the last pick and ended up getting that call. My heart was racing ... so I'm thankful.' Get Starting Point A guide through the most important stories of the morning, delivered Monday through Friday. Enter Email Sign Up Kobee Minor (center, in air) transferred from Texas Tech to Indiana to Memphis. Darron Cummings/Associated Press Minor has bounced around quite a bit, both on the field and off of it. He started his college career at Texas Tech before transferring to Indiana and later finishing his college career at Memphis. He started out as a safety at Texas Tech, moved to corner, and his played all over the secondary. 'I would say I tackle very well, I can come up in run support,' Minor said. 'I'd say I'm a technician, I can play man coverage, and I feel like I'm versatile on the back end, I can play whatever DB position or help out on special teams, whatever I need to do to help the team out.' Advertisement In 11 games last season, the 6-foot, 190-pound cornerback recorded 38 tackles, including seven for loss, and forced two fumbles. The Patriots have franchise cornerstone Christian Gonzalez leading their cornerback room but have struggled to find depth at the position. The Patriots selected Mr. Irrelevant for the third time in franchise history. The Patriots previously drafted Mr. Irrelevant in 1994 (Marty Moore) and 2005 (Andy Stokes). Moore, a special teamer, went on to become the first Mr. Irrelevant to play in the Super Bowl, when he competed in Super Bowl XXXI. What is Mr. Irrelevant and Irrelevant Week? The title of Mr. Irrelevant was created when former USC and one-time pro football player Paul Salata decided in 1976 he wanted to honor the last pick in the NFL Draft. Salata had been a 10th round pick as a receiver in 1951, and 15 years later, 'Mr. Irrelevant' and 'Irrelevant Week' were born when Salata invited 487th pick Kelvin Kirk to celebrate with him in Newport Beach in California. To this day, Irrelevant Week takes place in Newport Beach, California, featuring a parade in honor of the draftee, a 'roast and toast' dinner, and a golf tournament. The invited athlete is encouraged to submit a list of activities they want to include in their special celebration. At the conclusion of the festivities, the player receives the Lowsman Trophy, a nod to the NCAA's Heisman Trophy — though Mr. Irrelevant receives a prize that depicts him fumbling the ball. Advertisement The Patriots have drafted Mr. Irrelevant three times: in 1994 (Marty Moore), 2005 (Andy Stokes), and now 2025 (Kobee Minor). Moore, a special teamer, went on to become the first Mr. Irrelevant to play in the Super Bowl, when he competed in Super Bowl XXXI. Amin Touri can be reached at
Yahoo
26-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Packers first-round pick Matthew Golden to wear No. 81 uniform
Green Bay Packers first-round pick Matthew Golden was assigned the No. 81 uniform by the team on Friday. It's a big aesthetic change for Golden, who wore No. 2 in high school, as a sophomore at Houston and as a junior at Texas. He wore No. 10 as a freshman at Houston. Backup quarterback Malik Willis currently holds the No. 2 uniform. Jordan Love wears No. 10. It's unclear if Golden asked for the No. 2 uniform. Willis, who is entering a contract year in 2025, could be unable or unwilling to make the change. Advertisement Numbers in the 80s are traditional wide receiver numbers, but single digits and numbers in the teens have become more and more common as the league expanded options for various positions. Julian Hicks also wears the No. 81, but a number change should be coming for the undrafted free agent. Josiah Deguara previously wore the No. 81 between 2020 and 2023. Super Bowl XXXI MVP Desmond Howard also wore No. 81. Among the notable players to wear No. 81 for the Packers: Geronimo Allison, Andrew Quarless, Koren Robinson, Tyrone Davis, Perry Kemp, Rich McGeorge and Marv Fleming. This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Packers first-round pick Matthew Golden to wear No. 81 uniform
