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USA Today
3 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
DeSean Jackson says Chiefs HC Andy Reid helped him secure the Delaware State job
DeSean Jackson says Chiefs HC Andy Reid helped him secure the Delaware State job Former NFL wide receiver DeSean Jackson recently appeared as a guest on the 'Up & Adams Show with Kay Adams' to reveal Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid's influence on his hiring at Delaware State. "For sure, he's been very influential. He helped me, you know, in the process of getting this job, "said Jackson. "He put his career and his name on the line for me to get this job. So, I mean, it just shows you how much coach (Andy) Reid helped." Jackson officially retired from the NFL in November 2023 after successful stints with multiple teams. He then turned his attention to coaching, specifically at the college level. "So going through the process, the president and the athletic director asked about, you know, some guys that you know, in reference, and Coach Reid was one of those names that I dropped," said Jackson, "Sean McVay was another one I dropped was Deion Sanders, my old offensive coordinator. So I don't know exactly what the conversation was, but from what I got back from the president of Delaware State and the athletic director, they said some great things about me. They said how good of a leader I was. How can I demand a room? It's just my insight and my IQ on football. So I definitely think it helped me get the job." Jackson was drafted by Reid in 2008, who coached the Philadelphia Eagles at the time. He earned three Pro Bowl selections in his career. Reid congratulated him late last year after he officially accepted the job offer from Delaware State.
Fox Sports
5 days ago
- Sport
- Fox Sports
Texans' C.J. Stroud poised to take ‘full ownership' of offense, become elite QB
Two days after the Texans' 2024 season ended in a divisional-round loss to the Chiefs, C.J. Stroud showed humility and self-awareness. When a reporter asked him what he had learned about himself in the past year, he admitted that it was "a lot." Anointed as an immediate superstar in 2023, when he put together one of the best rookie quarterback seasons in NFL history, Stroud saw his numbers regress across the board as a second-year pro. "In this league, being comfortable will get you got," he said in January. "And for me, I wouldn't say that I was comfortable, but I definitely had a feeling like I knew I was going to do well — and even that's dangerous. "It's cliché, but control what you can control," he added. "Control the controllables. If you can't control it, then you can't let it stress you. It's easier said than done." It was a reflective, wise response from Stroud, who's just 23. And it's why I believe we'll see a different version of Stroud in 2025, getting back on track to becoming truly elite. Here we see a young, talented franchise quarterback — with a clutch gene and an ability to throw with timing, accuracy and anticipation that is hard to teach — who has been humbled. The challenges of last season, including terrible pass protection and a big uptick in turnovers (16 in 2024, tied for fourth-most in the league, compared to nine as a rookie), could be what drives him to reach new heights in 2025. It's hard not to notice that Stroud has been much quieter this offseason in the public sphere. Perhaps that's by design. Last offseason, he traveled to China, Japan, Morocco and France for various commitments. He was at Radio Row ahead of the Super Bowl. He played in the NBA All-Star Celebrity Game. He attended Michael Rubin's exclusive White Party for celebrities. He went on several podcasts. By contrast, maybe his most notable public appearance since the 2024 season ended was attending the Rockets-Warriors first-round NBA playoff series — in Houston. "He's had a great offseason. He's been here, really, since February," Texans general manager Nick Caserio said on the "Up & Adams Show" in April. "I think he's got the right mindset. He understands that we can all improve, and we can all get better, and this is what the offseason is for." A better version of Stroud in 2025 doesn't fall solely on Stroud, of course. The Texans must be better around him offensively, too. To that end, they've revamped their offensive line, though perennial Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil is among those out of the picture, traded to the Commanders in March for a package of draft picks. The Texans also have a new offensive coordinator in former Los Angeles Rams assistant Nick Caley, a first-time playcaller, and a new offensive line coach in Chris Strausser, the assistant for the unit last season. "I will be able to put my swag on it, have fun with it," Stroud said of Caley's offense. "He is all about me taking full ownership, running the show, and that's what I want." The wide receiver room has also undergone a makeover. With Tank Dell's status for 2025 uncertain due to a serious knee injury sustained in December, the Texans will have to lean heavily on star Nico Collins and rookie draft picks Jayden Higgins (second round) and Jaylin Noel (third round). But if Houston can keep Stroud upright, the passing attack has a chance to get back to the explosiveness we saw in 2023. Collins has veteran help at wideout in Christian Kirk, who was a dependable target in both Arizona and Jacksonville when healthy. Higgins and Noel both registered 1,000-yard seasons at Iowa State in 2024. "You talk about playmaking ability, Jaylin's ability to stretch the field, in the deep end part of the field. And then you have Jayden, just a big target, very similar," Texans coach DeMeco Ryans said after the draft. "I know a lot of people said [he's] very similar to Nico in what he's able to do, but you get a receiver of his stature and with his catch radius, it just opens up a lot of things for us offensively that I know all of our guys are excited about." It should be genuine for Stroud. Considering the experience he has now, he should be confident in his ability to take the next step in the 2025 season. "You've got to be able to adapt and change and upgrade," Stroud said. "Every year, the iPhone upgrades. You've got to be able to upgrade like that. So, that's something that I think we'll do. Personally, a goal of mine is to get better in things that I need to get better in. "Being a quarterback in the NFL is something that no one can teach you about. You got to experience it. Got to make mistakes, you got to fail. You have to do good, and you have to do bad. I plan to use those experiences to help others, and be a servant to one another." In that process, C.J. Stroud's ascension should be inevitable. Ben Arthur is an NFL reporter for FOX Sports. He previously worked for The Tennessean/USA TODAY Network, where he was the Titans beat writer for a year and a half. He covered the Seattle Seahawks for for three seasons (2018-20) prior to moving to Tennessee. You can follow Ben on Twitter at @benyarthur . 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
27-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Is Bears-Packers still the biggest rivalry? Matt LaFleur weighed in
Is Bears-Packers still the biggest rivalry? Matt LaFleur weighed in Despite a disappointing 2024 season, the Chicago Bears were able to put an exclamation point on the year with a 24-22 win over the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. It snapped an 11-game losing streak against the Packers and marked the Bears' first win in Green Bay since 2015. But the rivalry continued into the offseason between Chicago and Green Bay's head coaches. During his introductory press conference, Bears head coach Ben Johnson took a shot at Packers head coach Matt LaFleur, saying he enjoys beating him twice a year, dating back to his time as offensive coordinator with the Detroit Lions. Prior to Chicago's Week 18 win in January, LaFleur had been undefeated against the Bears (11-0). During a recent appearance on the "Up & Adams Show" with Kay Adams, LaFleur was asked if the rivalry between Chicago and Green Bay is still the top, or if the Packers and Detroit Lions have seen an increase in the fire between them due to Detroit's recent success. "I think they're all important," Johnson said about the rivalries between divisional foes. "I think they're all rivals, right now Detroit is the class of the NFC. I know they didn't win the Super Bowl but I think it's kind of March Madness when you get down to that point. The NFC North is an extremely difficult division, that's why you have to capitalize when you have your opportunities and certainly it starts with winning in-division games at home." After starting out 5-0 against the Lions as head coach of the Packers, LaFleur now has a 6-6 record against Detroit, most of those losses coming after Dan Campbell became the Lions head coach. In terms of growing rivalries, Detroit may have more beef with Chicago after Johnson left their coaching staff to be the new head coach in the same division. The Lions have had plenty of success against both Chicago and Green Bay as they've established themselves as one of the top teams in the NFC. But, now, there's a real debate if the Bears-Packers rivalry is the best one in the division (at present), as it's been one of the league's most historic rivalries. Follow Bears Wire on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram
Newsweek
24-05-2025
- Business
- Newsweek
Patrick Mahomes Could Make Big Change to Chiefs Contract
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs are gearing up for the 2025 NFL season after losing in the Super Bowl last year to the Philadelphia Eagles. Following being denied for their bid to three-peat as NFL champions, the Chiefs have just one goal. They want to get back to the big game and win it again. Mahomes has been willing to do anything he can to help reach that goal. A scenario could come up soon where Mahomes has to restructure his deal to help Kansas City financially. Just like Tom Brady did throughout his career, Mahomes is in a fairly unique situation where his decisions could dictate the team's future. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs reacts prior to a game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on November 24, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs reacts prior to a game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium on November 24, 2024 in Charlotte, North Carolina. Photo byDuring a recent appearance on the "Up & Adams Show," NFL insider James Palmer spoke out about Mahomes' future and his contract. He believes that Mahomes will will find with any changes that need to be made in the future. Read more: NFL Insider Says Patrick Mahomes Will Join Olympic Team "I think Patrick (Mahomes), like I mentioned the comparison to (Tom) Brady, the amount of money they make off the field, they put into account, and what they do in terms of hamstringing a team on the field in terms of salary cap," Palmer said. "I would say, we know this contract is so unique compared to every other deal in the NFL, with the length of it, with the terms. The relationship between Patrick and the front office and the constant communication of, Are you happy? Are you good? Where you're at is very good, and he will always be compensated accordingly. But I do know that he thinks of things a little bit differently. I think he'll be completely fine with what's to come." Will the Chiefs restructure Patrick Mahomes' contract this offseason? James Palmer weighs in…@heykayadams | @JamesPalmerTV — Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) May 20, 2025 Many times throughout Brady's career, he would restructure his deal to free up enough space for his team to make moves around him. Mahomes could do the same. Currently, Mahomes is playing on a massive 10-year, $450 million contract. He also has a huge amount of deals off the field to bring in even more cash flow. If a scenario emerges where the Chiefs need to free up money to remain Super Bowl contenders, Mahomes seems likely to work with the franchise to make that happen. He's all about winning and would likely do whatever it takes to keep winning. Read more: Steelers Get Surprising Update on Aaron Rodgers Situation Last season, Mahomes put together another good year. He completed 67.5 percent of his pass attempts for 3,928 yards, 26 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. Mahomes also ran for 307 yards and two more scores. While it wasn't his best season, he's still one of the most feared quarterbacks in the NFL. No major reports have come out about Kansas City trying to re-work Mahomes' contract, but it would not be surprising to see a contract change happen at some point in the near future. For more Kansas City Chiefs and NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
USA Today
23-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
James Palmer on Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes' potential challenges in the AFC
James Palmer on Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes' potential challenges in the AFC NFL Network's James Palmer appeared as a guest on the 'Up & Adams Show with Kay Adams' to share his thoughts on the Kansas City Chiefs' challenges this season in the AFC West. "I think this is maybe their toughest stretch of his career. I would say that in terms of specifically within the division, it's definitely the toughest stretch of his career," said Palmer, "We've already seen Patrick (Mahomes) like you saw (Tom) Brady go through these things throughout his career. And some people shy away from those comparisons. I don't. I've been around both of them. I think they're both wired in a very specific way that they can change their game to make sure the team wins, and that's really what they care about more than anything." Multiple moves have been made within the AFC West, creating more competition in the division. Kansas City has finished first place each season with Mahomes as the starter. "We've already seen some iterations of Patrick kind of change as things have gone on," said Palmer, "The beginning with Tyreek Hill and Mecole Hardiman and throwing the ball over the field and then leaning on his defense and doing all these things, I think we've seen him adjust. I think we're going to get an opportunity to see him adjust again, because he thinks he knows, the division is much different than the first part of his career." Mahomes continues to be committed to winning over personal accolades, as last season ended in a Super Bowl appearance, but without a Pro Bowl selection for the first time since becoming the starter.
