Latest news with #LombardiAward
USA Today
12-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Nebraska football legend Ndamukong Suh announces retirement from NFL
July 12, 2024 was the hardest day of my the day I said goodbye to my father, the man who raised me, shaped me, challenged me, and believed in me before I believed in wasn't just a dad. He was my idol, my coach, and my taught me what it meant to… Former Nebraska football defender Ndamukong Suh announced his retirement from the NFL on Saturday in a statement on social media. Suh had a remarkable NFL career, spanning 13 seasons. He was a five-time All-Pro, as well as a Super Bowl champion with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2021. Suh was a defensive star for the Huskers. He played for five seasons with the program, recording 215 combined tackles, 50 tackles for loss, and 24 sacks. He had a remarkable 2009 season, during which he tallied 85 combined tackles and 12 sacks. For his efforts that year, he won the Chuck Bednarik Award, Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Lombardi Award, and the Outland Trophy. He ends his professional career with 600 career tackles and 71.5 sacks. Now, he is riding off into the sunset, exactly one year after his father passed away. Suh was dominant at both levels, and now he gets to ride off into the sunset.
Boston Globe
03-06-2025
- Business
- Boston Globe
Patriots first-round pick Will Campbell signs rookie contract
The 21-year-old, a left tackle at Louisiana State, has been working with the Patriots' starting offensive line during the spring. The 6-foot-6-inch, 319-pounder was a first-team All-American last year, and a finalist for the Lombardi Award, given annually to the nation's top lineman. Second-round pick TreVeyon Henderson and fourth-round choice Craig Woodson are New England's only remaining unsigned rookies. Christopher Price can be reached at
Time of India
02-06-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Who is Carl Nassib? All you need to know about the first openly gay player in the NFL
Carl Nassib, first openly gay player to play in NFL games (Getty Images) Carl Nassib's journey from NFL standout to history-maker just took another meaningful turn. His Raiders jersey will now be permanently displayed at the Smithsonian National Museum of American History. 'I just want to take a quick moment to say that I'm gay,' Nassib had revealed in a heartfelt 2021 Instagram video. His courage not only broke barriers in the NFL but continues to inspire inclusion and acceptance nationwide. All about Carl Nassib, first openly gay player in the NFL Early life and background Born on April 12, 1993, in West Chester, Pennsylvania, Carl Paul Nassib grew up in a football-oriented family. Attended Malvern Preparatory School before enrolling at Penn State University, where he walked on to the football team. College Career Nassib started as a walk-on at Penn State, earning a scholarship and becoming a standout player. In 2015, his lone season as a starter, he led the NCAA with 15.5 sacks and won the Lombardi Award as the nation's top college lineman or linebacker. His performance showcased his work ethic and grit, traits he later emphasized as key to success in football regardless of personal identity. NFL career Selected by the Cleveland Browns in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft, Nassib played seven seasons across three teams: Cleveland Browns (2016–2017): Played two seasons, part of a challenging 0-16 season in 2017. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2018–2019, 2022): Had two stints, totaling three seasons. Las Vegas Raiders (2020–2021): Played two seasons, during which he made his historic announcement. Over 100 games, Nassib recorded 25.5 sacks, 187 tackles, 59 quarterback hits, four forced fumbles, and one interception. On September 13, 2021, in a Monday Night Football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Nassib made a game-changing strip-sack on quarterback Lamar Jackson in overtime, leading to a Raiders' 33-27 victory. This marked him as the first openly gay player to appear in an NFL regular-season game. Coming out and historic milestone On June 21, 2021, Nassib came out as gay via an Instagram video from his home in West Chester, Pennsylvania. He stated, 'I just want to take a quick moment to say that I'm gay. I've been meaning to do this for a while now, but I finally feel comfortable enough to get it off my chest.' He emphasized the importance of representation and visibility, hoping that coming out would one day be unnecessary. Carl Nassib opens up on his football journey & coming out as NFL's first Gay player| The Pivot Nassib revealed he agonized over the decision for 15 years, describing himself as a private person not seeking attention. A pivotal moment came during a conversation with his openly gay uncle, who was dying of cancer, which inspired Nassib to come out publicly to support others. A humorous incident during a 2020 game against the Browns, where players reacted negatively to Nassib using 'gay' as a derogatory term, also reassured him of allies in the NFL. His announcement was widely praised by the NFL, teammates, fans, and media. The NFL issued a statement supporting Nassib's courage and commitment to equality, and the Raiders matched his $100,000 donation to The Trevor Project, a nonprofit focused on suicide prevention for LGBTQ+ youth. While Michael Sam was the first openly gay player drafted by the NFL (St. Louis Rams, 2014), he never played in a regular-season game. Nassib's active participation set a new precedent, building on Sam's groundwork. Post-NFL career and legacy Nassib announced his retirement on September 6, 2023, calling it a 'bittersweet' moment. He shifted focus to his company, Rayze, a social media platform connecting volunteers with nonprofits, inspired by his volunteering experiences with the Buccaneers. Nassib has continued supporting The Trevor Project, including announcing a Cleveland Browns draft pick in 2024 alongside the organization's founder. He also works with the NFL on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, leveraging his unique perspective as an openly gay former player. On May 21, 2025, the Smithsonian National Museum of American History began displaying Nassib's No. 94 Raiders jersey from the 2021 Ravens game, recognizing his historic contribution to 'Athletic Achievement and Social Progress.' Nassib's coming out was a landmark for the NFL and men's professional sports, demonstrating that openly gay athletes could thrive without compromising their careers. Media analyses noted widespread support, suggesting a shift toward inclusive masculinity in sports. His visibility inspired others, including Jacksonville Jaguars assistant strength coach Kevin Maxen, who came out in 2023. Nassib's actions provided a model for future athletes, emphasizing personal authenticity and professional success. While Nassib remains the only NFL player to come out while active, his experience highlighted growing acceptance in sports, though challenges like homophobia persist. He expressed hope that more players would come out on their own terms. Nassib described football as a 'punishing industry' where work ethic, perseverance, and grit outweigh personal identity. He valued the NFL's support and aimed to foster a compassionate culture. Known for financial savvy, Nassib gained attention during HBO's Hard Knocks for advising teammates on savings, reflecting his practical approach to life. Carl Nassib's journey from a Penn State walk-on to an NFL trailblazer underscores his resilience and commitment to authenticity. His historic coming out in 2021, impactful play, and ongoing philanthropy through Rayze and The Trevor Project have cemented his legacy as a pioneer for LGBTQ+ visibility in sports. His Smithsonian recognition ensures his story will inspire future generations. Also Read: "Queens supporting queens": Fans go wild as Taylor Swift and Selena Gomez spotted having intense heart-to-heart during cozy dinner night out in NYC
USA Today
21-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Ex-Rams DT Aaron Donald named among the top-25 best college players since 2000
Ex-Rams DT Aaron Donald named among the top-25 best college players since 2000 The Los Angeles Rams drafted a generational player when they took Pittsburgh defensive lineman Aaron Donald with the No. 13 pick in the 2014 NFL Draft. Donald put together a likely Hall-of-Fame NFL career, but he was also one of the best college players of the past 25 seasons, according to The Athletic's Bruce Feldman. Feldman ranked Donald the No. 20 player on his top-25 college players since 2000 list. "Everything Donald was doing in the NFL for the Rams he first did for Pitt," Feldman wrote. "He had at least 16 tackles for loss in three consecutive seasons, capping his career by winning just about every college award a D-lineman can get in 2013: the Bronko Nagurski Trophy, Chuck Bednarik Award, Outland Trophy and the Lombardi Award. "'His production was off the charts,' said NFL Network's Bucky Brooks, a former NFL scout. 'It was ridiculous for a D-tackle to have that kind of stuff. He dominated.' "In all, his 67 tackles for loss lead all defensive tackles in the 2000s." Donald finished his collegiate career with 29.5 sacks, 67 tackles for a loss and six forced fumbles. Those are impressive numbers over just 51 games, but they paled in comparison to his NFL production. Donald totaled 111 sacks, 176 tackles for a loss and 24 forced fumbles in 154 career games over 10 seasons. His work led to a Pro Bowl selection in all 10 seasons as well as eight first-time All-Pro teams and three Defensive Player of the Year awards. While this was a college-only list, Donald proved that his production at that level led directly to his NFL dominance.
USA Today
09-05-2025
- Business
- USA Today
Kelvin Banks, Jr. signs four-year contract worth $27.7 million with Saints
Kelvin Banks, Jr. signs four-year contract worth $27.7 million with Saints Kelvin Banks, Jr. set to cash in major signing bonus. The New Orleans Saints have signed first-round draft pick Kelvin Banks Jr. to a four-year contract worth $27.73 million, securing the former Texas Longhorns standout as a cornerstone of their offensive line. Banks, selected ninth overall in the 2025 NFL Draft at Lambeau Field, is set to receive a fully guaranteed contract that includes a signing bonus of approximately $16.8 million, slightly above the projected slot value for his draft position. The deal underscores the Saints' commitment to fortifying their offensive front after a 5-12 season, their worst since 2005. A 6-foot-5, 315-pound left tackle, Banks arrives in New Orleans after a decorated college career. He started all 42 games during his three seasons at Texas, earning the 2024 Outland Trophy as the nation's top interior lineman and the Lombardi Award, while twice being named SEC Offensive Lineman of the Week. Banks' consistency and versatility made him one of the top offensive line prospects in the draft, with scouts projecting him as an immediate impact starter at either tackle or guard. 'I'll play wherever they put me,' Banks said after being drafted. 'If I'm one of the best five linemen on the field and I get an opportunity to go out there and start and to earn that right, then I'm going to play wherever they put me'. Banks, a native of Humble, Texas, was a five-star recruit out of Summer Creek High School and started at left tackle as a true freshman for the Longhorns. Texas head coach Steve Sarkisian praised Banks' reliability and mental makeup, calling him 'a premier tackle in the NFL'
