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ESPN writer Bill Barnwell ranked the Seattle Seahawks' collective group of offensive playmakers (wide receivers, running backs, and tight ends) at No. 19 out of 32 NFL teams in his annual rankings. This placement reflects significant uncertainty surrounding the Seahawks' overhauled offense. During an appearance on Seattle Sports, Barnwell explained that the middle-of-the-pack ranking signifies a skill-position group featuring both upside and question marks. He characterized his view as "hopeful, but also skeptical," which aligns with the 19th-place finish. A major source of the hope and skepticism is wide receiver Cooper Kupp, signed by Seattle after they traded DK Metcalf. While Kupp had an elite career with the Rams, including a historic 1,947-yard season in 2021 (second-most in NFL history), injuries have limited him to only 33 games over the past three seasons. His per-game receiving average has also dropped significantly, from 90.2 yards in 2022 to 61.4 in 2023 and 59.2 in 2024, among the lowest of his career. Barnwell noted Kupp was elite very recently but finds it hard to gauge his current level due to persistent injuries.
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Kansas City Chiefs rookie Ashton Gillotte underwent intense teenage training under his mother Veronica Gillotte, which included Spartan Races, CrossFit (ranking 21st in Southeast), weightlifting state championships, and earned him a spot on college football's "Freaks List." His college teammates called the regimen "crazy" when experiencing it firsthand. Veronica similarly trained all three children: soccer/football-playing daughter Alexandra and MMA fighter son Devin. The NFL has significantly increased female coaching representation, employing 15 full-time female coaches in 2024 – a 47% rise since 2021 and 1,400% since 2015. Notably, 6 of these 15 coaches work in strength, conditioning, and performance departments, reflecting a natural entry pipeline for women into these roles. NFL Women's Forum founder Sam Rapoport attributes this growth to existing sports pipelines beyond tackle football. NFL performance staffs typically comprise 4-6 members responsible for roster-wide physical readiness, injury rehabilitation, and game-day preparation. The cross-sport transferability of strength/conditioning expertise has accelerated female integration into these positions. Emily Zaler exemplifies this trajectory, having worked for the NBA's Knicks, NFL's Broncos, WNBA's Liberty, and currently the 76ers as an assistant strength coach/sports scientist. Her success stems from deeply investing in individual athletes' development journeys.
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Real Madrid has officially announced the departure of midfielder Lucas Vázquez, with a farewell ceremony scheduled for July 17. The club has set a transfer fee of €20 million for left-back Fran Garcia. AC Milan is rumored to be interested, and Real Madrid is reportedly willing to sell either Garcia or Ferland Mendy, with Garcia offering higher potential return. Barcelona president Joan Laporta is reportedly exploring an ambitious move to sign Real Madrid forwards Vinicius Jr. and Rodrygo, aiming to strengthen Barcelona while weakening their rivals. However, this move is considered unlikely due to Barcelona's financial constraints. Villarreal has enquired about signing Real Madrid's second-choice goalkeeper Andriy Lunin, who has some Champions League experience. Real Madrid is reportedly reluctant to sell the player. Liverpool has emerged as the frontrunner to sign Rodrygo, with manager Arne Slot described as a massive fan who has made the 24-year-old his top target. This interest comes as Liverpool anticipates the departure of Luis Diaz, creating a need for a left-sided player.
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The Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel faces immense pressure entering the 2025 season, with CBS Sports listing him among NFL coaches with the hottest seats. After his first losing season and missing the playoffs, coupled with the front office trading away a key offensive weapon, McDaniel's job security is in serious jeopardy, and the path to saving it is seen as increasingly difficult. Wide receiver Tyreek Hill's status as an all-time great was challenged by Randy Moss, who stated Hill is "nowhere all-time" but ranks him among the current top five receivers. Despite some viewing 2024 as a "down year" for Hill, NFL scouts still rank him among the league's top three wide receivers. Scouts acknowledge Hill might have lost "a half-step" but emphasize he remains more explosive than others due to his power and raw speed. They note defenses have adjusted to limit the big plays in Miami's offense. Both an AFC scout and an NFC executive stressed that Hill's elite speed continues to dictate defensive preparations and significantly impacts how opponents game plan against the Dolphins, with the executive asserting his speed hasn't diminished. Hill enters the 2025 season with a different mindset and is ranked No. 3 among receivers. His performance, and the offense's success, are expected to be heavily influenced by quarterback Tua Tagovailoa's health. The upcoming season is viewed as potentially massive for Hill and as a make-or-break year for the Dolphins organization overall.
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Cristiano Ronaldo has been named the 2024-25 Roshn Saudi League Fans' Player of the Season. This announcement comes nearly two months after the season concluded. Despite some fan criticism due to Al-Nassr finishing third in the league and failing to win any trophies, Ronaldo secured the award based on his outstanding individual performances. He received 15 Man of the Match awards and finished as the league's top scorer with 25 goals in 30 games. Following uncertainty about his future, the 40-year-old recently signed a two-year contract extension with Al-Nassr. The club subsequently appointed a new head coach, Jorge Jesus (formerly of Al-Hilal), on July 14. Reports indicate Ronaldo significantly influenced his fellow Portuguese manager's decision to accept the role. Ronaldo's impact at Al-Nassr over two seasons is substantial, with 93 goals and 19 assists in 105 appearances across all competitions. He now has 938 career goals and aims to reach, or come close to, the 1,000-goal milestone during his new contract. Achieving this would mean playing until age 42 by the 2026-27 season. His performances show no signs of decline, and he also aims to win the Saudi Pro League with Al-Nassr in the coming seasons.
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The Green Bay Packers have commenced their training camp for the 2025 season, entering with a highly talented roster and elevated expectations for success. A new video addresses the top five crucial questions that could significantly influence the team's performance, potentially making or breaking their season. These key questions include the depth and reliability of the wide receiver position, the impact of rookies such as whether Matthew Golden will excel in his debut season, the progress of the defense with a focus on the secondary's ability to perform, the stability of the offensive line, and the overall consistency of the team throughout the year. The video also explores whether the offense is prepared for a strong playoff push, including the possibility of a Super Bowl run.
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Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson headlines the list of best rushing yard bets for the 2025 NFL season, following an impressive 2024 campaign. Despite playing in an inconsistent offense, Robinson handled over 300 carries and added 60 receptions. With a new quarterback (Michael Penix Jr.) and offensive coordinator (Zac Robinson) installing a new system, the Falcons are expected to improve, potentially unlocking another level for Robinson. He possesses a rare blend of speed (4.46) and power (215 lbs), maintaining 4.8 yards per carry and a high elusiveness rating despite being a focal point for defenses. Increased chunk runs are anticipated, as he had only one 30+ yard run last season and none over 40 yards in his career so far. Las Vegas Raiders rookie Ashton Jeanty, the No. 6 overall pick, is projected for a featured role. Hailed as a top prospect, the 5-foot-9, 211-pound Boise State product combines a compact build with elite burst and speed (21.7 mph in-game max). He proved capable of handling heavy college workloads and joins a Raiders backfield that lacked production in 2024, with only veteran Raheem Mostert added as insurance. Under new offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, known for implementing fast-paced, run-heavy offenses (historically Top 15 in rushing), Jeanty is expected to dominate early-down work and thrive quickly as the lead back. Los Angeles Chargers first-round pick Omarion Hampton (No. 22 overall) is another rookie rusher highlighted after dominant back-to-back 1,500-yard seasons at North Carolina. The 6-foot, 221-pound back tested as a power-speed threat (4.46 40, 38" vertical) at the combine. His production profile and physical tools align perfectly with the Chargers' run-first offensive philosophy under Jim Harbaugh and coordinator Greg Roman. Although projected to start in a timeshare with veteran Najee Harris (on a one-year deal and struggling with efficiency), Hampton's role is expected to grow quickly. He will benefit from running behind a strong offensive line and defenses being unable to solely focus on the run due to quarterback Justin Herbert and an upgraded receiving corps.
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Former NFL player James Jones strongly criticized ESPN's Top 10 quarterback rankings, specifically objecting to Jalen Hurts being placed at No. 9 and Justin Herbert ranked ahead of him at No. 7. Jones called the list "awful" during an appearance on FS1's 'The Facility', stating, "There should never be a list where Justin Herbert is in front of Jalen Hurts," dismissing arguments based purely on Herbert's perceived talent. Herbert's No. 7 ranking represented a slight drop from his No. 6 position the previous summer. An anonymous AFC executive defended Herbert's placement, describing him as "always been a top-5-8 QB" who is "accurate to all levels, athletic, [a] sound decision-maker," and even suggested Herbert is now "underrated" and "taken for granted." Jones vehemently disagreed with the notion that Herbert is underrated, pointing directly to their playoff accomplishments as the key differentiator. He argued, "I see Justin Herbert at seven, who hasn't won a playoff game. [Jalen Hurts] has been to more Super Bowls than you have won playoff games." Jones found the idea that Herbert is better than Hurts disrespectful to Hurts. Jones highlighted Hurts' recent success, noting his MVP-caliber season two years prior where he threw for 3,701 yards and 22 touchdowns while rushing for 760 yards and 13 touchdowns, leading the Eagles to a 14-1 record. That season culminated in a Super Bowl appearance, and although they lost, Hurts was widely considered to have outperformed Patrick Mahomes. Hurts later won the Super Bowl and its MVP award the following season. Jones contrasted this with Herbert's resume, which lacks comparable playoff success. He also expressed strong belief in rookie Jayden Daniels, stating, "Jayden Daniels is going to be a superstar in this league."
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Fox is promoting college football sideline reporter Allison Williams to fill the NFL sideline reporter role previously held by Laura Okmin, according to a Front Office Sports report. This move follows Okmin's decision nearly a month prior to decline a contract extension with Fox after 23 years with the network. It is currently unclear which NFL announce team Williams will join for the upcoming fall season. Okmin had worked the "NFL on Fox" sidelines during the 2024 season alongside play-by-play announcer Kevin Kugler and analyst Daryl "Moose" Johnston. Fox declined to comment on the report, and Williams has not yet publicly addressed the promotion news. Williams joined Fox in 2022 following a controversial departure from ESPN in 2021. She left ESPN after opting out of the college football season as a sideline reporter because she refused to comply with the company's COVID-19 vaccine mandate. Williams stated her decision was based on consulting with her doctor and a fertility specialist while trying for a second child, expressing strong moral and ethical objections. In 2023, Williams and a former producer, Beth Faber, sued ESPN and Disney, alleging violation of their religious beliefs due to their firing over the vaccine policy; however, they dropped the lawsuit in May 2024. Laura Okmin will continue covering the NFL postseason and Super Bowl for Westwood One Sports radio. After leaving Fox, she plans to focus on her company, GALvanize, which trains and mentors young women entering sports media. This promotion news comes amidst reports that Fox secured lucrative contract extensions with veteran NFL sideline reporter Erin Andrews, who is part of the network's top broadcast team with Tom Brady and Kevin Burkhardt, and Charissa Thompson, host of the "Fox NFL Kickoff" show.
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The Dallas Cowboys face potential contract negotiations with star player Micah Parsons. While Parsons has participated in offseason activities and maintained a positive relationship with new coach Brian Schottenheimer, unlike previous holdouts involving Ezekiel Elliott, Zack Martin, and CeeDee Lamb, complex negotiations remain. Parsons' new contract is expected to average over $40 million annually with significant guaranteed money exceeding $100 million. Whether this results in a holdout or a smoother resolution is uncertain. Jacksonville Jaguars rookie Travis Hunter, a unique two-way player drafted second overall, presents a challenge for coach Liam Coen regarding time allocation between offense and defense. The Jaguars plan to prioritize building his offensive foundation first, aligning with Coen's offensive background and GM James Gladstone's receiver-focused history. This approach contrasts with Hunter's college experience at Colorado, where he primarily focused on defense. Training camp will be crucial to understanding how Hunter's practice time is divided, offering insight into his regular-season role, as mastering NFL defense requires significant weekly preparation time. The Cleveland Browns face a demanding start to their season, with their first six games including five against 2023 playoff teams (Baltimore, Green Bay, Detroit, Minnesota, Pittsburgh) and an opener against the Cincinnati Bengals, a recent Super Bowl contender. This challenging early schedule raises questions about how the team will strategically deploy its quarterbacks.
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The 2025 Copa América Femenina continues today with a group stage match in Quito, Ecuador, featuring Uruguay versus Argentina. This South American women's soccer tournament, running until the championship final on August 2nd, determines qualification spots for the 2027 Pan American Games in Lima, Peru, in addition to crowning this year's champion. The Uruguay vs. Argentina match takes place on Tuesday, July 15th, at 5 p.m. Eastern Time (ET). The game will be televised on the FS1 channel. Viewers can stream the match through various platforms including Sling, DirecTV, Fubo, and Hulu + Live TV, all of which carry FS1. Fubo TV's Pro tier, starting at $65 for the first month, provides access to FS1, FS2, Fox, and over 100 other live channels. While described as pricey, the service is presented as a more affordable alternative to traditional cable packages for watching the Copa América Femenina.
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Luke Steckel has been retained as the Las Vegas Raiders' tight ends coach despite significant coaching staff changes implemented by new head coach Pete Carroll and general manager John Spytek. Steckel's return is unsurprising given his role in overseeing Brock Bowers' record-setting rookie season. Bowers, the Raiders' 2024 first-round pick, set NFL rookie records with 112 receptions and 1,194 receiving yards as a tight end in his debut season. Retaining Steckel provides crucial continuity for Bowers, Michael Mayer, and Justin Shorter in the tight end room during a regime change. Steckel expressed gratitude for the opportunity to remain with the Raiders, praising Carroll's high energy, positive mindset, and focus on culture. He now works alongside Carroll and offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, whose offensive concepts are expected to be highly beneficial for the tight ends. Despite his relatively young age (40), Steckel emphasizes an old-school coaching philosophy for tight ends: they must earn opportunities in the passing game by excelling as blockers in the run game first. He believes tight ends are "blockers first." Improving the blocking skills of Bowers and Mayer, the Raiders' top tight ends, is seen as key to enhancing the offense. This is particularly relevant after the team used a high draft pick (6th overall in 2025) on running back Ashton Jeanty. While Bowers excelled as a receiver, refining his blocking presents an opportunity for growth.
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The article identifies three running backs fantasy managers should avoid drafting at their current ADP. First, Breece Hall (New York Jets) is highlighted due to significant concerns: his production declined sharply in 2024 (876 rushing yards), losing work to rookies Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis. New head coach Aaron Glenn plans to continue a multiple-back system in 2025. The addition of mobile quarterback Justin Fields will further reduce Hall's rushing attempts, and defenses focusing on stopping the run due to limited receiving threats will hinder him. Despite an ECR ranking of RB13, these hurdles make him a poor investment. Second, Tracy (New York Giants) is advised against. While he achieved over 1,000 all-purpose yards in 2024 and is a capable goal-line runner and pass-blocker, he faces stiff competition from rookie Cam Skattebo. Skattebo, a powerful and versatile back, is expected to immediately take over short-yardage and goal-line duties and could surpass Tracy on the depth chart. Tracy also struggled with fumbling (5 fumbles in 2024), and the Giants' tough 2025 schedule will likely force them into pass-heavy game scripts, limiting his opportunities. These factors present too many risks. Third, Jaylen Warren (Pittsburgh Steelers) is recommended as a pass. Despite Najee Harris's departure, the Steelers drafted dynamic rookie Kaleb Johnson. Johnson, coming off a stellar college season (1,725+ scrimmage yards, 23 TDs), is a powerful downhill runner suited to early-down and goal-line work. While Warren is a better receiver, Johnson's overall skillset and pass-blocking ability mean he will handle the primary rushing role. Warren is therefore relegated to his previous complementary role, making him only a weekly FLEX option in PPR leagues rather than a reliable RB3, especially if Johnson performs well.
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This collection of headlines covers diverse entertainment, lifestyle, and advice topics. It features nostalgic content with a list of 9 memorable Mr. Bean moments intended to uplift students during difficult times, alongside news about cinema halls reviving classic films through re-releases. Celebrity fashion and style are prominent, highlighting charismatic pictures of actor Chiranjeevi, 10 stunning ethnic looks showcased by Riythvika, floral fashion moments from actress Fatima Sana Shaikh, and the top 10 gorgeous looks inspired by Hina Khan. Health and wellness advice includes 7 diet secrets followed by badminton champion Saina Nehwal to maintain her fitness, a guide on making Korean hair serum for promoting hair growth, and a list of 9 foods known to lower the risk of cancer. Career guidance is also addressed with information on 8 college degrees predicted to have high placement rates in the year 2025.
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Juventus and Porto are nearing completion of a permanent transfer deal for Francisco Conceição. Reports from Giovanni Albanese (La Gazzetta dello Sport) and Mirko Di Natale (TuttoJuve) indicate an agreement is close, with Albanese suggesting it's essentially done and Di Natale describing it as very advanced. The total value of the deal is expected to reach up to €27 million, structured as a €22 million fee plus €5 million in bonuses, many of which are reportedly easy for Porto to achieve. A significant factor facilitating the deal, according to Di Natale, is that Conceição has waived a 20% rights fee that could have complicated negotiations. As a result, Conceição is expected to receive a slightly higher salary than he did during his loan spell at Juventus in the 2024-25 season. This outcome marks a shift from earlier speculation when Igor Tudor first became interim manager, which suggested Conceição would not remain at Juventus. His limited playing time under Tudor initially fueled rumors of a departure. However, Conceição's role increased over the following months, particularly during the Club World Cup, contributing to the change in plans. Securing Conceição does not appear to preclude Juventus from pursuing other attacking targets. Reports indicate that the club's interest in Jadon Sancho remains active, with Juventus reportedly having submitted an opening bid to Manchester United for the player recently. Attention is expected to turn more fully to the Sancho pursuit once the Conceição deal is finalized. The situation regarding Francisco Conceição's future at Juventus is therefore becoming clear, pointing towards him staying in Turin and making more appearances for the club.
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Chelsea's emphatic 3-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain in the Club World Cup final has significantly heightened expectations surrounding the club. This success has prompted questions about whether the team can now challenge for the Premier League title next season. Premier League legend Alan Shearer has weighed in on this question, strongly backing Chelsea's title credentials for the upcoming campaign. The former Newcastle and Blackburn star believes Enzo Maresca's squad possesses the necessary qualities to contend for the Premier League crown, citing their dominant Club World Cup triumph as evidence. Speaking on 'The Rest Is Football', Shearer stated it would take "a very, very brave person" to exclude Chelsea from next season's title race. He justified this view by pointing to their achievements this season, their recent Club World Cup success, the players they have already signed, and the players they are expected to sign. Shearer concluded that Chelsea "will be involved in the title race." The summary notes that Chelsea finished fourth in the league last season, 15 points behind champions Liverpool. It highlights the added pressure the team will face next term and questions how they will respond to these heightened expectations.
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Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Cooper Kupp has struggled significantly with injuries over the past few seasons, impacting his performance, particularly in the last year. The Seahawks took a risk by signing him to a three-year deal, hoping his health issues won't persist. Kupp's recent performance decline is attributed to missed games and the strong play of teammate Puka Nacua. Despite a difficult year, Yardbarker's Seth Trachtman identifies Kupp as a prime candidate for a bounce-back season. Trachtman notes the Los Angeles Rams moved on from Kupp after three injury-plagued seasons, and now Kupp aims to regain his old form with the rival Seahawks. He is expected to be a key piece for quarterback Sam Darnold's development. Kupp is listed among other notable bounce-back candidates like Kyle Pitts and Dak Prescott. The expectation is that his talent remains intact and his health should improve. Within the Seahawks offense, Kupp is projected to be the WR2 behind Jaxon Smith-Njigba, maintaining a significant role on the depth chart. His usage is anticipated to be substantial, especially with Darnold potentially relying on him. If Kupp stays healthy, his performance is expected to rebound towards his previous level as a Super Bowl MVP.
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The Philadelphia Eagles, aiming to compete for another Super Bowl title, faced significant offseason player departures—particularly on the defensive line with Josh Sweat, Bryce Huff, and Milton Williams leaving—and sought replacements. One key acquisition was linebacker Azeez Ojulari, who signed a one-year, $3 million deal after four seasons with the New York Giants. Ojulari, a 2021 second-round draft pick, has struggled with injuries since his rookie year—including knee, toe, calf, quad, and ankle issues—limiting him to 46 career games (30 starts). His stats include 107 tackles, 22 sacks, 37 quarterback hits, and 21 tackles for loss, with at least five sacks in three of his four seasons. Joining the Eagles offers Ojulari a prime opportunity: playing alongside standouts like Jalen Carter and Nolan Smith, plus benefiting from vacated reps on the defensive line. If he excels as a pass rusher, he could secure a lucrative multi-year deal in free agency—potentially beyond Philadelphia’s budget. The Eagles project roughly $21 million in 2026 cap space, but they might opt to let Ojulari walk if his performance drives up his price. Instead, they could pursue low-cost replacements via free agency or the draft.
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WNBA star Aliyah Boston is purchasing an undisclosed stake in the NWSL's Boston Legacy FC, the team announced on Monday. The announcement coincided with her Indiana Fever team playing the Connecticut Sun in Boston, only the second WNBA game ever held at TD Garden. The Boston Legacy FC's primary ownership is an all-women group led by Jennifer Epstein, founder of Juno Equity. The investment group also includes three-time Olympic gold medalist Aly Raisman, actress Elizabeth Banks, and Boston Celtics GM Brad Stevens and his wife, Tracy. July 15th was declared Aliyah Boston Day in the city. In a statement, Boston expressed pride in joining the ownership group, citing Boston's role in raising her and shaping who she is. She emphasized her excitement about investing in a franchise building something special for players, the city, and women's sports overall. The three-time All-Star grew up in Massachusetts, played high school basketball at Worcester Academy (where she was a three-time Gatorade Player of the Year, won two state championships, and had her jersey retired), and feels a strong connection to the city. Jennifer Epstein stated that Boston's investment demonstrates the strength of women's sports as both the WNBA and NWSL continue to grow. Boston joins other current and former WNBA players who have become owners, such as Sabrina Ionescu (investor in Bay FC), Angel Reese (investor in DC Power FC), Candace Parker, and Sue Bird. Notably, Boston's Fever teammate, Caitlin Clark, was part of an unsuccessful bid to bring an NWSL team to Cincinnati. Boston Legacy FC will play its inaugural season at Gillette Stadium following a legal battle, before moving to its permanent home, White Stadium, in 2027. The club named Filipa Patão as its first head coach in June, with player signings planned for later this summer.
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WNBA All-Star Aliyah Boston has acquired an undisclosed stake in the NWSL expansion team Boston Legacy FC, as confirmed by the team on Monday. The Indiana Fever forward is currently in Boston to play against the Connecticut Sun on Tuesday. The franchise, set to debut in 2026, is led by principal owner Jennifer Epstein of Juno Equity, with investors including Olympic gymnast Aly Raisman, actress Elizabeth Banks, and Celtics executive Brad Stevens alongside his wife Tracy. Boston expressed pride in joining the ownership group, stating: "This city helped raise me... I couldn’t be more excited to invest in a franchise building something special for players, the city, and women’s sports." The three-time All-Star grew up in Massachusetts, winning two state championships at Worcester Academy, where her jersey became the first ever retired by the school in 2024. Epstein highlighted that Boston's investment "demonstrates the strength of women’s sports" amid the growth of both the WNBA and NWSL. This move follows similar investments by other WNBA figures: New York Liberty's Sabrina Ionescu in Bay FC earlier this year, and retired players Candace Parker, Sue Bird, and Renee Montgomery in various pro teams. Notably, Boston's Fever teammate Caitlin Clark previously joined an ownership bid for a Cincinnati NWSL franchise that ultimately went to Denver. Due to stadium redevelopment delays, Boston Legacy FC will play its entire inaugural 2026 home schedule at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
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The San Francisco 49ers enter the 2025 NFL season aiming to re-establish themselves as contenders after missing the playoffs last year, a significant drop from their Super Bowl appearance in 2023. Key injuries plagued the 49ers last season. Star running back Christian McCaffrey missed most of the year, starting with Achilles issues in both legs before suffering a season-ending knee injury after only four games. Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk also missed a large portion of the season due to a torn ACL, among other roster injuries. McCaffrey has worked hard to recover and is currently reported to be back to full health and ready for the 2025 season. Expectations for him are high, especially recalling his significant 2023 impact where he rushed for 1,459 yards and 14 touchdowns, while also catching 67 passes for 564 yards and seven touchdowns. However, ESPN ranked McCaffrey as the NFL's fifth-best running back, with one league executive expressing concern about his durability, citing a history of injuries dating back to college. The executive acknowledged McCaffrey's elite training regimen but noted his smaller frame and predicted he would "lose a step eventually." This concern is supported by McCaffrey's injury history: he played full 16-game seasons for his first three years but only managed three, seven, and six games respectively over the next three seasons.
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Daniel Levy, Tottenham Hotspur's chairman, is significantly increasing transfer activity this summer, reversing his previously criticized passive approach to support manager Thomas Frank. He has already secured four signings and is close to a fifth, Morgan Gibbs-White, notably triggering a release clause which is unusual for him. With significant investment expected, further signings are anticipated. Levy's recent push aims to ensure most new players are integrated before Tottenham's pre-season friendly against Reading on July 19th. While Frank initially prioritized attacking recruits, he is now focusing on defensive reinforcements following a season where Spurs conceded 65 Premier League goals. Full-backs Kōta Takai and Kevin Danso have already been signed permanently. However, the midfield remains a key area needing improvement. Tottenham are intensifying efforts to sign João Palhinha from Bayern Munich. The 30-year-old Portugal international, struggling for starts under Vincent Kompany, is open to a Premier League return and could be available for around £26 million, though Spurs face competition from Manchester United. Spurs' record goalscorer Harry Kane, a current teammate of Palhinha at Bayern, has strongly endorsed the player, previously calling him an "animal" in defensive midfield and a "fantastic" player. Last season, Tottenham struggled defensively in midfield partly because players like Rodrigo Bentancur were played out of position at the base of the midfield in an ambitious formation. Bentancur and others struggled with this unfamiliar responsibility. Frank, who rarely used a single holding midfielder at Brentford, might employ a double pivot instead. Evidence from the latter stages of the Europa League suggests Bentancur and Yves Bissouma performed well together in this setup, effectively shielding the defence and sharing ball progression duties. This indicates Frank could potentially improve the team's midfield balance by reverting to a double pivot, even without signing Palhinha.
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James McAtee appears likely to leave Manchester City this summer, with a move to the Bundesliga being touted as a potentially ideal career step. Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson suggested this path, arguing the Bundesliga has proven excellent for developing young English talent like Jadon Sancho and Jude Bellingham. Manchester City is reportedly willing to accept offers around £25 million for McAtee. His exclusion from the Club World Cup squad by Pep Guardiola clearly indicated the 22-year-old midfielder is not a priority player at the Etihad Stadium. Several Bundesliga clubs, including Bayer Leverkusen, are long-term admirers and potential suitors. Robinson emphasized that McAtee must move to a club guaranteeing him regular playing time to fulfill his potential, and the Bundesliga offers that opportunity. He highlighted the league's suitability for the English style of play, citing the successes of Sancho, Erling Haaland, and both Jude and Jobe Bellingham as examples McAtee could follow. While Premier League clubs are also interested, Robinson noted the Bundesliga might be the most beneficial move. Guardiola, previously hesitant to sanction a permanent transfer for McAtee (as shown by loan deals to Sheffield United without buy options), now seems open to his departure as part of a summer squad rebuild. Given the success of English players in Germany and the risk of McAtee strengthening a Premier League rival, City might prefer a Bundesliga transfer.
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Real Madrid legend Michael Salgado has expressed his desire for manager Xabi Alonso to deploy Jude Bellingham in the advanced attacking role similar to how Carlo Ancelotti utilised him during his first six months at the club. Salgado referenced Bellingham's exceptional debut LALIGA season, where he scored 19 league goals, with the majority coming early on while operating as a false nine or in a slightly withdrawn position near the box. Speaking in an interview, Salgado explicitly advised against using Bellingham deeper in build-up play, stating, "I need Bellingham close to the box. I don't need Bellingham coming back to receive the ball... He showed in the first year that he is a player with a special smell to go into the box." Salgado predicts Alonso will adopt this approach, positioning Bellingham as the key player behind forwards Vinicius Junior and Kylian Mbappe. Salgado believes this tactical shift will showcase "the best version of Bellingham this year," leading to a different and superior performance compared to last season. Meanwhile, the article notes that Alonso himself is a strong admirer of Bellingham. Ahead of Real Madrid's Club World Cup fixture against Salzburg, Alonso specifically highlighted Bellingham's drive to improve as a key characteristic that will help the club win many trophies.
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Former Washington Commanders running back Adrian Peterson is officially set to participate in a celebrity boxing match against Joe Castaneda, the same individual he was involved in a physical altercation with at a Houston poker game back in May. The initial fight, captured on video, went viral after Peterson was identified. According to TMZ Sports, Peterson has signed on for the boxing bout and is reportedly "taking it seriously," with Castaneda also agreeing to compete. The report clarifies that while both men are serious about the fight, it is purely a competition and there is no lingering animosity between them following the resolution of their issues from the poker game incident. Peterson, 40, retired from the NFL not long after his time with Washington. Following his stint with Washington, he played 16 games for the Detroit Lions in 2020, rushing for over 600 yards on 156 carries. His final NFL season in 2021 saw brief appearances with the Tennessee Titans (3 games, 27 carries) and the Seattle Seahawks. Before joining Washington in 2018, Peterson's career appeared to be declining. After rushing for 1,485 yards with the Minnesota Vikings in 2015, a knee injury limited him to just 3 games and 72 yards in 2016. In 2017, he played four games for the New Orleans Saints before being traded to the Arizona Cardinals, where he rushed for 448 yards and two touchdowns over six games. Signing with Washington in 2018 revitalized Peterson. He rushed for 1,042 yards and seven touchdowns in 16 games that season. He re-signed in 2019, appearing in 15 games and producing 898 yards with five touchdowns. Although his time with Washington was relatively short, it was impactful. He retired with nearly 15,000 career rushing yards and exactly 120 touchdowns. Peterson is now focusing on this upcoming boxing match. It remains unclear if he will pursue more fights after this, but he is reportedly looking forward to competing again.
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An unnamed NFL personnel director criticized New York Giants safety Jevon Holland's performance, despite his recent three-year, $45.3 million contract ($15.1 million annually). The director, speaking to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, argued that Holland "drastically regressed last year" in a contract year, calling it shocking for a young player. This criticism referenced Holland's 2023 season with the Miami Dolphins, where he posted a career-low 62 total tackles in 15 games, along with only two tackles for loss and two quarterback hits—his second-lowest totals in those categories—despite playing 91% of defensive snaps. The article questions whether this perceived regression stemmed from Holland's deployment in Miami's defense rather than a decline in ability. Holland has played under three different defensive coordinators since entering the league in 2021. Under Brian Flores and Josh Boyer in 2021-2022, he blitzed a career-high 51 times, resulting in career-best pressures (8) and sacks (2.5). However, in 2023 under Vic Fangio and later Anthony Weaver, his coverage ratings improved significantly (dropping below 100 in both seasons), but his blitzing decreased to 17 times in 2024 with minimal impact. The varying schemes and roles assigned by each coordinator suggest external factors may have influenced his statistical output. The piece concludes that multiple reasons, including these defensive system changes beyond Holland's control, could explain his lower production. It suggests that with new Giants defensive coordinator Shane Bowen, Holland might regain his earlier form, reminiscent of his All-Rookie season in 2021.
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The article highlights Buffalo Bills kicker Tyler Bass, who wears jersey number 2, noting that most players wearing that number for the Bills have been successful kickers, including predecessors Dan Carpenter and Steve Christie. Tyler Bass, 28, is entering his sixth season with the Bills after being drafted in 2020. He is currently in the second year of a four-year, $20.4 million contract extension signed in 2023, carrying a 2025 cap hit of $4.67 million. Bass faced significant scrutiny following a poor 2023 postseason, including a missed potential game-tying field goal against Kansas City. His struggles continued early in the 2024 season, missing three field goals and two extra points in the first six games. However, he rebounded strongly, not missing another field goal until Week 13. A defining moment came when he nailed a game-winning 61-yard field goal against Miami with 11 seconds left. He finished the regular season making 24-of-29 field goals (83%) and 59-of-64 extra points (92%), and was perfect in the postseason, hitting all six field goals and seven extra points. Bass is currently the only kicker in the Bills' training camp and is healthy and participating in offseason work. The article discusses his outlook for the 2025 season, acknowledging the immense pressure of the position and his human susceptibility to struggles with mechanics, confidence, and focus. It specifically notes his recent inconsistency on extra points (8 misses in recent years, 5 in 2024), suggesting these may be mental rather than physical issues given his perfect record on 30-39 yard field goals last season. The author expresses hope that Bass can maintain the strong mental state he showed in the second half of 2024 (21-of-23 on field goals including playoffs, 48-of-51 on PATs including playoffs) to have a successful 2025 season, recognizing his talent, especially from long distance, when mentally sound.
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