Latest news with #FatherTime
USA Today
3 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
NFC West quarterbacks ranked as second-best division group in NFL
ranked the eight NFL divisions by their starting quarterbacks. The NFC West comes in second. In the part of the offseason where lists, rankings and projections rule, we welcome more rankings. This time, it is quarterback rankings, but with a twist. Rather than just ranking the quarterbacks in the league, Nick Shook ranked the eight divisions in the league by their quarterbacks. The NFC West, where the Arizona Cardinals play, was ranked No. 2, having the second-best group of quarterbacks, behind the AFC West. The AFC West has Patrick Mahomes, Justin Herbert, Geno Smith and Bo Nix. In the Cardinals' division, of course, there is Kyler Murray, Matthew Stafford, Brock Purdy and now Sam Darnold. This division carries the most potential for volatility entering 2025. Murray appears to be entering a pivotal season with the Cardinals, having yet to put up the kind of wire-to-wire performance that would put a permanent end to speculation about the seventh-year pro's future with the franchise. I know, it seems outrageous, considering Murray's capabilities, but game-by-game consistency was lacking in 2024. Purdy, meanwhile, just signed a lucrative deal that delivered a long-overdue payday to the former Mr. Irrelevant; now, the pressure will be on him to deliver during what might be a transitional year for San Francisco. Darnold is likely feeling a similarly heavy weight after signing with Seattle following a career year in Minnesota; the move placed him in another new situation with even greater responsibility. And finally, Stafford resolved his contractual standoff with the Rams and is back for his 17th NFL season. Do you see how this could all go horribly wrong? Murray could struggle. Purdy could end up as a victim of surrounding circumstances. Darnold could revert back to a passing pumpkin. The 37-year-old Stafford could feel the effects of Father Time. Or, it will all go right, the NFC West will produce three playoff teams and this group will live up to its end-of-2024 ranking. For now, the quartet is far from guaranteed to follow a strong 2024 with more collective excellence in 2025. As good as these guys can be, it might be the division with the biggest question marks for all four starters. In the individual rankings Shook used, Stafford is the highest at No. 8, followed by Darnold at No. 13, Purdy and No. 14 and Murray at No. 17. These were based on performance at the end of last season. This group, at its ceiling, might be the best group in the league, but when Mahomes and Herbert, along with the rookie year that Nix had, it is understandable why they would be above the NFC West's group. 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.
Los Angeles Times
4 days ago
- Sport
- Los Angeles Times
Kobe Bryant's words inspire Tyrese Haliburton after ‘shock' Achilles injury in Finals
A day after having to leave the biggest game of his life, Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton shared his first public comments since tearing his right Achilles tendon early in Game 7 of the NBA Finals. 'Words cannot express the pain of this letdown,' Haliburton wrote on X (formerly Twitter) after undergoing surgery Monday to repair the tendon. 'The frustration is unfathomable. I've worked my whole life to get to this moment and this is how it ends? Makes no sense.' But for the majority of his five-paragraph post, which Haliburton accompanied with a photo of himself smiling and forming a heart with his hands from a hospital bed, the two-time All Star also delivered a message of optimism and determination. And he did so, in part, by quoting late Lakers legend Kobe Bryant, who overcame the same injury in 2013. 'I think Kobe said it best when in this same situation,' Haliburton wrote. ''There are far greater issues/challenges in the world then a torn achilles. Stop feeling sorry for yourself, find the silver lining and get to work with the same belief, same drive and same conviction as ever.' 'And that's exactly right. I will do everything in my power to get back right.' Bryant's words were part of a lengthy Facebook post early in the morning on April 13, 2013, hours after tearing his left Achilles tendon while driving to the basket during a game against the Golden State Warriors the previous night. After suffering the injury, Bryant famously stayed in the game long enough to sink two free throws. In his post, Bryant describes his raw emotions and even uncharacteristically expresses some self-doubt before his famous Mamba Mentality inevitably surfaces. 'All the training and sacrifice just flew out the window with one step that I've done millions of times!' wrote Bryant, who was 34 at the time. 'The frustration is unbearable. The anger is rage. Why the hell did this happen ?!? Makes no damn sense. Now I'm supposed to come back from this and be the same player Or better at 35?!? How in the world am I supposed to do that?? 'I have NO CLUE. Do I have the consistent will to overcome this thing? Maybe I should break out the rocking chair and reminisce on the career that was. Maybe this is how my book ends. Maybe Father Time has defeated again maybe not! 'Its 3:30am, my foot feels like dead weight, my head is spinning from the pain meds and Im wide awake. Forgive my Venting but whats the purpose of social media if I wont bring it to you Real No Image?? Feels good to vent, let it out. To feel as if THIS is the WORST thing EVER! Because After ALL the venting, a real perspective sets in.' That's where Bryant writes the words that Haliburton quoted. 'We don't quit, we don't cower, we don't run,' Bryant wrote later in the post. 'We endure and conquer.' True to his word, Bryant returned to the floor with the Lakers on Dec. 8, 2013. He dealt with several other injuries — including a knee injury that ended his 2013-14 season just six games after he returned from the Achilles — before retiring at the end of the 2015-16 season, his 20th in the NBA. More than a decade later, a 25-year-old star is using Bryant's words as inspiration, days after being unable to help his team in a 103-91 loss to the Thunder with the NBA championship on the line. Here is Haliburton's full post: 'Man. Don't know how to explain it other than shock. Words cannot express the pain of this letdown. The frustration is unfathomable. I've worked my whole life to get to this moment and this is how it ends? Makes no sense. 'Now that I've gotten surgery, I wish I could count the number of times people will tell me I'm going to 'come back stronger'. What a cliche lol, this s— sucks. My foot feels like dead weight fam. But what's hurting most I think is my mind. Feel like I'm rambling, but I know this is something I'll look back on when I'm through this, as something I'm proud I fought through. It feels good to let this s— out without y'all seeing the kid ugly cry. 'At 25, I've already learned that God never gives us more than we can handle. I know I'll come out on the other side of this a better man and a better player. And honestly, right now, torn Achilles and all, I don't regret it. I'd do it again, and again after that, to fight for this city and my brothers. For the chance to do something special. 'Indy, I'm sorry. If any fan base doesn't deserve this, it's y'all. But together we are going to fight like hell to get back to this very spot, and get over this hurdle. I don't doubt for a second that y'all have my back, and I hope you guys know that I have yours. I think Kobe said it best when in this same situation. 'There are far greater issues/challenges in the world then a torn achilles. Stop feeling sorry for yourself, find the silver lining and get to work with the same belief, same drive and same conviction as ever.' And that's exactly right. I will do everything in my power to get back right. 'My journey to get to where I am today wasn't by happenstance, I've pushed myself every day to be great. And I will continue to do just that. The most important part of this all, is that I'm grateful. I'm grateful for every single experience that's led me here. I'm grateful for all the love from the hoop world. I don't 'have to' go through this, I get to go through this. I'm grateful for the road that lies ahead. Watch how I come back from this. So, give me some time, I'll dust myself off and get right back to being the best version of Tyrese Haliburton. 'Proverbs 3:5-6 'Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight.''
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Aaron Rodgers officially signs 1-year, $13.65 million contract with Steelers
The post Aaron Rodgers officially signs 1-year, $13.65 million contract with Steelers appeared first on ClutchPoints. The Aaron Rodgers era has officially commenced on Heinz Street. The future Hall of Fame quarterback arrived at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex on Saturday to sign a one-year, $13.65 million contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers, per ESPN's Adam Schefter. He will collect $10 million guaranteed and have a chance to earn a maximum value of $19.5 million. Advertisement The deal includes playtime and performance incentives. Pittsburgh has not won a playoff game since the 2016-17 campaign and is desperate to raise its ceiling. A 41-year-old Aaron Rodgers who is coming off a tough run with the New York Jets does not seem like an ideal candidate to accomplish that crucial task, but he does have a Super Bowl ring and did just flirt with a 4,000-yard, 30-touchdown campaign. Rodgers will also be two years removed from suffering a torn Achilles, which makes a possible resurgence a little easier to fathom. Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin is trusting him to lead a modified offense that features two-time Pro Bowl wide receiver DK Metcalf. Assuming the offensive line avoids another season of catastrophic injury luck, the veteran QB could have enough time to operate in the pocket. Can Rodgers make it work in Pittsburgh? The public is understandably skeptical, but the organization is not paying much to find out. The Steelers should understand their current situation Steelers general manager Omar Khan obviously could have selected a quarterback earlier in the NFL Draft — took national champion Will Howard in sixth round — but the front office is clearly content with starting the four-time MVP for a year and ironing out the long-term plan at a later date. Advertisement That line of thinking has upset many fans, to surprising levels in some cases, as the city eagerly waits for clarity. There is no denying the challenging circumstances surrounding this team. Patrick Mahomes leads the dynastic Kansas City Chiefs, Josh Allen continues to keep the Buffalo Bills in contention and the AFC North houses multi-time MVP Lamar Jackson and two-time Pro Bowler Joe Burrow. The Steelers Way is nice and all, and it has obviously resulted in noteworthy consistency, but a squad is unlikely to truly succeed in this conference without a franchise quarterback. Aaron Rodgers occupied that role for most of his career. Pittsburgh hopes he can do so again, at least for one more season. Rodgers wants to delay Father Time, and the Steelers want to delay some hard questions. They will now try to navigate this crossroads together. Related: Steelers reveals Aaron Rodgers' number after signing 1-year deal Related: Steelers' Cam Heyward slams fan for burning Fitzpatrick jersey over Rodgers deal
USA Today
20-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
WATCH: Ohio State football players claim 'June Olympics' title with half-court shot
𝐉𝐮𝐧𝐞 𝐎𝐥𝐲𝐦𝐩𝐢𝐜𝐬 Finale, Half court shots 🏀The Players take down the staff to win the 2025 June Olympics in stylish fashion to end it 🏆 If you've been paying attention to the summer offseason workouts for the Ohio State football team, or reading our stuff here, then you know the team has been going through a little friendly competition called the "June Olympics." It's a competition between the players and staff to see who can bring home the most wins in various competitions with a champion being crowned at the end. We weren't too sure when the end of the "feats of athletic endeavors" between the old guys and the young pups were going to be over, or even what events would be a part of all the hoopla, but we were informed today that the last competition took place by way of half-court shots. Going into the last event, things were all knotted up at 5 to 5, just like you'd want it, so the winner of the long bombs from half-court would get the bragging rights. And, unfortunately for those of us who are competing with Father Time ourselves, the younger players won the half-court shooting competition and took the title of the "June Olympics" with a final 6 to 5 score. You can check out the highlights below. By the looks of it, it took just one shot to win it after several airballs and misfires. Watch as the shot goes through the bottom of the net for the players to claim supremacy. As if the youth in the building didn't have enough talking to do, now the elder statesmen in the program will have to live with the loss until next summer when we see if the "June Olympics" make another appearance. Contact/Follow us @BuckeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Ohio State news, notes and opinion. Follow Phil Harrison on X.
Los Angeles Times
18-06-2025
- Politics
- Los Angeles Times
Metro scrambles to find funding for massive bus fleet that is the heart of its Olympics plans
In a sprawling county where transit lines are sometimes miles apart, transit leaders' plans for the 2028 Olympics and Paralympics rely on a robust fleet of buses to get people to and from venues and avoid a traffic meltdown. The plan hinges on a $2-billion ask of the Trump administration to lease 2,700 buses to join Metro's fleet of roughly 2,400, traveling on a network of designated lanes to get from venue to venue. But with roughly three years to go until opening day, the plan faces several challenges over funding and time. The federal government has yet to respond to the city's request. And Metro's commitment to lease clean energy buses could pose supply problems and challenges around charging infrastructure. Operators would also need to be trained under state regulations and provided housing through the Games. 'Three years might seem like a lot of time to many of us, but in municipal time, three years is like the blink of an eye. That's our greatest challenge.' said Daniel Rodman, a member of the city of L.A.'s office of major events, at a recent UCLA transit forum. 'Father Time is coming.' The Games will be scattered in places across the region including Alamitos Beach in Long Beach, the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Santa Anita Park in Arcadia, the L.A. Coliseum and Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles and outside the county in Anaheim and all the way to northern San Diego County. Official watch parties and fan gatherings will also occur throughout the metropolis. Since these and many of the venues aren't directly accessible by rail, the bus system will be key to the city's push for 'transit first' — a motto that city leaders have adopted since Mayor Karen Bass' previous messaging around a 'car-free Olympics.' Outside the bus system, several transit projects in the works are expected to ease some of the traffic burden, including the extension for the Metro D Line, also known as the Purple Line, which Metro has slated for completion before the Olympics, and the opening of the automated people mover train at Los Angeles International Airport, which will offer an alternative to driving to the airport. There are also proposals for water taxi use from San Pedro to Long Beach, where multiple events will be held, to offer an alternative to the Vincent Thomas and Long Beach International Gateway bridges. The big question is whether enough people in a famously auto-bound city will be willing to take public transit. Leaders believe that tourists are likely to take advantage of the system, and hope more Angelenos will too. 'All of our international visitors know how to ride public transportation — it's second nature for our people coming from other countries,' county Supervisor and Metro board Chair Janice Hahn said at a recent UCLA forum, pointing to the Paris Olympics and the city's long use of public transit. 'It's the Angelenos that we're still trying to attract. So I'm thinking the legacy will be a good experience on a bus or a train that could translate after the Olympics to people riding Metro.' Los Angeles leaders warned of major traffic jams ahead of the 1984 Olympics. Then-Councilmember Pat Russell advised residents to leave the city and take a vacation, and many Angelenos rented out their homes to visitors. Fears loomed that if the city couldn't nail down a transit plan, the experience would be a disaster and spectators would encounter a fate similar to the 1980 Winter Olympics in Lake Placid, N.Y., where thousands of people were stranded in below-freezing temperatures after the shuttle bus system became overloaded, according to Times archival reports. 'Of all the problems we're faced with these Olympics Games, transportation is the surest and most inevitable mess unless we get the cooperation and support of people to adjust their use of their personal vehicles,' Capt. Ken Rude, the head of California Highway Patrol's Olympic planning unit, told The Times a year before the 1984 Games. Months earlier, he warned that traffic jams could be so bad that people would be forced to abandon their cars on freeways. In the end, catastrophe was avoided. The plan 40 years ago was similar to today's — build a robust bus system to shuttle Olympics fans, athletes and leaders throughout the county. Traffic was manageable, whether due to transit plans that relied on an additional 550 buses to assist a fleet of 2,200, temporarily turned some streets one-way and limited deliveries to certain hours, or an exodus of residents as people left the area ahead of the Games, in part due to the dire predictions of complete gridlock. But fast-forward, Los Angeles' population has grown from nearly 8 million in 1984 to 9.7 million today, and the region is expecting millions more spectators than it did during the last Games. Estimates for the overall number of expected visitors are still vague, but planners have anticipated as many as 9 million more ticket holders than in the 1984 Olympics. 'There's a mountain to be moved and if you move it one year, it's a lot harder than in three years,' said Juane Matute, deputy director of UCLA Institute of Transportation Studies. 'The buses are hard enough to get, but all of these policy and regulatory changes may be hard as well.' Metro has received leasing commitments for roughly 650 buses so far. Vehicles aside, it will take time to get bus operators properly trained, tested and certified to operate public transit in the state, Matute said. An estimated 6,000 additional bus operators would be needed to drive people throughout the Games. Metro has said that those operators are expected to be provided through transit agencies loaning the buses. In the latest state budget proposal, $17.6 million from the state's highway fund would go toward Olympics and Paralympics planning, including Metro's Games Route Network, which would designate a series of roads for travel by athletes, media members, officials, the International Olympics Committee, spectators and workers. But city and Metro leaders have continued to raise concerns over the funding gap, especially since the additional buses and priority lanes network in 2028 won't be a permanent fixture to Los Angeles. Olympics planners, on the other hand, are confident that transportation will be successful. 'L.A. has invested unto itself a lot in infrastructure here and transportation infrastructure — far more than it did in '84,' LA28 Chair Casey Wasserman said after a three-day visit from the International Olympic Committee. 'We feel very confident that it'll be a different version of the success we had in '84 in terms of ingress and egress and access and experience when it comes to transportation.' Times staff writer Thuc Nhi Nguyen contributed to this report.
