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Fox Sports
a day ago
- Sport
- Fox Sports
Who is Alex Freeman? U.S. defender on the World Cup, his dad and fútbol over football
Alex Freeman has been asked about Antonio Freeman lately – including what's the favorite highlight of his dad from the NFL days. The younger Freeman readily answers, saying it's his dad's famous game-winning catch in overtime on Monday Night Football from 2000 that even got play-by-play announcer Al Michaels to exclaim "He did what?!" in disbelief. "Very, very important for Packers fans," Freeman said. But Alex is also making his own impression – it's just on a different type of field. At age 20, Freeman is the youngest player on the U.S. men's national team roster at the 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup. He's already started all three games for the U.S. at right-back, helping the team reach the tournament's quarterfinals. And he was named this week as This USMNT squad is missing several key stars at the Gold Cup for various reasons. Rest from long seasons. Injuries. Playing in the ongoing FIFA Club World Cup. But that's given rising talents like Freeman the chance to make a big impression on U.S. manager Mauricio Pochettino. So, who is Alex Freeman? Here's what he had to say about his burgeoning soccer career, his dream about reaching the World Cup – and yes, his Super Bowl-winning dad. What was it like to get your first USMNT call-up, and to have it be for something as important as the Gold Cup? Alex Freeman: It means a lot. I feel like this is something that is very important to the U.S., to the team, and to myself. It's an honor to get called up and represent the country at this high-level tournament. It's just something that pushes all of us each day in training and especially in the games, to be able to win and try to get a trophy out of this. Were you expecting to be on this roster or were you surprised? Freeman: I would say I was surprised. I was just grateful to be on the [60-man] preliminary roster. Knowing that I was chosen for that final roster was a very big surprise for me and something that I'm forever grateful for. What has the USMNT camp and the tournament experience been like for you so far? Freeman: It's been good getting to know all the guys. We have a good group here, but also just being able to build chemistry with these guys in practice and everything like that. It's something that, you know, going into this camp that I really wanted to do was be able to get to know the guys' stories, where they come from and all that. And it's been good so far. Did you have expectations that you would be starting and playing as much as you have at this point? Freeman: When I came in, I was just going to work and see what Pochettino wanted and how I could fit his playing style. I didn't think I was going to play this much, but I just have to show [what I can do] when I'm on the field and just take my chances and show him why I deserve to be out there in the first place. What's your favorite highlight from your dad and how many times have you watched it? Freeman: (laughs) My favorite highlight is probably the Monday Night Football catch when he's on the ground and [the ball] hits his shoulder and he kind of catches it and gets up and scores the winning touchdown. It was a rivalry game [against the Vikings], so that was something that was very, very important for Green Bay fans. When I was a kid, I would watch that over and over and over. I'd look up 'Top 10 catches' and it would always be there. It was just a big moment for him and something that I admire. What is your dad's favorite highlight of your career and how many times has he watched it? Freeman: It's probably the one when I had my first start [at Orlando] and scored a goal against Toronto. He has a whole video of himself that he recorded and it's very popular. I think you could just tell in that moment that he was excited and happy. I saw him after the game and he actually couldn't believe it. I feel like that will be a moment he will remember forever. Was it tough to break it to your dad that you were going to play fútbol and not the same football he played? Freeman: It wasn't tough to tell him because he just wanted me to do something that I was passionate about and be able to excel at something. When I was younger, I played all the sports and when it came time, I chose [soccer] and I feel like he was supporting me the whole time. Obviously, it's weird telling your dad, who played another sport, that you want to play [a different sport]. But I feel like at the end of the day, he accepted it and just supported me. How close are you guys? Does he come to all of your games? Freeman: He's been to all the games at the Gold Cup and I think he's coming to the game in Dallas, too. He's just making this his own little vacation. But yeah, he's very supportive. Even in Orlando, he comes to a lot of the games. Who else is part of that support system that comes to your games? Freeman: I have a lot. My mom, my stepdad, and then I have my two little brothers and I feel like they're really the ones that I play for the most because they're the ones who look up to me as an example. And I feel like for them, it's just being able to be that good role model. [Tyler, 15, and Josh, 13] are both soccer players as well and just want to do what I'm doing. So just to be able to guide them in the right direction or any direction they want to go through. They must think you playing for the USMNT is pretty cool then? Freeman: Yeah, yeah. Whenever I go home, I watch them play and they tell all their friends [about my career]. It's good they're able to brag about me a little bit (laughs). Who is the coolest person you've met through your dad? Freeman: I've met a lot of cool people through him. The most notable one I'd say is Scottie Pippen. When I was little, I was a big basketball fan so seeing him was really enjoyable. When did you realize your dad was a Super Bowl-winning wide receiver? Freeman: When I was younger you'd hear about it, but you don't really understand it fully. I think I understood it when I was in middle school. Like in sixth grade I actually started doing research on my dad — it's funny. I realized how inspirational he was not just in Wisconsin, but to football in general. And so I think that was when I really realized how much of an impact he made on the game and in Green Bay. Are the Packers your favorite team? Freeman: Yeah, the Packers are my favorite team. But my second favorite team is probably the Steelers because my stepdad is a big Steelers fan. Who was the first person you called or texted when you found out you made the roster? Freeman: My mom [Rochelle]. What do you like to do when you're not playing soccer? Any cool or unique hobbies? Freeman: I've been getting into golf a lot. And I like to read. Right now I'm reading this book called 'Win The Day' [by Mark Batterson]. It's about being your best self. What's your pre-game meal? Freeman: Pasta and chicken. That's a must. The U.S. women's national team loves to get on TikTok during training camp. Is that something this younger USMNT group does too? Freeman: We don't really post, but we're the type to see a trend on TikTok and do it. We'll make little jokes about it or stuff like that. But the dancing and posting, this isn't really the group that does that. What would it mean to you to be on the U.S. World Cup roster next year? Freeman: It would mean the world to me. That's what every kid dreams of. And I feel like it's something that everyone wants to work towards and be able to get there. And so right now, it's just about putting your head down and putting in that extra work to be able to show the coaches here and to show the world that you're ready to compete at that level against the best. Laken Litman covers college football, college basketball and soccer for FOX Sports. She previously wrote for Sports Illustrated, USA Today and The Indianapolis Star. She is the author of "Strong Like a Woman," published in spring 2022 to mark the 50th anniversary of Title IX. Follow her at @LakenLitman . FOLLOW Follow your favorites to personalize your FOX Sports experience Alex Freeman United States Gold Cup recommended Get more from United States Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more
Los Angeles Times
2 days ago
- Business
- Los Angeles Times
Charter restores Disney-owned cable channels for Spectrum customers
Charter Communications is returning the Walt Disney Co.-owned cable channels that were dropped from its Spectrum TV service in 2023 after the two sides negotiated new terms for carrying ESPN and ABC. The companies announced Thursday an 'expanded distribution agreement' that will give Spectrum TV Select customers the ad-supported version of streaming platform Hulu and eight linear TV channels: Disney Jr., Disney XD, Freeform, FXX, FXM, Nat Geo Wild, Nat Geo Mundo and BabyTV. They will be added at no additional cost for subscribers. The cable channels were dropped in 2023 when the companies were unable to agree on terms for carrying ESPN and ABC, which led to a 10-day blackout for Spectrum customers.. The standoff kept tennis fans in Spectrum homes from seeing ESPN's U.S. Open coverage and threatened access to the season premiere of 'Monday Night Football.' At the time, Charter resolved the dispute by agreeing to pay higher fees to keep the rights to carry the main engines of Disney's TV lineup — including ESPN and ABC — but had to sacrifice some of the company's smaller channels. Charter had sought to get free access to Disney's streaming channels for its customers as well. The terms of the expanded deal to return the dropped channels and add Hulu were not disclosed beyond saying it was 'financially net positive for both companies.' It's likely Disney needed to maintain the distribution of the channels to Charter's nearly 15 million cable homes to keep them viable for advertisers. 'These channels expand Spectrum's entertainment offering and create meaningful value for both companies by boosting advertising reach and strengthening audience engagement across platforms,' Charter said in its announcement of the deal. The Disney-Charter pact is a sign of how both programmers and cable and satellite services are being more flexible as they contend with the steady decline of pay TV customers. Pricing is a key reason consumers have abandoned traditional TV for streaming. Separately, satellite TV provider DirecTV announced Thursday it will offer a new slimmed-down package of channels called MyKids, designed for younger viewers. The package offered for $19.99 a month will provide access to kid- and teen-oriented channels from Disney, Paramount Global, Warner Bros. Discovery and Weigel Broadcasting. MyKids, which includes Nickelodeon, Disney Channel, Cartoon Network and MeTV Toons, is one of the newest lower priced genre-based packages DirecTV is offering to customers. In addition to MyKids, DirecTV customers can select packages with news, entertainment, sports and Spanish-language channels, all priced well under the monthly cost of subscribing to the entire channel lineup.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Prayers Pouring In For Beloved ESPN Reporter Lisa Salters
Prayers Pouring In For Beloved ESPN Reporter Lisa Salters originally appeared on The Spun. Sports fans around the country kept ESPN reporter Lisa Salters in their thoughts and prayers during Game 6 of the NBA Finals on Thursday. Advertisement Salters, who has a Sports Emmy Award for "Outstanding Personality/Reporter," has been with ESPN since 2000. She's not just an exceptional basketball reporter, she's a key figure on "Monday Night Football." In fact, she's the longest-tenured sideline reporter in "Monday Night Football" history. Unfortunately, Salters has been dealing with an unfortunate situation at home. During Game 2 of the NBA Finals, ESPN's Mike Breen revealed that Salters' mother has been battling health issues. "Lisa Salters' mom has been dealing with some serious health issues for a while now," Breen said. "Although we've never met her mom, we owe her a debt of gratitude for giving us the gift of Lisa Salters, who is the teammate everyone in our business should strive to have." On Thursday, the basketball world received another discouraging update regarding Salters' personal life. LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 17: ESPN reporter Lisa Salters broadcasts before the championship game of the Emirates NBA Cup between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Oklahoma City Thunder at T-Mobile Arena on December 17, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Bucks defeated the Thunder 97-81. (Photo by)Her longtime partner, Indiana Fever coach Stephanie White, is taking a leave of absence. Advertisement Even though White is out of commission right now, Salters showed up for Game 6 of the NBA Finals. Some fans applauded her effort, while others sent her kind words on social media. "Prayers out to Lisa Salters and her mom with her health issues," one fan said. "Also prayers to Coach Steph White." "Lisa and Steph are two of the classiest ladies in the business. Prayers for both families," a second fan wrote. "Thoughts and prayers to Lisa Salters," a third fan added. "Prayers up for Lisa Salters mom & the family," another fan wrote on X. Advertisement Salters is expected to be on the sideline covering Game 7 of the NBA Finals on Sunday night. We're wishing Salters and her family all the best in the meantime. Related: Indiana Fever Coach Stephanie White Is Dating Longtime ESPN Reporter Prayers Pouring In For Beloved ESPN Reporter Lisa Salters first appeared on The Spun on Jun 20, 2025 This story was originally reported by The Spun on Jun 20, 2025, where it first appeared.
USA Today
7 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Ranking all 14 opponents on Chargers 2025 schedule
We're just a few months away from the start of the 2025 NFL regular season. The schedules are all finalized, and the Chargers' is considered middle of the road in terms of difficulty. They have the 15th-easiest schedule, featuring a nice blend of tough and favorable opponents. Let's rank all of the Bolts' 14 opponents for the upcoming season from toughest to easiest. Kansas City Chiefs It's never easy facing Patrick Mahomes and company twice a year. Although they showed signs of regression last year, they still managed to reach the Super Bowl. As long as Mahomes is still the quarterback and Andy Reid is the head coach, Kansas City will remain a force to be reckoned with. The Chargers open the season with the Chiefs in Brazil. Philadelphia Eagles The defending Super Bowl champs could have been No. 1 here. They did lose some talent from last year's team, but it's still a loaded roster. The two will face off in Week 14 on Monday Night Football in Los Angeles. Washington Commanders Another NFC East team, the Commanders, are legitimate Super Bowl contenders this year. It's Year 2 for Jayden Daniels, who has already established himself as a superstar. They added some additional pieces and will be a good test for the Chargers in Week 5. Minnesota Vikings The Vikings' 2024 season ended in disappointing fashion, but they still have the core pieces in place to be very good once again this year. It all falls on rookie J.J. McCarthy and how quickly he catches up to game speed. Once again, the Chargers will play this game at home instead of facing them in a difficult environment in Minnesota. Houston Texans C.J. Stroud had a bit of a sophomore slump in 2024, but look for him to bounce back in a big way. The Texans ended the Chargers' season in a big way last year, so Los Angeles will be looking for some revenge in this late-season matchup. Denver Broncos The Chargers and Broncos always have good divisional battles. Los Angeles swept Denver in 2024, and these two sides are evenly matched again this year. They will face off in Week 3 and then again in Week 18 to end the season. Indianapolis Colts The Colts have a decent roster, but it all depends on the performance at the quarterback position. Anthony Richardson has been too inconsistent in his NFL career, and it may be his last year to show that he can be the guy. Jonathan Taylor remains one of the best tailbacks in the NFL, though. Miami Dolphins The Dolphins took a major step back in 2024, and this may be their last chance to make something of this core of players. Tyreek Hill still possesses intimidating speed, but he doesn't seem to be the complete product that he once was. Dallas Cowboys Was there a more disappointing team than the Cowboys in 2024? They were downright terrible, and if that happens again, they may go through a total rebuild. They acquired wideout George Pickens this offseason to form a lethal duo with superstar CeeDee Lamb. We'll see if that's enough to bring them back to relevance. Las Vegas Raiders In some ways, the AFC West rival could be an intriguing squad this year. Geno Smith is a significant upgrade at quarterback from what they've had in the past, but he still doesn't put them into playoff contention. They did add running back Ashton Jeanty in the draft, who had one of the best collegiate seasons ever in 2024. Pittsburgh Steelers Another year in which the Steelers have a question mark at quarterback. Their defense should be solid once again, per usual, but will Aaron Rodgers be enough for them to be above-average on offense? Time will tell, but it seems they are headed for another mediocre campaign. Jacksonville Jaguars The Jaguars fell off a cliff in 2024, but they added polarizing prospect Travis Hunter in the draft. They still have the talent to compete, but a lot of it falls on whether Trevor Lawrence can finally live up to the hype. New York Giants Who will the Giants' quarterback be when the two sides face off in Week 4? No one knows, as there are three legitimate options. Brian Daboll got to keep his job, but he will have to do a stellar job in 2025 in order to hold onto it again. Tennessee Titans By Week 9, rookie Cam Ward should be caught up to NFL game speed. The No. 1 overall pick has already earned rave reviews from the Titans coaching staff, and that will be an intriguing midseason matchup for the Chargers.
USA Today
21-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Joe Burrow dubbed the Broncos' Achilles' heel by PFF
Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow is one of the NFL's best quarterbacks and a premier offensive player. Burrow, known for his football intelligence and accuracy, completed 70.6 percent of his passes for nearly 5,000 yards and 43 touchdowns in 2024. He out-dueled Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix in their matchup this past year, throwing for 412 yards and three touchdowns, while notching a 93.6 Pro Football Focus grade. This is why PFF stated that Burrow is the Achilles' heel for the Broncos. Although he only played them twice in his five-year career, his play against them caused PFF writer Dalton Wasserman to state that Burrow is the player the Broncos should study extra tape for. 'Burrow has played Denver twice in his career, and he did well in both outings," Wasserman wrote for PFF. "The first matchup was a low-scoring affair in which Burrow recorded a solid 78.8 PFF overall grade. The second game was one of the best contests of the 2024 season. The Bengals were victorious as Burrow outdueled Bo Nix to the tune of 412 passing yards, three touchdowns and a 93.6 PFF overall grade that currently stands as the best single-game grade of Burrow's career.' The Broncos have the opportunity in Week 4 to prove Wasserman and PFF wrong, as they get a chance to face Burrow and the Bengals at home on Monday Night Football (view the full schedule). Related: These 25 celebrities are Broncos fans.
