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Time Business News
26-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Time Business News
Phil Robertson: The Unfiltered Voice of Faith
The news of Phil Robertson's passing at the age of 79 on Sunday, May 25, 2025, has reverberated across the United States, particularly among the millions who followed the 'Duck Dynasty' phenomenon. More than just a reality television star, Robertson was the patriarch of a multi-million dollar empire built on duck calls, a fervent advocate for his Christian faith, and a polarizing figure whose outspoken conservative views often sparked national conversations. His life, marked by humble beginnings, profound spiritual transformation, and unexpected fame, leaves behind a complex but undeniable legacy. Born on April 24, 1946, in Vivian, Louisiana, Phil Alexander Robertson came from modest means, growing up in a large family with limited resources. Despite these challenges, he excelled as an athlete, earning all-state honors in football, baseball, and track during high school. This athletic prowess led him to a football scholarship at Louisiana Tech University, where he famously played quarterback ahead of future NFL Hall of Famer Terry Bradshaw. However, Robertson's passion lay not on the gridiron, but in the wilderness. He famously turned down an offer to play for the Washington Redskins, opting instead for a life dedicated to duck hunting and fishing. After college, Robertson briefly pursued a career in teaching and commercial fishing. His early adult life was not without its struggles, including periods of excessive alcohol consumption that strained his marriage to his wife, Kay, affectionately known as 'Miss Kay.' These tumultuous years eventually led to a profound religious awakening for Robertson, which he credited with transforming his life and setting him on a new path rooted in his unwavering Christian faith. This personal journey of redemption and faith became a cornerstone of his public persona. Robertson's innate understanding of ducks and dissatisfaction with existing duck calls led him to invent his own. In 1972, he crafted his first Duck Commander call, a product born out of necessity and a deep connection to the outdoors. The company, incorporated in 1973, started small, with Phil and Kay initially running the business from their home and supplementing their income through commercial fishing. Over time, fueled by Phil's innovative calls and his family's tireless efforts, Duck Commander grew into a multi-million dollar enterprise. The Robertson family's unique lifestyle, strong family bonds, and the success of their duck call business caught the attention of television producers. In 2012, A&E premiered 'Duck Dynasty,' a reality show that chronicled the daily lives of the Robertson clan as they operated their business in West Monroe, Louisiana. The show quickly became a massive hit, drawing millions of viewers with its blend of humor, Southern charm, and the family's distinctive beards and traditional values. 'Duck Dynasty' catapulted Phil, his wife Kay, and their sons — Alan, Jase, Willie, and Jep — into national stardom, turning them into household names and cultural icons. The series ran for 11 seasons until 2017, and its popularity spawned several spin-offs, including 'Jep & Jessica: Growing the Dynasty' and 'At Home with the Robertsons,' further cementing the family's place in reality television history. Beyond the duck calls and reality TV fame, Phil Robertson became widely known for his outspoken Christian faith and conservative political views. He was unapologetic in expressing his beliefs, often using his platform to share his interpretation of biblical principles and to advocate for conservative causes. His podcast, 'Unashamed with Phil & Jase Robertson,' continued to be a popular outlet for his unfiltered thoughts on faith, politics, and culture. However, Robertson's candor also led to controversy. In a 2013 interview with GQ magazine, his comments on homosexuality drew widespread criticism and led to a brief suspension from 'Duck Dynasty' by A&E. The network stated that his remarks were his personal views and did not reflect those of A&E. The suspension, however, was met with a significant backlash from his supporters, who defended his right to freedom of speech and expression. After a nine-day hiatus, and discussions with the family and various advocacy groups, A&E lifted the suspension, and filming resumed with the entire family. This incident highlighted the tension between personal beliefs, public platforms, and corporate responsibility in the digital age. Despite the controversies, Robertson's supporters admired his unwavering conviction and his willingness to speak his mind. He became a significant voice for Christian conservatives, frequently invited to speak at churches and organizations, sharing his testimony and encouraging others in their faith. His book, 'Happy, Happy, Happy: My Life and Legacy as the Duck Commander,' became a New York Times bestseller, further showcasing his influence beyond television. In recent months, Phil Robertson's family had openly shared that he was battling Alzheimer's disease, a condition that deeply impacted his health. His passing at 79 marks the end of an extraordinary life. His daughter-in-law, Korie Robertson, confirmed his death on social media, expressing that he was 'now with the Lord' and thanking supporters for their love and prayers. Phil Robertson's legacy is multifaceted. He was an innovative businessman who revolutionized the duck call industry. He was a television personality who brought a unique slice of rural American life and strong family values to millions of homes. Most importantly, he was a man of deep faith whose convictions shaped his life and influenced countless others. He leaves behind his wife Kay, five children, numerous grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, all of whom carry forward his enduring spirit and the family empire he built. While a private service is planned, details for a public celebration of his life are expected to be shared soon, allowing the many lives he touched to pay their respects to the original Duck Commander. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Time of India
08-05-2025
- Time of India
Former NFL player Kevin Ware Jr. sentenced for murdering girlfriend Taylor Pomaski: A horrifying tale of betrayal
In a chilling turn of events, Kevin Ware Jr ., a former NFL player, has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for the brutal murder of his girlfriend, Taylor Pomaski . What began as a relationship between two people quickly unraveled into a disturbing tale of abuse, addiction, and unimaginable violence. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now This tragic story, marked by drugs, manipulation, and a haunting betrayal, leaves many questioning how a man with a shot at professional football glory could spiral into such a nightmarish end and why the warning signs were ignored for so long. How Taylor Pomaski's life was cut short by someone she trusted and loved Former NFL player Kevin Ware Jr. indicted for murder in death of girlfriend Taylor Pomaski, DA says Kevin Ware Jr.'s fall from grace began long before the tragic death of his girlfriend, Taylor Pomaski, in April 2021. Ware, once a hopeful tight end for the Washington Redskins and San Francisco 49ers, had his life derailed by reckless decisions and a troubled personal life. Pomaski, 29, was reported missing after a party at her Houston home, just days before Ware's dangerous encounter with the law. A routine traffic stop for speeding revealed a disturbing arsenal, loaded firearms, including an AK-47, and illegal substances like cocaine and methamphetamines. As police pieced together the investigation, Pomaski's remains were discovered in a remote Harris County ditch later that year. It wasn't just the murder that shook the community, it was the grotesque brutality with which it occurred. Ware had reportedly subjected Pomaski to a horrendous attack, stabbing her, striking her with a blunt object, strangling her, and then setting her body on fire. These chilling details only added to the horror of the crime. Taylor Pomaski tried to leave but it was too late Pomaski's ex-boyfriend, Eric Zuleger, claimed that Taylor had reached out to him in the weeks leading up to her death, confiding that she was trying to escape an abusive relationship. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Tragically, Pomaski's efforts to seek help and rebuild her life were cut short by Ware's violence. Ware's criminal history had already cast a dark shadow over his once-promising NFL career. Before his trial for the 2021 murder, he had pleaded guilty to drug and weapons charges. This guilty plea added another layer to the unsettling story, showing a long-standing pattern of dangerous behavior that preceded the tragic death of Pomaski. Though Ware's time in the NFL was brief, his professional football journey never fully took off, his personal descent was anything but swift. From undrafted free agent to a mere shadow of what could have been, Ware's actions have now ensured his legacy will forever be tied to this horrific crime, overshadowing any athletic achievements. Also Read: As the legal process unfolds, the fall of a man once praised for his athletic prowess highlights a violent, criminal spiral that few saw coming. This tragedy serves as a chilling reminder that sometimes, the most brutal stories aren't played out on the field but behind closed doors, where silence can be deadly.
USA Today
24-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
NFL Draft 2025: Full list of every Alabama football player selected in the last 25 years
NFL Draft 2025: Full list of every Alabama football player selected in the last 25 years Tyler Booker, Jihaad Campbell, Jalen Milroe all players hoping to be first-round additions to Alabama's vast list of impressive NFL Draft totals. The 2025 NFL Draft is officially upon us, and the Alabama Crimson Tide are set to see another player or players taken in the first round. Exactly how many Alabama football players will go in this year's draft is up in the air, but offensive lineman Tyler Booker, linebacker Jihaad Campbell, and perhaps even quarterback Jalen Milroe are all names to watch on Day 1, which gets underway at 7 p.m. CT from Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The draft will be televised on ABC, ESPN, and NFL Network. Since 2014 alone, Alabama leads the way among all college football programs with 33 players drafted in the first round alone. They've had 100 players drafted overall in that span. Alabama's gaudy numbers are hardly surprising considering the success of Nick Saban teams, which produced six national championships in his 17 seasons and turned Tuscaloosa into an NFL factory. Roll Tide Wire is taking a look at the year-by-year breakdown of former Alabama players selected in the NFL Draft. Beginning with the year 2000, here's every Crimson Tide football player taken in an NFL Draft over the past 25 years. Alabama football players taken in 2000 NFL Draft Alabama players drafted: OT Chris Samuels : first round, third overall pick by Washington Redskins : first round, third overall pick by Washington Redskins RB Shaun Alexander : first round, 19th overall pick by Seattle Seahawks : first round, 19th overall pick by Seattle Seahawks DT Cornelius Griffin: second round, 42nd overall pick by New York Giants Once the Seahawks unleashed Alexander in 2001 after a year behind veteran tailback Ricky Watters, the Alabama star went on to a great career. He rushed for over 1,000 yards in five straight seasons from 2001-05, including his career-best 2005 campaign. Alexander led the league that year with a franchise record 1,880 rushing yards and 27 touchdowns on 370 carries (117.5 per game) en route to being named NFL MVP. For his career, he rushed for 9,453 yards and 100 touchdowns over nine seasons. Alabama football players taken in 2001 NFL Draft Alabama players drafted: DB Tony Dixon : second round, 56th overall pick by Dallas Cowboys : second round, 56th overall pick by Dallas Cowboys DL Kenny Smith : third round, 81st overall pick by New Orleans Saints : third round, 81st overall pick by New Orleans Saints TE Shawn Draper: fifth round, 156th overall pick by Miami Dolphins Of the three Alabama players selected in 2001, Dixon played in the most games with 56 across four seasons with the Cowboys. He started seven games for Bill Parcells' 2004 team and finished his four-year career with 126 tackles, six sacks and one interception. Alabama football players taken in 2002 NFL Draft Alabama players drafted: LB Saleem Rasheed : third round, 69th overall pick by San Francisco 49ers : third round, 69th overall pick by San Francisco 49ers WR Jason McAddley : fifth round, 149th overall pick by Arizona Cardinals : fifth round, 149th overall pick by Arizona Cardinals TE: Terry Jones : fifth round, 155th overall pick by Baltimore Ravens : fifth round, 155th overall pick by Baltimore Ravens WR Freddie Milons: fifth round, 162nd overall pick by Philadelphia Eagles Jones caught 59 passes for 493 yards and five touchdowns in four seasons, primarily with the Ravens. McAddley caught 38 passes for 578 yards and a touchdown in four years with the Cardinals. A once-promising recruit at Alabama, Milons was drafted but never played a down in an NFL game. Alabama football players taken in 2003 NFL Draft Alabama players drafted: DL Jarret Johnson : fourth round, 109th overall pick by Baltimore Ravens : fourth round, 109th overall pick by Baltimore Ravens DL Kenny King : fifth round, 141st overall pick by Arizona Cardinals : fifth round, 141st overall pick by Arizona Cardinals DL Kindal Moorehead : fifth round, 145th overall pick by Carolina Panthers : fifth round, 145th overall pick by Carolina Panthers DB Waine Bacon : sixth round, 202nd overall pick by Atlanta Falcons : sixth round, 202nd overall pick by Atlanta Falcons RB Ahmaad Galloway: seventh round, 235th overall pick by Denver Broncos Johnson was a fan favorite at Alabama under Mike DuBose and Dennis "Lady of the Night" Franchione. He turned out to be one of the steals of the 2003 draft in the fourth round, going on to a 12-year NFL career and finishing with 526 tackles, 25.5 sacks, 11 forced fumbles and three interceptions after converting from defensive tackle to linebacker. Between 2007-2011, Johnson started all 16 games each season for the Ravens. Alabama football players taken in 2004 NFL Draft Alabama players drafted: OL Justin Smiley : second round, 46th overall pick by San Francisco 49ers : second round, 46th overall pick by San Francisco 49ers DL Antwon Odom : second round, 57th overall pick by Tennessee Titans : second round, 57th overall pick by Tennessee Titans WR Triandos Luke : sixth round, 171st overall pick by Denver Broncos : sixth round, 171st overall pick by Denver Broncos LB Derrick Pope: seventh round, 222nd overall pick by Miami Dolphins Smiley made 78 career starts, including all 16 games for the 49ers in back-to-back years (2005-06) as part of a seven-year career. Odom also spent seven seasons in the league between the Titans and Bengals, making all 16 starts for Tennessee in 2007. He had 132 career tackles, 23.5 sacks and five forced fumbles across 74 games. Alabama football players taken in 2005 NFL Draft Alabama players drafted: OL Evan Mathis : third round, 79th overall pick by Carolina Panthers : third round, 79th overall pick by Carolina Panthers OL Wesley Britt : fifth round, 164th overall pick by San Diego Chargers : fifth round, 164th overall pick by San Diego Chargers DL Anthony Bryant : sixth round, 178th overall pick by Tampa Bay Buccaneers : sixth round, 178th overall pick by Tampa Bay Buccaneers LB Cornelius Wortham: seventh round, 235th overall pick by Seattle Seahawks Mathis went on to a 12-year NFL career and won a Super Bowl with the Denver Broncos in what turned out to be his last full season in the league. He was named to the Pro Bowl in back-to-back years (2013, 2014) with the Eagles and was First Team All-Pro in 2013. Alabama football players taken in 2006 NFL Draft Alabama players drafted: LB DeMeco Ryans : second round, 33rd overall pick by Houston Texans : second round, 33rd overall pick by Houston Texans SS Roman Harper : second round, 43rd overall pick by New Orleans Saints : second round, 43rd overall pick by New Orleans Saints QB Brodie Croyle : third round, 85th overall pick by Kansas City Chiefs : third round, 85th overall pick by Kansas City Chiefs DB Charlie Peprah : fifth round, 158th overall pick by New York Giants : fifth round, 158th overall pick by New York Giants DE Mark Anderson: fifth round, 159th overall pick by Chicago Bears Ryans and Harper had a combined 21 years in the NFL after being the first two players drafted from Alabama's talented 2005 defense. Both were named to the Pro Bowl twice, and Harper won a Super Bowl ring with the Saints in 2009 before ending his career with 641 solo tackles, 18 sacks, 16 forced fumbles and 11 interceptions in 156 games. Ryans was AP Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2006 and finished his career with 735 solo tackles, 13.5 sacks, seven forced fumbles and seven interceptions. He's now in his third season as Texans head coach. Alabama football players taken in 2007 NFL Draft Alabama players drafted: FB Le'Ron McClain : fourth round, 137th overall pick by Baltimore Ravens : fourth round, 137th overall pick by Baltimore Ravens RB Kenneth Darby : seventh round, 24th overall pick by Tampa Bay Buccaneers : seventh round, 24th overall pick by Tampa Bay Buccaneers DB Ramzee Robinson: seventh round, 255th overall pick by Detroit Lions McClain was another fan favorite at Alabama and spent parts of seven seasons in the NFL, primarily with the Ravens. He rushed for 1,310 yards, 13 touchdowns and 104 first downs in 111 games. Alabama football players taken in 2008 NFL Draft No Alabama players were selected in the 2008 NFL draft. Alabama football players taken in 2009 NFL Draft Alabama players drafted: OT Andre Smith : first round, sixth overall pick by Cincinnati Bengals : first round, sixth overall pick by Cincinnati Bengals RB Glen Coffee : third round, 74th overall pick by San Francisco 49ers : third round, 74th overall pick by San Francisco 49ers OL Antoine Caldwell : third round, 77th overall pick by Houston Texans : third round, 77th overall pick by Houston Texans S Rashad Johnson: third round, 95th overall pick by Arizona Cardinals You could make an argument that the best player from Alabama's 2009 draft class might have been the last one selected. While Smith spent parts of 12 seasons in the NFL, he mostly underperformed for a player taken sixth overall. Taking injuries into account, he started 10 or more games only four times in his career. Johnson spent eight years in the league, and his 2015 season with Arizona (61 tackles, 2 TFL, 5 INT) was considered one of the biggest Pro Bowl snubs from that year. Alabama football players taken in 2010 NFL Draft Alabama players drafted: LB Rolando McClain : first round, eighth overall pick by Oakland Raiders : first round, eighth overall pick by Oakland Raiders DB Kareem Jackson : first round, 20th overall pick by Houston Texans : first round, 20th overall pick by Houston Texans DB Javier Arenas : second round, 50th overall pick by Kansas City Chiefs : second round, 50th overall pick by Kansas City Chiefs DT Terrence Cody : second round, 57th overall pick by Baltimore Ravens : second round, 57th overall pick by Baltimore Ravens OL Mike Johnson : third round, 98th overall pick by Atlanta Falcons : third round, 98th overall pick by Atlanta Falcons DB Marquis Johnson : seventh round, 211th overall pick by St. Louis Rams : seventh round, 211th overall pick by St. Louis Rams DE Brandon Deaderick: seventh round, 247th overall pick by New England Patriots The seven Alabama players taken in this draft would be shattered in the years to come as Saban built an NFL pipeline in Tuscaloosa. While McClain was the highest drafted player from Alabama in 2010, no one would disagree that Kareem Jackson -- who just completed his 15th NFL season -- was the best Crimson Tide player from that year's class. Alabama football players taken in 2011 NFL Draft Alabama players drafted: DL Marcell Dareus : first round, third overall pick by Buffalo Bills : first round, third overall pick by Buffalo Bills WR Julio Jones : first round, sixth overall pick by Atlanta Falcons : first round, sixth overall pick by Atlanta Falcons OL James Carpenter : first round, 25th overall pick by Seattle Seahawks : first round, 25th overall pick by Seattle Seahawks RB Mark Ingram : first round, 28th overall pick by New Orleans Saints : first round, 28th overall pick by New Orleans Saints QB Greg McElroy: seventh round, 208th overall pick by New York Jets Jones recently retired from the NFL after spending 13 seasons in the league. And what a career it was. He was a seven-time Pro Bowl selection, a two-time First Team All Pro and a finalist for Offensive Player of the Year in 2015. The Falcons' franchise leader in catches and receiving yards, Jones finished with over 1,000 yards in six consecutive seasons (2014-19) and ended his career with 13,703 yards, 66 touchdowns and 646 first downs. A 5-star prospect out of Foley, he was the single most important recruit in Saban's quest to build Alabama into a dynasty. Alabama football players taken in 2012 NFL Draft Alabama players drafted: RB Trent Richardson : first round, third overall pick by Cleveland Browns : first round, third overall pick by Cleveland Browns DB Mark Barron : first round, seventh overall pick by Tampa Bay Buccaneers : first round, seventh overall pick by Tampa Bay Buccaneers CB Dre Kirkpatrick : first round, 17th overall pick by Cincinnati Bengals : first round, 17th overall pick by Cincinnati Bengals LB Dont'a Hightower : first round, 25th overall pick by New England Patriots : first round, 25th overall pick by New England Patriots LB Courtney Upshaw : second round, 35th overall pick by Baltimore Ravens : second round, 35th overall pick by Baltimore Ravens NT Josh Chapman : fifth round, 136th overall pick by Indianapolis Colts : fifth round, 136th overall pick by Indianapolis Colts DB DeQuan Menzie : fifth round, 146th overall pick by Kansas City Chiefs : fifth round, 146th overall pick by Kansas City Chiefs TE Brad Smelley: seventh round, 247th overall pick by Cleveland Browns Both Hightower and Upshaw won Super Bowl rings in their respective careers with the Patriots and Ravens. Hightower won three while garnering two Pro Bowl selections in nine years for Bill Belichick. He ended his career with 27 sacks, 353 solo tackles and a fumble return for a touchdown. Upshaw and Barron were no slouches, either. Barron had 12 career sacks, five forced fumbles and nine interceptions in eight seasons. Just a year after winning a national championship in the Superdome against LSU, Upshaw won a Super Bowl there with the Ravens in 2013 and spent parts of four seasons as the team's starting outside linebacker. Alabama football players taken in 2013 NFL Draft Alabama players drafted: DB Dee Milliner : first round, ninth overall pick by New York Jets : first round, ninth overall pick by New York Jets OL Chance Warmack : first round, 10th overall pick by Tennessee Titans : first round, 10th overall pick by Tennessee Titans OL D.J. Fluker : first round, 11th overall pick by San Diego Chargers : first round, 11th overall pick by San Diego Chargers RB Eddie Lacy : second round, 61st overall pick by Green Bay Packers : second round, 61st overall pick by Green Bay Packers LB Nico Johnson : fourth round, 99th overall pick by Kansas City Chiefs : fourth round, 99th overall pick by Kansas City Chiefs OL Barrett Jones : fourth round, 113th overall pick by St. Louis Rams : fourth round, 113th overall pick by St. Louis Rams DL Jesse Williams : fifth round, 137th overall pick by Seattle Seahawks : fifth round, 137th overall pick by Seattle Seahawks DL Quinton Dial : fifth round, 157th overall pick by San Francisco 49ers : fifth round, 157th overall pick by San Francisco 49ers TE Michael Williams: seventh round, 211th overall pick by Detroit Lions Alabama players were chosen with three consecutive picks in the first round. Fluker had the longest career of any of them, playing in 108 games (96 starts) over eight years between the Chargers, Giants, Seahawks and Ravens. Lacy rushed for 3,614 yards in five seasons, and 23 touchdown in three years with the Packers. He took home NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2013 and was named to the Pro Bowl. Alabama football players taken in 2014 NFL Draft LB C.J. Mosley : first round, 17th overall pick by Baltimore Ravens : first round, 17th overall pick by Baltimore Ravens S Ha Ha Clinton-Dix : first round, 21st overall pick by Green Bay Packers : first round, 21st overall pick by Green Bay Packers OL Cyrus Kouandjio : second round, 44th overall pick by Buffalo Bills : second round, 44th overall pick by Buffalo Bills WR Kevin Norwood : fourth round, 123rd overall pick by Seattle Seahawks : fourth round, 123rd overall pick by Seattle Seahawks DL Ed Stinson : fifth round, 160th overall pick by Arizona Cardinals : fifth round, 160th overall pick by Arizona Cardinals QB A.J. McCarron : fifth round, 164th overall pick by Cincinnati Bengals : fifth round, 164th overall pick by Cincinnati Bengals DB Vinnie Sunseri : fifth round, 167th overall pick by New Orleans Saints : fifth round, 167th overall pick by New Orleans Saints DL Jeoffrey Pagan: sixth round, 177th overall pick by Houston Texans Mosley has proven he was the best Alabama player chosen in this class with five Pro Bowl selections in a career that has spanned 10 seasons and counting. He has started all but one of his 133 career games between the Ravens and Jets and has racked up over 1,000 combined tackles to go with 12 sacks, 12 interceptions and 10 forced fumbles. Alabama football players taken in 2015 NFL Draft WR Amari Cooper : first round, fourth overall pick by Oakland Raiders : first round, fourth overall pick by Oakland Raiders S Landon Collins : second round, 33rd overall pick by New York Giants : second round, 33rd overall pick by New York Giants RB T.J. Yeldon : second round, 36th overall pick by Jacksonville Jaguars : second round, 36th overall pick by Jacksonville Jaguars FB Jalston Fowler : fourth round, 108th overall pick by Tennessee Titans : fourth round, 108th overall pick by Tennessee Titans OL Arie Kouandjio : fourth round, 112th overall pick by Washington Redskins : fourth round, 112th overall pick by Washington Redskins OL Austin Shepherd : seventh round, 228th overall pick by Minnesota Vikings : seventh round, 228th overall pick by Minnesota Vikings LB Xzavier Dickson: seventh round, 253rd overall pick by New England Patriots A five-time Pro Bowl selection, Cooper has had a far better career than any of the three players -- Jameis Winston, Marcus Mariota and Dante Fowler -- that were drafted ahead of him. He'll enter the 2025 NFL season with 711 catches and 10,033 career receiving yards. Cooper recently topped USA TODAY Sports' list of the 10 best players still remaining in free agency. Alabama football players taken in 2016 NFL Draft C Ryan Kelly : first round, 18th overall pick by Indianapolis Colts : first round, 18th overall pick by Indianapolis Colts LB Reggie Ragland : second round, 41st overall pick by Buffalo Bills : second round, 41st overall pick by Buffalo Bills RB Derrick Henry : second round, 45th overall pick by Tennessee Titans : second round, 45th overall pick by Tennessee Titans DL A'Shawn Robinson : second round, 46th overall pick by Detroit Lions : second round, 46th overall pick by Detroit Lions DL Jarran Reed : second round, 49th overall pick by Seattle Seahawks : second round, 49th overall pick by Seattle Seahawks CB Cyrus Jones : second round, 60th overall pick by New England Patriots : second round, 60th overall pick by New England Patriots RB Kenyan Drake: third round, 73rd overall pick by Miami Dolphins "King Henry" keeps running up the score on anyone who heavily implied that Nick Saban was overusing him in his final season at Alabama (395 carries, 2,219 yards, plus 11 catches for 91 yards). Henry had a monstrous year in 2024, his ninth in the NFL. He rushed for 1,921 yards (5.9 AVG) and 16 touchdowns on 325 carries in the regular season. In the Ravens' playoff win over the Steelers, he popped off for 186 yards and two more scores. Henry will enter the 2025 season with 11,423 career rushing yards. Alabama football players taken in 2017 NFL Draft CB Marlon Humphrey : first round, 16th overall pick by Baltimore Ravens : first round, 16th overall pick by Baltimore Ravens DL Jonathan Allen : first round, 17th overall pick by Washington Redskins : first round, 17th overall pick by Washington Redskins TE O.J. Howard : first round, 19th overall pick by Tampa Bay Buccaneers : first round, 19th overall pick by Tampa Bay Buccaneers LB Reuben Foster : first round, 31st overall pick by San Francisco 49ers : first round, 31st overall pick by San Francisco 49ers OL Cam Robinson : second round, 34th overall pick by Jacksonville Jaguars : second round, 34th overall pick by Jacksonville Jaguars LB Ryan Anderson : second round, 49th overall pick by Washington Redskins : second round, 49th overall pick by Washington Redskins DL Dalvin Tomlinson : second round, 55th overall pick by New York Giants : second round, 55th overall pick by New York Giants LB Tim Williams : third round, 78th overall pick by Baltimore Ravens : third round, 78th overall pick by Baltimore Ravens WR ArDarius Stewart : third round, 79th overall pick by New York Jets : third round, 79th overall pick by New York Jets S Eddie Jackson: fourth round, 112th overall pick by Chicago Bears Headlined by future Pro Bowlers Humphrey and Allen, this was the first of five NFL Draft classes to feature 10 Alabama players. Four of them went in the first round while Jackson, a two-time Pro Bowl safety, is one of the best late-round steals in recent history. Alabama football players taken in 2018 NFL Draft S Minkah Fitzpatrick : first round, 11th overall pick by Miami Dolphins : first round, 11th overall pick by Miami Dolphins DL Daron Payne : first round, 13th overall pick by Washington Redskins : first round, 13th overall pick by Washington Redskins LB Rashaan Evans : first round, 22nd overall pick by Tennessee Titans : first round, 22nd overall pick by Tennessee Titans WR Calvin Ridley : first round, 26th overall pick by Atlanta Falcons : first round, 26th overall pick by Atlanta Falcons S Ronnie Harrison : third round, 93rd overall pick by Jacksonville Jaguars : third round, 93rd overall pick by Jacksonville Jaguars DL Da'Shawn Hand : fourth round, 114th overall pick by Detroit Lions : fourth round, 114th overall pick by Detroit Lions CB Anthony Averett : fourth round, 118th overall pick by Baltimore Ravens : fourth round, 118th overall pick by Baltimore Ravens P JK Scott : fifth round, 172nd overall pick by Green Bay Packers : fifth round, 172nd overall pick by Green Bay Packers LB Shaun Dion Hamilton : sixth round, 197th overall pick by Washington Redskins : sixth round, 197th overall pick by Washington Redskins C Bradley Bozeman : sixth round, 215th overall pick by Baltimore Ravens : sixth round, 215th overall pick by Baltimore Ravens RB Bo Scarbrough : seventh round, 236th overall pick by Dallas Cowboys : seventh round, 236th overall pick by Dallas Cowboys DL Joshua Frazier: seventh round, 246th overall pick by Pittsburgh Steelers A total of 12 Alabama players were selected in the 2018 draft -- the most in program history and, at the time, the second most in NFL history from any one school. Fitzpatrick turned in his third straight Pro Bowl season in 2024 and the fifth of his career. All but three players from this crop of Alabama alums -- Hamilton, Scarbrough and Frazier -- are either still on active rosters or played in 2024. Alabama football players taken in 2019 NFL Draft DL Quinnen Williams : first round, third overall pick by New York Jets : first round, third overall pick by New York Jets OL Jonah Williams : first round, 11th overall pick by Cincinnati Bengals : first round, 11th overall pick by Cincinnati Bengals RB Josh Jacobs : first round, 24th overall pick by Oakland Raiders : first round, 24th overall pick by Oakland Raiders TE Irv Smith Jr. : second round, 50th overall pick by Minnesota Vikings : second round, 50th overall pick by Minnesota Vikings RB Damien Harris : third round, 87th overall pick by New England Patriots : third round, 87th overall pick by New England Patriots LB Christian Miller : fourth round, 115th overall pick by Carolina Panthers : fourth round, 115th overall pick by Carolina Panthers S Deionte Thompson : fifth round, 139th overall pick by Arizona Cardinals : fifth round, 139th overall pick by Arizona Cardinals OL Ross Pierschbacher : fifth round, 153rd overall pick by Washington Redskins : fifth round, 153rd overall pick by Washington Redskins LB Mack Wilson : fifth round, 155th overall pick by Cleveland Browns : fifth round, 155th overall pick by Cleveland Browns DL Isaiah Buggs: sixth round, 192nd overall pick by Pittsburgh Steelers Alabama's third straight draft class with at least 10 players was headlined by Williams, the Jets' three-time Pro Bowl lineman who finished seventh in Defensive Player of the Year voting in 2022 and was named the 37th best player in the annual NFL Top 100 a year ago. Jacobs has also garnered three Pro Bowl selections, including last year when he ran for 1,329 yards and 15 touchdowns with the Packers. He led the league in rushing with 1,653 yards in 2022 and was the 2019 Pro Football Writers of America Offensive Rookie of the Year. Alabama football players taken in 2020 NFL Draft QB Tua Tagovailoa : first round, fifth overall pick by Miami Dolphins : first round, fifth overall pick by Miami Dolphins OL Jedrick Wills Jr. : first round, 10th overall pick by Cleveland Browns : first round, 10th overall pick by Cleveland Browns WR Henry Ruggs III : first round, 12th overall pick by Las Vegas Raiders : first round, 12th overall pick by Las Vegas Raiders WR Jerry Jeudy : first round, 15th overall pick by Denver Broncos : first round, 15th overall pick by Denver Broncos S Xavier McKinney : second round, 36th overall pick by New York Giants : second round, 36th overall pick by New York Giants CB Trevon Diggs : second round, 51st overall pick by Dallas Cowboys : second round, 51st overall pick by Dallas Cowboys DL Raekwon Davis : second round, 56th overall pick by Miami Dolphins : second round, 56th overall pick by Miami Dolphins LB Terrell Lewis : third round, 84th overall pick by Los Angeles Rams : third round, 84th overall pick by Los Angeles Rams LB Anfernee Jennings: third round, 87th overall pick by New England Patriots Due to injuries (which don't need rehashing in this space), Tua's career hasn't been what people had hoped for, but the Alabama star will always be No. 1 in many fans' hearts. Others from this year's class include Diggs, who led the NFL with 11 interceptions in 2021, his second season in the league. That year, he was also the NFL's Most Improved Player. McKinney made his first Pro Bowl a year ago and finished eighth in AP Defensive Player of the Year voting. He had a career-high eight interceptions and tied his career-best with 11 pass breakups. Alabama football players taken in 2021 NFL Draft WR Jaylen Waddle : first round, sixth overall pick by Miami Dolphins : first round, sixth overall pick by Miami Dolphins DB Patrick Surtain II : first round, ninth overall pick by Denver Broncos : first round, ninth overall pick by Denver Broncos WR DeVonta Smith : first round, 10th overall pick by Philadelphia Eagles : first round, 10th overall pick by Philadelphia Eagles QB Mac Jones : first round, 15th overall pick by New England Patriots : first round, 15th overall pick by New England Patriots OL Alex Leatherwood : first round, 17th overall pick by Las Vegas Raiders : first round, 17th overall pick by Las Vegas Raiders RB Najee Harris : first round, 24th overall pick by Pittsburgh Steelers : first round, 24th overall pick by Pittsburgh Steelers OL Landon Dickerson : second round, 37th overall pick by Philadelphia Eagles : second round, 37th overall pick by Philadelphia Eagles DL Christian Barmore : second round, 38th overall pick by New England Patriots : second round, 38th overall pick by New England Patriots CB Deonte Brown : sixth round, 193rd overall pick by Carolina Panthers : sixth round, 193rd overall pick by Carolina Panthers LS Thomas Fletcher: sixth round, 222nd overall pick by Carolina Panthers Alabama shattered its previous record of first-round picks with this class, which saw six Crimson Tide players chosen in the opening round. That total tied the Miami Hurricanes' record from the 2004 draft. Among them, Surtain has been an absolute star for the Broncos and was named the AP and PFWA Defensive Player of the Year in 2024. Smith recently helped the Eagles to a Super Bowl title with former Alabama QB Jalen Hurts taking home MVP honors. Harris could be the next great Steelers running back and has four 1,000-yard rushing campaigns in as many seasons. Alabama football players taken in 2022 NFL Draft OL Evan Neal : first round, seventh overall pick by New York Giants : first round, seventh overall pick by New York Giants WR Jameson Williams : first round, 12th overall pick by Detroit Lions : first round, 12th overall pick by Detroit Lions WR John Metchie : second round, 44th overall pick by Houston Texans : second round, 44th overall pick by Houston Texans DL Phidarian Mathis : second round, 47th overall pick by Washington Commanders : second round, 47th overall pick by Washington Commanders LB Christian Harris : third round, 75h overall pick by Houston Texans : third round, 75h overall pick by Houston Texans RB Brian Robinson Jr. : third round, 98th overall pick by Washington Commanders : third round, 98th overall pick by Washington Commanders DB Jalyn Armour-Davis: fourth round, 119th overall pick by Baltimore Ravens Williams totaled his first 1,000-yard season in 2024, hauling in 58 catches and seven touchdowns in what was hopefully the first of many big seasons for the former Alabama standout. Alabama football players taken in 2023 NFL Draft QB Bryce Young : first round, first overall pick by Carolina Panthers : first round, first overall pick by Carolina Panthers LB Will Anderson : first round, third overall pick by Houston Texans : first round, third overall pick by Houston Texans RB Jahmyr Gibbs : first round, 12th overall pick by Detroit Lions : first round, 12th overall pick by Detroit Lions DB Brian Branch : second round, 45th overall pick by Detroit Lions : second round, 45th overall pick by Detroit Lions OL Tyler Steen : third round, 65th overall pick by Philadelphia Eagles : third round, 65th overall pick by Philadelphia Eagles DL Byron Young : third round, 70th overall pick by Las Vegas Raiders : third round, 70th overall pick by Las Vegas Raiders S Jordan Battle : third round, 95th overall pick by Cincinnati Bengals : third round, 95th overall pick by Cincinnati Bengals TE Cameron Latu : third round, 101st overall pick by San Francisco 49ers : third round, 101st overall pick by San Francisco 49ers LB Henry To'oTo'o : fifth round, 167th overall pick by Houston Texans : fifth round, 167th overall pick by Houston Texans S DeMarcco Hellams: seventh round, 224th overall pick by Atlanta Falcons Young became the first quarterback in Crimson Tide history to go first overall in the draft. A change of scenery could benefit him -- preferably with an organization that isn't high in the running for worst-run franchise in professional sports. Anderson made an immediate impact with the Texans, winning Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2023. In two seasons, he has 18 sacks and 26 tackles for loss. Gibbs has been a Pro Bowl selection in each of his first two seasons and led the league in rushing touchdowns (16) last season while running for 1,412 yards on 250 carries. Alabama football players taken in 2024 NFL Draft OL JC Latham : first round, seventh overall pick by Tennessee Titans : first round, seventh overall pick by Tennessee Titans LB Dallas Turner : first round, 17th overall pick by Minnesota Vikings : first round, 17th overall pick by Minnesota Vikings DB Terrion Arnold : first round, 24th overall pick by Detroit Lions : first round, 24th overall pick by Detroit Lions CB Kool-Aid McKinstry : second round, 41st overall pick by New Orleans Saints : second round, 41st overall pick by New Orleans Saints LB Chris Braswell : second round, 57th overall pick by Tampa Bay Buccaneers : second round, 57th overall pick by Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Jermaine Burton : third round, 80th overall pick by Cincinnati Bengals : third round, 80th overall pick by Cincinnati Bengals DL Justin Eboigbe : fourth round, 105th overall pick by Los Angeles Chargers : fourth round, 105th overall pick by Los Angeles Chargers RB Jase McClellan : sixth round, 186th overall pick by Atlanta Falcons : sixth round, 186th overall pick by Atlanta Falcons K Will Reichard : sixth round, 203rd overall pick by Minnesota Vikings : sixth round, 203rd overall pick by Minnesota Vikings S Jaylen Key: seventh round, 257th overall pick by New York Jets Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes and opinion
Irish Daily Star
24-04-2025
- Politics
- Irish Daily Star
Donald Trump unhappy with two team names in major league sports - 'doesn't make sense'
President Donald Trump blasted the decisions to rename the Washington Redskins and Cleveland Indians due to their ties to Native American heritage - describing the pair of title changes as "degrading to the Indian population" during a rambling answer to a reporter . Following widespread calls to switch their names, Washington's NFL team and Cleveland's MLB team adopted the nicknames 'Washington Football Team' and the 'Guardians' in 2020 and 2021, respectively. The former organization further rebranded to the ' Commanders ' in 2022. Speaking to members of the media at the White House on Wednesday, Trump insisted that he preferred the name 'Redskins' over 'Commanders' - adding that individuals with Indian heritage who he spoke to expressed a similar sentiment. "I think it's degrading to the Indian population, and it's a great population, and they like when they're called by various names," he said. Read More Related Articles Rory McIlroy's stunning mansion with Erica Stoll pictured, golf course next door Read More Related Articles Rory McIlroy and wife Erica Stoll pictured returning to Florida after PGA Tour decision "Now Washington, the Redskins, perhaps that's a little different, but I can tell you that I spoke to people of Indian heritage who love that name and love that team, and I think it's a much superior name to what they have right now and it had heritage behind it, it had something special." Despite voicing his preference between the two titles, Trump stopped short of sharing whether or not he'd force the Commanders to revert back to the Redskins title when the franchise builds its new stadium on federal land that the government gave D.C. control over. Trump then shifted his attention to the Cleveland Guardians, who he briefly forgot the name of. "They changed the name of the Cleveland Indians. Why would you take the name 'Indians' off the Cleveland Indians? And now it's called the Cleveland something else," he added. "So it just doesn't make sense to me. "I think it really is demeaning to Indians. But to change the name of the Cleveland Indians to the Cleveland Guardians, for example, to the Cleveland Guardians is not the same, and I'm sure it has an impact on the team." The Washington Redskins changed their name to the Washington Football Team back in 2020 (Image: Getty Images) Elsewhere in the discussion, Trump made reference to Massapequa High School - a public high school in Long Island whose team name is the Chiefs. According to New York law, however, all institutes must get rid of logos or nicknames that pertain to Indigenous people by the end of 2025. In response, the Massapequa school district sued the state - though a federal judge ruled in favor of New York. Taking to Truth Social, Trump clapped back at the ruling and asserted that the name shouldn't have to be changed. "I agree with the people in Massapequa, Long Island, who are fighting furiously to keep the Massapequa Chiefs logo on their Teams and School," he wrote. "Forcing them to change the name, after all of these years, is ridiculous and, in actuality, an affront to our great Indian population. 'The School Board, and virtually everyone in the area, are demanding the name be kept. It has become the School's identity and, what could be wrong with using the name, 'Chief'? I don't see the Kansas City Chiefs changing their name anytime soon! By copy of this TRUTH, I am asking my highly capable Secretary of Education, Linda McMahon, to fight for the people of Massapequa on this very important issue. LONG LIVE THE MASSAPEQUA CHIEFS!"
New York Times
17-03-2025
- Entertainment
- New York Times
Louis Ballard, the ‘Father' of Native American Composers, Hasn't Gotten His Due
More than 50,000 spectators filled Kennedy Stadium in Washington on Nov. 27, 1977, for a football game between two bitter rivals, the Washington Redskins and Dallas Cowboys. There was drama in the game, with both teams in the hunt for a playoff berth, but more unusual was the entertainment before and at halftime: an enormous spectacle of Native American music, dance and history. It was, The Washington Post reported, 'part of a new movement to re-establish American Indians as first-class citizens in the United States.' At the center of the event was the National Indian Honor Band — 150 students chosen from 80 tribes in 30 states — which played four pieces by Louis W. Ballard. With tens of thousands of listeners, this was probably the most prominent platform a Native American composer had ever had. The performance was a career highlight for Ballard, a pioneering figure who paved the way for the broad upswing in Native composers over the past few decades. He was among the first to negotiate issues that younger artists still face: melding Native and Western classical traditions; the role of his music in social and political activism; expressing his community's deep history and culture in a modern way. 'Ballard was the grandfather of Native American composers,' Jerod Impichchaachaaha' Tate, one of that next generation of artists, said in an interview. Tim Long, a conductor and teacher, echoed that sentiment: 'He is the father of all of us who are Native people in classical music right now.' A composer as well as a pianist, conductor, filmmaker, writer, teacher, compiler of Native songs and national curriculum specialist for the Bureau of Indian Affairs, Ballard had his music performed throughout the United States and Europe. He studied with Darius Milhaud and brought Stravinsky to a ceremonial Deer Dance in New Mexico. Thank you for your patience while we verify access. If you are in Reader mode please exit and log into your Times account, or subscribe for all of The Times. Thank you for your patience while we verify access. Already a subscriber? Log in. Want all of The Times? Subscribe.
