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Daily Mail
a few seconds ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
NFL reporters dish on secret vacay with Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift
Erin Andrews and Charissa Thompson have revealed the truth behind their vacation with and Taylor Swift. The NFL reporters showered praise on the famous couple in a recent episode of their podcast, Calm Down With Erin And Charissa. Thompson said: 'I will say this: she's everything that I'd ever hoped and dreamed that she could've been and more.' Andrews chimed in and said: 'We're so protective of them and their privacy and what they deserve, so that's why we never said anything or planned on saying anything. 'That's one of my favorite photos from the trip that we all took together. And I'll echo it! She's a 20 out of 20. She is so much fun. 'We love them, we are happy for them and we are happy to report back that, yes, the long-awaited meeting did happen and it exceeded expectations because she is as advertised and a whole lot more'. Kelce and Swift, who have dominated headlines since their romance became public knowledge back in September 2023, look smitten in a number of the photos the NFL star shared on Thursday. In one photo, the couple posed alongside Thompson, Andrews and their partners in the snow - with the whole group wrapped up as they braced the cold. Though Thompson and Andrews only featured once in the photo dump, Kelce and Swift were pictured in the exact same outfit that they wore for the picture with the NFL reporters in two other pictures.
New York Times
a few seconds ago
- Sport
- New York Times
Titans QB Cam Ward isn't finished proving doubters wrong: ‘There's a target on my back'
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The football universe has started to view Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward through a different lens. But Ward, the No. 1 pick in April's NFL Draft, still holds onto all the slights from his past. He has to stay true to himself to remain on his successful course. 'I don't care about the hype,' Ward told The Athletic on Tuesday after the Titans' first padded practice of training camp. 'I don't care about social media. All I care about is this 100-yard field. … At the end of the day, football takes care of everything.' Advertisement Ward was a zero-star recruit from West Columbia, Texas, and his lone collegiate offer came from Incarnate Word despite his coaches' relentless efforts to increase his exposure. As Ward thrived, first at Incarnate Word, then at Washington State, those same college coaches were forced to do a double take. Ward was there all along. His detractors simply didn't want to believe it, blissfully ignorant to the player who was begging them to trust that he was worth the investment. And when they finally came around in 2024 during his time in the transfer portal, Ward kept mental notes of their verbal jabs and excuses, laughing at the phone calls from coaches who were too busy to give him time years earlier. He transferred to Miami, as the Hurricanes conveyed a plan to improve his draft stock. Of course, Ward delivered, and the NFL was ready for him. The Titans, under new general manager Mike Borgonzi, identified Ward as their near-certain No. 1 pick by the conclusion of the scouting combine in early March. Although the New York Giants made aggressive plays to acquire the No. 1 pick, the Titans didn't waver. They were sold on making Ward the face of the franchise. In the snap of a finger, Ward transformed from the QB no one wanted to the most celebrated player in the draft class. So how does he manage this new feeling? 'I don't think I'm being welcomed in (the league) with open arms,' Ward said. 'I was the first pick. I'm blessed to be that. But at the end of the day, there's a target on my back. There's a target on everyone's back in the league, but I'm trying to prove myself to my teammates.' It's gone to plan so far. Ward has been everything the Titans hoped he would be. He's at the Titans' facility by 5:30 a.m. every day during camp for a weightlifting session. Perhaps more impressively, he's bringing new teammates with him to these workouts. They want to be around Ward, not just because they know he's the future of the franchise but also because of his ability to lead a room. Advertisement 'I haven't seen him change one bit from the time I met him before we picked him,' Borgonzi told The Athletic. 'That's what makes him special. He doesn't hear all the noise. He does carry that chip on his shoulder, which is a good thing. He has a really good demeanor about him. He's confident. He knows who he is. I don't think being the No. 1 pick has changed him at all. He comes out here and works just like he did last year in Miami.' Ward will take his lumps. While the Titans have improved their roster, they also had the No. 1 pick for a reason. This isn't an overnight rebuild. And the rookie still has to improve his protection calls, adjust to the NFL's accelerated speed and learn by making mistakes. To the Titans' credit, they've encouraged Ward to attempt several throws. They want him to get a feel for those he can make and the throws that will lead to trouble. It's better to find out now than in September. 'It's going to be a work in progress,' Borgonzi said. 'We want him to come out here and compete and lead this team. That's the expectation at the end of the day, that he continues to get better. He's a rookie. Just like all these other guys, he's going to make mistakes and learn from it, but you want to see growth.' Chefs kiss 🤌@Cameron7Ward ➡️ @TDLockett12 — Tennessee Titans (@Titans) July 26, 2025 Ward said he isn't exactly ready to let his detractors off the hook, even though he's moved up a level. And if he really wants to find a way to stick it to the NFL, he can fall back upon his 2024 draft evaluation, when teams mostly viewed him as a mid-rounder — and certainly outside of the group of six QBs selected in the first round. Regardless of where Ward draws his motivation, the Titans are clearly happy with the early return on their big investment. He's been at the facility around the clock, and they're excited about his potential. 'Good things only come to people who work,' Ward said. 'Growing up, I saw my dad wake up at 4:30 a.m. doing a job he didn't like. If I can't wake up early to do a job I do like, I just think I shouldn't be here.' (Photo by Johnnie Izquierdo / Getty Images)
Associated Press
a few seconds ago
- Sport
- Associated Press
Buccaneers star wide receiver Mike Evans eager to 'put on a show' as he seeks record-setting season
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Mike Evans streaked into the secondary, cut outside and leaped to catch a perfect post-corner toss from Baker Mayfield. Fans at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' indoor practice facility roared. They're used to Evans making all the plays but No. 13 still manages to impress everyone watching. The six-time Pro Bowl wide receiver makes it look so effortless the way he glides after the ball. His routes are smooth and precise, his hands soft. At 6-foot-5, 231 pounds, he has a powerful frame so he can outmuscle defenders or outfinesse them when he needs to. Evans is the only player in NFL history to start his career with 11 consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons. Only Jerry Rice had that many at any point. Evans is aiming for 12 in a row in a year when the Buccaneers celebrate the franchise's 50th season. There are no signs the 31-year-old is slowing down and his team goals are bigger than his personal ones. 'I'm just happy that we have a really great team and we're using this training camp to put everything together to have one of the best seasons for the 50th,' Evans said Tuesday. 'I'm excited to put on a great show for y'all.' At a position known for players with look-at-me personalities — Tyreek Hill, Michael Irvin, Terrell Owens, Chad Johnson — Evans lets his performance do most of the talking. He's quiet, humble and community-oriented. Evans is a four-time NFL Walter Payton Man of The Year nominee for the work he does along with his wife, Ashli, through their foundation, which empowers youth, encourages education and stands against domestic violence. Evans joined the Buccaneers in 2014 as the seventh overall pick and has become one of the greatest players in franchise history. Evans and Chris Godwin were a big reason why Tom Brady chose Tampa Bay in 2020 and the Buccaneers ended up winning a Super Bowl that season. From catching passes from Josh McCown and Mike Glennon as a rookie to Jameis Winston to Brady to Baker Mayfield, Evans continues to produce. He has 836 career catches for 12,684 yards and 105 touchdowns. Evans missed three games last season due to injury and didn't reach 1,000 yards until he caught a 9-yard pass on the final play of a 27-19 victory over the Saints that the Buccaneers needed to secure their fourth straight NFC South title. The reaction from Evans' teammates and the fans after that catch showed how much he's loved. 'He always has (put the team first),' Mayfield said afterward. 'That's why you love him. That's why we appreciate having him. We're lucky to have him and he's underappreciated throughout the media, the league and he's one of one. He deserves that. Obviously, you saw the stadium erupt, the sideline erupt. You can tell how much people care about him and what that means for everybody around him.' Some veteran players are careful about mentoring young guys who will eventually replace them. Not Evans. Or Godwin for that matter. The Buccaneers drafted wideout Emeka Egbuka in the first round out of Ohio State. They selected Tez Johnson from Oregon in the seventh round. 'It's constant. They're just so fortunate from Tez to 'Mek' (Egbuka) to Garrett (Greene) to be able to learn from them,' Buccaneers offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard said. 'We just had a walk through this morning and we can coach it up, but Chris and Mike were coaching up the concept just as much as myself and (wide receivers coach) 'B-Mac' (Bryan McClendon) were. And that's just on the field — I can't imagine what they talk about off the field on how to be a pro and how to conduct themselves. They couldn't have come into a better environment for people to learn from.' ___ AP NFL:
New York Times
a few seconds ago
- Sport
- New York Times
History says Cowboys will get Micah Parsons deal done — but when?
OXNARD, Calif. — Dak Prescott has been through it before. He knows what it's like to be in a long, drawn-out contract negotiation with the Dallas Cowboys. He can relate to Micah Parsons' current situation. 'Is it something that I wish any of us were going through? Absolutely not,' Prescott said recently. 'But I think Micah's doing a hell of a job with it being here.' Advertisement Top players across the NFL often skip attending training camp practices while in a contract holdout. Parsons, who is in the final year of his rookie deal, decided to attend but not participate in the on-field work. The four-time Pro Bowl pass rusher is in California to be with his teammates and show leadership while attending practices and meetings. 'He's a great teammate, showing up, obviously not just on the field and being focused, but whether it be in the camaraderie, hanging out, dinner,' Prescott said. 'He's not just doing it to sign off and say, 'Hey, Jerry (Jones), look at me.' He wants to be out there practicing. And honestly, I'm glad he's not. He can't do that to himself. That's the business of it. That's the business of a holdout, so I do think he's taken some great steps with being here.' Parsons was in a helmet and jersey during the first four non-padded practices. During the last two practices in full pads, Parsons has stood off to the side in his jersey and shorts but no helmet. Micah Parsons getting in some work before practice — Jon Machota (@jonmachota) July 24, 2025 'I don't know if there's a correct way to handle it, to be honest with you,' Prescott said. 'I will say that I think he deserves to get paid. I think he should get paid, and, ultimately, going off the history of what I've seen, he will get paid. Hopefully, it's sooner than later.' The Cowboys have shown a history of eventually getting something done with all of their top players who have held out, whether it's Prescott, Dez Bryant, Ezekiel Elliott, Zack Martin or CeeDee Lamb. But some ugly moments have come along the way before the ink has finally hit the paper. Lamb missed all four weeks of the California portion of last year's training camp while trying to get his current deal. It contributed to his getting off to a slower start to the season than he would have liked. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones didn't mind because the lack of camp practices reduced the chance of Lamb's suffering an injury before Week 1. Will Jones be fine with Parsons not practicing for four weeks? This is a different situation, with Parsons trying to learn a new scheme under new defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus. Advertisement 'There's no anticipation at all,' Jones said. 'We're just working with what it is. It's not uncommon for me, and not anything there's a lot of angst over. He's doing a real good job of being here. And that's important. … We are where we are. And I sign the check. Period.' Parsons went out of his way to speak with reporters the next day to give his view on things. He has not spoken with reporters since. 'We'll just see how long things take,' Parsons said July 22. 'I want to be here. At the end of the day, they sign the checks. Let's see if they want me to be here.' 'I've been pretty consistent. If they don't want me here, I'll go about my business. I understand the nature of the business. As long as I'm here and under contract, I'm going to do what I have to do to perform at the highest level. But if this is the end, then this is the end.' Brian Schottenheimer very happy to have Micah Parsons here — Jon Machota (@jonmachota) July 22, 2025 Jones spent about 30 minutes talking to Parsons between the two outdoor fields at The Star during minicamp in early June. The two have not been seen having any similar conversations during the first six training camp practices. Jones made some interesting Parsons-related comments Sunday night while talking to Fox 4 in Dallas. 'He's getting paid,' Jones said. 'He gets about $20-some million right now. And that's a pretty easy $20 million standing there watching practice out there at the same time.' Is Jones disappointed that Parsons is not out there? 'Not really,' he responded, 'because I don't want him to get hurt.' During our @fox4 interview where Jerry called @MicahhParsons11 'maybe the most talented player we've had,' Jones started out with a playful jab for his 'hold in' superstar. — Mike Doocy (@MikeDoocyFox4) July 28, 2025 Earlier in the day, executive vice president Stephen Jones was asked about Cowboys fans yelling to his father to sign Parsons. 'It doesn't change anything,' Stephen Jones said. 'We want to pay Micah, too. He's gotta want to be paid.' Parsons wants to be paid. There just seems to be a difference in how much that will be. Advertisement Pittsburgh Steelers star pass rusher T.J. Watt recently set the parameters for the NFL's top non-quarterbacks by signing a three-year, $123 million extension. Parsons' next deal will likely pay him more than $40 million per season. When will that happen? Dallas' edge rusher group has been impressive early in camp. It's the team's deepest position. But there aren't many players in the entire league like Parsons, the favorite to win NFL Defensive Player of the Year, according to the FanDuel Sportsbook. The longer this goes on, the tougher it will be for Parsons to stay on the sideline and not talk to reporters. In some ways, he's like the Jerry Jones of players. He enjoys the media side of the job. But there's no indication he will be conducting any interviews until the deal is done. 'Obviously, playing this media game with Jerry is not the best,' Lamb said. 'It's not fun. It's not recommended. (Parsons) knows what he brings to the table. He should get what he deserves. I'm not indulging in any of the craziness that they got going, but I do want Micah to get paid, soon.'
Al-Ahram Weekly
a minute ago
- Health
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Here's what to know about the brain disease CTE - Health - Life & Style
The Las Vegas casino worker who killed four people in a New York City skyscraper that is home to the NFL's headquarters carried a note blaming the league for his mental health problems. Shane Tamura, 27, who played football in high school, said in a three-page note found in his wallet that he had chronic traumatic encephalopathy — diagnosable only after death — and implored those who found him: 'Study my brain.' Among his grievances against the NFL was a claim that the league put its profits ahead of player safety by concealing the harm CTE, and football, can cause. Echoing an eerie trend in NFL player suicides, he shot himself in the chest, preserving his brain for an autopsy that could confirm whether his layman's diagnosis was correct A degenerative brain disease that has been linked to concussions and other head trauma common in military combat and contact sports, CTE has been diagnosed in more than 100 former NFL players and arisen as an existential threat to the United States' most powerful pro sports league. Its dangers have led some states to consider banning youth football, prompted leagues at most levels to limit contact drills in practice, and spawned a series of concussion protocols and other rule changes designed to take the most violent edges off the hard-hitting sport. Here is what we know and don't know about the connection between CTE, the NFL and the shooter. What is CTE? Chronic traumatic encephalopathy can affect regions of the brain involved with regulating behavior and emotions. This can lead to memory loss, depression, violent mood swings and other cognitive and behavioral issues, though researchers note that these symptoms can also be linked to other illnesses. Experts say symptoms can arise years or decades after the last brain trauma. Evidence of the disease has been found not just in those with long professional careers but in high school athletes as well. Why is it associated with the NFL? Researchers have established a connection between CTE and contact sports, military combat and other activities with repeated blows to the head. After more than a decade of denial, the NFL conceded the link between football and CTE in 2016 testimony before Congress, and has so far paid more than $1.4 billion to retired players to settle concussion-related claims. The 2015 Will Smith film 'Concussion' detailed the pioneering efforts of forensic pathologist Bennet Omalu, whose diagnosis of CTE in Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Fame center Mike Webster was the first in a former NFL player. Hall of Famers Ken Stabler, Frank Gifford and Junior Seau have also been diagnosed with CTE, as has Aaron Hernandez; in a 2017 paper, evidence of the disease was found 110 of the 111 former NFL players' brains studied Did the NFL headquarters shooter have CTE? For now, CTE can only be diagnosed definitively by examining the brain posthumously through an autopsy. According to Boston University's Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy Center, progressive degeneration of brain tissue in people with CTE includes the buildup of an abnormal protein called tau in a pattern that distinguishes it from other diseases such as Alzheimer's. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
