Benfica say they have suspended five supporters for behaviour “of a racist nature” during the first leg of their Champions League knockout play-off against Real Madrid this month.
Play in Lisbon was suspended for 10 minutes after Real Madrid’s Vinicius Jr told the referee that he had been racially abused by Benfica’s Argentine winger Gianluca Prestianni, who denies the claims.
“Benfica informed that it has suspended the memberships of five members following the initiation of disciplinary proceedings that led to the application of the maximum sanction stipulated in club’s statutes, which is expulsion,” the Portuguese club said in a statement.
“An internal investigation initiated after the match between Benfica and Real Madrid, held on 17 February, and the adoption of inappropriate behaviour in the stands, of a racist nature, incompatible with the values and principles that govern the club.
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“Benfica reaffirms that it does not tolerate any form of discrimination or racism and will continue to act firmly when behaviours undermine the values of the club.”
Vinicius had put the visitors ahead in the game but was booked for an excessive celebration in front of Benfica supporters.
Television footage showed some fans appearing to make racist gestures aimed at the player.
After an exchange with Prestianni he ran over to the referee, gesturing in the direction of the Argentina player before walking off the pitch, followed by his team-mates.
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When play resumed, an object was thrown from the crowd that struck Vinicius on the arm as he prepared to take a corner.
Speaking after the game, Benfica manager Jose Mourinho said Vinicius had acted disrespectfully and incited the crowd.
Those comments were criticised by former Real midfielder Clarence Seedorf among others.
Vinicius, who scored again at the Bernabeu, was booed by the away supporters.
On Thursday, Benfica issued a statement denying a claim that Prestianni had told the squad or club officials that he had uttered a racist insult to Vinicius.
Bayley is arguably one of the most talented WWE stars on the current roster. The former Women’s Champion is widely regarded as a locker room leader. She recently received a message from a 14-time WWE champion.
A fan recently posted an old clip featuring Bayley and Charlotte Flair. The Queen responded to the post and wrote that she was the 36-year-old RAW Superstar’s favorite. The former Hugger reacted to The Queen’s tweet, writing, “Tequila goes nicely with Ben & Jerry’s.” This led Flair toask the Grand Slam Champion whether she was free tomorrow.
Thanks for the submission!
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“So what are you doing tomorrow night???” Flair wrote.
You can check out Flair’s tweet below.
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The Queen has won 14 world titles in WWE. She has held the Women’s Championship 13 times and the Divas Title once.
WWE icon picked Bayley as her dream opponent
In an interview with ESPN, AJ Lee was asked to name her dream opponent in the Stamford-based promotion. The Black Widow said a bout against Bayley would be a “dream match”.
Lee added that she and The Role Model last locked horns when she was the Divas Champion. The WWE icon concluded by saying that she would love to find out how a match between her and the RAW Superstar would unfold at this stage of their careers.
“My dream match would be Bayley. I think I’ve gotten to have like one match with her way back in the day when I had the Divas Title. So it would be really cool to see who we both are now, and get my hands on her in the ring,” she said.
For now, The Black Widow is all set to square off with Becky Lynch for the WWE Women’s Intercontinental Championship tonight at Elimination Chamber 2026. That said, it will be interesting to see what plans Triple H and the creative team have in store for The Role Model as the Stamford-based promotion gets closer to WrestleMania 42.
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Rinku Singh spotted at Kolkata airport (Screengrabs)
NEW DELHI: Indian cricketer Rinku Singh was seen arriving at Kolkata airport on Saturday morning, just hours after performing the last rites of his father. He has joined the Indian team ahead of their must-win World Cup T20 clash against the West Indies on Sunday.Rinku’s father, Khanchand Singh, passed away on Friday morning at a hospital in Greater Noida after battling fourth-stage cancer. He was 60. His funeral was held in Aligarh, where a large number of people gathered to pay their respects.
J&K CM Omar Abdullah lands in Karnataka for Ranji Trophy final
A heartbroken Rinku carried his father’s mortal remains during the funeral procession.Watch Rinku Singh arriving in Kolkata after carrying out father’s last rites:Rinku, who is part of India’s T20 World Cup squad, had rushed back home after India’s first Super Eight match against South Africa when his father’s health worsened. Despite the personal tragedy, he has now rejoined the squad. He did not play in the previous match against Zimbabwe but could feature at Eden Gardens, which is also his IPL home ground.Condolences poured in from across the cricketing world. BCCI Vice-President Rajeev Shukla said, “The news of Rinku Singh’s father’s passing is very heartbreaking. He had been ill for a year… Rinku is also very upset… This is very sad… I pay my tributes to him.”Former cricketer Yuvraj Singh posted, “Heartbreaking news to hear of the passing of Rinku’s father. In moments like these, no words feel enough. Standing in solidarity with you and your family during this difficult time. May you find strength and courage in the love that surrounds you.”Harbhajan Singh also expressed his grief, offering prayers and strength to Rinku and his family during this difficult time.
Willydoit, fresh off his New Zealand Derby triumph, will strive for entry into the Australian Cup during his Flemington engagement.
Stablemates Willydoit and Holymanz from the Ciaron Maher yard take on the Group 2 Blamey Stakes (1600m) come Saturday, both vying to improve their chances at greater autumn rewards.
Now on his second preparation with trainer Ciaron Maher, the gelding Willydoit awaits the form resurgence that clinched the Group 1 New Zealand Derby (2400m) at Ellerslie last March.
Jack Turnbull, Ciaron Maher’s national assistant trainer, explained the lessons absorbed regarding the four-year-old post his Sydney spring foray.
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Resuming at Caulfield on February 7, Willydoit could only surpass one other in the MRC Foundation Cup (1600m), with blinkers reinstated following his ‘little plain’ first-up effort.
“When the race was run the way it was, it was brutally run, and with a horse like Light Infantry Man winning it, sitting second, it says a lot about the race shape,” Turnbull said.
“For him, who was back, no headgear, floating along, he just never got involved.
“His splits late were positive enough, but he should have done something because he did nothing for the first three-quarters.
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“He’s had a couple of good gallops, he gets on the bigger track, the mile again, headgear on, there’s a lot more going his way this week.”
Willydoit stood out as a leading staying three-year-old with a fourth in last autumn’s Australian Derby (2400m) at Randwick, yet the team pursued premium spring races for him at four.
This involved ninth in The Golden Eagle succeeding a seventh place from the Alan Brown Stakes.
“He was a dominant staying three-year-old, but he’s not slow, so coming to Sydney last campaign, with the weights, we were willing to try him in the big features which didn’t work,” Turnbull said.
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“A prep on, we know a bit more about him and I think 2000 (metres) will be his go.
“The Australian Cup is on the plan, but if he was not to fire at that class and weight scale, then there are races like the Mornington Cup, but we’ll just see, but his main early aim, after this run, is the Australian Cup.”
An ‘old marvel’ in Turnbull’s eyes, Holymanz freshened up before grabbing third last time in the MRC Foundation Cup.
“We could have gone to the All-Star Mile (next Saturday), but we’ve decided on the softer option to get him to be winning again,” Turnbull said.
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“It’s not a race that’s out of his reach and if he can run up to his last run, he’ll be right up there again.”
For the latest racing odds on the Blamey Stakes, visit trusted betting sites.
GAA Rounders has officially secured its place at the top table of the association after an overwhelming vote at GAA Congress 2026.
Motion 2 — proposing the addition of a GAA Rounders representative to Ard Chomhairle — passed with a remarkable 98.3% in favour, with just 1.7% voting against. The motion was submitted by Old Leighlin (Carlow) and represents one of the most significant governance moments in the modern history of the sport.
Motion 2 passed at GAA Congress with 98.3% support, confirming a Rounders seat on Ard Chomhairle.
For the first time, GAA Rounders will have a direct voice in the room where the biggest decisions are made.
A long-awaited breakthrough
For decades, Rounders has operated under the GAA umbrella without direct representation at Central Council level. While the sport has grown steadily in participation and profile — particularly in recent years — its absence from Ard Chomhairle has often been viewed as a structural gap.
That gap is now closed.
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The scale of the vote leaves little ambiguity. A near-unanimous endorsement from delegates signals strong support across the association for recognising Rounders as a fully embedded part of the GAA’s governance framework.
More than symbolic
While the motion itself is short in wording, its implications are substantial.
Having a Rounders representative on Ard Chomhairle ensures the sport will now have a direct voice in discussions around:
Governance and constitutional matters
Development funding and resources
Facilities and long-term planning
The strategic direction of the wider association
It also strengthens Rounders’ standing within the GAA ecosystem, particularly at a time when conversations around multi-code inclusion and representation continue to evolve.
A defining Congress moment
Congress 2026 features numerous debates across governance, championships and structural reform, but Motion 2 will stand out as a defining legacy decision.
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Unlike many technical rule changes that shape competitions or administration, this vote directly alters the governance landscape of the association. It formally acknowledges Rounders’ place not just within the GAA family, but within its core decision-making structure.
A clear mandate
The strength of the vote matters.
Passing with 98.3% support, the motion moves beyond simple approval into clear mandate territory. It reflects not just acceptance but strong backing from the wider GAA membership.
For those involved in Rounders at club, county and national level, the result is both symbolic and practical — a recognition of the work done to grow the sport and a platform for further development in the years ahead.
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What happens next
With the motion now passed, attention will turn to how the Rounders representative is selected and integrated into Ard Chomhairle structures — a process that will likely require formal constitutional and governance steps.
However, the direction is now clear.
For the first time in its history, GAA Rounders will have a seat at the main table of the GAA.
More coverage: Follow SportsNewsIRELAND.com for updates from Congress and what the changes mean for clubs and counties.
The pro whose freak accident led to multiple surgeries has released a statement thanking those who have reached out and said he has lots of hard work and rehab ahead as he now focuses on recovery.
Andrea Pavan, 36, fell three stories down an elevator shaft on Wednesday when the elevator doors opened, but no car was present. The news was first reported by Ryan French of Monday Q Info, and a GoFundMe created to support Pavan later explained more details.
Pavan, a two-time winner on the DP World Tour, was in South Africa to play this week’s Investec South African Open Championship when the accident happened at his private accommodation for the week.
“I would like to say a big thank you for all the kind words and wishes I have received over the last 48 hours,” Pavan said in a statement, which was released by the DP World Tour on Friday. “I had surgery on my shoulder and my back on Wednesday evening and I am currently recovering in [the] hospital.
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“I now have a lot of rehab and hard work ahead of me, but the care I have received so far from the Mediclinic hospital staff has been incredible, as has the support from the DP World Tour, the Sunshine Tour and all their staff here in Stellenbosch. I am also very grateful for all the help Johann Rupert and his wife Gaynor have given me.
“The last two days have been difficult, but I am in very good hands and to have so many players, caddies and staff visit and contact me has meant a lot to me. Grazie mille everyone, from me, my wife Audra, and my entire family.”
The Italian pro was a member of Texas A&M’s NCAA championship team in 2009, and one of his former A&M teammates, Matt Van Zandt, created the GoFundMe to support Pavan, his wife and their three kids.
“Andrea has been part of many close-knit communities across the world, from his time at Texas A&M and the 12th man, to the world of professional golf between the PGA and DP World Tours,” Van Zandt wrote. “Now is the time that we come together and support him through this unexpected trial.”
Feb 21, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles FC forward Denis Bouanga (99) celebrates his goal past Inter Miami CF goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair (97) during the second half at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-Imagn Images
Los Angeles FC will try to continue their perfect start under new head coach Marc Dos Santos on Saturday night when they visit a Houston Dynamo side that was among the busiest in MLS in terms of offseason transactions.
Dos Santos’ Black and Gold opened their regular season with a dominant 3-0 victory over Lionel Messi and Inter Miami on Feb. 21. On either side of that, LAFC (1-0-0, 3 points) defeated Real Espana in the first round of the CONCACAF Champions Cup, 6-1 away in the first leg in Honduras and 1-0 in the return fixture at home on Tuesday.
Denis Bouanga recorded four goals in an assist over those first two matches, and Son Heung-Min added four assists. Yet Dos Santos still decided to play the star duo for the first half of the return leg on Tuesday, despite being virtually assured of advancing.
“Rhythm,” he said. “Sonny didn’t have a perfect preseason, so it’s important that he keeps getting rhythm. And I told both Sonny and Denis this week that I would have them 45 minutes on the field, that at halftime we would make the changes. So they were aware of it.”
The Dynamo (1-0-0, 3 points) opened their regular season with a 2-1 home victory over the Chicago Fire on Feb. 21, coming from behind on a pair of goals from the Brazilian Guilherme Augusto in his MLS debut.
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In addition to the 30-year-old former Santos captain, the Dynamo added former LAFC winger Mateusz Bogusz from Cruz Azul and brought back Hector Herrera from Toluca this winter to bolster a squad that finished 12th in Western Conference in 2025.
Herrera, 35, was previously part of the Houston side that reached the 2023 West final. He has yet to see the field in his return.
Houston manager Ben Olsen suggested his new-look side’s second test could be a lot more difficult than the first. It also might be a good measuring stick.
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“A team that is as good as, I think, any team in league history in how they transition and the quality they have in the attack,” Olsen said of LAFC. “We’ll have our work cut out for us, but I think it’s a challenge that this group is very excited about.”
The two teams have split the past five meetings, with each side winning twice and playing to one scoreless draw.
Nigeria international Terem Moffi scored his first goal for FC Porto on Friday night to seal a 3-1 win over Arouca in the Primeira Liga.
The Super Eagles striker came off the bench to score late at the Estádio do Dragão, handing coach Francesco Farioli a welcome selection headache ahead of an important run of matches in Europe.
Moffi joined Porto on loan from OGC Nice on 30 January 2026 but had to wait for his chance. The 26-year-old had started three league matches without finding the net, playing behind Deniz Gül in the pecking order.
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In Friday’s Matchday 24 clash, Porto were in control before Nais Djouahra pulled one back for the visitors to make it tense. William Gomes restored the home side’s lead from the penalty spot in the 90th minute.
Deep into stoppage time, Moffi made sure of the result. He met a cross from Gomes inside the box and fired a powerful shot into the roof of the net to put the game beyond doubt.
Porto later confirmed the moment on their official X account, describing it as “Terem Moffi’s first goal in our colours.”
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The goal could prove important in more ways than one. Porto are battling strongly in the Liga Portugal title race, and every point is vital at this stage of the season.
With Samu Aghehowa currently out injured, Moffi’s sharp finish showed what he can bring to the team — strength, intelligent movement and calmness in front of goal.
Porto will return to action in the UEFA Europa League Round of 16 in two weeks, and Moffi’s timely breakthrough gives Farioli more options as the club chase success both at home and in Europe.
Nov 28, 2025; West Lafayette, Indiana, USA; Indiana Hoosiers quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) looks on during the third quarter against the Purdue Boilermakers at Ross-Ade Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-Imagn Images
The NFL Combine is upon us, so now seems as good a time as any to put out an NFL mock draft.
This year’s draft is not quarterback heavy, which could lead to a much more wide-open first round than we’ve seen in recent years. Here is how I see the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft playing out as of February 27.
1. Las Vegas Raiders: QB Fernando Mendoza, Indiana
The Raiders are playing coy about how they’re going to go about this draft, but if they keep this pick, there doesn’t seem to be much mystery here. Fernando Mendoza just won a Heisman Trophy and national championship, and now, he’s going to be the first overall pick of the NFL Draft.
2. New York Jets: LB/EDGE Arvelle Reese, Ohio State
The Jets have plenty of holes on defense that need to be plugged, particularly after parting ways with both Sauce Gardner and Quinnen Williams. Arvelle Reese is a versatile defender who can rush the passer and step back into coverage, so New York can fix a couple problems with one selection here.
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3. Arizona Cardinals: OT Francis Mauigoa, Miami
If the Cardinals are going to keep Kyler Murray healthy this season, they will need to reinforce their offensive line. Francis Mauigoa has great NFL size and strong instincts in pass protection that should make him an instant starter alongside Paris Johnson.
4. Tennessee Titans: EDGE Rueben Bain, Miami
It’s back-to-back Hurricanes off the board, and this time, the Titans take Rueben Bain to create a formidable duo with Jeffery Simmons on their defensive front.
5. New York Giants: OT Spencer Fano, Utah
Jermaine Eluemunor is heading into free agency this spring, which could leave a hole at right tackle for the New York Giants to fill. Spencer Fano has spent the past two seasons at that position for the Utah Utes, so this should be a pretty seamless transition.
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6. Cleveland Browns: OT Monroe Freeling, Georiga
The top end talent is limited at the offensive tackle position, and while Cleveland has another pick at No. 24, they jump at the chance to pick up one of the better left tackles in this class before it gets too late.
7. Washington Commanders: CB Mansoor Delane, LSU
The Commanders need to see some improvement on defense, and Mansoor Delane is my top cornerback in this draft class. He’s got elite coverage skills on the boundary and very well could go even higher in this draft if a team opts to prioritize their secondary rather than offensive line.
8. New Orleans Saints: RB Jeremiyah Love, Notre Dame
The Alvin Kamara era inevitably is coming to an end in New Orleans in the next couple years, but until then, the Saints will have a very formidable 1-2 punch out of the backfield to help support QB Tyler Shough by taking the dynamic Jeremiyah Love.
9. Kansas City Chiefs: WR Carnell Tate, Ohio State
The Chiefs are going to feel stung if Love goes off the board right ahead of them, but they get a great wide receiver for Patrick Mahomes to throw to. Carnell Tate is the most sure-handed receiver in this draft class, and at 6’3″, he is a big target who can eat up space on his routes.
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10. Cincinnati Bengals: S Caleb Downs, Ohio State
The Bengals have a strong offense as long as Joe Burrow stays healthy, but the defense is in desperate need of reworking. Caleb Downs is an elite safety project who can do just about anything, and he’s a good start towards revamping the secondary.
Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) celebrates during the NCAA football game against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Mich. on Nov. 29, 2025. Ohio State won 27-9.
11. Miami Dolphins: CB Avieon Terrell, Clemson
The Dolphins could be moving on from Tua Tagovailoa, which would make this a rebuilding year for Miami. This wasn’t a good team in any category during 2025, but they really need to improve the secondary.
12. Dallas Cowboys: EDGE David Bailey, Texas Tech
Dallas stays in the state of Texas here by picking up David Bailey. After trading away Micah Parsons, they need a new future off the edge, and they hope they found a cornerstone here.
13. Los Angeles Rams (via ATL): CB Jermod McCoy, Tennessee
As long as Jermod McCoy is fully healthy, he is worthy of being a first-round pick. The NFL Combine will be a great opportunity for him to prove that.
14. Baltimore Ravens: WR Makai Lemon, USC
The Baltimore Ravens do it again. A top end talent at a position of need falls right into their lap, and they stop the Makai Lemon fall.
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15. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: LB Sonny Styles, Ohio State
It’s another Buckeye off the board. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers need a springy off-ball linebacker who can cover receivers while also being a physical run stopper. Sonny Styles checks those boxes.
16. New York Jets: DT Peter Woods, Clemson
Quinnen Williams is no longer around, so the Jets reset by taking a top defensive tackle prospect after grabbing Arvelle Reese with the second overall pick. New York has a brand new defensive front to build around.
17. Detroit Lions: EDGE Cashius Howell, Texas A&M
The Lions have a chance to create a strong duo on their defensive front with Aidan Hutchinson, and they do exactly that with the selection of Cashius Howell.
18. Minnesota Vikings: DT Caleb Banks, Florida
The Minnesota Vikings need to find answers at their defensive tackle position after striking out in free agency last year. Caleb Banks can do everything in the trenches, and he’ll be a fun piece for Brian Flores to utilize.
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19. Carolina Panthers: EDGE Keldric Faulk, Auburn
The run of defensive front prospects continues as the Panthers try to build their pass rush around Keldric Faulk, who possesses some great athleticism off the edge.
20. Dallas Cowboys (via GB): S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo
Quinyon Mitchell immediately turned into one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL, and now, there is another high-end Toledo defensive back available in Emmanuel McNeil-Warren. Dallas jumps at the chance to shore up their secondary.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers: WR Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State
The Steelers need a true WR2 behind DK Metcalf. While Jordyn Tyson has some injury concerns, he is a silky smooth route runner with great speed to give Pittsburgh a different look at the wide receiver position.
22. Los Angeles Chargers: IOL Olaivega Ioane, Penn State
Jim Harbaugh’s influence continues in LA. With Rashawn Slater and Joe Alt being anchors at the tackle positions, the Chargers still need to figure things out on the interior. Olaivega Ioane is a start.
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23. Philadelphia Eagles: TE Kenyon Sadiq, Oregon
Dallas Goedert might not be back in Philadelphia, which offers the Eagles a chance to get younger at the tight end position. Kenyon Sadiq is a great pass catcher at the position and could become the replacement.
Dec 20, 2025; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks tight end Kenyon Sadiq (18) looks on before the game against the James Madison Dukes at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
24. Cleveland Browns (via JAX): WR Denzel Boston, Washington
Quarterback remains a problem in Cleveland, but there isn’t really an option worth taking here at No. 24. Instead, they build up their wide receiver room with Denzel Bostom.
25. Chicago Bears: DT Christen Miller, Georgia
The Bears have Gervon Dexter, but they need someone else in the middle of their defensive line to help stop the run. Christen Miller can help in that department.
26. Buffalo Bills: WR Elijah Sarratt, Indiana
Elijah Sarratt won’t blow anyone away with his speed, but he is about as precise a route runner as there is in this class. Buffalo has a severe need at wide receiver, and Sarratt is a high floor prospect who can immediately contribute.
27. San Francisco 49ers: EDGE Zion Young, Missouri
Wide receiver is a need for the 49ers here, but with both Nick Bosa and Mykel Williams recovering from torn ACLs, they add another pass rushing presence to the group with Zion Young.
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28. Houston Texans: DT Kayden McDonald, Ohio State
The Texans will put off adding a running back until later in the draft, allowing them to add another piece to a defense that was already elite in 2025. Kayden McDonald provides insurance for a defensive tackle room that could see a lot of faces depart in free agency.
29. Los Angeles Rams: CB Keith Abney, Arizona State
The Rams have three cornerbacks entering free agency this offseason. Odds are they will need to fill a hole at that spot.
30. Denver Broncos: LB CJ Allen, Georgia
The Broncos will be looking to get a bit younger at linebacker this offseason, and CJ Allen is a solid player in coverage who can add some dynamic athleticism to this team.
31. New England Patriots: OT Kadyn Proctor, Alabama
If there is one thing that is certain following the Super Bowl, the Patriots need to get better at protecting Drake Maye in 2026. Kadyn Proctor is a mammoth of a human being at 6’7″ and 366 pounds, and he’ll create a dynamic tackle duo with Will Campbell.
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32. Seattle Seahawks: WR KC Concepcion, Texas A&M
If Rashid Shaheed leaves in free agency, the Seahawks will need to find a way to fill that speedy void that really made a difference for them on offense and special teams. KC Concepcion returned two punts for touchdowns in 2025 while being a deep threat on offense for the Aggies.
Josh Frey is a senior writer at both PurplePTSD.com and VikingsTerritory.com, with a fascination for the NFL Draft. To … More about Josh Frey
Rehan Ahmed intends to “keep enjoying the ride” as he insisted he is “not too bothered” about hanging on to his England place for their T20 World Cup semi-final.
The 21-year-old warmed the bench during England’s campaign until being called upon for their final Super 8 match against New Zealand, preferred to Jamie Overton on a slow, turning wicket in Colombo.
On his World Cup debut, the leg-spinning all-rounder took two for 28, including a wicket with his first delivery, before a seven-ball 19 not out helped England snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.
England now have a decision to make about whether to stick with Rehan or bring back fast bowler Overton ahead of a probable showdown against either India or the West Indies in Mumbai next Thursday.
There may even be a case to play both – which would likely mean sacrificing a batter, such as the out-of-form Jos Buttler – but Rehan will defer to head coach Brendon McCullum and captain Harry Brook.
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“I’m not too bothered about my place in the team,” Rehan said. “I think Baz and Brooky will definitely put out the best team they think is going to win, as they did (on Friday night).
“I just want to make an impression whenever I do get the chance. I know the team balance right now is great and that’s why we are where we are. I’m very easy.
“It’s not a personal thing for me, it’s a World Cup, it’s my first World Cup to be in. I’ll just keep enjoying the ride, if I get the nod I’ll play and if not then I’ll give water to the boys.”
v Sri Lanka, Pallekele, February 22 – won by 51 runs
v Pakistan, Pallekele, February 24 – won by two wickets
v New Zealand, Colombo, February 27 – won by four wickets
Despite topping their group after beating Sri Lanka, Pakistan and New Zealand, England will only discover their fate for the knockout stages on Sunday following results in the other pool.
If South Africa overcome Zimbabwe then England will be at the Wankhede Stadium to take on defending champions India or the Windies, who defeated Brook’s side at the same venue two-and-a-half weeks ago.
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England, though, have lost just twice under Brook’s captaincy in 18 T20s, a remarkable statistic given the unpredictable nature of the format, and they showed their mettle against the Black Caps.
Needing 42 off the last 17 balls, Rehan thumped his second delivery over the rope before a clutch six off Mitchell Santner allowed Will Jacks to seal a scarcely credible four-wicket win in the last over.
Rehan, England’s youngest debutant across all three formats, admitted he embraced the pressure after being asked whether he felt stressed about the situation the team was in.
“Cricket’s a privilege and you train all your life for the moments like that,” Rehan said.
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“I was just happy to be in that moment. I was very, very happy when I did get the chance to try and win a game for England, not more so for me personally, just to win a game.
“I think stress is the wrong word for it. Obviously there’s pressure on, but then it’s a happy place. If you do it well then it would be good for you. It’s more of a free hit for me.
“I went out there with no intentions of looking at the scoreboard. It was trying to hit three or four sixes, I got two away and Jacksy did the rest.”
