Latest news with #BoJackson
USA Today
10 hours ago
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Eagles legend compares Saquon Barkley to the greatest athlete who ever lived
A beloved Eagles legend drops a jaw-dropping comparison involving Bo Jackson and Saquon Barkley Sometimes, we use words and phrases so frequently that they lose their impact, especially when they could be more effectively applied to specific situations. Philadelphia Eagles fans are no exception to this trend. We often call everyone a "genius" and refer to them as "the G.O.A.T." (Greatest of All Time), but in reality, if that title truly fit, we wouldn't be able to bestow it on everyone. We agree with you and acknowledge legends like Brian Dawkins and Jason Kelce; they're the greatest of all time (G.O.A.T.s). Bo Jackson could have also been considered the G.O.A.T., and he is certainly respected as one of the greatest all-around athletes to ever grace the planet. Brian Westbrook mentions Saquon Barkley in the same class as Bo Jackson Those of you who are a little older will appreciate the following statement more than the youngsters, but can you imagine how many times Bo Jackson would have broken the internet had he played during the current social media age? All of you who were born in the 90s have an assignment. Call mom and dad. Ask them about Nike's 'Bo Knows' campaign, ask them about the near-Herculean and superhuman stuff he did while making everything he did look routine. Bo Jackson was a rare blend of speed and power. Had his body not failed him, he might have earned Hall of Fame honors in the National Football League and Major League Baseball. Picture Saquon Barkley mixed with your favorite elite baseball player, but don't take our word for it. Eagles legend Brian Westbrook was recently a guest on the Ross Tucker Podcast. All you have to do is ask him. Well, he isn't lying. There isn't anything left to add, but there's one difference here. Saquon Barkley has enjoyed a longer career than Bo Jackson. Hopefully, his good fortune continues because as lovers of Eagles football, none of us wants to see his ride in Eagles green end until he decides he's ready to call it a career.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
10 things to know before going to the National Sports Collectors Convention
The National Sports Collectors Convention should be a bucket-list destination for sports fans. Even if you don't collect sports cards, it's the type of place you should go to at least once in your life. Yes, the convention is filled with cards. But it also has history, athletes, celebrities, memorabilia and so much more. This year's National is the 45th installment and will be at the Donald E. Stevens Convention Center in Rosemont, Ill., which is next door to Chicago, July 30-Aug. 3. Here are 10 things every sports fan or collector should know before attending the National. Bring snacks and water: You will be surprised how quickly time goes by at a show and how you can sometimes forget to eat. Bring snacks and water to stay fueled and hydrated throughout the show. Then, get a nice dinner. (I hope you've already made those Gibson's reservations). Cash is king: Even though we all use cards and apps to pay for items these days, cash is still king at a show like the National. There are also more deals to be made with cash. More than 150 autograph signers: Athletes and celebrities are signing all five days at the National, from all-time greats like Johnny Bench and Bo Jackson to modern stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Pete Crow-Armstrong. There are also celebrities like Spike Lee and Randy Quaid. If you're planning to get any autographs, plan your schedules early. Get your cards graded: The National provides the unique opportunity to get cards graded at the venue. Normally, collectors have to send their cards to the grading companies to get them encapsulated. At the National, you can get your cards back in as quickly as three hours — it just depends on how much you're willing to pay. Visit the corporate pavilion: The corporate pavilion has changed over the years at the National and has become bigger and much better. Companies like Panini, Topps, Upper Deck and Fanatics put up huge booths with plenty of different experiences. You can spend an entire day having fun in the corporate area. Prices may drop on Sunday: It's not a guarantee, but in past years prices have come down on Sunday. Often, there are deals to be had because dealers don't want to bring inventory home. Many of them want to get rid of as much as they can at the show. Bring your own supplies: If you're opening boxes of cards, there's no worse feeling in pulling a big hit and having no way to protect it. Bring your own supplies so that you can make sure that your cards are always protected. That means, penny sleeves, top loaders and team bags, at the very least. Wifi Issues: The WiFi and your phone service may not work during peak hours at the show. This has been an issue at all major shows, including the National. Consider there are tens of thousands of people who are trying to connect to the internet and it essentially creates a digital log jam. If there's anything you need online, do it before heading into the show. Content creators galore: There are going to be a lot of people with cameras and microphones. Content creation is part of the scene now. It's not just people walking around the show, but also dealers, as everyone is trying to get the next viral video. Not sure there's a way to avoid it, but be warned of what you're getting into while at the National. Trade shows in hotel lobbies: The National doesn't only take place at the convention center. Many times, hotel lobbies or other gathering spots turn into an impromptu trade night. Some of the very best deals happen in these moments.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
10 things to know before going to the National Sports Collectors Convention
The National Sports Collectors Convention should be a bucket-list destination for sports fans. Even if you don't collect sports cards, it's the type of place you should go to at least once in your life. Yes, the convention is filled with cards. But it also has history, athletes, celebrities, memorabilia and so much more. This year's National is the 45th installment and will be at the Donald E. Stevens Convention Center in Rosemont, Ill., which is next door to Chicago, July 30-Aug. 3. Here are 10 things every sports fan or collector should know before attending the National. Bring snacks and water: You will be surprised how quickly time goes by at a show and how you can sometimes forget to eat. Bring snacks and water to stay fueled and hydrated throughout the show. Then, get a nice dinner. (I hope you've already made those Gibson's reservations). Cash is king: Even though we all use cards and apps to pay for items these days, cash is still king at a show like the National. There are also more deals to be made with cash. More than 150 autograph signers: Athletes and celebrities are signing all five days at the National, from all-time greats like Johnny Bench and Bo Jackson to modern stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Pete Crow-Armstrong. There are also celebrities like Spike Lee and Randy Quaid. If you're planning to get any autographs, plan your schedules early. Get your cards graded: The National provides the unique opportunity to get cards graded at the venue. Normally, collectors have to send their cards to the grading companies to get them encapsulated. At the National, you can get your cards back in as quickly as three hours — it just depends on how much you're willing to pay. Visit the corporate pavilion: The corporate pavilion has changed over the years at the National and has become bigger and much better. Companies like Panini, Topps, Upper Deck and Fanatics put up huge booths with plenty of different experiences. You can spend an entire day having fun in the corporate area. Prices may drop on Sunday: It's not a guarantee, but in past years prices have come down on Sunday. Often, there are deals to be had because dealers don't want to bring inventory home. Many of them want to get rid of as much as they can at the show. Bring your own supplies: If you're opening boxes of cards, there's no worse feeling in pulling a big hit and having no way to protect it. Bring your own supplies so that you can make sure that your cards are always protected. That means, penny sleeves, top loaders and team bags, at the very least. Wifi Issues: The WiFi and your phone service may not work during peak hours at the show. This has been an issue at all major shows, including the National. Consider there are tens of thousands of people who are trying to connect to the internet and it essentially creates a digital log jam. If there's anything you need online, do it before heading into the show. Content creators galore: There are going to be a lot of people with cameras and microphones. Content creation is part of the scene now. It's not just people walking around the show, but also dealers, as everyone is trying to get the next viral video. Not sure there's a way to avoid it, but be warned of what you're getting into while at the National. Trade shows in hotel lobbies: The National doesn't only take place at the convention center. Many times, hotel lobbies or other gathering spots turn into an impromptu trade night. Some of the very best deals happen in these moments.
Yahoo
08-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Nike's 'Prime Time' Blueprint Ready For Bo Jackson And Charles Barkley
Nike's 'Prime Time' Blueprint Ready For Bo Jackson And Charles Barkley originally appeared on Athlon Sports. In the current landscape of the social media world, we have become familiar with what is trending. Someone has an interesting idea that others gravitate towards and it booms. Before you know it, this results in us seeing that idea so frequently that it becomes almost normalized. Advertisement This is exactly what Deion Sanders started and other Nike legacies, who have a stake in their program or are coaching that program, should start to emulate. This trend is so completely synergistic that it seems almost ideal for all parties involved. Weeks after Sanders announced his move to take over at Colorado, 'Prime Time' and Nike were back together. Since that time, the Colorado Buffaloes have been outfitted in Sanders' Diamond Turf line. Five different Diamond Turf 3s and two different Diamond Turf 1s have been worn by some of the Buffs teams in games. This 'tool' used effectively is something Nike Legacies need to be aware of. After 19 years with Under Armour, Auburn has officially announced they will be a Nike program moving forward. The next step is to ensure Bo Jackson and Charles Barkley are represented the way Deion Sanders has been at Colorado from a gear standpoint. Like Sanders, Jackson and Barkley have noteworthy signature lines that are viewed as cornerstones in the empire Nike built. Michael Jordan is the king of that empire, but it would be foolish to not see the legendary trio and others as the knights that sit at Jordan's 'round table,' so to speak. Like Deion's Diamond Turfs, Jackson's SC Trainers and Barkley's CB line are all still released in retro lines today. They are relevant and arguably the biggest 'sneaker culture' names Auburn has. Advertisement Nothing official needs to come from Auburn or Nike. If they are smart, they will follow Coach Prime's lead and extend an invitation to Jackson and Barkley to be a part of this, even if the only thing they provide is their blessing. The only thing that needs to happen after that is Auburn basketball players playing in the CB line or Auburn football players working out in SC Trainers. While no 5-star prospect is likely to make his recruiting decision on a sneaker aspect alone, for a program like Auburn, it could be a contributing factor in winning some of those SEC recruiting battles. Related: Nike doubles down on football nostalgia with Deion Sanders and Bo Jackson This should also not stop with the elite of Nike's signature athletes. When it comes to Nike Legacy athletes coaching or legacies to their program, everyone should be considered. Michael Vick, who was a signature athlete for Nike, is the head coach at Norfolk State. Eddie George was a Nike athlete and is the current Bowling Green head coach. DeSean Jackson recently took the job coaching at Delaware State. Advertisement Related: Deion Sanders' Commitment to Colorado Questioned By QB Coach This is a 'trend' that should have no end in sight. This concept, first started by Sanders, presents a win-win opportunity for any Nike schools with athletes in influential positions. This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 5, 2025, where it first appeared.
Time of India
23-04-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Can a player really say no to an NFL team that wants to sign him?
NFL players have limited control over draft outcomes but can sometimes influence which team selects them. (Credit: Getty Images) Every spring, the NFL Draft transforms the dreams of college football stars into reality. It's a moment filled with anticipation, hope, and life-changing decisions, as young athletes wait to hear their names called by one of the 32 NFL franchises. But while being drafted is considered a golden ticket to professional football, not every player is eager to embrace the team that selects them. So, what really happens when a player decides they don't want to join the franchise that picks them? What happens when a player doesn't want to join the team that picks him? The draft system is designed to maintain competitive balance in the league, allowing the lowest-performing teams from the previous season to pick first. This approach helps weaker teams bolster their roster with top talent. However, this very system can also leave high-potential prospects facing a tough choice—join a struggling team or take a controversial stand. Can a player refuse a draft pick NFL? A player's dissatisfaction can stem from multiple reasons—disagreements with the team's management, lack of trust in the franchise's direction, or simply a desire to play in a more competitive or familiar environment. For example, a highly-rated quarterback might feel stunted joining a team with poor offensive line protection, or an athlete might worry about career longevity in a franchise with a history of instability. But here's the catch: once a team drafts a player, they hold exclusive rights to negotiate a contract with them. The player cannot choose to sign with another team unless a trade is arranged or they re-enter the draft the following year—an option that comes with its own set of consequences. While NFL rules don't allow players to prevent teams from drafting them, they can refuse to sign a contract. However, this decision is rarely taken lightly. Holding out for a year and re-entering the draft may seem like a bold move, but it carries financial and reputational risks. Missing a year of professional play can stall development and put a dent in a player's earning potential. A striking example of this approach came in 1986 when Bo Jackson, who had been drafted first overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, chose not to sign. 'Bo knows' his worth, and he wasn't impressed with the Buccaneers' management. Instead, he played baseball with the Kansas City Royals and returned to the NFL the following year, this time picked by the Los Angeles Raiders in the seventh round. He went on to carve a unique career as a dual-sport phenomenon. Another famous case is that of John Elway in 1983. Drafted by the Baltimore Colts, Elway had no intention of joining the team. He made his stance clear and was eventually traded to the Denver Broncos. This bold move paid off handsomely, as he later led the Broncos to two Super Bowl victories. Most rookies, however, choose not to ruffle feathers. The risk of being labeled a 'problem player' often outweighs the benefit of holding out. As NFL hopefuls work tirelessly to reach the pros, the last thing they want is a PR disaster before stepping onto the field. Yet, the rulebook is clear: 'Players cannot refuse a draft pick, but they can refuse to sign a contract.' It's a narrow window of resistance, but a legitimate one. Most players who explore this route do so quietly, opting for behind-the-scenes negotiations or a well-timed trade request rather than public statements that could damage their image. In essence, the draft is both a gateway and a gamble. It opens the door to NFL glory, but doesn't always guarantee the destination a player dreams of. While cases like Jackson and Elway stand out as successful examples of standing one's ground, they remain exceptions in a system where compromise often rules the day. For most, the priority remains simple—get into the league first, and shape the future from there. Also Read: A perfect balance of mystery and warmth, why Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are the ideal 'Black Cat' and 'Golden Retriever' duo Get the latest IPL 2025 updates on Times of India , including match schedules , team squads , points table and IPL live score for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Don't miss the list of players in the race for IPL Orange Cap and IPL Purple cap .
