Latest news with #SECDefensivePlayeroftheYear
USA Today
10-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
59 days until the Texans' 2025 season opener: Who has worn No.59?
The Houston Texans are less than 100 days away from kicking off the 2025 season in Los Angeles against the Rams at SoFi Stadium and we're counting down the days until a victory ensues on the west coast. Texans Wire will each day tell you which player has worn the number of the day leading up to kickoff and pick the player who ensured the number best during their time at NRG Stadium. As for today, let's take a look at who has won No. 59 since the inaugural season in 2002. Texans players to wear No. 59 No. 59 currently belongs to no one and to be honest, likely won't be worn again. Although his number isn't "retired" like J.J. Watt and Andre Johnson, the most famous player to don the jersey currently calls NRG Stadium home on Sundays when he's running up and down the sidelines trying to get his team together. Do you still not know who it is? Don't worry, you'll see in a second. Best Player: DeMeco Ryans If you were to consider Mercilus as the G.O.A.T of the jersey, it's a fair debate, but Ryans was the first real defensive star in franchise history. While Mario Williams was the No. 1 overall pick in 2006 and eventually became a fixture of Gary Kubiak's defense, Ryans took the Texans' by storm, earning the nickname "Cap" within several weeks of his tenure of OTAs. A second-round pick out of Alabama, the Texans shifted the former SEC Defensive Player of the Year inside to middle linebacker in hopes of making him a more sure-fire tackler. That led to a 156-tackle rookie season, including 13 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks. For his efforts, Ryans was named Defensive Rookie of the Year. The folllowing season, he was named to his first Pro Bowl roster. Over his six seasons, Ryans averaged over 114 tackles and 8.4 tackles for loss. He was the anchor of the defense during the rebuilding era under Kubiak, and eventually helped Houston reach the playoffs for the first time in franchise history in 2011 before being traded to Philadelphia ahead of the 2012 campaign. Overall, Ryans still ranks No. 1 all-time in solo tackles in Texans' history. His 72 tackles for loss are among the top five, while his six forced fumbles rank in the top 10. After leaving in 2012, Ryans returned to NRG Stadium to replace Lovie Smith as head coach in 2023. Since his return, the Texans have gone 20-14 during the regular season, won two AFC South titles and two wild-card round games while being underdogs. Add in his coaching and Ryans clears as the G.O.A.T. of No. 59. Houston probably won't place his number in the Ring of Honor since its respect for Mercilus is too high, but the man himself likely gets the nod should he lead the franchise to its first Super Bowl appearance.
USA Today
06-07-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Looking at the complete La Familia roster for The Basketball Tournament
The Basketball Tournament is just about to begin, and the various teams are finalizing their rosters. That includes the Kentucky Wildcats alumni team, La Familia, who are now at ten players, ready to compete for this year's crown. Last year, La Familia made a deep run in the tournament, making it to the final four teams. This year, under new coach Sean Woods, they'll look to go all the way. It's another talented roster this season, with some of the players from last year coming back. There are some new faces as well. The games begin on July 18th, and La Familia will open play in Lexington as the top seed. They'll be one of the favorites to win the $1 million prize, but will face some stiff competition along the way. The La Familia roster features some familiar faces, but some new ones as well, including a player from last year's Wildcats team. Here's a look at the current roster with the start of the tournament nearly here. Sean Woods - Head Coach At Kentucky: 1988-1992 Woods was the starting point guard on some very good Wildcats teams under Rick Pitino. He has since began a coaching career in college basketball. Last season, he was an assistant coach for La Familia, but will be the head man this year. Willie Cauley-Stein At Kentucky: 2012-2015 Cauley-Stein began his Wildcats career as a backup, but would go on to win the SEC Defensive Player of the Year award. He also spent seven years in the NBA as a solid role player. He played on last year's La Familia team, and averaged 10 points and led the tournament with 14 blocked shots. Aaron Harrison At Kentucky: 2013-2015 Fans remember him for some clutch shots at Kentucky in his two years there, and he was a very popular player. Like Cauley-Stein, he played for La Familia last year, averaging seven points and three rebounds per game. He was also solid on defense, totaling 4 steals. Andrew Harrison At Kentucky: 2013-2015 Andrew's career path has been similar to his brother overall, with two years in Lexington, followed by a brief NBA stint. He was terrific for La Familia last year, posting 11.6 points and 4 assists per game. He was also disqualified twice, which led the tournament. Kerem Kanter At Kentucky: N/A Kanter didn't play for the Wildcats, but his brother Enes was set to before being declared ineligible by the NCAA. Last year at TBT, he was terrific, averaging over 12 points and 9 rebounds per game. He returns this year, looking to lead them on a deeper run. Doron Lamb At Kentucky: 2010-2012 Lamb was a fan favorite at Kentucky due to his ability to shoot the ball from range. He was a part of the last Wildcats championship team, and scored 22 points in the final. Fans will enjoy seeing him back in action, making three-pointers, once more. DeAndre Liggins At Kentucky: 2008-2011 Liggins did a little bit of everything in three years with the Wildcats. Those skills will be put to use by coach Woods for La Familia, where he can be a specialist for them. He will be a very valuable role player in this year's tournament. Archie Goodwin At Kentucky: 2012-2013 Goodwin was fantastic in his only season at Kentucky. He was a terrific scorer who led the team at more than 14 points per game. La Familia will certainly look to use that ability to get to the rim when he's on the floor. Ansley Almonor At Kentucky: 2024-2025 Almonor spent just one season with the Wildcats, but became a fan favorite for his ability to knock down shots from behind the arc. He'll be the youngest player on the team, having just finished his college career a few months ago. Kahlil Whitney At Kentucky: 2019-2020 Whitney's tenure with Kentucky was brief, and he didn't even make it a full season. He would later hint at some off-court issues as the reason. However, he was a major talent and a terrific athlete who could be a very underrated addition to the squad. D.J. Burns At Kentucky: N/A Like Almonor, he hasn't been out of college for long. Unlike Almonor, he didn't play for Kentucky. Most recently, he averaged 13 points and 11 rebounds per game for Youngstown State. He'll be counted on to be strong on the boards for La Familia.
USA Today
27-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Undrafted Tennessee guard to play in NBA Summer League
Former Tennessee basketball player Zakai Zeigler was not selected in the 2025 NBA draft. He will play in the NBA Summer League, which takes place July 10-20, in Las Vegas, Nevada. Zeigler will play for Detroit with Vols' teammate Chaz Lanier, who was drafted in the second round (No. 37 overall) by the Pistons. Zeigler played for Tennessee from 2021-25 under head coach Rick Barnes and helped the Vols reach the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament in 2024-25. He is the school's all time assists and steals leader. Zeigler was a three-year starter. In four years with the Vols, he averaged 11.3 points and 5.4 assists per game. His 747 career assists ranks third in SEC history. Zeigler's 215 career steals rank eighth in conference history. He was a First-Team All-SEC standout during his junior and senior seasons, and earned second-team recognition as a sophomore. The former Vol was named SEC Defensive Player of the Year for the 2024-25 season. Follow Vols Wire on Facebook and X (formerly Twitter).
USA Today
19-06-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Social media reacts to Alabama legend announcing NFL retirement
Social media reacts to Alabama legend announcing NFL retirement Former Jets, Ravens LB C.J. Mosley retiring from NFL. — NFL (@NFL) June 19, 2025 One of the greatest linebackers in Alabama Crimson Tide football history has now officially called it a career. Yes, on Thursday morning, former Alabama and NFL star C.J. Mosley officially announced his retirement from the game of football following 11 seasons in the league. Mosley is the second former Alabama great to announce their retirement from the NFL so far this offseason, joining wide receiver Julio Jones. A former first round pick from the 2014 NFL draft, Mosley played for two different teams across his 11 seasons in the league, the Baltimore Ravens and New York Jets. Over that span, Mosley had a combined 1,083 tackles, 55 TFL, 12 sacks, 12 interceptions, 10 forced fumbles, and nine fumble recoveries from 2014-24, while also making five Pro Bowl appearances. At Alabama from 2010-13, Mosley was a multi-year starter at inside linebacker for Alabama who compiled a total of 317 tackles, 24 TFL, 6.5 sacks, five interceptions, and two forced fumbles during his time in Tuscaloosa. Mosley was also a two-time national champion, a two-time All-American, the 2013 Butkus Award winner, and the 2013 SEC Defensive Player of the Year. Let's take a look at some reactions on social media to the former Alabama great's retirement from the NFL. Just in: Former #Ravens and #Jets LB C.J. Mosley is retiring from the NFL today on his 33rd birthday, he told @mzenitz of CBS. A former first-round pick out of Alabama, Mosley was a 5-time Pro Bowler and 5-time All-Pro during his standout career. — Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) June 19, 2025 JUST IN: Jets and Ravens LB C.J. Mosley is retiring from football. A tremendous 11-year career for the former all-pro. — uSTADIUM (@uSTADIUM) June 19, 2025 Happy retirement to former All-American, Butkus winner, 2x national champion, SEC Defensive Player of the year and responsible for one of the most underrated plays in Alabama history. Legendary player CJ Mosley (@TreyDeuce32RTR) — Andrew Bone (@AndrewJBone) June 19, 2025 𝗕𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗞𝗜𝗡𝗚: CJ Mosley is retiring from the NFL. A former first-round pick out of Alabama, a 5-time Pro Bowler, and a 5-time All-Pro during his standout career. What a legendary career 👏 — Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) June 19, 2025 Five-time All-Pro linebacker CJ Mosley is retiring, he tells @CBSSports. The former Ravens and Jets captain posted over 1,000 tackles in 11 NFL seasons. At The University of Alabama, Mosley won the Butkus Award, SEC Defensive Player of the Year and back-to-back national titles. — Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) June 19, 2025 Happy retirement to Bama legend CJ Mosley — 🅱️🅰️Ⓜ️ (@_bigbam_) June 19, 2025 CJ Mosley has retired from the NFL What a great career 👏 #PMSLive — Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) June 19, 2025 Congratulations to Alabama Legend C.J. Mosley on his incredible football career. — Cruz Oxenreider (@TheRealCruzOx) June 19, 2025 Contact/Follow us @RollTideWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Alabama news, notes and opinion.
UPI
19-06-2025
- Sport
- UPI
Pro Bowl linebacker C.J.Mosley retires from NFL
1 of 5 | Veteran linebacker C.J. Mosley (57) appeared in just four games last season for the New York Jets. File Photo by Chris Szagola/UPI | License Photo June 19 (UPI) -- Former Baltimore Ravens and New York Jets linebacker C.J. Mosley will retire from the NFL, the five-time Pro Bowl selection announced Thursday on social media. Mosley, 33, entered the league as the No. 17 overall pick by the Ravens in the 2014 NFL Draft. He signed a five-year, $85 million deal with the Jets in 2019. "Once upon a time, a kid from Mobile, Ala., had a dream to do great things on the football field," Mosley said in a video posted to his Instagram and X accounts. "I followed you my whole life not knowing where you would take me. "To envision myself as a Ray Lewis or a Brian Urlacher was was just the first step of this 11-year journey. You opened doors that I once only dreamed of. You gave me passion. You gave me strength, self endurance, pain and most importantly, the DNA to trust and lead men. "Today, it is time to wake up from my childhood dream and share with the next generation." Mosley, who sat out in 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic, totaled 1,083 combined tackles, including 687 solo takedowns over 133 career appearances. He logged 55 tackles for a loss, 53 passes defensed, 12 interceptions, 12 sacks, 10 forced fumbles, nine fumble recoveries and three touchdowns over his decorated NFL tenure. The 6-foot-2, 231-pound defender totaled a career-high 168 combined tackles and 103 solo tackles in 2021 for the Jets. Mosley totaled 17 combined tackles over four appearances in 2024, when he missed 13 games because of toe and neck injuries and lost his starting job to Jamien Sherwood. Mosley received Pro Football Focus' third-best defensive rating among linebackers who were in for at least 80% of 1,170 snaps -- the most by any linebacker -- in 2023. He received the top coverage rating at the position that season. He received the 15th-best defensive rating in 2022, when he earned second-team All-Pro honors for the fifth time of his career. Mosley was the fifth-rated linebacker in 2017 and rated seventh as a rookie. "I spent my whole life and career building my legacy," said Mosley, a former All-American who won SEC Defensive Player of the Year, the Butkus Award and two national titles while at Alabama before entering the NFL. "Now it's time to start a new chapter with new dreams. It wont be easy. I'm here to tell you every sacrifice is worth it. When you wake up, what will your legacy look like?"
