What happened?

For the third straight World Cup, Germany have not made it to the round of 16. They lost 4-3 on penalties to Paraguay in the round of 32 at the 2026 World Cup, after the game finished 1-1 following extra time. Kai Havertz, Nick Woltemade and Jonathan Tah missed penalties in the shootout, and even Manuel Neuer’s heroics weren’t enough to save Germany this time.

“Yes, it seems so for sure,” Havertz said after the loss, when asked if Germany had become a second-tier team.

It was Germany’s first ever loss on penalties at a World Cup. Germany had won all four previous shootouts. They have now not won a knockout game at a World Cup since 2014, when they went on to win the tournament. The defeat has been met by shock in much of the national media, with many frustrated that Germany suffered defeat at the hands of a “limited opponent.”

Who is to blame for Germany’s exit?

The reasons for Germany’s exit are varied. 

Firstly, key players did not deliver on the field. Captain Joshua Kimmich underwhelmed. Florian Wirtz appeared to carry his poor club form into the World Cup. Jamal Musiala looked like a player desperately trying to get back into gear after a lengthy injury. It was far too disappointing stuff from far too many players who needed to deliver to keep the group together.

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Collectively, Germany were shaky in defense, and lacked penetration and decisiveness in attack. They did not go a game at this tournament without conceding, and other than against Curacao, failed to transfer promising passages into convincing results.

Injuries certainly didn’t help. Losing Serge Gnabry before the tournament was a blow. To then see Lennart Karl suffer a major injury in Chicago, just days before the tournament began, really stopped Germany in their tracks, as the Bayern teenager looked set to shine down the right-hand side. Nico Schlotterbeck being ruled out for months during the first half of the Ivory Coast game was perhaps the biggest loss of all, though. The Borussia Dortmund defender was an integral part of Germany’s play, particularly in the build-up, which coach Julian Nagelsmann said was “too slow” against Paraguay.

Then there’s Nagelsmann himself. His decision to recall 40-year-old Manuel Neuer did not prove, despite a save in the shootout against Paraguay, to be the factor he made it out to be. His substitutions suggested a coach still searching for his best 11. Against Ecuador, with the group already won, his changes left Germany disjointed and wiped away any hope of maintaining their momentum into the knockouts. Even though this Germany team were not contenders, it would also be fair to say that Nagelsmann appeared to struggle to get the best out of this group.

Did anything go right for Germany at this World Cup?

There were some bright moments. Deniz Undav’s performances off the bench were some of the most magical moments, particularly his last-minute winner against Ivory Coast in Toronto.

Nathaniel Brown, Nadiem Amiri and Jonathan Tah all had largely positive tournaments.

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Coaching wise, Nagelsmann used the hydration break in Houston to turn the tide, and made the right changes in Toronto to bring Germany back into the game. Also, the facilities Germany used at Wake Forest University were top notch and certainly did not contribute to the team’s early exit.

Will Nagelsmann get sacked?

Whether Nagelsmann has a future in his current post is, of course, the pressing question. The performance on the field suggests he’s on thin ice, but recent history suggests that he might well retain his job for Euro 2028. After all, both Hansi Flick and Joachim Löw stayed longer than many expected.

“I’m here to work and if the DFB [German Football Association] decide otherwise then they should tell me,” Nagelsmann said after the defeat. “I’m not the type of person who runs away.”

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If the DFB decide to retain Nagelsmann, he will have a lot of goodwill to earn back. This performance will not have endeared him to Germany fans, especially after his communication troubles around Undav, Kimmich, Neuer and the roles assigned to player.

If they decide to move on, it will prove costly for them because of the contract extension they agreed with Nagelsmann in January 2025. For an association that has only just started to recover from the financial impact of two consecutive World Cup exits, another disappointment on the field combined with another head coach sacking would make balancing the numbers at the end of the year a bit more difficult.

Who could be the next Germany head coach?

If he is replaced, Jürgen Klopp has been touted as the favorite to take over. The former Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool head coach, who has been working with Red Bull since early 2025, was quick to shut down any talk of such a move, though.

“I understand that my name is being mentioned, but this is not the moment to talk about it – and especially not with me,” Klopp said afterwards.

Earlier in the tournament, Klopp caused a stir while working as a pundit for MagentaTV, saying: “Luckily, it’s Julian Nagelsmann who’s picking the team,” before adding: “For now.” 

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Those two wordshung over Nagelsmann, and even though Klopp apologized, many feel the 59-year-old is waiting in the wings for the job.

Will any players retire?

It seems likely that many of this playing group will move on. At 40, Neuer’s return was only ever going to be for this tournament. Following Monday’s match he confirmed to German public broadcaster ARD that this had been his last with the national team. Sadly, at 36, it is unlikely that Oliver Baumann, the man who looked set to be Germany’s number one at the tournament, will ever play for his country again.

Captain Joshua Kimmich (31) has endured a torrid time in his international career, and while one might think that a Euros aged 33 would just a bridge too far, he appeared to rule out cutting it short.

“I will always have the energy for a fresh start,” he told reporters. “What I will never do is give up!”

Antonio Rüdiger (33), Leon Goretzka (31), Leroy Sane (30), and Pascal Gross (35) will likely not be back.

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Germany’s next game is against the Netherlands in the Nations League at the end of September. With it comes the start of Germany’s next new era.

Edited by: Chuck Penfold

Cincinnati Reds center fielder Dane Myers needed to be carted off the field after a play that could be a candidate for “Catch of the Year” turned scary after he crashed into the fence in Milwaukee on Monday night.

Milwaukee Brewers veteran Andrew Vaughn smashed a ball to center field in the bottom of the fourth inning, and Myers got a great jump as he started to track the ball.

As he sprinted toward the gap, Myers reached up and made an acrobatic catch, but he lost his balance and was too close to the wall when he collided with the fence at top speed. It was a miracle he even held on to the ball considering the collision, but it clearly took a toll.

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Cincinnati Reds’ Dane Myers runs into the wall after making a catch during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers in Milwaukee on June 29, 2026. (Aaron Gash/AP)

Myers, writhing in pain on the warning track, was bent over when his fellow outfielders came over to tend to him, while Reds training staff started the sprint out onto the field.

Myers was holding his right shoulder, though his collision was head-on with the fence. Trainers looked at Myers for some time, as the crowd was hushed in hopes he would walk away from this somehow.

REDS ROOKIE TYLER CALLIHAN BREAKS ARM CRASHING INTO WALL WHILE TRYING TO MAKE DIVING CATCH

Eventually, a cart came out and Myers rose to his feet with some assistance as the crowd gave him a round of applause for sacrificing his body for his team. TJ Friedl ended up taking his spot in center field.

Myers was taken to a local hospital in Milwaukee for further testing, and it was a good sign that initial X-rays came back negative, according to manager Terry Francona following the Reds’ 5-3 loss to the Brewers. Francona wouldn’t go into specifics on what ailment Myers may be dealing with.

Myers, a 30-year-old Columbus, Texas, native, is in his first season with the Reds, where he serves as a bench outfielder.

Dane Myers of the Cincinnati Reds lies injured after making a running catch and colliding with the wall as JJ Bleday looks on during the fourth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wis., on June 29, 2026. (John Fisher/Getty Images)

He has played in 63 games this season, owning a .256/.358/.385 slash line with a .742 OPS, three homers and 14 RBI across 117 at-bats.

Prior to his time in Cincinnati, Myers made his big league debut with the Miami Marlins in 2023, playing 22 games that year and hitting .269 over 67 at-bats. He spent the next two seasons with the Marlins, though his longest tenure in MLB came in 2025 when he played 106 games and hit .235/.291/.326 with six home runs and 31 RBI with Miami.

Unfortunately for the Reds, they were unable to get the win for Myers in the end. Joey Ortiz’s two-run home run in the bottom of the eighth inning broke the 3-3 tie at the time in this NL Central bout, which capped a comeback that also saw Brice Turang, who starred for Team USA during the World Baseball Classic, smash a solo home run to tie the game in the bottom of the seventh.

Dane Myers of the Cincinnati Reds makes a running catch before colliding with the wall in the fourth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wis., on June 29, 2026. (John Fisher/Getty Images)

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The Reds were up 1-0 at the time of Myers’ injury.

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Enzo Maresca is better equipped to deal with a recurring Manchester City issue than Pep Guardiola was last year

A few weeks ago there were questions over what Manchester City could do with Rodri. A contract offer has gone unanswered and the Spain midfielder was ignoring all talk of his future until after the World Cup as his deal ticks into its final year.

The uncertainty remains but now there is a different feel with the news that the City star is set to miss the start of the new season. As the Daily Mail reported, Rodri looks set for surgery after the World Cup that will sideline him again.

It continues what has been an incredibly frustrating two years for the club and the player since he suffered that ACL injury. After a string of comebacks couldn’t keep him fit, Rodri finally found some rhythm in the first half of this year only to fall down again at a critical point of the season.

City want to be able to rely on Rodri, but it is difficult to. And when you cannot turn to a Ballon d’Or winner, there need to be alternatives for such a crucial position.

Pep Guardiola did not last summer, hence why he arrived in Sicily in August for the club’s only pre-season looking like a man who knew he was in trouble. Rodri wasn’t fit to start games, Mateo Kovacic was injured until October and Nico Gonzalez still wasn’t a No.6.

For the second successive season, that No.6 position was a significant issue that proved costly for City’s hopes of more silverware. And more bad news for Rodri threatens to take that into a third year, with more uncertainty for the midfield.

Enzo Maresca does not have the same scale of problem as Guardiola though because he has a £116m midfielder to drop into that position. Elliot Anderson has even bigger expectations on him in football after such a price-tag and taking on Rodri’s role is not for the faint-hearted.

It remains to be seen how City will use Anderson in the longer term, with some suggestion that he could play further forward as he has done at times for Forest. However, he is seen by Thomas Tuchel in the England team as a No.6 and so has spent the summer playing that role at the World Cup.

If City are not going to be able to rely on Rodri at the beginning of the season, Maresca can at least take comfort in being able to call on one of the best and most consistent midfielders in the Premier League from the last campaign. There is of course also the possibility of signing Moroccan teenager Ayyoub Bouaddi to secure City’s future in the position.

Anderson will have greater competition for a place at the Etihad and will have been warned about the dangers of not being in the team, but a problem for City in the form of Rodri’s fitness looks like securing the £116m signing for a major role at the base of the midfield as his first assignment for his new team.

France coach Didier Deschamps is back with Les Bleus for their round of 32 match against Sweden at the World Cup on Tuesday after traveling to Europe for his mother’s funeral.

Deschamps learned of his mother’s death the day after France’s win over Iraq on June 22, which clinched advancement from the group stage. He missed Friday’s victory over Norway.

“I’m here. I’m good, and it’s good to be busy since Friday evening when I arrived back in the United States,” Dechamps said Monday through a translator.

France swept its group matches for the first time since 1998, joined by Argentina and Mexico as the only nations to win all three games. Seeking their third title after 1998 and 2018, Les Blues would face Germany or Paraguay in the round of 16 if they get past the Swedes.

“For me it was very difficult. And for me and for the French national team it was important that I left. They did what they had to do,” Deschamps said. “And now we’re preparing a competition within the competition.” 
Assistant Guy Stephan led the team to the 4-1 win over Norway in Deschamps’ absence.

“It was somewhat of a shock,” midfielder Adrien Rabiot said through a translator. “He completely trusted in us and we delivered the best way possible. We’re happy that he’s back. I don’t think that it’s so easy to have to grieve in these conditions. This is football and now we have the World Cup and it is the way it is.” 
Deschamps coached France to the 2018 title and to the 2022 final, a penalty-kick loss to Argentina.

Captain of France’s 1998 champions, Deschamps took over as coach in 2012 and said in January he would retire this summer. He is trying to become the second coach to win two World Cup titles after Italy’s Vittorio Pozzo in 1934 and 1938.

“Didier came back with the willpower to go as far as possible in this World Cup. It is something that, of course, will also help him to forget a little bit about these tragic events,” Rabiot said. “He smiled a lot. He tried to be enthusiastic, although I know that he’s very affected by his grief. I think he’s trying not to show it, not to transmit any negative to the squad.” 
FIFA denied France’s request to wear black armbands for coach’s motherFIFA denied a request by the French soccer federation to wear black armbands against Norway in honor of Deschamps mother.

“It doesn’t change a lot for me, to be very honest with you,” Deschamps said. “I didn’t need that to have an additional sign. I already had enough signs as it was, whether it was directly or indirectly.” 
FIFA did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment.

Marcus Thuram to miss match against Sweden and N’Golo Kante uncertainStriker Marcus Thuram won’t be available against Sweden because of a calf injury and midfielder N’Golo Kante is uncertain.

“As far as Markus, no, he has a little issue. It’s not very serious but muscular,” Deschamps said. “As far as N’Golo, it’s not muscular, but maybe it’ll be too tight for him to be in the starting 11 tomorrow.” 
Thuram, a son of 1998 World Cup champion Lilian Thuram, entered in second-half injury time against Iraq in his only appearance so far.

Defender William Saliba went the distance in the first two matches and rested against Norway.

“Of course he has issues with his back, and that is not something new,” Deschamps said. “He’s not at 100%, but if he’s at 99% it’s good for the matches. Everything is good.” 
First-time World Cup meeting between France and SwedenFrance is meeting Sweden at the World Cup for the first time.

Les Blues had the best goal difference in the group stage at plus-8, outscoring opponents 10-2.

“We could have scored more,” Deschamps said. “We did concede two goals, but we did concede too many goal-scoring opportunities.

The full card has been announced for the Katie Taylor vs. Flora Pili event, including a fan favourite heavyweight star along with an upcoming welterweight world title challenger.

Female boxing legend Taylor finally gets her dream of competing at Croke Park in Dublin when she faces Pili in an undisputed super-lightweight title battle on September 5.

It will serve as Taylor’s final professional fight, as she draws the curtain on a remarkable career that has seen her also become undisputed lightweight champion whilst beating fighters such as Amanda Serrano and Chantelle Cameron.

The undercard for the event has now been revealed, featuring a heavyweight battle between Dave Allen and Irish fighter Thomas Carty.

Allen suffered a stoppage loss to Filip Hrgovic in May, but has already picked up a lowkey win since then, with another scheduled to take place on July 25.

Following that bout he will then turn his attention to Carty, who is bidding to rise up the ranks again after suffering a setback defeat to Dajuan Calloway in March 2025.

Elsewhere on the card, Paddy Donovan collides with Tyrone McKenna. Donovan became mandatory for the IBF welterweight title in May when he defeated Karen Chukhadzhian, with a clash against new IBF champion Liam Paro expected in the future.

First he will take on McKenna, who last time out was able to earn a stoppage win over Dylan Moran, and has also shared the ring with the likes of Jack Catterall, Regis Prograis, Lewis Crocker and Harlem Eubank.

Other fights announced for the event including Molly McCann vs. Sylwia Doligala, Taylor Bevan vs. Emmet Brennan, Joe McGrail vs. Matthew Boreland and Paul Ryan vs. Paddy Gallagher, while Adam Olaniyan and Bobbi Flood are also in action.

There’s a reason more golfers are choosing to walk the course these days. You get more exercise, a better feel for the layout and, in many cases, you can enjoy a more relaxed pace that lets you enjoy the round instead of rushing through it. And, maybe best of all, no cart fee!

The only downside? Carrying your bag for four-plus hours can be a strain on your back and shoulders.

That’s where a good push cart comes in. Today’s models are lighter, fold smaller and include features like built-in storage, drink holders, umbrella mounts and simple one-step setups that make walking the course easier than ever. And while motorized push carts are gaining popularity, we’re sticking to human-powered models in this round-up (we’ll cover the motorized variety soon.)

Whether you’re looking for premium performance, a cart for rugged terrain or a cart that practically unfolds itself, we have you covered below.

These are five of the best push carts available now:

Bag Boy Nitron Push Cart

If there’s one push cart that’s become the top-pick for convenience, it’s the Bag Boy Nitron. Its nitrogen-powered auto-open mechanism unfolds in seconds with virtually no effort, making setup one of the easiest you’ll find. Lift and pop! It’s open. No screws or levers, just a simple motion and you’re ready to go. At just under 17 pounds, it’s surprisingly lightweight while remaining incredibly stable. Bag Boy’s Top-Lok system also securely locks compatible golf bags into place, eliminating bag twist during your round.

1 thing we really like: The auto-open system is genuinely satisfying!

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Bag Boy Nitron Push Cart

The Nitron push cart pairs instant setup with dependable stability and plenty of on-course convenience.

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Big Max Blade Trio

If storage space is at a premium, the Big Max Blade Trio deserves a serious look. Its innovative flat-fold design folds down smaller than almost any push cart on the market, making it easy to fit in even the most crowded trunk. Despite its smaller size, it rolls smoothly and provides the stability and storage golfers expect from a premium push cart. Comes in different colors, too.

1 thing we really like: If you have a small trunk, this push cart folds down to save as much room as possible.

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Big Max Blade Trio

Features an innovative flat-fold design that delivers premium stability, smooth handling, and one of the smallest folded footprints.

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Clicgear Model 4.5

Long considered one of the gold standards in push carts, the Clicgear Model 4.5 builds on its reputation with an updated console, improved storage, a redesigned drink holder, and cleaner internal cable routing. It folds down to a compact size for easy transport while delivering the rugged construction and smooth performance that have made Clicgear a favorite among walking golfers for years. Comes in different colors to choose from.

1 thing we really like: Between the phone holder, magnetic storage, ball holder, and easy access to your essentials, everything you need is right at your fingertips.

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Clicgear Model 4.5

The Clicgear Model 4.5 features a new command center console with sound-amplifying phone holder, magnetic and hook & loop storage pads, charging cord access and a 3-ball holder.

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Sun Mountain Speed Cart X Push Cart

The Speed Cart X is the latest evolution of Sun Mountain’s iconic push cart, offering thoughtful upgrades without changing what made the original cart so popular. Enhanced wheels roll effortlessly across any terrain, while stainless steel hardware, an improved brake system, and an updated umbrella holder add durability and convenience where you need it. It’s a premium push cart designed for golfers who walk often and want a rugged cart that will last a long, long time.

1 thing we really like: The upgraded wheels are really nice and roll nicely. Nice brake cabling, too.

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Sun Mountain Speed Cart X Push Cart

The Speed Cart X builds on one of golf’s most trusted push carts with premium upgrades, smooth-rolling performance, and exceptional stability.

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Sun Mountain Pathfinder PX4 Push Cart

For golfers who want maximum stability and who maybe carry a bigger bag, the Sun Mountain Pathfinder PX4 features a four-wheel design made to tackle any type of terrain. It folds in just two simple steps and includes plenty of built-in storage, including a large accessory console, mesh basket, valuables pouch, and drink holder. Updated features like a one-piece handle and dual umbrella mounts make this cart even more versatile for frequent walkers.

1 thing we really like: Four wheels are super helpful on hilly courses or rough terrain.

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Sun Mountain Pathfinder PX4 Push Cart

The Sun Mountain Pathfinder PX4 combines four-wheel stability, generous storage, and effortless two-step folding.

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Cody Gakpo scored before Netherlands were eliminated from World Cup© AFP

United States’ security chief Markwayne Mullin said he “danced a happy dance” when Iran were eliminated from the World Cup.

The Iranian team exited the tournament in heartbreaking fashion when they were denied a late winner against Egypt by VAR, which deemed goalscorer Shoja Khalilzadeh’s toes offside.

The 1-1 draw saw Iran finish third in Group G, and they narrowly missed out on one of eight spots in the knockout rounds for third-placed teams, falling short on goal difference.

Mullin, who runs the US Department of Homeland Security, told reporters: “I’m just glad they’re done, and they’re not coming back. I was so happy when we were able to pull their visas and said they could leave the US soil, and I might’ve sung a song or two or maybe even danced a happy dance.’

He added: “There wasn’t a single team that we had to spend more time dealing with than Iran.”

The Iranian team’s preparations for World Cup games have been affected by international relations between the countries.

Iran were forced to move their training base from Tucson, Arizona to Tijuana, Mexico, and the squad was only allowed to enter the US the day before its first two matches in Los Angeles, and two days before the final game in Seattle. They were made to return to Mexico immediately after each match had finished. Some staff members were denied visas to enter America.

Mullin also accused the Iranian delegation of trying to sneak a person tied to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps into the United States. The Iran Football Federation called the claim “false, fabricated and entirely baseless.”

Responding to Mullin’s latest remarks, a spokesperson for the federation said: “Iranians are used to the mistreatment and lies of US officials, so no one in Iran is surprised by these hostile remarks. These remarks once again demonstrate that US officials have no commitment to international law or the principles expected of a host nation capable of organising a global sporting event.

“The fact that he openly celebrates Iran’s elimination says far more about him than it does about our team. It reflects a level of pettiness that cannot even tolerate the presence of a football team competing on the world’s biggest stage.

“After our match against New Zealand, our head coach said that the United States did not want Iran to remain in this tournament because of the inhumane and unprofessional treatment our team experienced. These latest comments only reinforce that belief.”

Referring to the bombing of a school in the Iranian town of Minab in February, which Donald Trump blamed on Iran, the spokesperson added: “When they kill 168 children and lie to the whole world about it, nothing this person says is surprising to any of us.”

Reuters reported in March that an initial internal US military assessment found American forces were likely responsible for the strike. The Pentagon has since elevated the investigation but has not publicly confirmed any conclusions. The New York Times reported that the investigation determined the US was responsible for the missile strike.

Baker Mayfield has been down this path — almost exactly the same one — so when he talked about Kyler Murray’s upcoming season last week, folks listened.

The Minnesota Vikings signed Murray in March after the Arizona Cardinals gave up on him, and, according to Mayfield, a former college teammate, it’s all going to work out in Minnesota.

Oklahoma Bond Gives Murray’s Vikings Reset More Weight

Mayfield on Murray

Mayfield delivered his Murray takes at youth football camp in Oklahoma over the weekend. “I’m happy for him, and I think it’s going to be great. Coming from someone who has been in a similar situation where you think you’re going to be somewhere forever and just needing a new change of scenery,” he said.

“I think this fresh start for him is going to be amazing. Kyler gets a bad wrap. People want to put a certain persona on him. Luckily, we get him early in the season before he gets too hot.”

It’s mounting momentum from players and fans, who believe the Murray experiment will flourish in the Twin Cities.

Of All People, Mayfield Would Know

There is no better source for this assertion than Mayfield. Full stop.

Murray’s career arc right now absolutely resembles Mayfield’s — and might even be starting from a better spot. In 2022, the Cleveland Browns tossed Mayfield in the garbage, opting for Deshaun Watson, a decision that turned out to be a trainwreck.

Mayfield bounced around between the Carolina Panthers and Los Angeles Rams before landing in Tampa Bay in 2023, when he took a few months to reestablish himself as a Top 15 (or so) quarterback. Mayfield is no longer a joke, and in fact, has his eyes on a massive contract extension.

Murray can follow this path and might even skip the unsuccessful Panthers-Rams chapters that plagued Mayfield.

Teammates at Oklahoma

At Oklahoma, the dynamic between Mayfield and Kyler was a crucible, an “iron sharpening iron” scenario that ultimately yielded a Heisman Trophy.

Mayfield arrived as the undisputed heart and soul of the program — loud, fearless, emotional, and supremely confident in his ability to win every Saturday. Murray, a former five-star transfer, brought unholy athletic skills, baseball hype, and enough talent to make any quarterback room uneasy.

For two seasons, Murray had to patiently observe and fiercely compete behind one of college football’s all-time great quarterbacks. What could have easily become a volatile situation instead transformed into an incredibly intense learning experience. Mayfield set the standard with his preparation, his swagger, and his masterful execution of Lincoln Riley’s offense. Murray absorbed everything, pushed Mayfield, and remained ready.

By 2017, it was clear that Oklahoma housed both its current star and its future one. Mayfield completely owned his moment, and in doing so, taught Murray how to own the one that would come next.

On the other hand, Pro Football Network‘s Zahid Rashid recently explained some of the critiques of Murray throughout his NFL career: “Following his lone playoff appearance in 2021, Murray signed a five-year, $230.5 million contract extension with Arizona the following offseason. The deal included a controversial independent-study clause requiring him to complete 4 hours of film study each week, without distractions such as television or video games.”

“The clause quickly became a national talking point. Fans mocked Murray, suggesting the Cardinals included it because they questioned his work ethic or believed he spent more time playing video games than preparing for football. Murray later called the criticism disrespectful during an impromptu press conference, and the Cardinals soon removed the clause.”

Vikings coaches and players have noted for four months that Murray does not fit an aloof or lazy persona.

Rashid continued, “Even so, the episode left a lasting mark on his public image. Now entering a new chapter with Minnesota, Murray will look to prove that the criticism does not define his career, something Mayfield clearly believes he can do.”

“However, the road will not be easy, as he enters training camp in a battle with J.J. McCarthy for the Vikings’ starting quarterback job.”

Less than 11 Weeks until Showtime

The Vikings’ season gets underway in 76 days, hosting the Green Bay Packers on September 13th. Murray will immediately face his former head coach, Jonathan Gannon, who now runs the Packers’ defense.

Murray, of course, still has to win the summer quarterback competition against J.J. McCarthy, but per Mayfield’s assessment, that will happen and may not even be difficult.

Oddsmakers expect the Vikings to win eight or nine games in 2026, putting them in contention for a Wildcard postseason berth. Murray has the league’s third-best odds to win the Comeback Player of the Year award, trailing Patrick Mahomes and Jayden Daniels.

Murray will turn 29 in August.

Mayfield and Murray will clash on September 27th in Tampa Bay.

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