By SuperWest Sports Staff
Sports
Updated Top NFL Player-Producing Arizona High Schools
As of the 2025 Season, 309 players who attended high schools in Arizona have played or are currently playing in the NFL.
A total of 98 schools have produced at least one player.
Arizona ranks No. 26 in the nation among high schools that produce NFL players, and is the third best in the West.
Several players from the high schools listed here played college football at schools and conferences in the West, including the Pac-12, Mountain West, Big West, Big Sky, and schools now in the Big Ten, Big 12, and ACC.
Arizona’s Chandler High School leads the way with 14 NFL players produced, followed by South Mountain with 13 and Saguaro and Hamilton with 11 each.
Here is a list of the state’s top pro-producing high schools, with their respective ranks, player counts, and cities.
Click on the name of each school to see the players who have played in NFL games.
Source: https://www.pro-football-reference.com/
Continue Reading
Do you miss Adam Thielen yet? He’s been gone from the NFL for about three months, but he could soon be back — as an announcer or analyst.
Thielen’s post-playing future may be pointing toward TV.
The Minnesota Vikings legend is attending “NFL Broadcast Bootcamp,” meaning he’ll probably find a spot as a media member before too long.
A Media Role Could Be Next for the Former Vikings Star
Thielen took a step toward that path last week in Los Angeles.
Thielen Eyes Broadcasting
Vikings.com’s Rob Kleifield reported Thielen’s next career path this week, noting, “Last month, the Vikings organization celebrated the amazing careers of C.J. Ham and Adam Thielen. This month, Thielen took a baby step toward what could wind up being a focus in his life after football. Thielen was one of 24 players who got “suited and booted” for the NFL’s annual broadcasting and media workshop in Los Angeles last week.”
“Thielen was picked from a pool of 90 applicants, and he participated alongside the likes of LB Demario Davis and WR Brandin Cooks. Alumni of the workshop include All-Pro Maurice Jones-Drew, as well as Super Bowl Champions Jason McCourty and Jason Kelce. Thielen sounded hesitant about a career in media during his retirement ceremony, alluding to the frequent traveling, but he stated his desire to be involved with the game in whatever is next.”
Given Thielen’s reputation for determination and results, this thing might be a shoo-in.
The Athletic‘s Vic Tafur describes Broadcast Bootcamp: “It’s tough to get a spot at the workshop, which was first held in 2007. There were 90 applicants for 24 spots in this year’s program. Each player was asked to answer questions to make sure this is something he is serious about and then asked to submit reels.”
“Some players sent in old interviews at their lockers. They were told this was their chance to be their own content creator and their reels should reflect what they want to do in the space. After the reels were screened, players were ranked 1-90, with no clear-cut criteria.”
The Playing Career with Vikings
Thielen’s Vikings stats speak for themselves: 542 catches, 6,751 yards, and 55 touchdowns in Minnesota. The numbers place him among the franchise’s all-time greats, ranking him third in receiving touchdowns, fourth in receptions, and fifth in receiving yards.
However, his path to those achievements was unconventional. After earning a tryout with the Vikings in 2013, he transformed that opportunity into a decade-long career with his hometown team. By 2018, he had become one of the league’s premier receivers, quickly developing a rapport with Kirk Cousins and establishing himself as one of the NFL’s most dependable targets.
His story continues to resonate with fans: small-town roots and a state-school background. He’s the quintessential Minnesota underdog. During his peak years, that underdog consistently earned Pro Bowl consideration, including two official Pro Bowl nods (2017, 2018).
A Disappointing Exit Strategy
Of course, not all stories have spotless happy endings. The Vikings traded for Thielen last summer, a deal centered around a 4th-Round pick with the Carolina Panthers. The price felt steep at the time, and the feeling was vindicated. Thielen has clearly lost a step — hit a wall even — and Minnesota didn’t use him much on offense.
The drought wore on Thielen, so much so that he requested his release in November 2025, which the Vikings granted, and Thielen parleyed it into a contract with Aaron Rodgers’ Pittsburgh Steelers.
Thielen caught 11 passes for 117 yards in five Steelers games before retiring, in addition to appearing in a blowout playoff loss against the Houston Texans. While time will obviously heal the wound, some fans considered Thielen’s demand for a release rather bizarre. Wasn’t the whole point of the summer trade to retire with the Vikings? Evidently not.
Thankfully, Thielen is so beloved that few will care about the Steelers chapters five years from now.
The Ben Leber Route
Klefield also claimed that Thielen will do some work for the Vikings’ draft next week: “We also can advise to be on the lookout for Thielen to participate in a pre-draft show for Vikings Entertainment Network.”
In that vein, he can follow in Leber’s footsteps. Leber played for the Vikings from 2006 to 2010, walking away after the Brett Favre years. By 2012, he had transitioned into a sideline radio personality and has remained in that role since.
Leber is active on social media, engages with fans, appears on folks’ podcasts, and is generally considered one of the most sensible Vikings-themed minds out there. If Thielen wants a blueprint, all he has to do is chat with Leber.
Thielen will turn 36 this summer.
The UEFA Champions League returns with a blockbuster encounter as Bayern Munich host Real Madrid at the Allianz Arena in the second leg of their quarter-final clash. The German giants hold a narrow advantage after securing a 2-1 win in the first leg at the Santiago Bernabeu.
Bayern’s victory in Madrid, powered by goals from Luis Diaz and Harry Kane, ended a long winless streak against Real Madrid. However, Kylian Mbappe’s late goal has ensured that the tie remains finely balanced heading into the decisive second leg.
Historically, Bayern Munich have been extremely strong in two-legged ties after winning the first leg away from home, progressing in the vast majority of such scenarios. They also come into this match in excellent domestic form, having registered a dominant 5-0 win over St Pauli, which has further strengthened their position at the top of the Bundesliga standings.
The Allianz Arena has been a fortress for Bayern this season. They have won all their home matches in Europe so far and boast an impressive record in Champions League games on home soil, losing just once in their last 28 outings. Their consistency at home will give them confidence as they aim to reach their first semi-final since their 2019-20 triumph.
Real Madrid, on the other hand, are under pressure after a series of underwhelming performances in La Liga. Recent dropped points against Mallorca and Girona have dented their title hopes, leaving them trailing in the race. The team is also adjusting to life under manager Alvaro Arbeloa, and results have been inconsistent across competitions.
Despite these challenges, Real Madrid’s pedigree in the Champions League cannot be overlooked. The Spanish side have a strong track record against German opposition in knockout ties and have consistently found ways to deliver in high-pressure European matches. They also have a solid recent record at the Allianz Arena, remaining unbeaten in their last few visits.
With Bayern holding a slender lead and Real Madrid known for their resilience in Europe, this second leg promises to be an intense and closely fought battle, with a place in the semi-finals at stake.
Bayern Munich Team News
Bayern Munich will be missing young winger Lennart Karl due to a thigh injury, while goalkeeper Sven Ulreich is also sidelined with a muscle problem. Harry Kane, however, is expected to be available despite experiencing some discomfort after the first leg, which led to him being an unused substitute in the recent match against St Pauli.
Kane has been in strong form against Real Madrid in the Champions League, contributing either a goal or an assist in each of his last four appearances against them. He has already scored 11 goals in this season’s tournament and is just one short of setting a new personal best in the competition.
In attack, Serge Gnabry is likely to return to the starting lineup after recovering from a minor knee issue and could feature alongside Luis Diaz and Michael Olise, with Jamal Musiala potentially dropping out. In midfield, Aleksandar Pavlovic is pushing for a place in the starting XI ahead of Leon Goretzka.
At the back, Jonathan Tah, Dayot Upamecano, and Josip Stanisic, all of whom were rested in the previous match, are expected to come back into the side. They are likely to join Konrad Laimer in defence, providing cover for veteran goalkeeper Manuel Neuer.
Real Madrid Team News
Real Madrid will be without Thibaut Courtois, who is sidelined with a thigh injury, and Rodrygo, who remains out with an ACL problem. In addition, Aurelien Tchouameni is suspended after picking up his third booking of the tournament in the first leg, ruling him out of Wednesday’s clash.
Kylian Mbappe, who leads the Champions League scoring charts this season with 14 goals in 10 matches and is closing in on the single-season record of 17, is also a slight doubt after suffering a facial injury against Girona. If he is cleared to play, he is expected to feature in attack alongside Vinicius Junior, with Arda Guler or Brahim Diaz competing for the remaining forward spot, while Gonzalo Garcia remains an option to lead the line.
In midfield, Real Madrid may turn to Eduardo Camavinga or youngster Thiago Pitarch Pinar to partner Federico Valverde and Jude Bellingham in Tchouameni’s absence. Defensively, a reshuffle is likely, with Trent Alexander-Arnold, Antonio Rudiger, Dean Huijsen, and Alvaro Carreras all in contention to return to the starting XI.
Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid probable starting eleven:
Bayern Munich starting 11: Neuer; Laimer, Upamecano, Tah, Stanisic; Kimmich, Pavlovic; Olise, Gnabry, Diaz; Kane
Real Madrid starting 11: Lunin; Alexander-Arnold, Rudiger, Huijsen, Carreras; Valverde, Camavinga, Bellingham; Guler; Mbappe, Vinicius Jr
UEFA Champions League: Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid Live Telecast and Streaming Details
When will the UEFA Champions League match between Bayern Munich and Real Madrid be played?
The UEFA Champions League clash between Bayern Munich and Real Madrid will take place on April 16 (according to IST).
What time will the UEFA Champions League match between Bayern Munich and Real Madrid begin on April 16?
The match is scheduled to kick off at 12:30 AM IST.
What will be the venue for the UEFA Champions League match between Bayern Munich and Real Madrid?
Camp Nou Stadium will host the UEFA Champions League match between Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.
Where will the live telecast of the UEFA Champions League match between Bayern Munich and Real Madrid be available in India?
The live telecast of the match will be available on Sony LIV in India.
Where will the live streaming of the UEFA Champions League match between Bayern Munich and Real Madrid be available in India?
Fans in India can stream the Bayern Munich vs Real Madrid UEFA Champions League match live on Sony LIV.
For the second straight year, the U.S. National Junior Team — part of the broader U.S. National Development Program, which launched in 2023 with a mission to identify, train, develop, fund and support the nation’s most promising young players — descended upon Scottsdale’s Desert Mountain in early March for the group’s spring practice session. Last year, I attended one of the sessions to get a feel for how the team operated. I came away impressed by the highly-organized and specific drills they practiced, and jumped at the chance to observe the team in action again this year.
Twenty members of the team’s 24-player roster were present for the multi-day practice session, and head coach Chris Zambri had the team undergo the same combine-style practice drills as before, which involves rotating between three separate practice areas and completing four different drills designed to sharpen putting skills, bunker shots and ball-striking.
How did Zambri land on this particular plan of attack for practice? Years of experience — and data collection.
Prior to his appointment as head coach of the U.S. National Junior Team, Zambri, a former pro himself, coached the men’s golf teams at both the University of Southern California and Pepperdine. While at USC, Zambri worked with a research scientist to identify the average length of putts that players were leaving themselves during a round. Using that data, Zambri created an “18-hole” exercise to simulate a round’s putts on the practice greens.
;)
Jessica Marksbury
Putting: Simulate a round
At Desert Mountain, the players’ simulated putting rounds included practicing putts from two feet to 52 feet, putting out any misses and recording their scores. Zambri’s data is patented, but available on the Decade Golf app to the general public with a paid subscription. Every member of the U.S. Junior National Team has access to Decade Golf as well.
With these stats, not only can the juniors compare their scores among themselves, they can also compare them to the PGA Tour average. On this particular drill, a score of 29 equates to 0 strokes gained on the PGA Tour. Players can also analyze their speed by measuring how many inches long or short their putts end up.
Want to try this drill for yourself? If you’re a stat tracker, you can incorporate data from your own recent rounds for a truly personalized practice round. Or, there’s apps like Decade Golf.
“The advice that I would give to the general public is to take a tape measure and actually calculate how far 12 inches is, 6 inches, 24 inches,” USNDP regional coach Mo Martin advised. “Because 20 inches is a lot smaller than a lot of people think.”
;)
Jessica Marksbury
Bunkers: Target proximity
For sand practice, the players hit 15 shots from the bunker to a “pin,” which was embodied by USNDP assistant coach Tiffany Joh, who changed locations for each shot. Every shot’s proximity to the target is measured in inches (with a maximum of 200 inches) and the three highest numbers are thrown out at the end. The remaining numbers are then added together for a total number. The lower the number, the better your bunker play.
;)
Jessica Marksbury
Driving range: Line test
In this test, players use a launch monitor set to a specific target to measure how far offline each shot is. The players hit 20 shots with the number of yards missed left or right added together for a total score.
Driving range: Random yardages
Once again, the players are tasked with hitting 20 shots, but this time, the random yardage test is meant to challenge players to hit a specific yardage with their scoring clubs — wedges to short irons — in an attempt to simulate an on-course experience.
The point of these drills, of course, is not only to help players improve but also to provide a baseline for that improvement. The tests are repeated in the fall, so players can compare results, as well as test themselves at home in between the team’s formal gatherings.
“It’s an awesome practice tool,” said USNDP assistant manager Christopher Tanabe of the combine drills. “It’s one thing to just go to the range, work on your swing and hit balls, but like doing a test like this, especially when you’re so focused on getting on-line, it’s so intentional, you’re tired after. But it’s a good way to finish up a day on the range.”
Ultimately, Zambri said he hopes the players can use the combine drills not only as a means of game improvement, but also as a measurement of true excellence.
;)
Courtesy USGA
“We did this test for about 11 years, twice a week, with a bunch of really good players,” Zambri said of the combine’s development. “So, consequently, we figured out what really, really good is. And so it’s almost like a ladder of just trying to find your way towards that number eventually.
“We’re pretty much saying, close to the human level of excellence is a score of maybe X on one of these tests. And what are you getting? And that tells us right there, where’s the room for growth? How much room? Are we there? If we’re there, we can say, hey, no matter what happens, get over it quickly because you’re doing something really, really well.
“On the other hand, we can say to other people, hey, you might want to try a few things. We’ve got to get this score down from 80 to 60, or 160 down to 120. A measuring stick is what I’m hoping for, to pass that along to them so that they go home and get better at it.”
For the best young players in the world — and the rest of us recreational players — here’s hoping these drills can help make this upcoming season of golf the best yet.
England women’s national team secured a major win over Spain women’s national team to move top of their 2027 Women’s World Cup qualifying group.
Lauren Hemp scored in the opening three minutes to give England an early lead at Wembley.
Spain came close through Irene Paredes and Ona Batlle, but created few clear chances.
The second half opened up with chances at both ends.
Lauren James and Alessia Russo were unable to extend England’s lead, while Spain hit the woodwork through Olga Carmona and Vicky Lopez.
Late pressure followed, but Hampton made a save to preserve the lead.
The result keeps England top of the group with three wins from three matches, putting them in control of qualification with only the group winner advancing automatically.
After the match, England manager Sarina Wiegman said:
“I think as a team against Spain you have to defend really well as their individual quality is so high.”
“If you don’t stay compact, like we did, then they find spaces to get behind and become more dangerous.”
“Overall, we did that. We also had moments in the game where we went forward and created chances.”
“At the moment it’s a really good result and we’re really happy but we need to keep that significance by getting a result on Saturday against Iceland.”
England now face Iceland next, and another win would strengthen their position heading into the final round of qualifiers.
Olivia Miles is heading to the WNBA after being selected No. 2 overall by the Minnesota Lynx in the 2026 draft.
The Lynx bring in one of the most polished guards in the class to bring control to their backcourt.
Miles earned her draft position after an impressive year with the TCU Horned Frogs, where she averaged 19.6 points, 7.2 rebounds, and 6.6 assists across 38 games.
She led the team to a 32-6 record, a second straight Big 12 title, and an Elite Eight run, while also being named Big 12 Player of the Year.
Miles leaves college as a three-time AP All-American, known for her vision, creativity, and ability to control the pace of a game.
She now joins a Lynx squad built with other experienced players like Napheesa Collier and Courtney Williams.
Speaking after being drafted, Miles said:
“It’s finally here, finally heard my name. This is what this was for.”
This pick gives Minnesota another key player as they push to stay among the league’s top teams.
Sports
Alex Ovechkin stays firm about his potential retirement status after Capitals’ final regular season game
The Washington Capitals’ 2-1 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets in their final regular season game on Tuesday turned out to be a dead rubber for both teams after they were eliminated from the playoff race by the Philadelphia Flyers’ win on Monday. But for Capitals fans, it could well be the last time they see their star, Alex Ovechkin, take the ice.
The 40-year-old has yet to make a decision whether he will return to Washington’s lineup for next season, as his five-year, $47.5 million contract he signed in 2021 expires. After their final home game in Washington, which they won 3-0 over the Pittsburgh Penguins on Sunday, Ovechkin stated he will decide in the offseason.
He maintained that stance during the postgame interviews on Tuesday.
“I hope it’s not my last game,” Ovechkin said. “I don’t know what’s going to happen. So, we’ll see.”
Ovechkin earned a point via an assist on Jakob Chychrun’s winning power-play goal. He had a chance to score in the dying stages of the game when Columbus had pulled the goalie for an extra attacker, but his shot from the right side missed the goal.
As he exited via the tunnel, Washington fans who had travelled to Ohio chanted his name in unison. The Russian professional put his hands together in gratitude and headed for the visiting locker room.
“How I said, I don’t know what’s gonna happen,” Ovechkin said “The fans who came here from D.C. and from different spots to watch the game, it was very nice, you know? I could hear them cheering for me and screaming, ‘One more year.’ It’s important, shows lots of respect.”
Alex Ovechkin, the leading scorer in NHL history, has 929 goals for the Capitals. In his 21-season career, he led the Capitals to a Stanley Cup win in 2018. He has 77 playoff goals, taking his combined total to 1,006 goals, just ten behind Wayne Gretzky.
Alex Ovechkin to have discussions with Capitals management
The Capitals failed to make the playoffs for the first time since 2023. The dead rubber wasn’t ideal, but, according to Ovechkin, it helped the team’s gameplay.
“The season is over,” Ovechkin said. “Obviously, you don’t want to end like that, but it’s a learning process for young guys. … I think it’s on us and, obviously, last night was not a good scenario for us and for Columbus as well.”
Washington will be aware that they have a few changes to make if they are to regain their contendership next season. If they are without Ovechkin, replacing his production will be a big task for the management.
The 2004 first round pick said that he will have discussions with Spencer Carbery, general manager Chris Patrick, team president Brian MacLellan and owner Ted Leonsis after the end of season meetings.
“We’re going to stay a little bit in D.C.,” Ovechkin said. “I don’t know when we’re going to fly, probably May, fly back home.”
If he doesn’t return to the ice again, Ovechkin would complete a full circle in the NHL. He made his debut as a 20-year-old in 2005, coincidentally against the Columbus Blue Jackets, scoring two goals on that day.
Edited by R. Nikhil Parshy
Seven-time Grand Slam champion Jamie Murray retires as one of the most decorated doubles players in the world. Here’s a look back at his 2007 and 2017 mixed doubles triumphs on Centre Court.
Harry Hall was trying to will his way into two more Masters rounds. He had shot five over through two mentally exhausting days when, on Friday afternoon, he promised reporters, “It’s not over yet.” He felt he had a 50/50 chance of making the cut.
Hall did not have coin-flip odds, not even close. But that wasn’t the point. He had labored through the toughest test of his golfing life, looking and sounding completely broken after the first round, explaining how he needed two drivers in the bag, a new putter and irons he could spin better.
By the time he stepped down from the podium Friday, his wife was waiting for him with a big hug. She threw her arms around Harry’s side as he stared off into the distance. All I could think was, That man chose this profession, and, at this moment, the game is beating him.
Augusta National broke this Masters rookie. Then he fought back
;)
The next time I thought about Harry Hall was Tuesday, as I turned my gaze to this week’s PGA Tour event in Hilton Head Island, S.C., the RBC Heritage. The remnants of all those missed cuts at Augusta showed themselves in who was grinding at Harbour Town — Hall among them.
The Englishman hit 266 shots on the range Monday, 46 more than anyone else, at least 50 of which were drivers. Some missing left, others right. His search was evident in the data, but you also could see it in the final question I asked of him in Augusta.
What are you fighting with the driver?
“Fighting to hit it where I’m looking,” he said.
Only J.J. Spaun, Rickie Fowler and Andrew Novak joined Hall in the 200+ range balls department Monday. Fowler didn’t qualify for the Masters, Spaun missed the cut on the number and Novak, well, he walked up the 18th hole wondering if it was the last time he’d play in the tournament.
That’s the headspace pros can find themselves in at Augusta National. And before they’ve even have had a chance to absorb what happened, it’s on to Hilton Head and its $20 million purse.
As mind-numbing as it may be to be a regular PGA Tour TV viewer to have to tune in for more significant golf this weekend, my advice would be to view this week through a different lens. While Scottie Scheffler may walk away with the title (and tartan jacket) given the form he seems to be in, other players are thinking scary thoughts — and a more laidback week in Hilton Head might be just the warm embrace they need.
3 things I’m hearing…
1. Uber . . . Green?
An Uber driver of mine last week told me he had the pleasure of picking up Nick Faldo and his wife a few weeks before the Masters. That meant he could make the drive down Magnolia Lane without ever getting an invite to play the course. Maybe we all should start driving Ubers in Augusta?
2. Koepka’s coming
As of this typing, Brooks Koepka is the first alternate for this week’s Signature Event in Hilton Head. That matters a lot because the only way he can qualify for these events is not via sponsor exemptions but by playing good golf. Koepka’s recent run of four top-20 finishes in his last five starts has earned him enough FedEx Cup points to be on the verge of playing his way back to the Tour’s top events. Is anyone surprised?
3. So bad it was good
At the Masters, I often find myself spectating from where Rory McIlroy’s final tee shot ended up Sunday, on the edge of the 10th hole. It’s a fun spot. Most shots with that much spin clank around in the pine trees and can drop into all kinds of crazy lies. I’ve watched numerous players have to pitch out with 4-irons just to reach the 18th fairway. McIlroy’s first shot was so bad it gave him enough room to rip a 6-iron at the green, making for an easy bogey. But I keep thinking about an alternate universe in which he had to work a lot harder to make 5.
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
Nasir Adderley, a former second-round pick by the Los Angeles Chargers, shocked the NFL when he announced he would be retiring from the game at just 25 years old.
Three years later, Adderley is shocking the football world again by announcing a comeback after signing with the Indianapolis Colts.
Adderley, now 28, signed a deal with the Colts to compete for a spot in their secondary, the team announced on Tuesday.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Nasir Adderley of the Los Angeles Chargers walks off the field after a win over the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Dec. 26, 2022. (Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
“After a period of self reflection, I have decided it’s time for me to walk away from the game of football,” Adderley wrote in an Instagram post in March 2023. At the time, Adderley said health was a factor in his decision.
“Over the past couple of years I have denied this realization, but I’m finally going to put myself first for once. My health is above anything and everyone around me knows that.”
But Adderley said in February that he intended trying a comeback to the league. Now, he has his shot in Indianapolis.
COLTS SHELL OUT HISTORIC FREE AGENT DEAL TO KEEP RECEIVER ALEC PIERCE
“It’s now been three years since I left the NFL, and I am extremely happy with my development,” Adderley said in a statement in February. “Healthy, family, and entrepreneurship were my top priorities, and I’m proud of what I’ve been able to accomplish. The freedom to manage my own schedule was very important to me, but what I didn’t realize was how much I’d miss having football in my life.
“The competition, the brotherhood, and just being involved in the game that means so much to me and my family. Therefore, I am officially announcing my intention to return to the NFL.”
Nasir Adderley of the Los Angeles Chargers covers an opponent during an NFL game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind., on Dec. 26, 2022. (Perry Knotts/Getty Images)
Adderley had racked up 12 passes defended, three interceptions and 232 total tackles in his four years with the Chargers, who took him with the 60th overall selection in 2019.
Adderley never got past his rookie contract with the Chargers, as he retired following his fourth year, which was a solid season for him.
The Delaware product finished with two interceptions, one forced fumble, four passes defended, 62 combined tackles and one tackle for loss.
Adderley will look to prove himself with a new team now, and one that could use some secondary help heading into the 2026 season. The Colts were 8-2 entering their bye week this past season, coming in as one of the bigger surprises in the NFL.
Nasir Adderley of the Los Angeles Chargers covers an opponent during an NFL game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind., on Dec. 26, 2022. (Perry Knotts/Getty Images)
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
However, after quarterback Daniel Jones’ injury issues, among others on the roster, the Colts slid. They tried desperately to stop sinking, even bringing in Philip Rivers out of retirement to play in head coach Shane Steichen’s offense with Jones out the remainder of the year. But it wasn’t enough as they finished 8-9, never winning a game following that Week 11 bye.
Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!
The Columbus Blue Jackets have missed the playoffs for the sixth consecutive year thanks to a stunning late-season collapse that concluded with a 2-1 loss to the Washington Capitals on Tuesday night.
The organization went from second in the Metropolitan Division last month to being eliminated in a 3-2 shootout loss to the Philadelphia Flyers on Monday. Head coach Rick Bowness, who came out of retirement to take over the job in January, didn’t hold back on his team when speaking to reporters on Tuesday night.
Head coach Rick Bowness of the Columbus Blue Jackets watches the play during an NHL game against the Carolina Hurricanes at Lenovo Center in Raleigh, N.C., on April 2, 2026. (Katherine Gawlik/Icon Sportswire)
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
“All you gotta do is look at the stat sheet: Three hits, 23 giveaways. I don’t know if I’m back, but if I’m back, I’m changing this culture,” he said bluntly. “These guys – they don’t care. Losing is not important enough to them. It doesn’t bother them. How can you go out and play like that?”
“I should have done this about a month ago, but this is why we are where we are. This is why we’re out of the playoffs. That kind of effort. You have to hate losing. I don’t care if it’s a meaningless game. I don’t care. Show up and compete.”
Columbus Blue Jackets head coach Rick Bowness directs his team from the bench against the Florida Panthers at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Fla., on March 12, 2026. (Eliot J. Schechter/NHLI via Getty Images)
Bowness replaced Dean Evason on Jan. 12 as the Blue Jackets sat in last place in the Eastern Conference. But he quickly changed things around, and Columbus went 18-2-4 in his first 24 games.
AVALANCHE COACH TAKES PUCK TO THE FACE, WILL MISS FINAL REGULAR-SEASON GAMES
The Blue Jackets found themselves in a playoff spot, but as quickly as things had changed for the better, they went 3-9-1 down the stretch to miss the playoffs for the sixth straight season.
“Some of those guys are so lucky the season’s over and there’s no practice tomorrow,” Bowness said, later adding, “Inexcusable. If they’re not embarrassed by not only tonight – by that – they’re on the wrong team.”
Columbus Blue Jackets head coach Rick Bowness coaches against the New York Rangers during the second period at Madison Square Garden in New York, N.Y., on March 2, 2026. (Brad Penner/Imagn Images)
“If I’m back, we’re changing this freaking culture.”
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE FOX NEWS APP
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
Tech45 seconds ago
Save $100 as the Apple Watch Series 11 drops back to its best price
News Videos2 minutes ago
Ripple XRP TIME IS TRULY RUNNING OUT PLEASE WAKE UP!!!
NewsBeat3 minutes ago
Air New Zealand introduces bunk beds for economy passengers
-
Politics5 days agoUS brings back mandatory military draft registration
-
Sports5 days agoMan United discover Nico Schlotterbeck transfer fee as defender reaches Dortmund agreement
-
Fashion5 days agoWeekend Open Thread: Veronica Beard
-
Politics5 days agoMalcolm In The Middle OG Turned Down ‘Buckets Of Money’ To Appear In Reboot
-
Politics3 days agoWorld Cup exit makes Italy enter crisis mode
-
Crypto World6 days agoCanary Capital Files SEC Registration for PEPE ETF
-
Business5 days agoTesla Model Y Tops China Auto Sales in March 2026 With 39,827 Registrations, Beating Cheaper EVs and Gas Cars
-
Crypto World2 days agoThe SEC Conditionalises DeFi Platforms to Be Avoided for Broker Registration
-
Crypto World2 days agoSEC Signals Exemption for Crypto Interfaces From Broker Registration
-
News Videos8 hours agoSecure crypto trading starts with an FIU-registered
-
NewsBeat3 days agoPep Guardiola and Gary Neville agree over Arsenal title problem that benefits Man City
-
Business5 days agoOpenAI Halts Stargate UK Data Centre Project Over Energy Costs and Copyright Row
-
Business4 days agoIreland Fuel Protests Enter Day 5 as Blockades Spark Shortages and Government Prepares Support Package
-
Politics5 days agoLBC Presenter Mocks Trump Over Iran War Failures
-
Crypto World5 days agoFederal judge blocks Arizona from bringing criminal charges against Kalshi
-
NewsBeat3 days agoJD Vance announces ‘no agreement’ with Iran over nuclear weapons fear
-
NewsBeat1 day agoTrump and Pope Leo: Behind their disagreement over Iran war
-
Tech6 days agoA version of Windows 10 released a decade ago is now eligible for additional security patches
-
Crypto World1 day agoSEC Proposes Certain Crypto Interfaces Don’t Need to Register as Brokers
-
Business5 days agoIMF retains floor for precautionary balances at SDR 20 billion
You must be logged in to post a comment Login