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Baltimore Ravens' John Harbaugh comments on shooting at New York City office building

Baltimore Ravens' John Harbaugh comments on shooting at New York City office building

CBS News6 days ago
Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh commented on the shooting that killed four people inside a New York City building that houses the NFL headquarters, calling it a "horrific attack."
The shooting happened Monday evening when a 27-year-old man who was apparently targeting the NFL offices entered the building and opened fire with a high-powered rifle, according to police.
An NYPD officer who was in uniform working a private security job was shot and killed. The three other people killed in the shooting include a security guard in the lobby and employees at Rudin Management and Blackstone, according to CBS News.
"Our hearts go out to the victims of the horrific attack and people of New York, many of whom were simply working hard to support their families," Harbaugh said on Tuesday. "We stand with everyone affected and send out deepest condolences to the victims of this senseless act."
"We thank our police and first responders for their heroic efforts," Harbaugh added.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams addressed the shooting on "CBS Mornings" on Tuesday, saying police found a note from the gunman appearing to blame his own traumatic head injury on the National Football League.
According to CBS News, the mayor said the gunman appeared to have attempted to target the NFL offices located inside the Park Avenue tower, but used the wrong elevator and ended up on a different floor.
"It's just a horrific, sad thing," Harbaugh said after the Ravens ended practice on Tuesday. "I'm very disappointed. Our prayers are with the people of New York, especially the people in that building."
CBS News obtained images of a note found in the gunman's wallet that suggested he thought he had CTE, or chronic traumatic encephalopathy, a brain disease caused by repeated trauma to the head.
"Study my brain, please," the note read. "I'm sorry."
The gunman also appeared to accuse the NFL of hiding the dangers of CTE, according to CBS News.
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OL Will Hernandez visits Arizona Cardinals
OL Will Hernandez visits Arizona Cardinals

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timea few seconds ago

  • Yahoo

OL Will Hernandez visits Arizona Cardinals

Former Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Will Hernandez could possibly become a current Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman. According to the NFL transaction report on Monday, Hernandez had a visit with the Cardinals. Hernandez spent the last three seasons as the team's starting right guard. He played in only five games last season, tearing is ACL against the San Francisco 49ers. His contract expired and has not signed a deal with any team since becoming a free agent. He recently announced that he has been fully cleared medically to play football. The Cardinals never reassigned the No. 76 he wore for three seasons, even though their sixth-round draft pick, guard Hayden Conner, wore it all through college. Clearly, the door has been open. Hernandez will be 30 years old before the season begins. The Cardinals appear to be happy with second-year guard Isaiah Adams as the starting right guard. The question is whether Hernandez would be willing to sign a deal to return and not be assured a starting role. Even in a reserve role, considering how injuries impact teams, having someone of his ability on the bench would be great for the team's depth. Having him on the roster would allow the Cardinals to hedge against injury or Adams not playing well. We will see if anything official happens, or if the Cardinals used this visit for a potential move down the line. Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts. This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: Arizona Cardinals bring in familiar face for visit

NFL Training Camp Spotlight: Zimbabwe's TJ Maguranyanga And His Unconventional Journey To The Pros
NFL Training Camp Spotlight: Zimbabwe's TJ Maguranyanga And His Unconventional Journey To The Pros

Forbes

time3 minutes ago

  • Forbes

NFL Training Camp Spotlight: Zimbabwe's TJ Maguranyanga And His Unconventional Journey To The Pros

As NFL training camps get underway and the countdown to a new season begins, most players chasing a spot on the 53-man roster arrive through familiar routes: college programs, draft picks, and well-trodden pipelines. But at the Washington Commanders camp, one story cuts against the grain. Thabani Jehiel 'TJ' Maguranyanga didn't grow up in a Friday Night Lights town or suit up for an NCAA powerhouse. His path to the NFL started thousands of miles away, between Zimbabwe and South Africa, where American football was more fantasy than future. "My favourite team as a kid was the Baltimore Ravens because of Ray Lewis," he shared in an interview with "I was always attracted to football," he added, even though pursuing a professional career seemed out of reach at the time. Maguranyanga explained, "There was never a pathway into the NFL," so he initially focused on trying to make it in the NBA. He participated in Jr. NBA programs and took basketball seriously. However, at 17, he admitted that "those hoop dreams died." One door closed, but another opened in a way he never expected. Just as his rugby season in France wrapped up last year, the NFL's International Player Pathway (IPP) program which boasts alumni such as Super Bowl Champion Jordan Mailata came calling. 'It lined up perfectly,' TJ said. This offered a leap into a whole new world, ushering him from the wide-open pitches of France to the disciplined, high-stakes grind of American football. Bridging Two Cultures: Rugby Roots, Football Dreams When it comes to sporting identity, South Africans live and breathe rugby in the same way that Americans are consumed by football. Maguranyanga, who made the switch from rugby to American football, understands this connection better than most. 'What rugby is to South Africans, American football is pretty much the same thing,' he explained. 'You can see how important the Springboks are to South Africa, well, the NFL is just as significant in the U.S.' This cultural immersion was hard to miss. 'As soon as you touch down in America, there are football jerseys everywhere. You won't go a day without seeing someone wearing an NFL jersey.' The scale and presence of the sport struck him immediately, this wasn't just a game; it was part of the social fabric. Beyond the fanfare, he noticed something deeper: a familiar sense of camaraderie. 'The energy of football and rugby is very similar in terms of brotherhood. That's something I recognised quickly.' However, where the two sports diverge is in how that energy is expressed. 'In rugby, we're encouraged to be more gentlemanly. In the NFL, players are allowed to have more fun with it. There's hype, there's swagger. I think that's something we don't really see in rugby.' That flair isn't just for show; it's ingrained in the culture, even in the smallest moments. 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The real challenge lay in the mental aspects, the steep learning curve of a new sport. 'Learning a new sport at the highest level, against the best players, is very tough,' he admits. 'Some days, I have to remind myself that I'm still learning. These guys have been playing since they were kids.' He recognised that certain elements, subtle nuances, instinctual reads, and the rhythm of the play, could only be developed over time and through repetition. This mental grind intensified during his time in the NFL's IPP program. 'I expected a gruelling 10 weeks,' he recalls, 'and that's exactly what it was, the hardest 10 weeks of my life.' At IMG Academy in Florida, the conditions were intense: two-a-day practices in sweltering heat and humidity, far from home and loved ones. 'There were times when I would finish my day, realise that everyone back home was asleep, and feel alone. Yet, I still had to study my playbook. It required a lot of adjustment.' For Maguranyanga, Jordan Mailata's journey through the IPP program has been a powerful source of motivation. 'What Jordan has done for the program is massive,' TJ explains. 'He set the standard, and set it very high.' From being seen as a rugby reject to captaining an NFL team and winning a Super Bowl, Mailata's story is proof that with dedication and hard work, international athletes can reach the pinnacle of American football. TJ acknowledges the importance of strong support systems, noting how the Philadelphia Eagles fostered Mailata's growth into an All-Pro player and potential Hall of Famer. 'He's the best to ever come out of the IPP program,' TJ says, looking forward to the day he might face his idol on the field. Mailata's success fuels TJ's belief that regardless of background or initial doubts, perseverance can lead to extraordinary achievement in the NFL. Life with the Commanders Now a member of the Washington Commanders, Maguranyanga is adjusting to the grind of NFL life. 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My coaches: Darryl Tapp, Ryan Kerrigan, and Sharrif Floyd, have been very instrumental in making me feel comfortable and pushing me to get better every single day.' Veteran players have also stepped up to support the newcomer. Dorance Armstrong, a fellow defensive end, has taken on a mentor role. 'I sit next to him in meetings,' Maguranyanga shared. 'He's always helping me, explaining things if I have a question, whether it's in the classroom or on the field.' But perhaps the most surreal support has come from one of the NFL's all-time greats. 'Having Von Miller join the team is huge,' he said. 'He's someone I've looked up to, one of the greatest ever to do it at defensive end.' Despite Miller's legendary status, Maguranyanga describes him as humble and generous with his time. 'He's always there to listen and take whatever questions you have. He's been super helpful in giving me advice on how to play certain techniques.' From the outside, adjusting to a new sport might seem like an uphill climb. But inside the Commanders' camp, it's clear Maguranyanga isn't walking that path alone. A Family Learning Curve Maguranyanga has made significant strides on the field, but his journey into American football has also been a learning experience for his family. He shared, 'They've definitely embraced it, and they're enjoying the process of learning the game. I won't say American football is an easy game to pick up.' This sentiment resonates with many international athletes who step into a sport filled with unique terminology, intricate rules, and strategic complexity. For Maguranyanga, the learning process has turned into a family affair. Watching games together has become a bonding experience, starting from a place of cautious curiosity. His younger brother, Zachary, was not initially interested in football. However, a dramatic late-night overtime matchup between the Ravens and Bengals changed that. 'I actually fell asleep, and I woke up during overtime,' Maguranyanga recalled. 'When I came back, he was still awake at 2 a.m. watching that game. So I thought, wow, someone's really getting into it.' Now, Zachary joins him in watching games and highlights, asking questions and picking favourite players. 'It's super cool to have a family that's just as invested in learning about the game,' Maguranyanga said with a smile. Their shared enthusiasm continues to fuel his passion for football, making every play on the field a moment they can grow into together. Playing for the Continent As Maguranyanga settles into life with the Washington Commanders, the former rugby wing from Zimbabwe is acutely aware of the significance of his moment and the responsibility that comes with it. With American football gaining popularity across Africa, TJ is part of a new wave of athletes inspiring interest and reshaping perceptions of the sport. 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With more athletes from Southern Africa entering the talent pipeline, the chances of seeing players from Zimbabwe, Botswana, or South Africa on the field on Sundays are higher than ever. He points to the example of Mapalo Mwansa, a Zambian player who recently participated in the same program and was signed to the Carolina Panthers, evidence, he says, that the doors are opening. 'The NFL is doing a great job of growing the game, and I hope to continue doing my part,' he adds. This isn't just a hope; it's a goal. For Maguranyanga, representation is the spark. With each practice repetition and game snap, he aims to light the fire for someone back home who never thought this path was possible. Beyond the Breakthrough: Building a Long-Term NFL Career For Maguranyanga, the dream extends beyond simply making it to the NFL; it's about establishing a lasting presence in the league. When asked about his short- and long-term goals, his response is clear and focused: 'What drives me the most right now is to play. I just want to play.' This sentiment is rooted in both ambition and realism. He understands that there is still a long journey ahead, more learning, growth, and proving himself. However, he is also confident that becoming a consistent presence on a 53-man roster is within his reach. 'In the next three years, I'll definitely be on an NFL roster consistently. I don't think that's an unrealistic goal.' TJ is part of a new generation of International Player Pathway (IPP) athletes who are redefining what it means to break into American football. The program has evolved beyond simply opening the door; it now focuses on building pathways for longevity. 'We don't want athletes to just be on practice squads for three years and then exit the league,' he says. 'We aim for them to have long careers, like Jordan [Mailata] is currently enjoying. That's my goal.' The mission is longevity, not just entry. Maguranyanga isn't chasing a fleeting moment; he's pursuing a sustained career. In doing so, he represents not only himself but also carries the aspirations of a broader movement: international athletes striving to transform the narrative from 'developmental' to indispensable.

OL Will Hernandez visits Arizona Cardinals
OL Will Hernandez visits Arizona Cardinals

USA Today

time32 minutes ago

  • USA Today

OL Will Hernandez visits Arizona Cardinals

Could Hernandez be returning to the Cardinals in 2025? Former Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman Will Hernandez could possibly become a current Arizona Cardinals offensive lineman. According to the NFL transaction report on Monday, Hernandez had a visit with the Cardinals. Hernandez spent the last three seasons as the team's starting right guard. He played in only five games last season, tearing is ACL against the San Francisco 49ers. His contract expired and has not signed a deal with any team since becoming a free agent. He recently announced that he has been fully cleared medically to play football. The Cardinals never reassigned the No. 76 he wore for three seasons, even though their sixth-round draft pick, guard Hayden Conner, wore it all through college. Clearly, the door has been open. Hernandez will be 30 years old before the season begins. The Cardinals appear to be happy with second-year guard Isaiah Adams as the starting right guard. The question is whether Hernandez would be willing to sign a deal to return and not be assured a starting role. Even in a reserve role, considering how injuries impact teams, having someone of his ability on the bench would be great for the team's depth. Having him on the roster would allow the Cardinals to hedge against injury or Adams not playing well. We will see if anything official happens, or if the Cardinals used this visit for a potential move down the line. Get more Cardinals and NFL coverage from Cards Wire's Jess Root and others by listening to the latest on the Rise Up, See Red podcast. Subscribe on Spotify, YouTube or Apple podcasts.

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