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Vikings Training Camp Sees 3 Players Emerge as Early Risers

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Minnesota Vikings helmet resting on the field before a game at Lambeau Field.
A Minnesota Vikings helmet sits on the turf during pregame warmups at Lambeau Field on Nov. 23, 2025, in Green Bay, Wisconsin. The scene captures a quiet moment before kickoff, with players preparing nearby as the NFC North rivalry matchup against the Packers approaches in crisp, late-season conditions. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images.

Much remains to be determined at Vikings training camp. Later on today, the team will continue getting to work on the field, leading to more opportunity for players to assert themselves.

So far, there have been some players to catch the eye of onlookers. Doing so shouldn’t be understood as reason to overreact. Nobody in the list below is assured of much beyond just some initial enthusiasm. Nevertheless, consider some of the players who have done well at TCO Performance Center.

Vikings Training Camp
3 Risers from Some of the First Practices at TCO

Player No. 1 — Tight End Gavin Bartholomew

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Nov 30, 2024; Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts, USA; Pittsburgh Panthers tight end Gavin Bartholomew (86) celebrates with his teammates after scoring a touchdown against the Boston College Eagles during the second half at Alumni Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images.

A lot of people have taken notice. Among them are Alec Lewis, Will Ragatz, and Lindsey Young.

As a rookie in 2025, Gavin Bartholomew didn’t play a single snap. The reason was due to a back injury that ended his rookie season before it could really get going. Prior to needing time in the infirmary, Kevin O’Connell had been saying some enthusiastic things about the newcomer. Needing time to get back to full health feels cruel, particularly for somebody who was so new to the NFL.

Ideally, Bartholomew can mirror Johnny Mundt. Be an underrated pass catcher who is a high-compete blocker. Better yet, be a monster for special teams coordinator Matt Daniels. The TE3 job is there for the taking.

Player No. 2 — Corner Chuck Demmings

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Jan 29, 2026; Mobile, AL, USA; National wide receiver Reggie Virgil (15) of Texas Tech grabs a pass over National cornerback Charles Demmings (16) of Stephen F. Austin during National Senior Bowl practice at Hancock Whitney Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images

Seemingly everybody is impressed by what Chuck Demmings is doing during training camp.

Look at what Thor Nystrom had to say: “Chuck Demmings is gonna force his way onto the field at some point this fall. Extremely aggressive/energetic presence on D — your eyes gravitate to him. Had a slick breakup today, and got under Jennings’ skin late on a short checkdown that Demmings screamed down on.”

Demmings comes in at 6’1″ and weighs 195 pounds. He ran a 4.4 forty. Putting that in baseball terms would mean describing a pitcher with a 98 MPH fastball and a nasty curveball. He was available in the 5th Round due to playing in a modest college program.

Keep an eye on the outgoing player who has been offering sticky coverage.

Player No. 3 — Linebacker Jake Golday

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Oct 11, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; UCF Knights quarterback Cam Fancher (14) stiff-arms Cincinnati Bearcats linebacker Jake Golday (11) in the second half at Nippert Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images – Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Consider former Vikings GM Jeff Diamond among those who think that Mr. Golday has been better than just okay.

“He’s a future starter on the Vikings defense, whether as an edge player or an inside linebacker,” Diamond writes. “Golday is athletic, versatile and looks smooth wherever he lines up. The second-round pick should be the third edge rusher as a rookie, providing relief for Andrew Van Ginkel and Dallas Turner and perhaps lining up with them as pass rushers at times. He appears destined to be a Van Ginkel clone who can rush the passer, stop the run and drop effectively into coverage.”

Earlier in the summer, the snaps that I saw of Golday made him look long and fast. He’s an active, involved player who appears to be an early chess piece for the front seven. Much to be enthused about with the young defender.

The final word goes to Diamond: “The Vikings personnel people and coaches obviously thought highly of him as they passed up quality centers and safeties to take Golday as a higher rated player on their draft board. It won’t surprise me if he winds up as the best player in this Vikings draft class.”


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Senior Editor for Vikings Territory & PurplePTSD . Twitter & Bluesky: @VikingsGazette. Email: k.joudry[at]vikingsterritory[dot]com. Canadian. Jude 1:24-25.

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Unnati Sharma: The Raw Emotion Of Winning A Judo Medal At Commonwealth Games 2026

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India’s success in judo at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games 2026 was a landmark moment, with the nation winning three medals in the sport. One of the architects of that success was 23-year-old judoka Unnati Sharma, who clinched bronze in the women’s 63kg category. In an exclusive chat with NDTV post-CWG 2026, Unnati revealed the raw emotion of winning a medal on the big stage, the unexpected messages of congratulations after her success, and the pioneers behind her rise to the top.

The Raw Emotion: Clinching Bronze At CWG 2026

For Unnati Sharma, the bronze medal at the Commonwealth Games 2026 did not come easy. She had narrowly failed to qualify for the Games in 2022 after finishing second in the nation-wide trials. History was about to repeat in 2026, were it not for a retrial, which she won.

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In Glasgow, Unnati’s win streak ended in the semi-finals, but she kept her composure to win bronze on a watershed day for Indian judo. What followed was pure joy.

“When I won the bronze medal, I was in a bit of shock. Then I felt very happy that I’ve finally won a medal. I got a bit emotional as well, but at the end of the day, I was just really, really happy,” Unnati said, in an interview with NDTV.

The joy was seemingly tenfold in her hometown in Uttarakhand. From sweets to dhols, elation erupted.

“My family was watching live at home when I won my medal. People in the neighbourhood also came to know when I won… Many came to our home with sweets. People from the neighbourhood brought a dhol, then the media came too. It was a full-on celebration. When I returned home from Delhi, I received a grand welcome. Even my school teachers came!” Unnati revealed.

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Rising To Fame: The Unexpected Congratulations

Unnati and India’s success was met with a series of congratulatory messages, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. A message of congratulations from the Prime Minister himself left the 23-year-old judoka in disbelief.

“Firstly, seeing Prime Minister (Narendra Modi) sir and President (Droupadi Murmu) ma’am wishing me with my name in their tweets was a shocking moment. That was very unexpected, just feeling that they’d taken time out of their own schedules to congratulate me,” she said.

Then followed a wonderful moment on her flight home

“On my flight from Delhi to Dehradun, I did not feel anyone would recognize me. But one person followed me from the business class, tapped me on the shoulder, and recognized and congratulated me. That felt really good, and then everyone on the flight got to know! That was a great moment,” she recalled.

A Bronze Won, Or A Gold Missed?

While acknowledging the importance and enormity of a bronze medal, Unnati also candidly admitted a bittersweet emotion that she experienced after losing her semi-final bout.

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“It was a missed opportunity for me; I could’ve won gold had I not made a mistake (in the semi-final). When I lost, I did feel that the gold had slipped away. But I also wanted to ensure that I did not lose out on the bronze – winning bronze is also a big thing. I’m happy, but there’s also the sadness of not winning gold,” she said.

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The Pioneers Behind Her Success

Hailing from humble beginnings in Uttarakhand, Unnati received the ultimate impetus for her development at the Inspire Institute of Sports (IIS) in Karnataka. Joining the institute provided the 23-year-old the necessary training to take her game to the next level.

“Joining Inspire Institute of Sports (IIS) was the turning point of my career. At my home in Uttarakhand, we have very basic facilities. When I came to IIS in 2018, I’ve been able to deliver the best performances of my career, as I was able to train with world-class facilities and under world-class coaches. If anyone apart from my family and coaches have a major role in this bronze, it’s Inspire Institute of Sports,” she explained.

Now, Unnati and the rest of the Indian judo contingent has set their eyes on LA 2028. Don’t put it past them to deliver the nation’s first-ever Olympic medal in judo!


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Chiefs coach Andy Reid hints Patrick Mahomes may sit out entire Chiefs preseason after knee surgery

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ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (AP) — Chiefs coach Andy Reid said Friday that it is unlikely that quarterback Patrick Mahomes will play in their preseason opener against the Rams next week, and it’s possible that the two-time MVP skips the three-game exhibition slate entirely.

That’s not necessarily a surprise given Mahomes underwent surgery to repair torn ligaments in his left knee in December.

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Mahomes has been ahead of schedule in his rehab work ever since the injury, though, participating in the entire offseason program before reporting to training camp on time. He was given the all-clear late last month by Dallas-based surgeon Dr. Dan Cooper, who performed the procedure, to participate in practices without any restrictions.

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“There’s a pretty good chance I don’t play him,” Reid said. “Percentages are leaning that way. I don’t know if I will play him the second or third game — I don’t know that — but percentages probably lean against doing that.”

On one hand, Mahomes hardly needs the work given his experience. On the other hand, the competitive nature of the quarterback may be enough to convince Reid to put him on the field at least for a couple of snaps in the second game against Tampa Bay.

Mahomes has said he’s looking forward to taking his first real hit to feel fully back to football.

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The Chiefs have no shortage of quarterbacks in need of preseason work. They traded with the Jets for veteran Justin Fields to serve as their primary backup, and he could use some game experience in the new offense. So could Garrett Nussmeier, the once-heralded LSU quarterback, whom they chose in the seventh round of the draft as a project.

“We’ve got new people … behind (Mahomes) that need some work,” Reid said. “The more reps they get, the better.”

The Chiefs, who have another practice Saturday before taking Sunday off, have a number of players missing due to injuries.

The latest to join the list was two-time Pro Bowl offensive guard Trey Smith, who was examined by a hip specialist as a precaution after it started to bother him this week. Reid downplayed the severity of the injury, saying “he’s going to be OK.”

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In fact, none of the other injuries appear to be long-term problems. Defensive end Ashton Gillotte has a hamstring strain, linebacker Jeffrey Bassa a groin injury, linebacker Drue Tranquill some back pain and wide receiver Xavier Worthy a shoulder issue, while defensive back L’Jarius Sneed continues to manage a knee problem and cornerback Mansoor Delane a shoulder injury.

Wide receiver Cyrus Allen, the Chiefs’ fifth-round pick who had been turning some heads, was back at practice for the first time since bruising his shin during Monday’s workout. But he was held out of drills that involved contact with the defense.

“He did a good job when he was back in there, so that’s a positive,” Reid said. “He’s at all the meetings. He’s focused in. He wants to get out there. He doesn’t want to miss. He’s been working hard. We’ll just ease him back in, like I said.”

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Brandon Clarke died from effects of heroin and cocaine, authorities say

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LOS ANGELES — Memphis Grizzlies forward Brandon Clarke died in May from the effects of heroin and cocaine, authorities said Friday.

The Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner said the 29-year-old basketball player’s death was accidental.

Clarke was found dead inside a home near Los Angeles on May 11. A person familiar with the terms of the investigation told The Associated Press after the Grizzlies announced Clarke’s passing that drug paraphernalia was found at the residence. The person had spoken on condition of anonymity because those details had not been released publicly.

Clarke was under contract to be with the Grizzlies through the 2026-27 season.

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About six weeks before he died, Clarke was arrested in Arkansas on charges of speeding, reckless driving and possessing a controlled substance. He was with Memphis for all seven of his pro seasons after finishing his college career at Gonzaga.

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Readers voted for top Cincinnati boys soccer players. See results

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Over the last month, The Enquirer has previewed the 2026 high school boys soccer season by listing the top players at each of the four position groups and allowing readers to vote for their favorite players.

Here’s who Enquirer readers voted as their favorites at each position.

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Readers choose winner for Cincinnati’s top boys forward

Norwood freshman Cristian Dominguez (15) battles for the ball against Seven Hills sophomore Aidan VanderLaan as Seven HIlls boys soccer team defeated Norwood 10-0 Sept. 17, 2025 at Norwood's Shea Stadium to give head coach Mike Combs his 400th career win.

Norwood freshman Cristian Dominguez (15) battles for the ball against Seven Hills sophomore Aidan VanderLaan as Seven HIlls boys soccer team defeated Norwood 10-0 Sept. 17, 2025 at Norwood’s Shea Stadium to give head coach Mike Combs his 400th career win.

Cristian Dominguez, Norwood: Dominguez was off to the races in his first season with Norwood, leading the Miami Valley Conference with 18 goals in 2025. His efforts leading the Indians in both goals (18) and assists (10) secured him first-team All-MVC and all-city honors. Dominguez should be more dangerous in year two, making him a force to be reckoned with in the conference.

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Readers decide winner for Cincinnati’s top boys midfielder

Summit's Forrest Cloran (15) celebrates after scoring during their 2-0 win over Seven Hills in the OHSAA regional final Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025.

Summit’s Forrest Cloran (15) celebrates after scoring during their 2-0 win over Seven Hills in the OHSAA regional final Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025.

Forrest Cloran, Summit Country Day: Cloran turned in three goals and five assists during the 2025 title run. The midfielder was an all-district selection in addition to a first-team all-city selection.

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Readers decide winner for Cincinnati’s top boys defender

Sam Viltro (9) of the Summit Country Day Silver Knights passes the ball in the second half during the OHSAA DV boys soccer state semifinal, between Summit Country Day and Fairbanks, Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025, Centerville Alumni Stadium.

Sam Viltro (9) of the Summit Country Day Silver Knights passes the ball in the second half during the OHSAA DV boys soccer state semifinal, between Summit Country Day and Fairbanks, Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025, Centerville Alumni Stadium.

Sam Viltro, Summit Country Day: The junior helped the Silver Knights to a 12-6-6 record and the Division V state championship. He helped a defense that allowed 25 goals and posted 11 shutouts, and contributed three goals on offense. He was an all-district honoree.

Readers decide winner for Cincinnati’s top boys goalie

Landen Darling, Mason: As a sophomore, Darling secured 10.5 shutouts in goal for Mason. The Comets allowed just nine goals all season en route to a 14-1-3 record, and Darling’s skills will only improve in his junior season.

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This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Readers voted for top Cincinnati boys soccer players. See results

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Fantasy football rankings 2026: Busts by model that nailed Terry McLaurin’s down season

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The Hall of Fame Game is now in the books, and the 2026 NFL season kicks off on Wednesday, Sept. 9. The time has come for Fantasy football owners to begin draft preparations. Veterans like Josh Allen, Jonathan Taylor and Puka Nacua all headline the 2026 Fantasy football rankings, and will likely be among the top players on most Fantasy football draft boards. Meanwhile, running backs Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs are among those hold-ins angling for new contracts. Regardless, the key to fantasy success remains finding sleepers and rookies who outperform their Fantasy football ADP, and avoiding drafting players that end up being Fantasy football 2026 busts. 

Who should you target in your fantasy football draft strategy, and which players should fall on your list of potential 2026 Fantasy football busts? Before finalizing your 2026 Fantasy football draft strategy, be sure to check out the 2026 Fantasy football rankings and cheat sheets from the proven computer model at SportsLine.

Last year, the model accurately predicted that Commanders receiver Terry McLaurin would fall well short of his top-50 ADP. The result: A season after piling up nearly 1,100 receiving yards and a career-high 13 touchdown catches, McLaurin had career lows in receiving yards (582) and receiving touchdowns (3). Injuries were a factor, but his per-game averages were down across the board as well, so anybody who avoided him in Fantasy drafts dodged a major headache. 

The same model has a proven track record providing Fantasy football tips, identifying A.J. Brown as a sleeper in 2020, nailing Jonathan Taylor’s monstrous season in 2021 and correctly predicting C.J. Stroud would take a step back in 2024. Additionally, it’s called past Fantasy football sleepers like Derrick Henry in 2019, Christian McCaffrey and Alvin Kamara in 2018, and Davante Adams in 2017. 

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Now, SportsLine has simulated the entire NFL season 10,000 times and released its latest Fantasy football rankings 2026, along with plenty of sleepers, breakouts and busts. Head to SportsLine now to see them

Top 2026 Fantasy football busts

One of the 2026 Fantasy football busts the model is predicting: New York Giants receiver Malik Nabers. He’s going off the board around pick No. 37, but SportsLine’s model doesn’t even have him as a top-15 receiver. In fact, it has players such as DeVonta Smith, Nico Collins and Zay Flowers above him.

Nabers isn’t a lock to be ready to at the start of the season after tearing his ACL last season and then undergoing a follow-up procedure in the spring. The Giants are also expected to lean heavily on the run game under offensive coordinator Matt Nagy, making Nabers a risky pick in the second or early third round. See more busts at SportsLine.

Another bust that SportsLine’s Fantasy football rankings 2026 have identified: Bills running back James Cook. Cook is going off the board with an ADP around No. 12 overall and is the fifth running back being taken on average. SportsLine’s model, however, ranks him as RB No. 10, behind players such as Derrick Henry and Chase Brown, saying that he should be more of a late-second or even third round pick.

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Cook has stacked two impressive seasons and was the RB6 a year ago, so it’s understandable why he’s getting first-round consideration in many drafts. He did fumble at a higher rate last season, however, and he’s not an elite target out of the backfield. Also, Josh Allen always looms as a touchdown vulture for Buffalo, as these factors are why the model is leaning to other high-end backs early. See which other Fantasy football busts 2026 to pick here.

How to find proven 2026 Fantasy football rankings

SportsLine is also fading one of the first five receivers off the board in early 2026 Fantasy football drafts. The model ranks this player barely inside the top 10 and is calling for him to be one of the biggest busts in the league this year. You can only see who it is, and the 2026 Fantasy football rankings for every player, at SportsLine.

So which 2026 Fantasy Football busts should you be steering clear of, and which high-end WR should you completely fade? Visit SportsLine now to get 2026 Fantasy Football cheat sheets for every single position, all from the model that helped managers avoid a disastrous Terry McLaurin season in 2025.

2026 Fantasy football ADP

(PPR, via CBS)
Get Fantasy football cheat sheets at SportsLine.

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1. Jahmyr Gibbs (1.48)
2. Bijan Robinson (1.80)
3. Ja’Marr Chase (4.12)
4. Puka Nacua (4.28)
5. Jonathan Taylor (5.68)
6. Jaxon Smith-Njigba (6.36)
7. Christian McCaffrey (7.08)
8. Amon-Ra St. Brown (9.00)
9. De’Von Achane (11.16)
10. James Cook (11.72)

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Colts’ Cam Taylor-Britt suspended by NFL for violating personal conduct policy

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Cam Taylor-Britt has been suspended for one game by the NFL after he violated the league’s personal conduct policy. Taylor-Britt, a veteran cornerback who signed a one-year deal with the Indianapolis Colts this offseason, will miss the team’s Week 1 home matchup against the Baltimore Ravens

In January, Taylor-Britt served a five-day jail sentence after he pleaded guilty to reckless driving and an unclassified no-license charge stemming from an incident in September of 2025. Taylor-Britt was driving recklessly following a Bengals game while pedestrians were still in the area, according to a Cincinnati police officer. 

Taylor-Britt, 26, was the 60th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. He cracked Cincinnati’s starting lineup as a rookie and helped the Bengals advance to the AFC title game that season. He then had a career-high four interceptions in 2023 and three the following season, while being a central part of the Bengals’ defense.   

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This 2025 was a setback for Taylor-Britt, however. He made two starts in eight games before he suffered a season-ending Lisfranc injury that was sustained during Cincinnati’s Week 11 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers

Taylor-Britt has reunited in Indianapolis with Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo, who served as the Bengals’ defensive coordinator during Taylor-Britt’s first three seasons in Cincinnati. During Anarumo’s first season in Indianapolis, the Colts’ defense ranked 21st in points allowed, 31st in passing yards allowed, 7th in rushing yards allowed, 26th in third-down efficiency, and 11th in red zone efficiency. 

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Report: New Orleans native Deion Jones to sign with Saints

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Jan 12, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Deion Jones (45) greets a fan before a NFC wild card playoff against the Washington Commanders at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn ImagesJan 12, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Deion Jones (45) greets a fan before a NFC wild card playoff against the Washington Commanders at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

Linebacker Deion Jones will complete his tour of playing for each NFC South team by signing a one-year contract with the New Orleans Saints, ESPN reported on Friday.

Financial terms were not disclosed in the deal with Jones, who is from New Orleans and attended LSU.

Jones, 31, played his first six seasons with the Atlanta Falcons and topped 100 tackles in five of them, earning Pro Bowl honors in 2017.

Jones had 29 tackles in 17 games last season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

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He has totaled 761 tackles, 12 sacks and 13 interceptions — including five returned for touchdowns — in 128 career games with the Falcons (2016-21), Cleveland Browns (2022), Carolina Panthers (2023) and Buccaneers (2024-25). He was selected by the Falcons in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft.

–Field Level Media

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Football’s most unusual signing? Honduran club make bizarre summer signing by recruiting TikTok star as goalkeeper | Football News

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Football's most unusual signing? Honduran club make bizarre summer signing by recruiting TikTok star as goalkeeper
Honduran club signs TikTok star as goalkeeper in one of football’s strangest transfers/ Image: Instagram

CD Choloma have produced one of the most unusual signings of the summer after unveiling Honduran TikTok creator Saúl “La More” Fox as the club’s new goalkeeper for the 2026 Apertura season. Although the 30-year-old has built a large following on social media rather than in professional football, the top-flight side believe his arrival can bring fresh attention to the club both on and off the pitch.

Social media star joins Honduras’ top division

The announcement quickly attracted widespread attention after CD Choloma confirmed Fox’s signing despite him never having made a professional appearance.According to Honduran media, Fox has already completed his first training session with the club under Argentine head coach Héctor Vargas, who will oversee his integration into the squad ahead of the new season.While many fans initially viewed the move as a publicity stunt, reports in Honduras suggest Fox is not entirely new to football.ID@undefined Caption not available.ID@undefined Caption not available.Before becoming one of the country’s best-known TikTok personalities, the Sambo Creek native trained as a goalkeeper in D.C. United’s academy in the United States. He later became widely recognised through his appearances for the Honduras TikTokers exhibition team, a group of social media creators that regularly plays promotional matches.

Marketing move divides opinion

The signing has generated mixed reactions among supporters.According to local reports, Choloma hope Fox’s popularity across social media platforms will help the club attract new sponsors, increase its visibility and reach a younger audience.Others, however, have questioned whether a player without senior professional experience will eventually feature in an official first-team fixture or whether the move is primarily intended as a commercial initiative.ID@undefined Caption not available.ID@undefined Caption not available.ID@undefined Caption not available.Regardless of the differing opinions, the announcement has quickly spread well beyond Honduras, making Fox one of the most talked-about signings in the country’s recent football history.

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Opportunity to make an unlikely professional debut

CD Choloma compete in the Liga Nacional de Honduras, meaning Fox could potentially make his professional debut against some of the country’s biggest clubs, including Olimpia and Motagua, if selected.The club represents Choloma, Honduras’ third-largest city with a population of nearly 300,000, and will compete in the 2026 Apertura campaign after confirming Fox as part of their goalkeeping group.Whether he eventually plays in an official league match remains to be seen, but his arrival has already achieved one objective by placing CD Choloma firmly in the global football conversation before a ball has even been kicked.

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Ireland 2nd as USA wins 100th edition of Aga Khan Trophy

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Ireland finished as runners-up in the 100th edition of the Nations Cup of Ireland for the award of the Aga Khan Perpetual Trophy at the RDS on Friday evening as the USA took victory.

Drawn first to jump of the eight teams competing in the opening round, Ireland came into today’s class as third favourites as per Equiratings.com – behind the number 1-ranked team, USA, and Germany.

Both Ireland and the USA produced three clears in the first round, with Cian O’Connor, making his 20th Aga Khan appearance, opting not to jump in the first round over the course designed by Tipperary man Alan Wade, the designer chosen for the course for the next Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028 – the first Irishman to achieve the honour.

Three First Round Clears for Ireland

Thirty-one-year-old Daniel Coyle with Farrel gave Ireland the perfect start with a clear round. His brother, Jordan, riding Chaccolino matched him, before the third-line rider, Shane Sweetnam, aboard Coriaan Van Klapschuet Z also went clear. With three clears in the opening round it was decided that Cian O’Connor and Kentucky TN would not jump.

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The USA team, which started the competition as favourites, also ended the first round on a score of zero. Interestingly, their anchor leg, Laura Kraut and Baloutinue decided, unlike the Irish anchor rider Cian O’Connor, to compete in the first round. The US combination had four faults, but with one score being discarded, they still ended round one with a clean sheet.

Britain, who have previously won the Aga Khan Trophy a record 27 times were third after the first round, having collected one time fault each from Robert and John Whitaker.

The Swiss had four faults, Germany and Belgium eight, last year’s winners, The Netherlands, were on a score of 10, while France brought up the rear with 17 faults.

Aga Khan Goes Down To The Wire

In the second round, Ireland jumped last of the eight teams, with the USA second-last to take on the 1.60m course.

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Double clears came from the Derry brothers, Daniel and Jordan Coyle, aboard Farrel and Chaccolino respectively. Shane Sweetnam and Coriaan Van Klapscheut Z had one fence down for four faults, while Ireland’s anchor combination, Cian O’Connor and Kentucky TN, also knocked a pole in the final line of jumps, much to the disappointment of the excited and expectant home crowd in a packed Laya Arena.

Karl Cook and Paris Sellon also delivered double clears for the USA, before Natalie Dean and Mr Bombastic had four faults. Laura Kraut and Baloutinue, who had knocked part A of fence 10 in the opening round, made no mistake this time and delivered a clear to heap the pressure on Cian O’Connor the final rider to enter the arena.

Riding a fresh horse in Kentucky TN, who hadn’t jumped in the first round, the Irish combination knocked 10b leaving the USA as winners of the 100th anniversary edition of the Nations Cup of Ireland. The Number 1-ranked show jumping team won the Aga Khan Perpetual Trophy for a ninth time, their first success in the class since 2024.

Final Result

The final result saw Robert Ridland’s side finish on zero, ahead of Ireland on 4 faults. Switzerland took the third spot on the podium with a faster 8 faults than the Germans who were fourth.

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Britain was fifth on 10 faults, Belgium on 12, The Netherlands finished with 19 faults, with the French, who certainly had an off day, last on a total of 37 faults.


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Conor McGregor says ACL knee surgery was a success after Octagon return

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Conor McGregor is on the road to recovery after his return to the Octagon barely lasted one minute.

After five years without a fight, McGregor opened his July 11 fight against Max Holloway aggressively, attempting a running kick before throwing a head kick moments later. However, he slipped both times because it was apparent he had suffered a knee injury.

He tried to power through it, but nearly two minutes into the fight, he grabbed at his right leg again, and referee Mike Beltran called the fight after just 69 seconds following what ultimately was a torn ACL.

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Conor McGregor reacts after an injury stoppage in a UFC welterweight fight.

Conor McGregor of Ireland reacts after an injury stoppage in a welterweight fight during UFC 329 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nev., on July 11, 2026. (Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC)

McGregor, though, posted a video to social media saying that his surgery was a “success.”

“What’s up, folks? The Mac is back, baby. My knee is repaired, surgery was a success, and I’m on the road to recovery. That should tell you all you need to know about my mindset. Straight into surgery, knee repaired, and on the road. Let’s go,” he said in the video.

McGregor then name-dropped former fighters Dominick Cruz and Georges St. Pierre, as well as Tom Brady and Adrian Peterson, other athletes who have returned from ACL tears, as his “motivation…especially the fighting boys.”

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“My mindset is unstoppable, unbreakable. Thank you God. Thank you so much God.”

McGregor vowed shortly after the injury that he would be back.

Conor McGregor and Max Holloway meet in the octagon for a second time at UFC 329 Saturday, July 11, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.

Conor McGregor and Max Holloway meet in the octagon for a second time at UFC 329 Saturday, July 11, at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. (Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

WHY CONOR MCGREGOR CALLS HIS EXACT KNEE INJURY ‘QUITE SHOCKING’ AFTER FINDING OUT RESULTS

“We’ll be back… In the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen. We’ll be back. Let’s go.”

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McGregor made an emotional post the day after the fight, saying his “head gasket is gone.”

“Destroyed. I had no injury / injuries going into the fight. I was throwing kicks, planted and jumping, all throughout camp as well as backstage before the fight. This came out of nowhere. I am beyond dark here. I can only describe it as hell,” he said on X.

Conor McGregor reacts after a fight in Las Vegas.

Conor McGregor reacts after losing to Max Holloway in a welterweight fight at UFC 329 on Saturday, July 11, 2026, in Las Vegas. (John Locher/AP)

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McGregor was participating in his first bout since July 2021 when he lost to Dustin Poirier due to a devastating leg injury. He’s only won one fight since 2020.

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