Sports

50 thoughts on PGA Championship

Published

2 months ago

19 May 2026

Our intro here pertains to Aaron Rai’s iron covers and his two gloves and his other unique characteristics, so I can understand if you want to click away, as the subject, while charming, has been talked about a bit excessively at this point. But there’s been something else going on with his quirks. I think it tells the bigger story.

It’s the thought of why he never changed.

After all, we’re a society of mostly conformists. There’s comfort in that — and the absence of discomfort. Golf and life can be hard enough, but sticking out adds another element.

Unless, of course, you don’t give a you-know-what.

Like Rai. And he just won a PGA Championship.

“I think my dad played a really big role in that,” Rai said Sunday night. “For the most part, it was just the two of us who used to go onto the golf course and practice together, probably up until I was 13 or 14. So I think he was very much an advocate to really just stay in your lane, focus on the things that you can do.

“And I didn’t really mix with a lot of other junior golfers, which didn’t give me a perspective of what was normal. So I think he kind of sheltered me to be able to develop in a way that made sense for me, in a way that I guess was a little bit unique with two gloves, with iron covers, et cetera.

“I think by the time he probably allowed me to play more kind of club golf, play professional golf, I felt like I was strong enough in why I did certain things to be able to continue to move that forward. I knew the reasons why I do them. I believe in the reasons why I do them. So I had no reason to really shift from that as I got older. So, yeah, that’s probably the main reason behind it.”

That all said, I think it’s OK to emulate this thought.

As we look back at the PGA Championship week that was at Aronimink Golf Club, let’s make that observation No. 1 then. We’ll try for 49 more, and, to help the mood, we’ll mix in some Philly music.

2. My grandpa had iron covers. Red ones even.

3. Let’s talk more about Rai. I liked this answer when he was asked about his wife, Gaurika, who’s also a pro golfer:

“She’s been incredible. I’m not exaggerating when I say that I wouldn’t be here without her. Both as a companion, as a friend, as someone I’m sharing my life with, but also as a real support system for my game. She’s a professional golfer herself. So her mindset, her advice, her thoughts, whether it’s technique or the way I’m holding myself is absolutely invaluable. She encompasses so many different sides in her opinions.

“We even had a conversation yesterday for probably 30 minutes in the car just before we got back to the hotel, just speaking a little bit about today. Again, some of the things that she mentioned in the conversations were really with me today.

“Yeah, I really wouldn’t be here without her.”

Aaron Rai and his wife Gaurika at the 2026 PGA Championship. — Aaron Rai shocked the world. Here’s what he revealed in the process

By:

Dylan Dethier
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4. What was that conversation in the car about? The Athletic’s Gabby Herzig wrote about that, and you can read her story here.

5. Who wins in a match between husband and wife?

“We practice quite a lot together. Honestly she beats me more times than I beat her,” Rai said. “When we have putting contests, chipping contests, we do some wedge games on TrackMan, I do well to keep up with her. She really is that good.

“We play a little bit on the course, but I’ve played Sawgrass — that’s where we live — a little bit more than her, and I think that little bit of experience helps. But it’s still very close with us even on the course.”

6. How did the Rais meet? Golfweek’s Adam Schupak wrote about that, and you can read his story here.

7. Where was Rai planning to celebrate after his win? As he said he wasn’t sure, Gaurika shouted at his press conference, “He’ll probably have Chipotle.”

“I do love Chipotle on the road,” Rai said. “So we’ll probably go to Chipotle.”

8. I also thought Rai’s story on how he played courses growing up was interesting.

“Up until the age of around 12 years old, I used to play off basically a customized course length, which gradually got longer and longer every year from the age of kind of 7 to 12,” he said. “… I was playing off the fairways and trying to make the course short enough for me to score par or better even as an 8-, 9-, 10-year-old.

“I thought it was a great idea. My dad thought it was a great idea.”

As he aged, Rai farther and farther moved back.

“My dad really thought that idea was great in terms of just installing the abilities and the skills to be able to score and the distance would just follow with age and with growth.”

9. Of course, if you’re going to read just one Rai story today, please make it be this one here. It’s about the time Rai and I hunted for ghosts. Seriously.

10. You can learn a lot about a person through the thoughts of others, and I liked this one here, from pro Paul Waring.

I’ll never forget watching Aaron Rai do putting drills at 7pm on the Wednesday of the 2022 Irish Open. It was hammering down, he was soaked and still stayed out.
I cheered every putt he holed with a Guinness in my hand under cover of the terrace.
Maybe there’s a lesson in that
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— Paul Waring (@PaulWaringGolf) May 18, 2026

11. And below is a young Rai. Enjoy.

12. The week-long talk of no one pulling away on the leaderboard? Behind a four-under 31 on the back nine on Sunday, Rai ended it, along with the tournament itself. His 68-footer for birdie on 17 will also go down as one of the PGA’s all-time moments.

13. So why were there so many players at or around the lead throughout the tournament? Certainly, there’s always the possibility of that happening — who’s to say that the best in the world can’t all go out and shoot the same score?

But Aronimink seemed to dictate play — there weren’t many ways to approach holes, other than the safe route, so most everyone did that. Find the fairway, find the safe pocket on the green, hit a couple of putts and move on.

The question is, how much of that is the course’s fault, and how much of that is the players’?

14. Let’s talk more about Aronimink — and two of the big questions of the week: Was it a good course for the PGA? And was it set up properly?

Hmm, how much time do you have?

But maybe the answer is easier than you think, if you ask yourself this:

Did you like watching?

I think that’s mostly what matters in this. Golf is entertainment.

15. I did laugh when I heard Brandel Chamblee say on Golf Channel’s “Live From” show that a course manager knows they’ve set up a course right when the players start to [expletive].

16. Here are a couple player thoughts on Aronimink and the setup that I thought were interesting:

Said Rory McIlroy on Saturday: “Look, when you have a set of greens like this, you can start to frustrate people pretty easily, I think. You heard it in me last night. You heard it in Scottie [Scheffler]. I saw some of his comments. Shane [Lowry]. I think there was a lot of guys that were frustrated yesterday coming off the course.

“Again, it’s frustrating to us, but at the same time, it creates a helluva entering championship. If I wasn’t playing this tournament, I’d love what’s going on this week, but watching and playing are two different things.”

17. Said Patrick Reed on Saturday: “It’s just different. I mean, I think that’s the easiest way. It’s a different challenge, and that’s the cool thing about it is it’s on its own.

“But the great thing about all the golf courses we play, no matter where it is, whatever major championship we’re playing, if you’re hitting the ball well and you’re putting well, you’re going to be able to handle anything. We’re the best players in the world, so when they throw a really hard challenge at us, that’s when the top players are going to show up.”

18. Music break! The Roots’ “The Seed (2.0)” was heavily played during ESPN’s and CBS’ coverage, so let’s use it here. It’s a favorite.

“>

19. What would I, the 15-or-so handicap, shoot, with the wind, the rough and the pin locations, along with just the course itself?

How much time do I have?

20. But man, a lot of folks were wrong about how the course would play. The predictions of low numbers had Jon Rahm feeling strange.

“I would like to know who came up with that, by the way,” he said on Saturday. “Honestly, when I heard people talking about 20-under par, it made me question my ability to read a golf course, because I was looking at the greens and where they could put pin locations, and possible wind, I just — my mind was never — I actually got worried. I’m like if somebody shoots 20-under, the amount of records they’re going to break this week would be unheard of.

“You know why I think that can happen is also the fairways up here by the numbers are probably wide. They don’t play as wide as they really are. Holes like 7, 10, 15, with how much slope you have to the fairway, you have to hit a very accurate golf shot to be in it. Like that, you can add 2, too, 4 — maybe not on 6, but like I said, 10, 12, 15, 16, right?

“You need to hit — with the slope of the fairway and the wind going with the slope of the fairway, it plays a lot more difficult than I think a lot of people would have foreseen at first with how much they’re rolling out.”

21. Let’s talk about some players.

In the first major since LIV Golf learned that it was losing its funding from the Saudi Arabia Public Investment Fund, Rahm, one of LIV’s biggest stars, tied for second. I thought one of the more interesting quotes of the week came during his pre-tournament press conference, where he was asked what he learned from a strong showing at last year’s PGA.

“It was really fun to be out there in the landscape nowadays in which as players in LIV we hear a lot of things from articles, from social media, from comments,” Rahm said. “While I understand why things are being said, it’s something you have to deal with.

“To go on that Sunday playing against Scottie, that has the lead, and to feel the support and love from the crowd is what made it really enjoyable. To realize that sometimes the truth is very different from what this makes or made up to be. When I made that birdie putt on 11 and I hit those good shots on 12 and 13 and almost made the putt on 13, the support from the crowd and the cheering from the crowd was what made it so much fun.

“It was a realization of having such support from the crowd and playing good golf that made me realize in a way how I’m truly perceived from the public, as opposed to what I read sometimes.”

Aaron Rai, Nick Piastowski — How did Aaron Rai win PGA? You must hear about when we … ghost-hunted?

By:

Nick Piastowski
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22. Bryson DeChambeau, another LIV star, shot seven-over over two rounds and missed the cut, after missing the cut at the Masters.

What are your expectations for him at the U.S. Open, where he’s won twice?

23. Cam Smith had missed four straight cuts in the majors, then tied for seventh at the PGA. He recently started working with swing coach Claude Harmon III, after moving on from Grant Field, whom Smith had been guided by since he was 9.

“Probably one of the most difficult phone calls I’ve ever had to make,” Smith said Sunday.

“And, yeah, it’s still kind of lingering, but I feel like I’ve made the right call, and I can see it in my golf and just my strike of the ball and seeing some different shots. It’s been nice.”

24. Patrick Reed played the Masters in April, didn’t play for four weeks, then tied for 10th at the PGA. Interestingly, he’ll have the same schedule heading into the U.S. Open — no tournaments for four weeks — as he’s been mostly playing a DP World Tour schedule while serving a PGA Tour suspension due to his time with LIV Golf.

“Yeah, this year’s a little different,” he said. “Honestly, I enjoyed my time at home. I enjoyed actually getting to grind, to prepare, and work on things and get ready for this week. … Who knows, it might be a new thing.”

25. My favorite exchange of the week? This one:

Moderator to McIlroy, after he shot a four-over 74 in the first round: “How would you describe your opening round?”

McIlroy to moderator: “Sh*t.”

26. My favorite story this week? This one, from Justin Thomas, who was asked on Sunday if there was an “art” to sitting on a clubhouse lead.

“I don’t know if there’s an art,” he said. “I can tell you how there isn’t because it happened to me one time in Hartford, Conn., one year. It was actually the same day that [Jim] Furyk shot 58, I think it was. I shot like 61 or 62, and I finished pretty similar, like the leaders were on the middle of the front nine.

“I had a buddy that was out there watching me, and we went in the clubhouse and probably had like four or five beers at lunch. Next thing you know, it’s two-and-a-half hours later, and I’m still the leader in the clubhouse. The wind picked up 15, 20 mph, and the leaders were on like 15. Jimmy [Johnson] was caddieing for me at the time. He’s at a Subway like an hour and a half away. He’s like what do we do?

Aaron Rai of England looks on from the 18th green during the final round of the PGA Championship at Aronimink Golf Club — Aaron Rai isn’t the PGA Championship winner you expected. And that’s OK!

By:

Michael Bamberger

“I’ve never not wanted to be in a playoff before, but I kind of didn’t want to be in a playoff then. That wouldn’t have been a good situation.”

27. It’s strange not seeing Scottie Scheffler in the top three or so, right? That’s Tiger-like.

28. Alex Smalley will win a major. Maybe this year still.

29. I think Xander Schauffele will win another major. Maybe this year still.

30. I think Ludvig Aberg will win multiple majors. Maybe this year still.

31. I think Garrick Higgo will never miss another major tee time again. Notably, Golfweek’s Schupak reported here that Higgo has also parted ways with his caddie.

32. Music break! Let’s go with “You Make My Dreams (Come True)” by Hall & Oates.

“>

33. I want to see Michael Block at next year’s PGA. Golf needs personalities, and he is one.

34. Next year’s PGA is in Texas, Jordan Spieth’s home state. The grand slam happens there, right?

35. The Spieth shot below is one of the best of the week. Maybe the best.

36. The video below is gruesome.

37. The video below, as always, is great. Padraig Harrington’s social media accounts shared it on Saturday night — after Harrington finished his third round. A true content machine.

“>

38. Here are a few of my favorite reads this week from the GOLF.com staff. From Michael Bamberger, his story here that wrapped up the tournament was great.

39. From Dylan Dethier, his story here on Rai was great.

40. From Sean Zak, his story here on the PGA at Aronimink was great.

41. From Josh Schrock, his story here on Cam Smith was great.

42. Those four jawns above were pretty good jawns, right?

43. Music break! I mean, if I didn’t go with the “Rocky” theme song, what am I even doing here?

“>

44. With that comes an admission: I’ve never seen the original “Rocky.” I’ve watched “Rocky III” and “Rocky IV” about 3 million or 4 million times each. But never the original. (Or “Rocky II,” for that matter.) I have no excuse. I’m watching it tonight.

45. Or maybe I should watch “The Dark Knight” like McIlroy. He said he was going to watch the movie on Saturday night.

46. Another admission: I’ve never had a cheesesteak. My dad was a meat butcher for 50 years, and I like sub sandwiches, but somehow it’s escaped me. That won’t change tonight — because I want the best. Where should I go both in Philly and outside of Philly? My email is nick.piastowski@golf.com.

47. Who wins the next two men’s majors? Let’s go with Aberg at the U.S. Open, and Matt Fitzpatrick at the Open Championship.

48. Who wins the next four women’s majors? Let’s go with Nelly Korda at the U.S. Women’s Open, Lydia Ko at the Women’s PGA (which would give her four of the five women’s majors), Charley Hull at the Evian and Minjee Lee at the Women’s Open (which would also give her four of the five women’s majors).

49. A quick and deserved nod to Leonie Harm, who, on Sunday, won the Amundi German Masters — 13 years after she suffered multiple injuries after she was hit by a drunk driver while running. In 2023, she wrote a story for Golf Digest about her experience, and you can read that here.

50. Tonight’s dinner? Chipotle.

Had to copy Rai, of course.

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Argentina vs Cabo Verde Live Score, FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32: Defending champions Argentina face fairytale debutants Cape Verde in blockbuster R32 clash

Published

11 minutes ago

3 July 2026

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The team sheets are officially in here at Miami Stadium, and both managers have thrown massive curveballs ahead of this high-stakes Round of 32 clash!

Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni has completely flexed his squad depth, making nine sweeping changes to the side that wrapped up the group stage against Jordan. The headline news, however, is exactly what the Miami crowd came to see—captain Lionel Messi reclaiming his throne in the starting eleven after being rested. He is flanked by Lautaro Martínez and Thiago Almada in a lethal-looking frontline.

On the other side of the trenches, Cape Verde boss Bubista isn’t sitting back defensively either. He has made five bold changes to the setup that earned a historic draw against Saudi Arabia. Dynamic options like Steven Moreira, Sidny Cabral, Laros Duarte, Nuno da Costa, and Jovane Cabral all march into the XI as the ultimate underdogs aim to pull off a historic heist.

Here is how both teams line up for this epic knockout fixture:

Argentina Starting XI (4-1-2-3):

Goalkeeper: Emiliano Martínez
Defenders: Facundo Medina, Lisandro Martínez, Cristian Romero, Nahuel Molina
Midfielders: Alexis Mac Allister, Enzo Fernández, Rodrigo De Paul
Forwards: Thiago Almada, Lautaro Martínez, Lionel Messi (C)

Cape Verde Starting XI (4-1-4-1):

Goalkeeper: Vozinha
Defenders: Sidny Cabral, Diney Borges, Roberto Lopes, Steven Moreira
Defensive Midfielder: Kevin Pina
Midfielders: Ryan Mendes, Deroy Duarte, Laros Duarte, Jovane Cabral
Forward: Nuno da Costa

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Report: Wizards acquire C Deandre Ayton from Lakers

Published

26 minutes ago

3 July 2026

NewsAdmin

Oct 26, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers center Deandre Ayton (5) reacts to a call during the fourth quarter of the game against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images

The Los Angeles Lakers are trading center Deandre Ayton to the Washington Wizards in exchange for guard Jaden Hardy and two second-round draft picks, ESPN reported Friday.

The picks are in 2031 and 2032, per the report.

Ayton, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NBA Draft, averaged 12.5 points and 8.0 rebounds in 72 games (all starts) in his lone season with the Lakers in 2025-26.

Ayton, who turns 28 on July 23, has averaged 15.8 points and 10.1 rebounds in 470 career games (463 starts) with the Phoenix Suns (2018-23), Portland Trail Blazers (2023-25) and Lakers.

Hardy, who turns 24 on Sunday, split the 2025-26 season with the Dallas Mavericks and Wizards and averaged 9.2 points in 57 games (four starts).

A second-round pick in 2022, Hardy has averaged 8.4 points, 1.7 rebounds and 1.3 assists in 235 games (19 starts) with the Mavericks (2022-26) and Wizards. He has canned 38.6% of his career 3-point attempts (324 of 839).

–Field Level Media

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38 straight hours playing golf?? Georgia man sets new world record

Published

39 minutes ago

3 July 2026

NewsAdmin

At 5:58 p.m. this past Sunday, Mike Woodard went out for a round at his home course in Georgia.

He wasn’t chasing daylight. He was after something more.

When darkness fell over Cartersville Country Club, Woodard switched to glow balls and kept playing, firing at flagsticks outfitted with toy lightsabers for visibility, his path lit by headlamp-wearing volunteers. Dawn broke, and Woodard stuck with it, looping the layout all day Monday and through a second night before holing out one last time at 7:58 a.m. Tuesday.

Thirty-eight sleepless hours after he’d started, Woodard, 40, hadn’t merely set what organizers say is a new world record for consecutive hours playing golf. He’d also raised more than $180,000 for children’s healthcare.

“When you think about how far some parents have to go to get medical care for their children, 38 hours of golf doesn’t really seem like much,” Woodard said.

Woodard was a kid himself when he got into golf. The local muni doubled as a kind of daycare. He went on to earn a PGA management degree and land a job as an assistant pro. He has since traded that career for a different one — he now runs an employee benefits firm — but he never gave up the game, playing roughly once a week in the way a lot of weekend golfers do: with a cart and generously conceded putts.

It was a friend who first floated the idea of pegging it for a bigger purpose: raising money for Live2540, a nonprofit that funds children’s healthcare initiatives in the West African nation of Liberia. A marathon outing, tackled in the name of charity, seemed like the way to do it, all the better if it shattered a world record along the way.

A single-digit handicap, Woodard didn’t prepare by grinding on the range. Instead, he worked on his endurance, taking long walks after work and hoofing his home course. Portions of it, anyway. “I’d take the cart to my tee ball and then walk to the green from there,” he said.

Walking was, in fact, a requirement of the record attempt, but Woodard wasn’t plying the fairways on his own. Buggies trailed him for support, and hundreds of spectators turned out over the two days, along with rotating shifts of volunteers who lit his way after dark and kept him stocked with snacks and fluids.

“I don’t think I’ve ever taken in so many electrolytes in my life,” Woodard said.

He needed them. Monday was the hottest day of 2026, with temperatures cracking triple digits. Monday night was cooler in both senses of the word: a full moon lit the course like a spotlight.

The rules allowed him a five-minute break every hour, though Woodard often banked them, saving up the minutes so he could cash in longer rest stops later on. Cartersville is a flat, walkable course, but the heat still took its toll. Woodard swapped his socks every three to four hours, along with his shirt, shorts, and cap, and wore sneakers instead of golf shoes to avoid blisters.

The real challenge, though, he said, wasn’t physical but mental, especially in what proved to be a strange final stretch. With six to eight hours to go, Woodard began hallucinating, seeing trees and hazards that weren’t there and, by his own account, “talking nonsense.” He credits the volunteers for carrying him through it, along with a boost from Stephen Scroggins, a Green Beret buddy who flew in from Colorado to walk the final hours by his side.

“This was really a community effort,” Woodard said. “I get emotional just thinking about it.”

For those keeping tabs at home, this was the final tally: 144 holes, or eight full rounds, with every shot counted. Woodard’s best score was a 78; his worst was 88. On his final approach, in the pale light of Tuesday morning, he stuck it close. But, golf being golf, the putt didn’t drop.

Not that he was counting. The only sum that mattered was money raised.

When it was over, Woodard returned to the home he shares with his wife, Nicole, and their two children. He posed for family photos, then he went to sleep, waking briefly in the evening before conking out again and snoozing until morning.

By Thursday, he was back at the office. And by Friday, he was back at the course, playing in his regular game with friends.

They planned to finish well before dark.

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Egypt advances with penalty shootout win over Australia

Published

52 minutes ago

3 July 2026

NewsAdmin

ARLINGTON, Texas — Hossam Abdelmaguid scored the clinching goal in a shootout, and Egypt won its debut in the World Cup knockout round by beating Australia 4-2 on penalty kicks after a 1-1 draw Friday.

Australia goalkeeper Mathew Ryan didn’t stop any of Egypt’s four shots after replacing starter Patrick Beach late in extra time.

The victory comes in Egypt’s fourth World Cup. Australia is now 0-3 in the knockout round.

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Wimbledon 2026: Serena Williams and Venus Williams added to Saturday’s order of play but not allocated a court

Published

1 hour ago

3 July 2026

NewsAdmin

Serena Williams’ hopes of playing alongside older sister Venus in the Wimbledon doubles look to have improved after the pair’s match was added to Saturday’s order of play.

Williams, 44, picked up a knee injury in her singles comeback on Tuesday, when she lost to Australia’s Maya Joint.

The sisters, who are six-time doubles champions at the All England Club, are scheduled to reunite on a Grand Slam court for the first time since 2022.

Their match against Colombia’s Camila Osorio and Argentina’s Solana Sierra has not been allocated a court, but organisers say it will not be played before 16:30 BST.

It suggests Serena Williams is being given as long as possible to declare herself fit after her knee swelled up during a gallant three-set defeat by 20-year-old Joint.

Sources close to the 23-time Grand Slam singles champion told BBC Sport on Friday that the plan is for her to play.

It is likely the Williams sisters, who were given a wildcard, will be put on one of Wimbledon’s biggest show courts once the day’s singles matches have finished.

However, the loose scheduling leaves Wimbledon with no issues in case the American superstars do withdraw.

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‘Going to have ups and downs’: England star issues reality check for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi | Cricket News

Published

1 hour ago

3 July 2026

NewsAdmin

'Going to have ups and downs': England star issues reality check for Vaibhav Sooryavanshi

England all-rounder Sam Curran has described Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s rise to the Indian team as an “incredible story”, saying the 15-year-old has earned the attention coming his way, while hoping England can keep him quiet if he makes his international debut in the ongoing T20I series.The cricket world has been waiting for Sooryavanshi’s India debut ever since he was picked for the tour of the UK following his performances for Rajasthan Royals in IPL 2026.Speaking to the media ahead of the second T20I, Curran said he had followed Sooryavanshi closely during the IPL.“I guess it’s an incredible story. I watched a lot of the IPL for a month, and I was just watching this guy, he looks so easy. It’s truly incredible and it’s rightly so, getting the attention he deserves.“He’s so raw and he’s just having the time of his life, isn’t he? Playing for India at 15 years old is such a cool story and I think even as opposition, you’ve got to admire the skill and things like that,” Curran said.Curran believes England’s conditions could present a different challenge for the youngster.“I think England will probably be a different challenge, the pitches are very different, a lot slower than in India. Guys can have their plans and all this kind of thing.“So I guess, we will have our plans, of course, but I’m not saying they’re the right plans, you never know because he’s playing really well.“But at the end of the day, I’ll try and execute my skills, but there’s no doubt that he’s pretty special for what he’s doing,” he said.Sooryavanshi finished IPL 2026 as the tournament’s highest run-scorer, scoring 776 runs at a strike rate of over 230.Curran also said handling the attention that comes with playing for India could be Sooryavanshi’s biggest challenge.“I think being an Indian cricketer in India is probably much bigger than we are. So I think that’ll probably be his biggest challenge, how he handles that. He has played one or two IPL seasons and is straight into the Indian squad now. I’m sure he’s got people around him trying to help him. But I guess you never know until he’s given his debut and see how he goes.“I’m sure he’s going to have ups and downs like anybody else, but as a cricket player, you’ve got to enjoy what he’s doing because it is pretty cool. At 15 years old, I think I was just knocking in the Surrey indoor school.”

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Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison Get Curiously Low WR Duo Ranking

Published

2 hours ago

3 July 2026

NewsAdmin

Jordan Addison & Justin Jefferson against the Bears in 2025 — Nov 16, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison (3) and wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) celebrate a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Chicago Bears at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.

Last month, Bleacher Report ranked all NFL teams’ wide receiving corps, and the Minnesota Vikings checked in at No. 1. Fast forward to July, and SI.com has come along to do the same thing, but this time ranking duos, and in this case, just Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison from Minnesota.

And according to Gilbert Manzano, the pair ranks fifth-best in the NFL, which is a bit low for Vikings fans’ liking.

Vikings’ QB Fix Could Settle the Whole Argument

Justin Jefferson celebrates a Vikings touchdown with Jordan Addison against the Titans. Justin Jefferson Jordan Addison — Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) celebrates with teammate Jordan Addison (3) after a touchdown at Nissan Stadium, with Nov. 17, 2024 marking the first-half moment in Nashville against the Tennessee Titans. Jefferson’s score helped spark Minnesota’s offense as the Vikings built road momentum during an interconference matchup that afternoon. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-Imagn Images.

Manzano: Jefferson, Addison Rank No. 5

Manzano explained the fifth-best ranking: “There were a few duos considered for the fifth spot, including the Seahawks’ Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Rashid Shaheed, Broncos’ Jaylen Waddle and Courtland Sutton, and Patriots’ A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs. But two of those candidates haven’t played a game together and Shaheed made more of an impact on special teams than as a receiver after joining Seattle in a midseason trade from the Saints.”

“There is some uncertainty with the partnership of Jefferson and Addison after a down 2025 season and the ongoing quarterback battle between Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy.”

If there’s uncertainty about the WR duo, it’s news to those who closely follow the Vikings.

Manzano continued, “But this is a dominant duo when receiving competent quarterback play, evident from what they have done since the Vikings drafted Addison in 2023 to pair him with Jefferson, who still might be the league’s best receiver after delivering his sixth consecutive 1,000-yard receiving season, despite the disastrous QB play in 2025.”

“If Murray can regain his top form or McCarthy shows vast improvement, there likely won’t be any debate about who’s the best wideout in the game. Addison hasn’t had a 1,000-yard receiving season in his three-year career, but his knack for stretching the field has given Jefferson plenty of beneficial matchups on the field.”

A Quiet Year in 2025 by Their Standards

In 2025, Jefferson logged 1,024 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns, totally pedestrian numbers compared to his typical interstellar standard. His copilot, Addison, produced 610 yards and 3 touchdowns. Together, they created a stat line that Jefferson generally posts by his lonesome.

So, what happened? The Vikings’ quarterback struggled, with McCarthy, Carson Wentz, and Max Brosmer all getting snaps under center. Wentz, at times, was able to distribute effectively, but McCarthy struggled with consistency, and Brosmer was a total train wreck.

If you’re wondering why Jefferson and Addison didn’t rank higher than No. 5 on Manzano’s list, this is probably it — the “what have you done for me lately?” argument.

A Chance to Rebound with Revamped Quarterbacking

Of course, the minuscule output from Jefferson and Addison need not persist. That’s why Murray is in town — to unlock the pass-catchers and the offense, as a whole, to its fullest potential.

In February, the rumor mill suggested that the Arizona Cardinals would cut ties with Murray after seven seasons, and that proved accurate. The Cardinals dumped Murray, willing to pay him to play for another team, and the Vikings pounced, securing the 28-year-old on a contract worth $1.3 million.

Jordan Addison catches a pass during Vikings warmups before facing the Packers. Justin Jefferson Jordan Addison — Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jordan Addison secures a pass during pregame warm-ups at Lambeau Field, with Sept. 29, 2024, placing the division matchup preparations in Green Bay before facing the Packers. Addison moves through routes as Minnesota’s offense works on timing, hands, and rhythm under the early stadium lights that afternoon. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images.

Murray didn’t find much team success in Arizona — just one postseason appearance and zero playoff wins since 2019 — but his individual numbers hint that he can succeed in his next chapter, which might involve getting players like Jefferson and Addison the ball.

For example, Cardinals tight end Trey McBride turned into one of the best players at his position with Murray running the show. If McBride could pull that off, why Jefferson and Murray?

Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins as Top Dogs

Manzano nominated the Bengals’ WRs as the league’s best, noting, “With most duos, it’s about complementing each other with different skills. That’s not the case with Chase, a top-three wideout, and Higgins, a clutch playmaker who can take over games when needed.”

“They’re both versatile as wideouts who can make plays downfield and near the line of scrimmage. It also helps that Joe Burrow is an established elite quarterback. This dynamic offense has been held back a bit playing with a poor defense the past few seasons.”

When best WR duo articles circulate on the internet, it’s almost always these two who take home the bacon.

Ja’Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson hug after a Bengals-Vikings game in Minneapolis. Justin Jefferson Jordan Addison — Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase (1) shares a postgame hug with Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) at U.S. Bank Stadium, with Sept. 21, 2025 capturing the moment in Minneapolis after the matchup. The LSU stars reconnect on the field as players begin clearing out following the final whistle. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.

Manzano concluded, “It’s been three years since Burrow, Chase and Higgins played in a playoff game, but this group got to a Super Bowl in the 2021 season, Chase’s rookie year. Perhaps this high-scoring offense can return to the big stage after the offseason moves the Bengals made defensively, including the trade for star defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II.”

“The AFC likely doesn’t want to see this scary offense return to the postseason.”

Jefferson turned 27 this offseason, and Addison is 24.

Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker

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Maria Sharapova says Retirement was Years in the Making

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2 hours ago

3 July 2026

NewsAdmin

Maria Sharapova has revealed that retiring from tennis was not a last-minute decision, saying she spent years preparing for life after the sport.

The five-time Grand Slam champion explained that she always knew a tennis career had an expiration date, which is why she started building her future long before announcing her retirement in 2020.

“I recognized from an early age that as a woman, my career would end much sooner than in other professions. I was like, ‘I’ve got to hustle. I’ve got to start learning from other people.’”

Instead of seeing injuries and breaks from the tour as setbacks, Sharapova turned them into opportunities to learn.

She said she attended business school, completed internships and even spent time shadowing NBA Commissioner Adam Silver.

“When I was injured, or I had a break, I’d go to a business school… I would take internships. I went to the NBA for a few weeks to shadow Adam Silver.”

Sharapova also began investing while she was still competing, believing those decisions would help her build a successful career beyond tennis.

Looking back, she said personal growth away from the court was just as important as her success on it.

“There are elements of growth that even though you’re progressing in one arena, I thought it was really critical and important to help grow in others.”

Sharapova retired from professional tennis in 2020 after winning five Grand Slam singles titles and spending years among the sport’s biggest stars.

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Australia v Ireland, Saturday at 11.10am – Live on Virgin Media

Published

2 hours ago

3 July 2026

NewsAdmin

Ireland will play their opening summer game against Australia in the Southern Hemisphere Series at 11.10am Irish time on Saturday.

Andy Farrell’s side will play Joe Schmidt’s Wallabies at a sold-out Allianz Stadium, Sydney. with live coverage on Virgin Media Ireland.

Dan Sheehan will captain the Ireland rugby team for their inaugural Nations Championship fixture.

Hugo Keenan will start at fullback for Ireland, with Rob Baloucoune and Jamie Osborne on the wings.

Andy Farrell has chosen Garry Ringrose and Stuart McCloskey to start in midfield, with Sam Prendergast partnering Jamison Gibson-Park in the half-backs.

Alongside Sheehan in the front row will be Tom O’Toole and Tadhg Furlong.

Joe McCarthy and James Ryan are in the second row.

The back row is made up of Cian Prendergast, Josh van der Flier and Jack Conan.

The forwards on the bench are Rónan Kelleher, Jeremy Loughman, Thomas Clarkson, Tadhg Beirne and Nick Timoney.

Farrell’s backline options are Craig Casey, Ciaran Frawley and Bundee Aki.

Ireland Team

15. Hugo Keenan (UCD/Leinster), 14. Rob Baloucoune (Enniskillen/Ulster), 13. Garry Ringrose (UCD/Leinster), 12 Stuart McCloskey (Bangor/Ulster), 11. Jamie Osborne (Naas/Leinster), 10. Sam Prendergast (Lansdowne/Leinster), 9. Jamison Gibson-Park (Leinster).

1. Tom O’Toole (Ballynahinch/Ulster), Dan Sheehan (Lansdowne/Leinster)(captain), 3. Tadhg Furlong (Clontarf/Leinster), 4. Joe McCarthy (Dublin University/Leinster), 5. James Ryan (UCD/Leinster), 6. Cian Prendergast (UCD/Connacht), 7. Josh van der Flier (UCD/Leinster), 8. Jack Conan (Old Belvedere/Leinster).

Ireland Replacements

16. Rónan Kelleher (Lansdowne/Leinster), 17. Jeremy Loughman (Garryowen/Munster), 18. Thomas Clarkson (Blackrock College/Leinster), 19. Tadhg Beirne (Lansdowne/Munster), 20. Nick Timoney (Queen’s University/Ulster), 21. Craig Casey (Shannon/Munster), 22. Ciaran Frawley (UCD/Leinster), 23. Bundee Aki (Galwegians/Connacht).

Ireland Facts

Ireland arrive in Sydney having won four of their last five matches, with victories over Scotland, Wales, England and Italy in the 2026 Six Nations.

Ireland have won all five of their most recent head-to-head meetings with Australia, including three victories in Dublin and two on Australian soil.

Stuart McCloskey was Ireland’s standout performer in their most recent match, earning a match rating of 9.1 with 17 carries, 7 defenders beaten and 2 try assists.

Ireland won 100% of their lineouts in the last meeting with Australia in November 2025, while the Wallabies managed just 68% of their own lineout ball in the same fixture.

LiveScores Now Available at IrishScores.com

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Mexico v England LIVE: World Cup last-16 tie could be brought forward due to storm threat

Published

2 hours ago

3 July 2026

NewsAdmin

Britain had been bracing for early-morning kick-off

Outgoing prime minister Sir Keir Starmer has relaxed licensing laws to allow pubs in the UK to stay open until 5am, for the 1am kick-off, and it is unclear how a change would affect that decision.

There is also an ongoing debate over whether children should be allowed to start school later on Monday morning in order to watch the match.

Will Castle3 July 2026 20:42

Fifa yet to confirm scheduled change

Fifa is yet to confirm or deny that the kick-off time has been moved but an earlier start would suit fans at home in England, with 7pm being much more palatable than the wee small hours.

Will Castle3 July 2026 20:28

England vs Mexico could be moved due to storm threat

Media in Mexico, citing sources with knowledge of the matter, have suggested the game, which is scheduled to kick off at 1am BST on Monday morning (6pm local time on Sunday) will now start at 7pm BST (12pm local) instead. The BBC are also reporting that they understand the game has been brought forward.

That is because of a significant risk of storms in the area when the match is currently scheduled and Mexico already saw their last-32 match against Ecuador earlier this week delayed due to rain.

Will Castle3 July 2026 20:13

BREAKING: England vs Mexico could be moved due to storm threat

England’s last-16 tie with Mexico could be moved to earlier on Sunday because of the threat of storms.

Fifa is considering bringing the game at the Estadio Azteca forward, with reports in Mexico claiming kick-off will move from 1am BST to 7pm BST – a jump of six hours.

Will Castle3 July 2026 19:59

The change Thomas Tuchel has made to England’s World Cup plans to combat Azteca altitude

England are certainly wary of the impact of altitude on Sunday night. Miguel Delaney reports:

Harry Latham-Coyle3 July 2026 19:30

What do England do at right-back?

England appear in a total mess at right-back. Reece James missed training yesterday and Djed Spence did not convince at all against DR Congo. It feels a problem mostly of Thomas Tuchel’s own making:

Harry Latham-Coyle3 July 2026 19:00

‘It catches you off guard’: The true impact of Azteca altitude for England against Mexico

England have overcome several World Cup obstacles already this summer – yet Thomas Tuchel is fully aware of the seismic challenge that awaits at the cauldron that is the Azteca Stadium in the last-16.

The co-hosts have been whipped up into a piping-hot frenzy over the last three weeks, unleashed most impressively in their last-32 victory against Ecuador. Following a weather delay, the rampant Julian Quinonez and Raul Jimenez landed a pair of haymakers to leave their South American opponents dazed.

Yet England’s most daunting task on Sunday night could well be the conditions, with altitude set to be a great leveller with Mexico City’s iconic Azteca situated 7,220ft (2,240m) above sea level.

Jack Rathborn and Kieran Jackson3 July 2026 18:30

HAVE YOUR SAY: Who will win the World Cup?

Harry Latham-Coyle3 July 2026 18:01

World Cup 2026: Last-16 fixtures, results and full tournament bracket

Have you filled out your World Cup bracket? We’re getting towards the pointy end of the tournament.

Harry Latham-Coyle3 July 2026 17:50

Thomas Tuchel hopes ‘karma’ will be on England’s side

Thomas Tuchel believes England will right the wrongs of the ‘Hand of God’ as “karma” will be on their side for their long-awaited return to the Estadio Azteca.

Sunday’s mouthwatering World Cup last-16 clash against co-hosts Mexico takes the team back to the historic stadium for the first time since their unforgettable date with Diego Maradona in 1986.

The late playmaker’s goals in Argentina’s 2-1 quarter-final defeat of England have gone down in football folklore, having produced a jaw-dropping solo effort after punching the opener past Peter Shilton.

Tuchel vividly remembers watching that World Cup as a child and believes his side will benefit from cosmic justice when they face Mexico at the Azteca on Sunday.

Asked if the ‘Hand of God’ will be in the air 40 years on, he said: “Yes, it will reward us. We will get it back. It’s karma. Karma will come back for us. We will turn it around. I remember of course the World Cup of Maradona. The two goals against England – the one dribbling and the one which would never stand these days.”