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After 40-foot, playoff-winning eagle, Doc Redman’s emotions flowed

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JJ Gabriel’s actions speak volumes as Man United wonderkid sends Michael Carrick clear message

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JJ Gabriel is putting in the work ahead of his anticipated Manchester United senior bow under Michael Carrick

Manchester United youngster JJ Gabriel could have a big part to play in pre-season and is trying to give Michael Carrick no choice but to give him minutes.

The wonderkid, who doesn’t turn 16 until October, will be eligible to play Premier League football next term and has shown a willingness to put in the hard yards as he chases senior minutes even sooner than that.

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United manager Carrick will be without a number of senior stars in July thanks to World Cup commitments. The first pre-season friendly will take place in Helsinki on July 18, with Wrexham the opposition.

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Players not travelling to the World Cup will be expected back in training even earlier than that and Gabriel will be among them. The teenager trained with the first team under Carrick and his predecessor Ruben Amorim and a senior bow isn’t thought to be too far away.

Gabriel’s father Joe O’Cearuill shared a number of videos on social media, showing the teenager doing strength and speed work at the gym and on the training ground. “JJ 12min kick ups with tennis ball walk to gym,” the caption read, with one of a collage of four videos showing the kick-ups in question.

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Manchester United have launched their new home kit for the 2026/27 season, inspired by the club’s heritage and featuring a classic polo collar with iconic adidas details.

Fans seemed impressed upon watching the footage. “What a player he’s going to be for United, hopefully he will have a statue one day,” one wrote in reply to O’Cearuill’s post.

“I don’t care about the packaging, just work ethic that makes me say this. If he has good people around him who value privacy, he’ll go on to challenge for Ballon d’Or,” wrote another.

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Gabriel isn’t the only United academy talent putting in work this summer. Kai Rooney saw his 2025/26 season disrupted by injury but is doing what he can to be ready to get going again next term, sharing a gym photo which indicated he has been adding muscle ahead of pre-season.

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Carrick will have plenty of time to watch United’s youngsters in action as he prepares for his first pre-season campaign as manager. The Wrexham friendly is the first of six pre-season games over the course of a month before last season’s third-place finishers kick off their 2026/27 campaign.

None of those six matches will take place at Old Trafford. After the trip to Helsinki there’s an away game against Rosenborg in Norway, followed by matches on neutral territory against Atletico Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Leeds United and AC Milan.

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Real Madrid: Jose Mourinho re-appointed as head coach on three-year deal

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Real Madrid have confirmed the reappointment of Jose Mourinho as head coach.

The 63-year-old has agreed a three-year deal and will begin work when the club returns for pre-season training on 13 July.

Real Madrid have paid Benfica £13m (15m euros) in compensation to bring the Portuguese head coach back to the Bernabeu – more than a decade after his first stint at the club came to an end.

Florentino Perez had vowed to reappoint Mourinho as head coach if he was re-elected as club president earlier this month.

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Perez, 79, who has been in office since 2009, beat challenger and renewable energy magnate Enrique Riquelme in the election by picking up 65% of the votes.

It is the second time Mourinho has taken charge of Real Madrid, with his previous spell, which began in 2010 and lasted three seasons, yielding a La Liga title, a Copa del Rey and a Spanish Super Cup.

Mourinho has since taken charge of Premier League clubs Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur and had stints at Roma, Fenerbahce and Benfica in more recent years.

During his one and only season at Benfica, Mourinho led the two-time European Cup winners to an unbeaten Liga Portugal campaign, though it was only enough to secure a third place finish.

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Earlier this week, Benfica agreed a deal to appoint former Fulham manager Marco Silva as Mourinho’s replacement.

Mourinho, meanwhile, heads back to Real Madrid with the club having failed to win a trophy in the last two seasons.

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UEFA Hands Super Cup Final to Somali Referee Omar Artan

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Somali referee Omar Artan has been appointed to officiate the 2026 UEFA Super Cup between Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa in Salzburg on August 12.

UEFA announced the appointment on Thursday following discussions with the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

Artan, 34, is regarded as one of Africa’s leading referees. He has been a FIFA-listed international referee since 2018 and was named CAF Men’s Referee of the Year in 2025 after a series of impressive performances.

  • FIFA World Cup 2026 official tournament logo ahead of the global football championship.FIFA World Cup 2026 official tournament logo ahead of the global football championship.

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One of the biggest matches he handled was the second leg of the 2025/26 CAF Champions League final, which further strengthened his reputation on the continent.

The appointment comes after Artan missed the opportunity to officiate at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Although FIFA selected him among the tournament’s match officials, he was unable to take part after being denied entry into the United States.

UEFA said the decision to appoint Artan was made under its recently signed Memorandum of Understanding with CAF, which aims to strengthen cooperation between both football bodies, including in refereeing development.

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UEFA President Aleksander Čeferin praised the Somali official, describing him as a talented referee who has already shown his quality at the highest level of African football.

“Football is made to connect people, and UEFA wants to show its respect to Omar and his outstanding officiating skills, which had earned him such a prestigious nomination,” Čeferin said.

CAF President Patrice Motsepe also welcomed the appointment, saying Artan has made Somalia and Africa proud through his achievements.

“His receipt of the CAF Men’s Referee of the Year Award 2025 and his appointment as a referee of the FIFA World Cup 2026 are a recognition of his world-class refereeing ability and the international respect that he enjoys,” Motsepe said.

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The CAF President added that Artan’s selection for the UEFA Super Cup is a great honour for African referees and an example of football’s ability to unite people across continents.

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6 positions from J.J. Spaun’s swing that every golfer should copy

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J.J. Spaun’s ascent from mini-tour anonymity to 2025 U.S. Open champion was a remarkable transformation. Born August 21, 1990, in Los Angeles, Spaun had a standout collegiate career at San Diego State University and turned pro in 2012, competing on West Coast mini-tours. He survived on shoestring budgets, often just scraping by while chasing his PGA Tour dream.

He earned Web.com status for the 2016 season, which he parlayed into a PGA Tour card the following year. Even with the occasional brilliant round on Tour, his inconsistency fueled long slumps and tested stretches of frustration. After a serious health scare in 2023, Spaun enlisted the help of Adam Schriber, a Michigan-based coach at LochenHeath Golf Club. Schriber’s holistic approach rebuilt Spaun from the ground up. They focused on core stability, efficient rotation and mental resilience, allowing him to minimize strain while simultaneously enhancing power. 

“Adam reconstructed my swing and mindset,” Spaun said.

Early in the week of the 2025 U.S. Open, Spaun added short-game coach Josh Gregory to the team, and it paid off immediately with a chip-in on the very first hole. At Oakmont, his refined technique and composed attitude kept him in the hunt after a shaky start, culminating with a 64-foot birdie putt on the final hole, clinching a two-stroke win.

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“This is ours,” Spaun told Schriber, trophy in hand.

Known for his calm demeanor under pressure and ultra-solid ball striking, Spaun built his game around discipline rather than flash. Friends describe him as relentlessly curious, always seeking incremental gains. His journey reflects perseverance, humility and belief — proof that patience, persistence and dedication can outlast early-career obscurity.

Check out below for a breakdown of six positions from Spaun’s swing that every golfer should copy.

jj spaun swing sequence

Mark Newcombe / Visionsingolf.com

1. Setup 

Many shorter amateur golfers bend over too much, causing them to stand excessively far from the ball and limiting their pivot. J.J. adopts just enough forward tilt to allow for a comfortable arm swing and easier wind and unwind.

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2. Takeaway 

Spaun rotates his torso away from the ball without unnecessary right-leg straightening, allowing minimal right-arm bend while keeping his arms in front and limiting clubface rotation.

3. Top

J.J.’s arms form a neat, equilateral triangle at the top with perfect left wrist and clubface position. You can’t get to this position with a “hold the tray” right forearm. Additionally, he has turned enough to reach this hand location without overturning.

4. Downswing

Spaun keeps from over-closing the clubface by not overdoing the Internet-popular arching of the left wrist. His wrist remains plenty neutral as the club is lowered and pulled into a great position to unload it without fear of a quick hook.

5. Impact

A top-flight professional impact position requires body twisting that most amateurs have never experienced but could learn: hips forward, tucked and open, lower torso turned, but upper torso right tilted and less open. Do these things, and that hall-of-fame arms-and-hands position is possible. Just like Spaun’s.

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6. Release

Take note of the bent right arm and open clubface in No. 4 and the fully released toe of the clubhead and straightened right arm here. All while keeping the right arm under the left. This brilliantly keeps his fade from being a weak wipe and a pull all but impossible.

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South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Brisbane Broncos Tips, Odds, Teams & Predictions – NRL Round 15 2026

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Accor Stadium will play host to Thursday’s
Round 15 NRL game between South Sydney Rabbitohs and
Brisbane Broncos. The game kicks off at 7:50 pm with South Sydney Rabbitohs heading into the game as favourites with the bookmakers. Continue reading for our in-depth preview of the South Sydney Rabbitohs vs.
Brisbane Broncos
game and give you our free tips and bets.

When: Thursday June 11, 2026 at 7:50 pm

Where: Accor Stadium

Bet 💰: Bet On This Match HERE

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South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Brisbane Broncos Odds

South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Brisbane Broncos Preview

Round 15 begins with two proud clubs searching for answers as South Sydney hosts Brisbane at Accor Stadium on Thursday night. Injuries and Origin absences have left both sides heavily depleted, adding another layer of intrigue to a contest that could shape their seasons. The Rabbitohs have slipped outside the top eight after three straight defeats, while the Broncos enter on a five-game losing streak that has seen their finals hopes rapidly fade. South Sydney will be looking for greater consistency without Latrell Mitchell, while Brisbane must find a way to tighten a defence that has leaked points at an alarming rate. Recent meetings between the sides have been closely contested, and with neither team entering in convincing form, this traditional rivalry looms as one of the hardest games of the round to predict.

First Try Scorer

First Try Scorer:

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Edward Kosi at $10.50.

South Sydney Rabbitohs vs Brisbane Broncos Teams

Rabbitohs team: 1. Jye Gray 2. Alex Johnston 3. Latrell Siegwalt 4. Campbell Graham 5. Edward Kosi 6. Cody Walker 7. Ashton Ward 8. Tevita Tatola 9. Brandon Smith 10. Keaon Koloamatangi 11. David Fifita 12. Tallis Duncan 13. Cameron Murray 14. Lachlan Hubner 15. Jamie Humphreys 16. Euan Aitken 17. Sean Keppie 18. Matthew Dufty 21. Bronson Garlick

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Broncos team: 1. Reece Walsh 2. Josiah Karapani 3. Kotoni Staggs 4. Grant Anderson 5. Jesse Arthars 6. Thomas Duffy 7. Adam Reynolds 8. Preston Riki 9. Cory Paix 10. Payne Haas 11. Brendan Piakura 12. Jack Gosiewski 13. Xavier Willison 14. Ben Hunt 15. Ben Talty 16. Va’a Semu 17. Aublix Tawha 18. Ezra Mam 19. Hayze Perham 22. Josh Rogers

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Anthony Rizzo says Chicago is in denial about Bears moving to Indiana

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Former Chicago Cubs star Anthony Rizzo is reveling in the Windy City after retirement, but pretty soon, the city will be without a primary sport.

The Chicago Bears of the National Football League are set to leave Chicago for Hammond, Indiana, roughly 20 miles south of their current home.

The Bears have called Soldier Field home since 1971, and before that, they played their home games at Rizzo’s old stomping grounds, Wrigley Field, for 50 seasons.

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A general view of Soldier Field stadium during the national anthem before a football game.

A general view inside Soldier Field during the national anthem before the game between the Seattle Seahawks and the Chicago Bears in Chicago, Ill., on Dec. 26, 2024. (Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

While the Bears have been pretty insistent on leaving, city officials have been trying desperately to keep them, and Rizzo says they are “in denial that they’re going.”

“I think they’re trying to deny it as long as they can until it’s official,” Rizzo told Fox News Digital.

“Soldier Field was, is, awesome, in my opinion. It’s hard to get in and out of, and it definitely needed some renovations, but the city of Chicago and the fan base, it’s absolutely wild that they’re leaving for Indiana. I know it’s not too far away; it’s not even 20 miles south, but the fact that it’s in Indiana is different,” he continued.

Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo celebrating at a World Series victory rally in Chicago

Chicago Cubs first baseman Anthony Rizzo celebrates during the team’s World Series victory rally at Grant Park in Chicago, Ill., on Nov. 4, 2016. (Patrick Gorski/Icon Sportswire)

CHICAGO BEARS TAKE MAJOR STEP TOWARD LEAVING CITY AFTER MORE THAN A CENTURY AS FRANCHISE MAKES INDIANA PLANS

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“Then again, the New York Giants and the New York Jets play in New Jersey, so. The renderings of what they’re doing look amazing. If you build it, they will come, right?”

The Bears’ board of directors met last week into the evening and voted to advance the stadium development project in Hammond, Indiana — with an exact stadium site to be selected. The announcement was made the next day.

“We believe a world-class stadium project in Hammond will transform the region, connecting Northwest Indiana and the South Side of Chicago through the Loop and across the neighborhoods and suburbs stretching north of the city,” Bears Chairman George H. McCaskey and CEO Kevin Warren said in a statement.

“It will bring Chicagoland together and deliver new opportunities to its residents and businesses.”

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This is the first time the team’s board has voted on a stadium site. This development is notable and significant, but an NFL source told Fox News there is a chance Illinois might still be able to convince the team to stay in the state. Those chances were characterized as requiring “a Hail Mary” political effort.

Chicago Bears helmets arranged on a table at Allegiant Stadium.

Chicago Bears helmets are displayed before the game against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nev., on Sept. 28, 2025. (Kiyoshi Mio/Imagn Images)

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However, that Hail Mary, even if it were to work, will still move the club out of Chicago, with the only site in Illinois as a likely landing spot being Arlington Heights.

Outkick’s Armando Salguero contributed to this report.

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Canelo Alvarez tells Hamzah Sheeraz who he must face to ‘earn’ a shot at him

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Hamzah Sheeraz is hoping to secure a shot at Canelo Alvarez in 2027, but the Mexican has made it clear what the Brit must do to land the fight.

Sheeraz knocked out Alem Begic to claim the vacant WBO throne last month, whilst Canelo is attempting to reclaim the WBC super-middleweight crown in September, when he takes on Christian Mbilli in an intriguing Las Vegas scrap.

Should Canelo regain the WBC marble, Sheeraz is eyeing up Canelo’s regular Cinco De Mayo outing for a potential 168lb unification affair, planning on announcing himself as the super-middleweight to beat by overcoming the division’s poster boy.

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However, speaking with DAZN Boxing, Canelo stated that, if Sheeraz wants to face him, then he should look to unify the belts against newly crowned IBF world champion, Osleys Iglesias, in order to entice him into the proposed fight.

“I never checked that [potential fights with Hamzah Sheeraz or Osleys Iglesias]. I think that they need to fight each other and then I find out the winner. That is the most smart thing that they can do. 

“We all, at some point, we need to earn what we deserve, right? They need to earn it [a fight with me], why not? That is why I say that they need to [fight each other] and I don’t say that they don’t deserve it.

“They deserve it, that is why they are there as champions or number ones or whatever. 

“But, they need to fight each other and then, after my fight, we will see.”

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Sheeraz is expected to appear once again next month, but that will not be against Iglesias, who’s promoter believes that the Briton has no interest in ever taking on.

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Shakur Stevenson says prime Sugar Ray Robinson vs prime Floyd Mayweather ‘wouldn’t be competitive’

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Hailed as boxing’s all-time pound-for-pound number one, Sugar Ray Robinson is appreciated by the purists, whilst Floyd Mayweather is seen by many to have been the best fighter since the turn of the millennium. Now, undefeated four-division champion Shakur Stevenson has had his say on how a fight between the two would have played out.

The very reason behind the introduction of the ‘pound-for-pound’ ratings, Robinson famously lost just one of his first 132 professional bouts and is recognised by the masses as the greatest boxer to have ever graced the sport.

However, speaking on The Art of Ward podcast, current pound-for-pound star Stevenson stated that he does not believe a clash between Robinson and Mayweather would have even been competitive, confidently picking the modern-day great to come out on top.

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“Floyd Mayweather [would have won], no question. Floyd Mayweaher, no question, not even close, nothing to even think about. 

“I don’t think that it would be a competitive fight.”

Stevenson then expanded on his opinion, declaring that Mayweather’s style is simply far more ‘evolved’ and that his defensive superiority would have proven too difficult for Robinson to overcome.

“Floyd Mayweather, he had different looks. So Floyd would have his hands up [high guard], he would have his hands right here [in front of his chest] sometimes, he would have it here [Philly Shell], he had different looks. I feel like his game was way more evolved than Sugar Ray Robinson’s.

“A lot of the times, if you watch Sugar Ray Robinson, his hands was always right here [left hand low, right hand on chin]. From an offensive standpoint, Sugar Ray Robinson would be harder to deal with than Floyd Mayweather.

“But, from a defensive standpoint and who could do more, who got better boxing, IQ, skills; to me, Floyd Mayweather was way ahead of Sugar Ray Robinson.”

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The debate is perhaps one of boxing’s most difficult fantasy matchups, not only because of their extraordinary talent but because they competed in vastly different eras, under different rules, training methods and levels of competition, making any direct comparison inherently speculative.

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Pirelli F1 tyre contract extended until 2028

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F1 president and chief executive officer Stefano Domenicali said: “We’ve enjoyed an incredible history and partnership with Pirelli, relying on their technical brilliance and focus on performance, innovation and sustainability for many years, so I’m delighted that the FIA and we will continue that relationship for another year.”

Pirelli headed off a rival bid by Japan’s Bridgestone to win its last contract.

At the time, there was talk that the new deal could be Pirelli’s last.

However, while there is said to be interest from other companies for the next contract, sources say Pirelli is open to the idea of continuing beyond 2028.

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The FIA has to open a tender process for the new supply deal. Interested companies submit their technical bid to the FIA, which decides whether they are appropriate, after which F1 holds commercial discussions which decide the destiny of the contract.

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Both Murray and McCarthy Need to Talk More Vanilla while Focusing on Job at Hand

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Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy chats with a ref against the Packers in Week 18 of 2025
Jan 4, 2026; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) talks with a referee before the game against the Green Bay Packers at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

Judging by the media coverage of Vikings OTAs and minicamp, it appears the alleged quarterback competition—if it truly exists—between Kyler Murray and J.J. McCarthy is the only thing of interest currently taking place at the Vikings facility.

We hear a few tidbits about the offensive tackles—Christian Darrisaw is feeling great after dealing with his ACL recovery last season and Brian O’Neill is back at practice as he awaits a contract extension.

The Murray and McCarthy focus means not much is being reported about the progress of the rookie class. Is first-rounder Caleb Banks on track to be a full participant in training camp? Is second-rounder Jake Golday taking reps at edge rusher as well as inside ‘backer after the trade of Jonathan Greenard? What about big DT Domonique Orange and his fellow third-rounder safety Jakobe Thomas? I’d also like to hear more about late-round speedsters Charles Demmings at corner and Demond Claiborne at running back.

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Oct 25, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Baylor Bears tight end Michael Trigg (1) is unable to hold on to a catch as he is tackled by Cincinnati Bearcats linebacker Jake Golday (11) and defensive back Tre Gola-Callard (6) in the second half at Nippert Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-Imagn Images

Sure, there will be plenty of time in training camp to observe and digest the progress of the rookie class and other newcomers such as WR Jauan Jennings, corner James Pierre, and punter Johnny Hekker along with the progress of center Blake Brandel and monitoring the possible return of Harrison Smith.

But when there’s a new quarterback in town who was the first overall pick in 2019 (Murray) and a former first-round QB coming off an up-and-down first season as the starter (McCarthy), then it’s inevitable that the QBs will dominate the chatter in the media and among the fan base.

The Vikings’ Murray and McCarthy Battle

What can help somewhat to quiet the QB conversation is if Murray and McCarthy become more vanilla and less forthcoming in their public comments. That’s not what the media is looking for since there’s nothing better to stir things up than a quarterback controversy.

McCarthy launched the swirling quotes when he said “it’s like two guys in a classroom. He sits on one side and I sit on the other side, and it’s the coaches’ responsibility to coach us and teach us.” I didn’t think that statement was any big deal but some media folks ran with it. Since that statement, McCarthy has been saying he’s focused on what he can control, which is the best approach. I say let’s cut young J.J. some slack and not be overly analytical of every answer to a media question. He didn’t say he dislikes Murray or he’s ticked off that he has to compete for a starting job that appears to already be handed to the more veteran player in Murray.

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Cardinals QB Kyler Murray late in the 2023 season
Jan 7, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) huddles with the offense in the first half against the Seattle Seahawks at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

Murray has taken the first reps in team drills lately but he and McCarthy have basically been splitting reps. For Murray’s part in the early drama, he sounded like he was making excuses for throwing a couple picks in Tuesday’s minicamp practice when he said, “me already being behind, not getting the amount of reps you would typically want a guy to get learning an offense, that’s probably the toughest part.” Then he added, “I’m not really too worried about the competition side of things, honestly.”

It’s nice for Murray that he’s so confident he’ll win the job—despite his resume that does not include any playoff wins–plus he’s already making $38 million this year (all but $1.3 million from the Cardinals who gave up on him). So splitting reps with last year’s starter should not be a shock to Murray. But does he really expect us to believe that he’s not worried about competing for the starting job when he’s on a one-year contract and is looking for a huge season to set up his next big payday as a 2027 free agent who can’t be hit with the franchise or transition tag?

Murray should just be saying he’s focused on learning the offense and getting in sync with his teammates and avoid saying anything remotely controversial about reps or his relationship with McCarthy.

Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy in Week 15 of 2025
Dec 14, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) runs for a touchdown during the first half against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images.

Kevin O’Connell is trying to lower the temperature by saying he encourages open dialogue among his QBs and he doesn’t worry about the media characterizations of the relationship between Murray and McCarthy. O’Connell says it’s a “professional“ interaction. But I believe behind the scenes, O’Connell is telling all his QBs to avoid talking about personal relationships or numbers of reps and just say they’re all working hard along with their teammates.

So even as I’m already tired of this quarterback chatter, I just spent this week’s column further dissecting it. I’ll try to refrain from a weekly look at the Vikings QBs, at least until the pads go on in training camp and we get closer to O’Connell’s pronouncement of the Week 1 starter which should come in mid-August around the time the Ravens come to town for two days of joint practice.

Around the NFL Observations

1. Caleb Williams: I was mildly surprised to hear Williams is on the cover of this year’s Madden NFL game. Not that it’s such a big deal but it is considered by many to be an honor to be selected for the Madden cover. Recent selectees include Saquon Barkley, Christian McCaffrey, Josh Allen, John Madden himself, Tom Brady, and Lamar Jackson.

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After a shaky rookie season, Williams made strides in his second season of 2025 as he quarterbacked the Bears to the NFC North title with several late comebacks to his credit (including the critical Week 11 win over the Vikings). He led the Bears to a playoff victory over the Packers but then threw three interceptions in the divisional round loss to the Rams. His 90.1 passer rating ranked 22nd and he has not yet been selected to a Pro Bowl or All-Pro team.

I’d say Matthew Stafford, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, or Myles Garrett would’ve been more worthy choices based on their outstanding seasons. As a former Vikings coach once said, it’s not yet time to “crown” Caleb Williams with even something such as the Madden NFL cover. And with the Bears having the league’s toughest schedule as a first-place team compared to last year’s fourth-place schedule and losing their Pro Bowl center Drew Dalman to retirement and leading wide receiver DJ Moore in a trade, I expect it to be a difficult season for Williams and the Bears. 

Caleb Williams and Kevin O’Connell talk after the game at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) spoke briefly with Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell near midfield after their matchup wrapped on Dec 16, 2024, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The postgame exchange offered a calm moment between competitors after a physical divisional meeting, reflecting mutual respect as players and coaches filtered toward their locker rooms. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images.

2. Aaron Donald: will he and should he return to the Rams this season? After the Rams traded for Garrett, the rumblings have been that Donald, the three-time Defensive Player of the Year, is thinking about a comeback and likely to do so after being retired the past two seasons. The Rams have the salary cap room to make it work as long as Donald is willing to take a lot less than the $30 million per year he made on his last deal.

Donald has reportedly stayed in shape but it’s a lot different to be in football shape and it’s questionable how effective he would be after such a long absence. But the Rams are highly motivated to be a Super Bowl team this season when the big game will be played in their home stadium and they’re not afraid to make big moves so I think it’s likely they’ll make this splashy signing and bring Donald back.


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Jeff Diamond is a former Vikings GM, former Tennessee Titans President and was selected NFL Executive of the Year … More about Jeff Diamond
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