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Dominion Post
4 days ago
- Sport
- Dominion Post
COLUMN: The top 10 things that makes a WVU fan's blood boil
MORGANTOWN — You walk into a grocery store to buy a pack of gum and the person in front of you has a full cart, won't let you skip ahead and then their debit card won't register on the swipe machine. If that doesn't tick you off, then your frustration tolerance is to be commended and maybe the rest of this column won't exactly be your cup of tea. The idea was simple: Who or what makes a WVU fan fly off the handle the most? We'd like to tell you that an extensive study was applied to this subject, but that just wouldn't be our style. Instead, the question was posed to fellow sports writers here at The Dominion Post, as well as to some accomplished WVU beat writers around the state and a top 10 was born. Here's the interesting part, though, a few of the answers are quite obvious and need little explanation, but most of them have branches that branch off into other similar branches. When it comes to who or what WVU fans love to hate, it's not exactly a black and white topic. Take ESPN for example. People in West Virginia obviously watch the network, which makes one wonder how anyone could actually rationalize that WVU fans hate ESPN. The anger comes in numerous miniature bunches. The game commentators always talk more about WVU's opponent than the Mountaineers. That's a strong belief among WVU fans. Whenever the WVU-Kansas men's basketball game is stuck on ESPN+ rather than ESPN2, that's a big pet peeve. But yet ESPN is still very much a regular part of our personal TV time. So, without further delay here are the top 10 ideas we came up with that WVU fans love to hate. This one was so obvious, but let's talk about it. Whether it's 13-9, Dan Marino, Larry Fitzgerald or Dave Wannstedt, the school in Pennsylvania is just hated by WVU fans. But here's the question: Why is it just the school WVU fans hate and not the city itself? Does that make WVU's hatred for the Panthers unique? Michigan fans hate Ohio State, but I also seriously doubt people in Ann Arbor go out of their way to visit the city of Columbus unless absolutely necessary. Miami fans do not vacation in Tallahassee, Fla. Chapel Hill, N.C. residents don't rub a lot of elbows with the residents of Durham, N.C. Yet so many WVU fans love the Pittsburgh Steelers, travel to several Pittsburgh Pirates games over the summer and do a lot of shopping in the city of Pittsburgh. Does anyone else think it's weird to have a likeness for a city except for the one small part where the rival campus is located? There are some other branches to discuss here. Let the WVU football team start 5-0 this season, but then check out the reaction on social media when all College GameDay discusses is Alabama and Georgia. 'ESPN hates West Virginia' has actually trended on social media in the past. One interesting topic that came up was WVU fans absolutely hate noon kickoffs. It's not always ESPN setting the time for WVU kickoffs, but the network always gets the blame. The other perception is ESPN and its analysts favor the Big Ten and the SEC over the Big 12. That one may not be that far off base. This one is pure hatred. Quick review: Dakich was hired in 2002 as WVU's men's basketball coach. After assessing the program, he left after eight days and went back to Bowling Green. He later became an assistant coach at Indiana and eventually ventured into radio broadcasting. His radio broadcasting time has been, in some small part, twisting the knife into the back of WVU and its fans. He's taken numerous shots at former WVU men's hoops coach Bob Huggins, claimed that former WVU President David Hardesty threatened him and boasted he would have had WVU at an elite level had he remained at the school. He once tweeted: 'Watching hoops thinking how badly me resigning from WVU destroyed that program …. Bless their little hearts.' A Dakich sighting in Morgantown … I don't even want to venture a guess as to what would happen. OK, this one has real branches, because the feeling here is WVU fans don't truly hate Marshall. At least not anywhere near the same level they hate Pitt. What WVU really hates about Marshall is when the Mountaineers lose to the Thundering Herd in anything. What WVU fans really hate is Marshall's constant yapping about the two schools being on the same level. Remember when former Marshall men's hoops coach Dan Dan D'Antoni accused Huggins of being too scared to play the Thundering Herd? That's the thing, it's a rivalry where one side is pushing way more harder than the other side. Do Marshall fans hate WVU? Likely so, but there are only certain aspects of Marshall that WVU fans can't stand. Not sure you can call that all-the-way pure hatred. This is the all-time conspiracy theory on the list that goes back further than just the Mountaineers being snubbed from the tournament in 2025. That snubbing led to an announcement of an 'investigation' from West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey. There's more, like when WVU won the 2010 Big East tournament. The Mountaineers not only weren't awarded a No. 1 seed, they got stuck in the same bracket with a loaded Kentucky team. So, yeah, there's not a lot of love right now for the committee from WVU fans. Just the Black Diamond rivalry itself sort of fits the bill here. But, there's also Michael and Marcus Vick, who in their own ways forever ticked off WVU faithful. Michael did it with a last-second drive that led to the third-ranked Hokies' 22-20 victory inside Milan Puskar Stadium that kept WVU from pulling off a monumental upset. Marcus went as far as flipping the bird to WVU fans after getting run out of bounds during Virginia Tech's 34-17 win in 2005. The former Pitt men's basketball coach is now a foe in the Big 12 as TCU's head coach. There is truly no other opposing coach than Dixon that WVU fans love to hate, but there is also a good story of compassion in that relationship. Dixon's sister, Maggie, died of a heart condition in 2006, and Dixon has told the story of how he received many heartfelt letters of support from WVU fans. 'When my sister passed away 18 years ago, my two parents in California said, 'Jamie, why are so many of these notes, and emails, and letters that we got from West Virginia?'' Dixon said last season. 'So, people of West Virginia made two people in California going through a hard time feel a little bit better. So, that's what I remember about West Virginia.' Dixon is 20-17 all-time coaching against the Mountaineers. Maybe time does not heal all wounds, because WVU fans still hate the Atlantic Coast Conference. The whole reason WVU competes in the Big 12 right now is because of the ACC's raid of the Big East in 2004. The ACC took Miami and Virginia Tech first, and then later went after Boston College, Pitt and Syracuse. Not for one second did the ACC consider adding WVU, which also plays a role towards the hatred against the ACC. To be truly honest, Kansas men's basketball coach Bill Self is pretty much hated by everyone in the Big 12. It's not because he is a bad guy. It has more to do with his success and the perception of how much help he gets from the refs in order to reach that success. Self is 21-8 all-time against WVU. Remember Feb. 17, 2018? No. 13 Kansas attempted 35 free throws, while WVU was awarded only two. Huggins got ejected and Kansas won, 77-69. That's the No. 1 example of why WVU fans can't stand the Jayhawks. Honestly, if Rich Rodriguez had not decided to return to WVU to be its football coach, would DeVries have made this list? It's debatable, but there is no doubt DeVries is not well-liked by WVU fans at the moment. Not after bolting for Indiana after just one season as WVU's men's hoops coach. Not after never giving WVU athletic director Wren Baker a chance to make a counter offer. And certainly not after he never officially told his players he was leaving.
Yahoo
11-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
NFL offseason power rankings: Will No. 14 Cincinnati Bengals waste another great Joe Burrow season?
Other NFL team previews: 32. Titans | 31. Saints | 30. Browns | 29. Panthers | 28. Jets | 27. Giants | 26. Raiders | 25. Patriots | 24. Colts | 23. Dolphins | 22. Jaguars | 21. Falcons | 20. Steelers | 19. Cardinals | 18. Cowboys | 17. Seahawks | 16. Texans | 15. Bears The way the Cincinnati Bengals failed Joe Burrow last season was historic. Advertisement It's nearly impossible to get an MVP-level season from a quarterback and miss the playoffs, as the Bengals did last season. There have been three quarterbacks to throw for 40 touchdowns and not make the playoffs: Dan Marino in 1986, Drew Brees in 2012 and Burrow last season. There are six instances of a quarterback passing for at least 4,500 yards with a 100 passer rating to miss the playoffs: Deshaun Watson in 2020, Matt Ryan in 2018, Philip Rivers in 2010, Brees in 2015 and 2016, and Burrow last season. Burrow had the second-highest passer rating ever (minimum 500 attempts) to miss the playoffs, trailing only Watson's 2020 season. Burrow's rating was 108.5. He is the only quarterback to have 4,500 yards, 40 touchdowns, fewer than 10 interceptions and not make the playoffs. When Marino and Brees missed the playoffs with 40 TD passes, they had 23 and 19 interceptions respectively. Burrow had nine last season. Additionally, every quarterback listed above missed the playoffs before the NFL expanded to a 14-team postseason field. Burrow finished fourth in the MVP voting. Among the 11 players who appeared on an MVP ballot, only Burrow and teammate Ja'Marr Chase (who finished ninth) weren't in the postseason. For those who like to cite a QB's record like it's an individual stat, try explaining how Burrow didn't do enough for the 2024 Bengals. He was arguably the best quarterback in football last season, and Cincinnati went 9-8. Advertisement [Get more Cincinnati news: Bengals team feed] A fiasco like that would usually cause a team to make wholesale changes. The Bengals responded by investing heavily in bringing the same group back. They paid big to keep receivers Tee Higgins and Chase, and that was the right plan. But there weren't many other significant additions. A team that missed the playoffs despite a great season from its star quarterback decided, practically, to run it back. And if contract disputes with defensive linemen Trey Hendrickson and rookie Shemar Stewart aren't worked out, it will be a worse group than the one that let down Burrow last season. The Bengals' defensive DVOA was the sixth-worst in the NFL last season and the main culprit in those eight losses, and it wouldn't be any better without last season's league sack leader or this year's first-round draft pick. The Bengals' biggest offseason move came when they fired defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo and replaced him with Al Golden, who ran Notre Dame's defense last season. Golden has been a coach for 32 seasons and only six of those were in the NFL, without a role higher than linebackers coach in the pros. Golden could work out tremendously as an NFL defensive coordinator, but it was the only move that should give Bengals fans hope that things will be totally different from last season. There is no guarantee Golden will be better than Anarumo, who got plenty of praise for Cincinnati's defense when it made the Super Bowl at the end of the 2021 season and was hired quickly by the Colts as their new defensive coordinator after he was fired. There was some bad luck in the Bengals missing the playoffs, like losing seven of their first eight one-score games, and fluky losses like dropping the opener to a bad Patriots team. But the Bengals have to take ownership of wasting a year of Burrow's prime (as well as the primes of Chase, the NFL's receiving triple crown winner, and Higgins). The bigger problem will be if it happens again this season. Advertisement Offseason grade When you sign two receivers to deals worth a combined $276 million, as the Bengals did with Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, there isn't much money left over for anyone else. The Bengals made the right choice extending their star receivers, but it makes it tougher to build a championship roster. Defensive tackle Tedarrell Slaton, at $14.1 million over two seasons, was the only free agent the Bengals added at more than $2.5 million per year. They lost four players who got more than $4 million a year on the open market: guard Alex Cappa, defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins, and linebackers Akeem Davis-Gaither and Germaine Pratt. The draft was OK, with pass rusher Shemar Stewart in the first round and linebacker Demetrius Knight Jr. in the second. However, the contract standoff with Stewart as the Bengals try to insert new language in contracts allowing them to potentially void guarantees has dampened the excitement over adding a talented player at a position of need. How could anyone reasonably argue that Cincinnati's roster is better than it was last season? Grade: C Advertisement Quarterback report Joe Burrow led the NFL in passing yards (4,918) and touchdown passes (43). He attempted the most passes in the NFL and completed 70.5% of them, leading the NFL in completions. His passer rating of 108.5 trailed only Lamar Jackson and Jared Goff. Burrow sent out the message that he wanted his star receivers re-signed, and they were. Burrow is 28 years old, well within his prime. Burrow is clearly on a Hall of Fame path, and there's no reason he can't repeat his success from last season. And he sounds ready to improve, taking unnecessary blame for the Bengals' failure last season. Advertisement "If I had played even better, we wouldn't have been in that spot that we were in," Burrow said, via the team's site. "I just focus on getting better myself, and I feel like everyone in the locker room feels the same way. If I go out there and play better than I did last year, then it doesn't matter what goes on anywhere else." BetMGM odds breakdown From Yahoo's Ben Fawkes: 'Tee Higgins and Ja'Marr Chase are back, along with a healthy Joe Burrow. That's good for Cincinnati. What's bad is a defense that gave up the eighth-most yards (348.3) and seventh-most points per game (25.5) — and is still in a contract standoff with its best edge rusher in Trey Hendrickson. Cincinnati has a win total of 9.5 at BetMGM, is favored in 10 games and is a -150 favorite to make the postseason. Playing the NFC North and AFC East is tough, but the Bengals are helped with games against the Jaguars and Cardinals due to their third-place finish last season." Yahoo's fantasy take From Yahoo's Scott Pianowski: "The Bengals were a perfect fantasy carnival last year, a reliable offense that was pushed into regular shootouts by its lousy defense. It was almost too good to be true for fantasy managers, especially when you consider how narrow Cincinnati's usage tree was. The good news: I'm not sure much has changed. The offense is still top heavy, the defense still somewhat suspect. There's no reason to complicate things here; Ja'Marr Chase is the top player on my board, and Joe Burrow, Chase Brown and Tee Higgins all qualify as proactive targets." Advertisement Stat to remember Ja'Marr Chase will make $40.25 million per year on his contract extension, the highest for a receiver in NFL history, according to Spotrac. Tee Higgins makes $28.75 million per year, which ranks him ninth among receivers. That combined total of $69 million is by far the most for a receiver duo in NFL history, easily outpricing the Eagles' duo of A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith at $57 million. It doesn't mean paying a couple of star receivers, as well as a star quarterback, precludes a team from winning big. When Joe Burrow called upon the Bengals to pay Chase and Higgins, he referenced the Super Bowl champion Eagles. "The Eagles are paying everybody," Burrow said on the "Pardon My Take" podcast, via the Cincinnati Enquirer. "That seems like the way, whatever they're doing." Burrow makes $55 million a season, tied for second-most among quarterbacks, which makes for a very expensive trio. It will be hard for the Bengals to build a championship team around them, though not impossible. The Eagles have done it paying their receivers, quarterback Jalen Hurts ($51 million), Saquon Barkley and other stars, but no team has drafted as well as Philadelphia. The Bengals decided to keep their passing game strong by re-signing all their stars, and we'll see if they can build a passable defense around them. Advertisement Burning question Can Al Golden fix Cincy's defense? Lou Anarumo seemingly lost whatever magic he had in 2021, when he was lauded for being the one defensive coordinator who could figure out Patrick Mahomes and helped Cincinnati reach a Super Bowl. Or, maybe the personnel he had to work with wasn't as good. The Bengals' defense is mostly the same as last season. There are two new projected starters and neither is a clear upgrade. Tedarrell Slaton replaces Sheldon Rankins at defensive tackle and rookie Demetrius Knight Jr. should take over at linebacker for Germaine Pratt, a productive veteran who was cut. There could be another new starter if Trey Hendrickson holds out into the season as he seeks a raise, or the Bengals trade him. Whoever would replace Hendrickson would be a big step back from a player who has posted 17.5 sacks each of the past two seasons. Without any new impact players, new coordinator Al Golden has to figure out what went wrong and fix it. The scheme isn't expected to be much different, with Golden relying on a 4-2 alignment with five defensive backs or 4-3 looks, like Anarumo employed. Golden said he wants the Bengals' tackling to improve. Perhaps he can scheme up some turnovers; Notre Dame led FBS last season with 33 takeaways. Coaching will have to go a long way in any defensive improvement because the players are mostly the same. Best-case scenario Most teams that have a great quarterback playing at his peak make the playoffs and are usually Super Bowl contenders. The 2024 Bengals were a rare exception. That doesn't mean the 2025 Bengals are doomed to repeat history. Had the Bengals gotten into the playoffs last season, they could have made noise. Their potential as a playoff sleeper was highly overstated — the same reasons they lost eight games were the same reasons they likely would have lost to one of the AFC's best teams in the postseason — but facing that passing offense wouldn't have been fun. If the Bengals have a better defense with a new coordinator, we know the offense will be very good. The passing game might be the best in the NFL and Chase Brown emerged last season as a very good running back with 1,350 yards from scrimmage. The defensive deficiencies make it hard to pick the Bengals to win the AFC North (though it's not an impossible task), but Burrow is obviously capable of getting hot and leading his team to a Super Bowl. Having an elite quarterback usually raises a team's ceiling. Advertisement Nightmare scenario Having an elite quarterback also keeps a team's floor pretty high. It's impossible to see the Bengals losing double-digit games unless injuries hit hard. But who cares if the Bengals go 9-8 again? Joe Burrow's prime won't last forever. The Bengals have made the playoffs only twice in Burrow's first five seasons (he was injured late in the 2020 and 2023 seasons). Is he going to be the modern day Archie Manning, a talented quarterback who is stuck in an underachieving organization? The Bengals watched their defense ruin last season and didn't make any significant player additions to fix it. The Trey Hendrickson and Shemar Stewart contract disputes allowed everyone to bring up the Bengals' old reputation of being a cheap franchise. The Bengals missed the playoffs last season and bring back mostly the same team, so it isn't wild to believe Cincinnati could miss the playoffs again. While it's far, far more common in the NBA to see a superstar ask out from a flailing franchise, is it possible that Burrow could reach that point? The Bengals might want to operate with urgency to avoid ever finding out. The crystal ball says Had the Bengals found their way into the playoffs, the conversation surrounding them would be a lot different right now. It's not like they were far off. They lost a lot of close games and paid the price for it. It still feels like the Bengals will be one of the seven playoff teams in the AFC, though the defensive issues make it hard to put them on the same level as the Chiefs, Bills or Ravens. The Bengals should get a wild-card spot, and will be scary for any opponent due to Burrow's brilliance, but ultimately fall well short of making it back to the Super Bowl. But if Cincinnati misses the playoffs again, there will need to be some serious self-reflection next offseason, and possibly some major changes.
Fox News
03-07-2025
- Sport
- Fox News
Miami Dolphins
The Miami Dolphins are a professional American football team that compete in the National Football League (NFL) as a member of the American Football Conference (AFC) East division. The Dolphins are the oldest professional sports team in Florida. In 1972, Miami completed the NFL's only perfect season, winning every regular season game and the Super Bowl. The Dolphins won two Super Bowls (1972 and 1973). Legendary NFL coach Don Shula coached the Dolphins for 26 seasons, leading to 20 playoff appearances and the perfect season in 1972. Pro Football Hall of Famer Dan Marino played 17 years for Miami. Tua Tagovailoa, De'Von Achane, Tyreek Hill, and Jaylen Waddle headline the Dolphins' offense.
Black America Web
24-06-2025
- Sport
- Black America Web
Star Athletes Who Suffered Achilles Injuries
The Achilles tendon is crucial for explosive actions like running and jumping, which makes it especially vulnerable in elite sports. Even though this tendon is strong, Achilles injuries, most notably ruptures, remain common and often cause major setbacks for professional athletes. Sports such as football, basketball, and tennis demand repeated, high-intensity movements, putting immense stress on the tendon. RELATED: Kobe Bryant tore his Achilles, then knocked down 2 clutch free throws The challenges don't stop at physical healing. Returning from an Achilles rupture also means overcoming mental hurdles and often adapting one's game. Research shows that athletes typically see a decline in performance after this injury. For example, NFL players often experience less playing time and a dip in production for at least two seasons post-injury, while NBA players see roughly a 30% reduction in minutes played. A recent example is NBA star Tyrese Haliburton, who suffered a torn Achilles during the NBA Finals. His injury immediately changed the course of the series and underscored how devastating these injuries can be, even at the highest level and in the season's most critical moments. Other high-profile cases include Jayson Tatum, Dan Marino, and Kobe Bryant's Achilles rupture late in his career. Here are some of the best athletes in major sports who suffered an Achilles tendon tear and their careers afterward. Star Athletes Who Suffered Achilles Injuries was originally published on 1. Kobe Bryant (NBA) – One of the greatest basketball players of all time, Kobe tore his Achilles in 2013 and returned later that year. After tearing his Achilles tendon in 2013, Kobe Bryant showcased remarkable determination to return to the NBA later that year. Though his post-injury years were marked by additional injuries and challenges, Kobe remained a symbol of resilience and dedication. Despite a decline in his physical abilities, he continued to inspire fans with his work ethic and leadership. In his final season (2015-2016), Kobe delivered a legendary farewell performance, scoring 60 points in his last game, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest basketball players of all time. 2. Dan Marino (NFL) – The Hall of Fame quarterback tore his Achilles in 1993 and returned to lead the Miami Dolphins. After tearing his Achilles tendon in 1993, Dan Marino made a remarkable comeback to continue his Hall of Fame NFL career. Known for his quick release and precision passing, Marino returned to lead the Miami Dolphins with his trademark competitiveness and skill. Despite the injury, he remained one of the league's top quarterbacks, guiding the Dolphins to multiple playoff appearances and solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest passers in NFL history. Marino continued to break records, including becoming the first quarterback to surpass 50,000 career passing yards. 3. Kevin Durant (NBA) – A two-time NBA champion and MVP, Durant tore his Achilles in 2019 and returned to elite form in 2020. Kevin Durant's career after his 2019 Achilles tendon injury is a testament to his resilience and elite talent. Following the devastating injury during the NBA Finals, Durant missed the entire 2019-2020 season but returned in 2020 with the Brooklyn Nets, quickly reestablishing himself as one of the league's top players. Despite concerns about his recovery, Durant showcased his scoring brilliance, versatility, and basketball IQ, leading the Nets deep into the playoffs and delivering standout performances, including a historic 49-point triple-double in the 2021 playoffs. He continued to earn All-Star selections and remained a dominant force on the court, proving that his Achilles injury did not diminish his greatness. 4. David Beckham (Soccer) – The global soccer icon tore his Achilles in 2010 but returned to play for the LA Galaxy. David Beckham's career after his 2010 Achilles tendon injury highlighted his resilience and enduring impact on soccer. The global icon suffered the injury while playing for AC Milan, which ruled him out of the 2010 FIFA World Cup. However, Beckham made a determined recovery and returned to play for the LA Galaxy in Major League Soccer (MLS). Post-injury, he continued to contribute significantly, helping the Galaxy secure back-to-back MLS Cup titles in 2011 and 2012. Beckham's leadership, precision passing, and trademark free kicks remained key elements of his game. After leaving the Galaxy, he had a brief stint with Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in 2013, where he won a Ligue 1 title before retiring. Beyond the field, Beckham's influence grew as a global ambassador for soccer, and he later became a co-owner of Inter Miami CF. 5. Jayson Tatum (NBA) – The Celtics' franchise player battled back from an Achilles injury to remain one of the league's top talents. Before his Achilles tendon injury, Jayson Tatum had already established himself as one of the NBA's brightest young stars. Drafted third overall by the Boston Celtics in 2017, Tatum made an immediate impact with his scoring ability, polished footwork, and poise beyond his years. In his rookie season, he played a key role in leading the Celtics to the Eastern Conference Finals, showcasing his potential on the biggest stage. Over the next few seasons, Tatum continued to develop into a dynamic two-way player, earning his first All-Star selection in 2020. Known for his smooth offensive game and ability to perform in clutch moments, he quickly became the cornerstone of the Celtics' future. By the time of his injury, Tatum was already recognized as one of the league's top young talents, with a trajectory pointing toward superstardom. 6. Dominique Wilkins (NBA) – Known as the 'Human Highlight Film,' Wilkins tore his Achilles in 1992 and returned to average 29.9 points per game. Dominique Wilkins' career after his 1992 Achilles tendon injury is one of the most remarkable comeback stories in NBA history. Known as the 'Human Highlight Film,' Wilkins returned to the Atlanta Hawks just nine months after the injury and immediately reestablished himself as an elite scorer. In the 1992-1993 season, he averaged an incredible 29.9 points per game, earning an All-Star selection and All-NBA honors. Despite concerns about his explosiveness, Wilkins adapted his game, relying on his skill, shooting, and basketball IQ to remain a dominant force. He continued to play at a high level for several more seasons, including stints with the Clippers, Celtics, Spurs, and overseas in Europe. Wilkins' post-injury career solidified his legacy as one of the greatest scorers in NBA history 7. Terrell Suggs (NFL) – The Super Bowl-winning linebacker tore his Achilles in 2012 and returned in just six months. Terrell Suggs' career after his 2012 Achilles tendon injury showcased his resilience and determination as one of the NFL's premier defensive players. The Super Bowl-winning linebacker made a stunning return to the Baltimore Ravens just six months after the injury, defying expectations. Suggs played a key role in the Ravens' 2012 season, which culminated in a victory at Super Bowl XLVII. Post-injury, he continued to be a dominant force on defense, earning Pro Bowl selections and solidifying his reputation as a relentless pass rusher and leader. Suggs remained a cornerstone of the Ravens' defense for several more seasons before finishing his career with the Arizona Cardinals and Kansas City Chiefs, where he won a second Super Bowl in 2020. His ability to return from such a significant injury and maintain a high level of performance cemented his legacy as one of the NFL's all-time great linebackers. 8. Aaron Rodgers (NFL) – The legendary quarterback tore his Achilles in 2023 and is making a comeback in 2024. Aaron Rodgers' 2024 season with the New York Jets was a mix of personal resilience and team struggles. Returning from his Achilles tendon injury, Rodgers played all 17 games, throwing for 3,897 yards, 28 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions with a passer rating of 90.5. Despite his solid individual performance, the Jets finished with a disappointing 5-12 record, ranking third in the AFC East. Rodgers showcased flashes of his elite play, including multiple games with over 300 passing yards, but the team's overall inconsistency hindered their success. His comeback season highlighted his determination and ability to perform at a high level, even in the face of adversity. 9. DeMarcus Cousins (NBA) – A four-time NBA All-Star, Cousins tore his Achilles in 2018 and returned in 2019. Once a dominant All-Star center, Cousins faced challenges in regaining his pre-injury form. He signed with the Golden State Warriors for the 2018-19 season, contributing solidly and reaching the NBA Finals, though injuries limited his impact. Over the next few years, Cousins played for multiple teams, including the Lakers, Rockets, Clippers, and Nuggets, often in a reduced role. Despite flashes of his former brilliance, injuries and team transitions prevented him from reclaiming his All-Star status. Cousins remained a skilled scorer and passer, adapting his game to fit supporting roles. 10. Chauncey Billups (NBA) – The NBA Finals MVP tore his Achilles in 2012 and returned to play the following year. Chauncey Billups' career after his 2012 Achilles tendon injury was brief but reflective of his leadership and determination. The injury, which occurred during his time with the Los Angeles Clippers, significantly impacted his playing ability. Billups returned to the court the following season, splitting time between the Clippers and later the Detroit Pistons, where he had previously achieved his greatest success. While his on-court production was limited post-injury, Billups continued to provide veteran leadership and a high basketball IQ. His playing career concluded in 2014, but his impact on the game extended beyond his playing days, as he transitioned into coaching and front-office roles. Billups' post-injury career highlighted his resilience and his enduring influence as a respected figure in basketball. 11. Richard Sherman (NFL) – The All-Pro cornerback tore his Achilles in 2017 and returned to play in 2018. Following the injury, Sherman signed with the San Francisco 49ers in 2018, where he quickly reestablished himself as a top cornerback. In 2019, he played a pivotal role in leading the 49ers to the Super Bowl, earning a Pro Bowl selection and proving he could still perform at an elite level. Known for his leadership and savvy play, Sherman adapted his game to rely more on positioning and experience rather than pure athleticism. After leaving the 49ers, he had a brief stint with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2021. 12. Damian Lillard (NBA) – The superstar guard, known for his clutch performances, overcame an Achilles injury to continue his dominance. Up to this point in his career, Lillard has been one of the NBA's most dynamic and clutch players. Known for his deep shooting range, playmaking, and leadership, Lillard spent the majority of his career with the Portland Trail Blazers, earning multiple All-Star and All-NBA honors. He became the franchise's all-time leading scorer and was renowned for his ability to deliver in high-pressure moments, earning the nickname 'Dame Time.' In 2023, Lillard was traded to the Milwaukee Bucks, joining forces with Giannis Antetokounmpo to form a championship-contending duo 13. Rudy Gay (NBA) – The versatile forward tore his Achilles in 2017 and returned to play in 2018. After his 2017 Achilles tendon injury, Rudy Gay transitioned into a valuable veteran role, showcasing resilience and adaptability. He signed with the San Antonio Spurs for the 2017-18 season, where he adjusted his game to rely more on skill and experience rather than athleticism. Gay became a reliable contributor off the bench, providing scoring, rebounding, and leadership. Over the next few years, he played for the Utah Jazz and other teams, continuing to serve as a steady presence and mentor for younger players. While his role shifted from a primary scorer to a supporting one, Gay's ability to adapt and remain effective highlighted his basketball IQ and professionalism. 14. Tyrese Haliburton (NBA) – The rising star guard recovered from an Achilles injury to continue his ascent in the NBA. The Indiana Pacers confirmed that Tyrese Haliburton suffered a torn right Achilles tendon during Game 7 against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The injury occurred less than eight minutes into the game, forcing Haliburton to leave after scoring nine points. An MRI confirmed the tear, and surgery was scheduled for the same day. This devastating injury not only ended Haliburton's season but also significantly impacts the Pacers' future, as he was their floor general and key player. With Haliburton likely sidelined for most of next season, the Pacers' offseason plans and the Eastern Conference landscape are expected to shift dramatically.
Yahoo
08-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Another legendary quarterback has pitched their thoughts on the situation between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Aaron Rodgers.
Another legendary quarterback has pitched their thoughts on the situation between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Aaron Rodgers. originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Earlier this month, we heard Hall of Fame Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Terry Bradshaw issue some headline-grabbing remarks about his former team pursuing Aaron Rodgers in free agency. Advertisement Bradshaw wasn't the only legendary signal caller to let his voice be heard about Rodgers' decision, one that seemed to stretch on for months before the official declaration that he's heading to Pittsburgh as expected. Before the signing became official this week, Miami Dolphins icon Dan Marino discussed the possibility of Rodgers joining the Steelers and how the four-time MVP could make them a contender right away. "I still think Aaron has some game," Marino said. "He does. He can throw it as good as anybody that has ever thrown the football. If his mind's into it and he's ready to go and that works. I don't think it would be an issue with the Steelers." If this extended waiting period wasn't an indication though, Rodgers has the personality that prefers to march to the beat of his own drum, leading many to believe it's much harder to manage his mental than other QBs. Advertisement Marino acknowledges is all-time talent, but is warning the Steelers organization about what they could be getting into. "But you gotta have someone that really wants to play there," he said. "And he's getting older. So I don't know what his mindset is." Many predicted Rodgers to land in Pittsburgh because it was the best remaining option for teams looking for a starting quarterback. So does he actually want to be there? Or did he settle for what was best available? Rodgers, who will turn 42 in December, signed a one-year deal with the Steelers, making his future with the organization dependent on a solid 2025 season. Advertisement Related: Steelers Signing 'Filet Mignon' Aaron Rodgers Makes QB Room a 'Meat Market' Related: Adam Schefter's Take on Aaron Rodgers Makes No Sense This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 7, 2025, where it first appeared.
