Latest news with #DefensivePlayer
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Prayers Pouring In For NBA Legend Dwight Howard Thursday
Prayers Pouring In For NBA Legend Dwight Howard Thursday originally appeared on The Spun. Former All-Star center Dwight Howard had devastating news to share with the basketball world on Wednesday night. Howard, a three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year, revealed that his dog was killed in an alleged hit-and-run. He shared photos of his dog Sunday on Instagram along with some touching words about her. "From the moment I got you, Sunday, you were more than just my dog…You were my protector.A reminder of everything beautiful and calm just like those early Sunday mornings," Howard said. "You hugged like no at nothing like it meant every time I called your name, you came running full speed like your only mission was to love waited at the door for me every single day, just to wrap your paws around me. And I'm gonna miss those hugs more than I can put into words." Howard then called out the driver responsible for Sunday's tragic death. "I was having a great time in New York this past week until I got the news that my Sunday got loose and was hit by a car that kept going," Howard wrote on Instagram. "I'm devastated because you were the dog that never left my side, the dog that stuck to my hip at all times, and the one time you wander off without me being there someone takes you away from me. "Who could be so heartless to do this to such an innocent girl with no remorse. I've been trying to hold this in… I really have but it's killing me inside to get answers! I need answers and I won't stop searching until I find out what happen to my beautiful Sunday." Immediately after Howard shared this devastating news on social media, basketball fans extended their thoughts and prayers. "My condolences brother Sunday was a beautiful dog. May you find the answers and have peace," one person told Howard. "So sorry to hear about Sunday brother - hopes and prayers for her beautiful soul," a second person said. "Praying for healing for you. They are our family," another person wrote. "I'm so sorry. What a heartless action to hit a poor dog and not immediately get it to an emergency vet," an Instagram user commented. Howard has asked people with any information regarding his Belgian Malinois to reach out to him. It's unclear if the police are investigating this alleged hit-and-run. All we know for now is that Howard's dog was reportedly struck by a car in Suwanee, Pouring In For NBA Legend Dwight Howard Thursday first appeared on The Spun on Jun 26, 2025 This story was originally reported by The Spun on Jun 26, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Steelers QB Aaron Rodgers offers subtle support for 'Hall of Fame' OLB T.J. Watt
T.J. Watt's contract woes continue to keep him away from the Steelers — but Aaron Rodgers is ready to put this situation behind the team. On Tuesday's episode of The Pat McAfee Show, Rodgers discussed what has him excited to play for the Steelers — and also commented on Watt's contract situation while praising his leadership: Advertisement "I think that's the thing that's really exciting about Pittsburgh, is the built-in leadership that already exists there," Rodgers said. "Once we get our Hall of Fame outside rush-backer signed, you're talking about another guy who's a leader — not just by his example, but by his words." Watt, who's looking to become one of the NFL's highest-paid defenders, was noticeably absent from Steelers OTAs and mandatory minicamp — but Rodgers clearly has the "Hall of Fame" defender's back as July's training camp inches closer. Will the Steelers grant Rodgers' Watt-sized wish, or will the former 2021 Defensive Player of the Year continue his holdout into training camp and beyond? For up-to-date Steelers coverage, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like. This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers' T.J. Watt receives support from Aaron Rodgers
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Former DPOY Breaks Down How He Guarded Young LeBron James After Strong Comments
Former DPOY Breaks Down How He Guarded Young LeBron James After Strong Comments originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Cleveland Cavaliers selected LeBron James with the first overall pick in the 2003 NBA Draft. James entered the NBA straight out of high school and averaged 20.9 points, 5.5 rebounds and 5.9 assists as a rookie. Advertisement A top 75 player of all time, James is the leading scorer in NBA history. He has scored the most points in the regular season and postseason despite being guarded by some elite defenders. On the latest "Mind the Game" episode with Steve Nash, a fan asked James and Nash who the greatest defensive players they faced were. James, 40, went with Ron Artest, who is now known as Metta World Peace. "Ron Artest was, you know, Metta World Peace now, oh my goodness, really good with his hands," James said. "Latterly was really good. Strong as an ox. You know, I played against him my early years when he was in Indiana. "I mean, you know, it was challenging, you know, for sure. You know, it was one of the best defenders probably I've played against." Advertisement Artest saw James' quote about him and sent a message to The King. The "Mind the Game" podcast X account posted Artest's message, where the former NBA forward broke down how he guarded James when he was younger. Artest won the 2004 Defensive Player of the Year Award with the Indiana Pacers. He made four All-Defensive Teams during his 17-year career. A one-time All-Star, Artest played for the Chicago Bulls, Pacers, Sacramento Kings, Houston Rockets, Lakers (twice) and New York Knicks. He helped Los Angeles with the 2010 championship against the Boston Celtics. In 991 NBA games, Artest averaged 13.2 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 1.7 steals and 0.5 blocks. Los Angeles Lakers star LeBron James is the oldest active player in the NBA. © Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images James, 40, is the oldest active player in the league. He averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 8.2 assists for the Lakers this season. Advertisement The four-time MVP and four-time Finals MVP made the All-NBA Second Team. A future Hall of Famer, James is the only player in NBA history to rank top five all-time in points and assists. He is arguably the most versatile player of all time. Related: Former NBA Exec Reveals 'Most Amazing Thing' About LeBron James This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 22, 2025, where it first appeared.
Associated Press
10-06-2025
- Sport
- Associated Press
Steelers star linebacker TJ Watt skips the start of mandatory minicamp
PITTSBURGH (AP) — Aaron Rodgers might be ready to take the practice field for the Pittsburgh Steelers. T.J. Watt is not. The star outside linebacker skipped the start of mandatory minicamp on Tuesday. Watt likely is eyeing a new deal as he enters the final year of his current contract. The seven-time Pro Bowler and 2021 NFL Defensive Player of the Year signed a four-year extension in September 2021 that was scheduled to pay him $112 million and made him the highest-paid defender in the league at the time. That number has been eclipsed several times over the last four years, including by Cleveland star Myles Garrett, who signed a deal in March that made him the most well-compensated non-quarterback in the league at $40 million a season. The decision to skip minicamp is a change from Watt's approach in 2021, when he did a 'hold in' during both minicamp and training camp before agreeing to a contract on the eve of the regular season. 'We expect him back at some point,' defensive coordinator Teryl Austin said Tuesday. 'We don't get caught up (in that) ... He's going to be in good shape (whenever he arrives).' Watt tied an NFL record by registering 22 1/2 sacks after signing the extension in 2021. He led the league in sacks again in 2023, though that number dipped to 11 1/2 last season, Watt's fewest in a year in which he didn't miss extended time because of injury since he was a rookie in 2017. Austin believes Watt's absence will provide opportunities for younger players like third-year outside linebacker Nick Herbig and rookie Jack Sawyer. Maybe, but neither has Watt's game-changing resume. Watt, who turns 31 in October, is the linchpin of a defense that has helped keep the Steelers in contention despite heavy churn at quarterback since Ben Roethlisberger's retirement in January 2022. Rodgers will get his shot after agreeing to a one-year deal last week. The four-time NFL MVP was at the team facility on Tuesday and is expected to be on the field when afternoon practice begins. ___ AP NFL:
Yahoo
08-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Jared Verse challenging Aaron Donald to a workout went exactly how you would expect
Aaron Donald was one of the most dominant defensive players the NFL has ever seen over his 10-year career for the Los Angeles Rams, recognized for intense training regimens that made his opponents look like light-work come Sundays (remember the knives?? -- who cares if they were fake). Just two years removed from his early retirement as a three-time Defensive Player of the Year and eight-time All-Pro, the now 34-year-old Donald is still someone to tread lightly with when it comes to any kind of physical contest. Advertisement Rams 2024 Defensive Rookie of the Year Jared Verse recently learned that the hard way after challenging Donald to a workout. This went exactly how you might expect. By the end of the video shared to social media by the NFL, Verse looked exhausted while Donald was still doing pushups. "You feel the difference?" Donald asked. "I feel it," Verse responded. Big credit to Verse for having the heart to even challenge Donald and then actually showing up for the workout. This will only make him a better player and the Rams a better team. This article originally appeared on For The Win: Jared Verse challenging Aaron Donald to a workout went as expected
