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USA Today
05-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Eagles news: Details on major Lincoln Financial Field renovations that may be coming
Lincoln Financial Field could be in line for a major facelift. Time certainly has flown. It's been a long time since we watched the Philadelphia Eagles end an era at Veterans Stadium with a depressing loss in the NFC Championship Game. Curse those Tampa Bay Buccaneers! Still, despite a sad ending to a wonderful era, no Ronde Barber pick-six or Joe Jurevicius dash down the sideline can erase the memories of that dump we all held in high regard. Several months later, Philadelphia opened Lincoln Financial Field. Their first opponent was those same Buccaneers. Unfortunately, the night did not go as planned. Eagles fans would have to endure seeing their team open an era in their new stadium in the same manner they closed the last one with a crushing loss. Cheer up, though. This story is a happy one because Philadelphia has certainly bounced back since then. Since 2003, "The Linc," affectionately known as such, has hosted five NFC Championship Games, four of which resulted in victories that secured the Eagles' spot in the Super Bowl. This period has marked the best era of Eagles football that we have experienced. However, a stadium that many new fans grew up in is in need of renovations, and changes may be on the way. Imagine seeing Philadelphia Eagles games under a retractable roof. What an era of NFL football! We've seen new stadiums built. We've seen major renovations, and by the looks of things, the Chicago Bears, Jacksonville Jaguars, Kansas City Chiefs, and Washington Commanders are all building new homes. (Sheesh... It's about time for the Commanders.) The Buffalo Bills and Tennessee Titans are already building new homes, and there are whispers of changes in the City of Brotherly Love. The Eagles' lease expires in 2032. Fear not. They aren't going anywhere, but CBS Sports' Jeff Kerr reports something could be afoot. "Lincoln Financial Field is still in good shape and has been upgraded with renovations over the past two decades, but the stadium is 22 years old and heading into its 23rd season hosting the Eagles. For comparison, Veterans Stadium turned 22 in 1993 and lasted just nine more years before making way for Lincoln Financial Field. "The Vet" was in significantly worse shape than "The Linc," which made it an urgent need to be replaced over the last leg of its lifespan." So, what does that mean? New stadium? Renovations? What if they made some upgrades and slapped a roof on the place? "Upgrades to the stadium would be paramount, but the Eagles could alter the exterior of the stadium as well -- using the land as a foundation for a significant change. Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie is committed towards getting the Super Bowl to Philadelphia, which could pave the way for Lincoln Financial Field to transform into a retractable roof stadium... This isn't out of the realm of possibility." In past years, we have seen concerts. We have seen Kevin Hart host a comedy show there (and record it for a Netflix release). We've seen other non-football events, such as WrestleMania XL. The FIFA Club World Cup made The Linc its backdrop in 2025. The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be played on its field, too. Here's about as plain a statement as can be made. Jeffrey Lurie doesn't just want a cool football field. He wants a sports and entertainment megacomplex.
Newsweek
25-06-2025
- Sport
- Newsweek
Packers HC Matt LaFleur Hit With Blatant Disrespect in New Ranking
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The Green Bay Packers and head coach Matt LaFleur will enter the 2025 NFL season as a team many expect to be a contender in the NFC. Led by Jordan Love, the offense looks to be explosive with elite young talent at the wide receiver position. They also have Josh Jacobs leading the way on the ground. Defensively, the Packers look to have the talent needed to be very competitive. There are still questions about the cornerback position and the pass rush, but second-year defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley will have his unit flying around the field making plays. Head Coach Matt LaFleur of the Green Bay Packers looks on prior to an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on September 10, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. Head Coach Matt LaFleur of the Green Bay Packers looks on prior to an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on September 10, 2023 in Chicago, Illinois. Photo byAhead of training camp and preseason action, LaFleur has received major disrespect. He is one of the most underrated coaches in the game and a new take from an NFL analyst shows that very clearly. Read more: Ex-Packers Defensive Star Breaks Silence on Possible Return Pro Football Focus analyst Dalton Wasserman took a look at the top 10 returning head coaches entering the 2025 season. LaFleur didn't even make the cut for him. On the list in order were Andy Reid, Sean Payton, Sean McVay, John Harbaugh, Mike Tomlin, Jim Harbaugh, Kyle Shanahan, Nick Sirianni, Dan Campbell, and Kevin Stefanski. Most of those names do belong on the list. However, there are real questions about how Stefanski made the list over LaFleur. To this point in his career after taking over as Green Bay's head coach ahead of the 2019 NFL season, LaFleur has led the team to a 67-33 record. He has been to two NFC Championship Games and has only missed the playoffs in one out of his six seasons as the Packers' head coach. As for Stefanski, the Cleveland Browns' lead man has compiled a 40-44 career record since taking over in 2020 and has led the team to two playoff appearances in five years. Read more: Vikings Teammate Speaks Out Boldly About JJ McCarthy This is not a slight towards Stefanski. Rather, it's a simple acknowledgment that LaFleur has a better record and has led his teams to more success. Even after Green Bay traded legendary quarterback Aaron Rodgers and were expected to rebuild, LaFleur has led them to the playoffs in two straight years. Despite the disrespect, the Packers' head coach is simply focused on winning. He wants to bring a championship back to Lambeau Field and "Titletown." It's about time for the NFL take take notice of just how elite of a head coach LaFleur has been throughout his career and see the trajectory he has the franchise heading in even without Rodgers leading the charge. For more Green Bay Packers and NFL news, head over to Newsweek Sports.
USA Today
12-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Eagles biggest reason for optimism shouldn't come as a surprise
Eagles biggest reason for optimism shouldn't come as a surprise PFF reveals the Eagles' biggest reason for optimism, and it shouldn't catch anyone off guard. For just the fifth time in their 93-year history, the Philadelphia Eagles will enter the regular season as the defending champions. Three titles preceded the 1966 NFL/AFL merger (1948, 1949, 1960). They've added two Vince Lombardi Trophies to the shelf after winning Super Bowl 52 and 59. These young Birds fans certainly haven't gotten spoiled, haven't they? Most don't know the anguish of enduring Leonard Tose. They don't remember Bryce Paup shredding Randall Cunningham's knee. Three consecutive NFC Championship Games are foreign, and so is a depressing Fog Bowl. Young Eagles fans never had to endure seeing Reggie White leave, and you know what? The older guard ought to be thankful that they didn't. It would be cruel to wish that type of pain on anyone. This is one of the best eras of football this organization has seen, and there's still reason for more optimism. Pro Football Focus would undoubtedly agree with that last point. They recently offered a refreshing take, 'One reason for optimism for every team ahead of the 2025 NFL season'. As we know, Philadelphia has several, but it's hard to argue with the answer that PFF provided. How about a round of applause for the Eagles' loaded roster? There's plenty of content to wade through following Eagles OTAs and their single-day minicamp. Thank Dalton Wasserman for providing a nice distraction as we take a break before training camp begins in July. Philadelphia tacked an extension on the end of Saquon Barkley's current deal. Most of their young roster is locked up for the foreseeable future. They have young stars on an excellent defense. All are great reasons why Wasserman lists a 'stacked roster's return as cause for Birds fans to rest easy and smile broadly. Here's his explanation. "Philadelphia ran roughshod through the NFL last season en route to its second Super Bowl victory. This year's edition of the Eagles is poised to defend their title, returning 20 of their 25 players who led the team in snaps last season. Their defense, which paced the NFL in PFF grade last season, took most of the damage but returns stars such as Jalen Carter, Zack Baun, Quinyon Mitchell, and Cooper DeJean. The Eagles boast the best roster in the NFL heading into this season." This isn't the first time we've heard praise heaped on the Eagles' talent. The kudos are well deserved. Let's do some brief inventory. Their quarterback is the reigning Super Bowl MVP, and despite losing his first appearance in the big game, he has outplayed Patrick Mahomes on the big stage twice. Barkley is the reigning NFL Offensive Player of the Year. Philadelphia has the game's best one-two punch at wide receiver. They're also home to the game's best offensive line and a defense that is young and hungry, one led by one of the game's top defensive minds. Their owner is phenomenal. Howie Roseman is the best in the business. The fan support is otherworldly. One can certainly do a lot worse than being an Eagles fan. This season, Philadelphia tackles one of pro football's most demanding and challenging schedules, but they are armed well enough to handle the task of what will be a gauntlet. They return six Pro Bowlers (they should have had more). They return six All-Pros. Make no mistake. They'll be up to the challenge.
Time of India
11-06-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
"Epitome of the Cinderella story": Trent Williams sees fairytale ending for Brock Purdy after QB's five-year extension with 49ers
Trent Williams guarantees Brock Purdy's fairytale rise will continue with 49ers after blockbuster contract extension (Getty Images) When Trent Williams, the San Francisco 49ers' legendary left tackle, took the podium earlier this week, his usual charisma lit up the room — but it was the mention of Brock Purdy's new contract that brought out a different kind of joy. With a grin stretching ear to ear, Williams spoke with genuine pride about the quarterback's journey from an overlooked draft pick to one of the NFL's highest-paid players. 49ers' Trent Williams believes Brock Purdy is just getting started 'For me, it's just super, super fulfilling just to watch a guy like Brock,' Trent Williams shared. 'You talk about a Cinderella story, I think this is the epitome of that. A guy going from making a few hundred thousand a year to making 50 million a year, it's astronomical, and it couldn't have happened to a better guy.' Purdy's meteoric rise began in 2022 when he was selected with the final pick of the draft — No. 262 overall. Thrust into action in Week 13 after Jimmy Garoppolo's injury, the unassuming rookie guided the 49ers to a commanding 33-17 win over the Miami Dolphins. The following week, he was named the starter — and never looked back. Trent Williams is all in on Brock Purdy being the 49ers franchise QB Since then, Purdy has carried San Francisco to back-to-back NFC Championship Games and a Super Bowl appearance. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Perfect for casual daily play Rise of Cultures Learn More Undo Despite a rocky 2024 season, where the team stumbled to a 6-11 record and missed the playoffs, confidence in Purdy hasn't wavered inside the 49ers' locker room. Both head coach Kyle Shanahan and GM John Lynch have stood firmly behind him — and Williams is no different. 'He is the guy for this team,' Williams declared. 'He is the guy for this franchise. This is just the tip of the iceberg. He is going to get another contract, he's going to win a lot of football games. He's that good of a player. Super, super happy to see that for him. I love him like a brother, so I couldn't be any happier.' This offseason, Purdy signed a five-year, $265 million extension, securing his place with the 49ers through the 2030 season. Although initial negotiations were rocky — with Purdy reportedly seeking $65 million per year — the final agreement landed at $53 million annually, including $182.55 million in guarantees. It's a significant bet on a quarterback who still has plenty to prove, especially after a step back statistically in 2024 (3,864 yards, 20 TDs, 12 INTs). Purdy now faces the challenge of leading a restructured team, with several key departures in free agency. However, he can rest easy knowing his blindside remains secure. Williams, now 37 and still playing at an elite level, has no plans to retire. He's under contract through 2026 after signing a three-year, $82.66 million extension and has expressed interest in playing into his 40s. As the 49ers prepare for the 2025 season, both Purdy and Williams enter with full health and high hopes. And if Williams' smile is any indication, the team's belief in their quarterback is stronger than ever. Also Read: "She makes everything easier": Josh Allen's romantic line after marrying Hailee Steinfeld proves he's winning both on and off the field
USA Today
09-06-2025
- Business
- USA Today
Outgoing Packers president Mark Murphy regrets winning only one Super Bowl during tenure
Outgoing Packers president Mark Murphy regrets winning only one Super Bowl during tenure Outgoing Green Bay Packers president and CEO Mark Murphy said he feels "regret" for winning only one Super Bowl during his tenure, which began in early 2008 and ends in July, but he's "confident" the franchise will soon win another one with general manager Brian Gutekunst and coach Matt LaFleur leading the way. "While we enjoyed consistent success on the field during my tenure, I regret that we only made one Super Bowl appearance," Murphy wrote in his monthly Q&A post at "I would have loved to win a Super Bowl with Brian Gutekunst and Matt LaFleur. We were close many times, and I am confident that they will break through and win a Super Bowl in the not-too-distant future." Between 2008 and 2024, the Packers won 185 total games in the regular season and playoffs, trailing only the New England Patriots (195) and Kansas City Chiefs (186). However, both the Patriots and Chiefs made five Super Bowls and won three during the same time span while the Packers won their only appearance in 2010. The Packers won the NFC North eight times and made the postseason 13 times in Murphy's 17 seasons, but the franchise has lost four consecutive NFC Championship Games since Super Bowl XLV, including heartbreaking losses in 2014 and 2020. LaFleur and Gutekunst are currently 0-2 in title games. Despite having future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers under center for most of his tenure, Murphy's Packers failed in too many big playoff moments and never got back to the Super Bowl -- highlighting how difficult the challenge is every year to climb the NFL's summit. Murphy will retire from his position at the mandatory retirement age of 70 this summer. His successor is Ed Policy, who will assume the role at the annual shareholder's meeting in July. Policy, a lifelong executive in pro football, has big shoes to fill. Murphy oversaw successful transitions from Brett Favre to Aaron Rodgers and Rodgers to Jordan Love, and while Murphy might regret only winning one Super Bowl, even one title is a remarkable accomplishment worth celebrating over the course of a president's tenure. Can LaFleur and Gutekunst finally get over the hump in 2025, Policy's first season on the job? The Packers have been to the postseason in five of LaFleur's six seasons as coach, and Gutekunst has built a strong, sturdy roster. In 2023, the Packers came up just short of making the NFC title game. Last year, the Packers flamed out late, losing three straight games, including a playoff loss in Philadelphia.
