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Best Betting Sign Up Offers and Free Bets UK

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Free bets are widely available on UK betting sites for new and existing customers.

At The Independent, our experts have done the hard work to find the best free bet offers through our impartial, detailed analysis focusing on providing you with optimum value.

This in-depth research involves testing to assess odds requirements, free bet key terms and conditions and availability, ensuring our recommendations are reliable and up to date, including our daily offers section.

What Are Free Bets?

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Free bets are promotions offered by betting sites that allow you to place a bet without risking your own money.

Free bets come with terms and conditions. Usually, you must deposit or stake a qualifying amount to receive a free bet, which can be used on selected sports and events.

UK betting sites may apply wagering requirements, meaning winnings must be played through a set number of times before you can withdraw, but this is more common on casino sites.

How Do Free Bets UK Work?

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Free bets are simple to use. Betting sites attach either a box or toggle on the bet slip that users need only to tick or move to enable free bets on their wager.

If your bet wins, you keep the profit, but the free bet stake itself isn’t returned.

Some bookmakers may require you to use free bets in precise portions, such as £5 or £10, while others will allow you to bet with amounts of your choosing until you’ve used up your balance.

Today’s Free Bet Offers

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Here are the latest betting sign up offers and free bets available for today’s major sporting events.

Parimatch: 50/1 Odds England To Win Six Nations

The Six Nations is here and Parimatch are offering great value 50/1 odds for England to win the Six Nations for new customers signing up online.

To qualify for this betting offer, new users must use the link below before signing up for Parimatch. After that, deposit £5 using an eligible payment method before staking a maximum £1 on England to win the Six Nations at the normal odds before February 7th at 3.40pm GMT.

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If England win the Six Nations, you’ll receive a cash payout at the normal odds and the rest of the 50/1 odds are paid out in free bets to use on the sportsbook. Free bets are active for seven days.

NetBet: Six Nations First Tryscorer Insurance France vs Ireland

NetBet are running bet insurance on the first tryscore of the Six Nations 2026 opener between France and Ireland.

To qualify, customers can place a bet on any player to score the first try in the clash between France and Ireland at the Stade de France tonight.

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If your chosen player does not score the first try, but goes on to score later in the contest, you’ll receive your money back in free bets up to £10 to use on the entire sportsbook.

LiveScore Bet: Moneyback Horse Racing Special

LiveScore Bet are running a moneyback special today if your horse finishes second, third or fourth in selected races.

Customers can bet up to £10 on any horse on the win-only market and will qualify to receive their money back as a free bet if their selection fails to win but finishes second, third or fourth.

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Free bets are made available within 48 hours and are active for seven days. Free bets can be used across the sportsbook.

Unibet: US Bet Builder Refund

Unibet are offering customers that place bet builders on US sports, including the Super Bowl, £10 in free bets if their selection loses.

Bettors that place a minimum £1 bet builder on the NFL or NBA games with three selections or more and odds of evens or greater before selecting the Bet Builder Refund box on the bet slip.

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If your selection loses, you’ll receive your stake back up to £10 in free bets within 24 hours of your qualifying wager settling. Free bets can be used across the sportsbook and are active for up to seven days.

Best Betting Offers

We’ve looked at all the best betting offers online and broken down our top picks by category.

Betting Site

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Standout Offer Category

Rating

Bonus Code

Ladbrokes

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Betting Sign Up Offer

★ ★ ★ ★ ★

N/A

Virgin Bet

Free Bet Club

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★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

N/A

Bet365

Moneyback Special

★ ★ ★ ★★

N/A

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NetBet

Bet & Get

★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

N/A

Best Betting Sign Up Offers

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We’ve looked at the betting sign up offers provided by many of the best betting sites to bring you our top offer on the market for new customers.

1

Ladbrokes

Bet £5 Get £30 Free Bets UK

Offer rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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Promo Code: N/A

Ladbrokes is our top pick for the betting sign up offer that provides the best value for new customers online.

Customers on a smaller budget will love using Ladbrokes compared to other bookies given that new users only need to deposit £5 to claim the Ladbrokes sign up offer.

Ladbrokes is the best £5 deposit betting site on the market, allowing users to deposit and bet £5 to unlock £30 in free bets after signing up online.

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The 1/2 odds threshold is one of the lowest available for welcome offers, while new users can bet on any sport on its vast sportsbook. So, there’s plenty of flexibility where to place your qualifying bet, which must be made within 14 days of signing up.

Ladbrokes have a vast sportsbook to use free bets

Ladbrokes have a vast sportsbook to use free bets (Ladbrokes)

Once that qualifying bet settles, you’ll receive £30 in free bets paid out in 6 x £5 installments within 24 hours. There’s also flexibility regarding these free bets with 4 x £5 free bets available to use on any sport on Ladbrokes, while 2 x £5 free bets are reserved for football bet builders.

New users get seven days to use their free bets, which is standard across the industry. Beyond that, existing customers have plenty of promotions at hand.

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But in terms of betting sign up offers, you’ll struggle to find better value from such a low deposit and qualifying bet, which is why we rate it as the second best betting offer on the market.

Ladbrokes Betting Sign Up Offer Pros

Ladbrokes Betting Sign Up Offer Cons

  • Low £5 deposit and bet threshold
  • Not a huge amount of time to claim offer
  • Qualifying odds 1/2 also lower than rivals
  • Portion of free bet reserved for bet builders
  • Flexbility regarding most of free bets

Alternative Betting Sign Up Offer

Betfred

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Betfred offer one of the best value betting offers on the market, where new customers that bet £10 on a market with odds of evens or greater can claim £50 in free bets after using the Betfred promo code BETFRED50.

We like the value and simplicity of the betting sign up offer, although the odds requirement of evens and the fact that portions of allocated free bets are not available to use on the entire sportsbook knock it down slightly.

It’s still a tremendous value bonus for new users.

Betting Offers: Top Free Bet Club

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Free bet offers are widely available on the best betting sites for existing customers that place regular bets online. Depending on your chosen betting site, these can be called rewards, loyalty bonuses or free bet clubs.

1

Virgin Bet

Bet £20 Get £5 Free Bets

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

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Available to: New and existing customers

Virgin Bet rewards club is straightforward to use and is available on a weekly. Customers that place four qualifying acca bets worth £5 are rewarded with a £5 free bet to use on an acca bet.

Users only need to opt-in on the promotion before placing four £5 accas with odds of 2/1 or greater between Monday to Sunday.

After the qualifying bets have settled, customers will receive a £5 free acca bet to use across the Virgin Bet sportsbook.

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The minimum odds to use your free bet are 1/100, so you’re spoiled for choice and there are no restrictions where you can use your bonus.

Better yet, bettors have seven day to use their free bets.

Virgin Bet Free Bets Pros

Virgin Bet Free Bets Cons

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  • Lower free bet amount than rivals
  • Lower stake requirement than rivals
  • Slightly higher odds requirement for qualifying bets
  • Solid timeframe to use free bets

Alternative Free Bet Club

Betway

Customers that opt-in on Betway’s Free Bet Club can claim £10 in free bets after betting £25 or more on trebles, accumulators or bet builders with at least three selections.

The qualifying terms are straightforward and accessible for all users, with a reasonable minimum odds requirement of 2/1 for bets.

Once qualifying your bets are settled, £10 in free bets are paid in two £5 installments. Free bets are credited one at a time – one on Saturday and another on Monday.

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Free Bet Offers: Best Moneyback Specials

Moneyback specials are one of the most intriguing betting offers available for existing customers. It protects customers’ stakes if their selection loses and are most commonly found on leading football betting sites and horse racing betting sites.

1

Bet365

Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ★

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Available to: New and existing customers

Sports: Football, Horse Racing

Bet365 are relative newcomers to moneyback specials, but have expanded their free bet offers to include this feature for bets on a number of sports, including football and horse racing.

Bet365 moneyback specials are most common on football, and notably the Premier League where the game of the week will be covered with a moneyback special, although Champions League and Europa League midweek games have also featured with this betting offer.

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To qualify, customers simply have to place a qualifying bet builder on the eligbile game.

What we love about the offer is the low odds threshold for qualifying bet builders, requiring odds of evens or greater. Bet365 also include their ‘Sub Play On’ promotion for bet builders giving your wager that extra chance to succeed.

Bet365 offer its moneyback special on the Premier League game of the week and others

Bet365 offer its moneyback special on the Premier League game of the week and others (The Independent)

Bettors can wager up to £10 and will receive their stake back in free bets back if their bet fails, while you must tick the ‘Money Back As Free Bets’ box on the bet slip to ensure you qualify for the betting offer.

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Free bets are credited with 24 hours and bettors can use their credits anywhere on one of the best betting sites in the business.

Horse racing has also been added to the repotoire recently, with customers being able to claim their moneyback as free bets if their horse loses on eligible races.

Bet365 Free Bets Pros

Bet365 Free Bets Cons

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  • Offer is regularly available
  • Not widely available across all sports
  • Low odds threshold for qualifying bet builders
  • Offer is limited to £10 free bets
  • Free bets can be used anywhere on sportsbook

Alternative Moneyback Special

BoyleSports

BoyleSports provides moneyback specials for an extra safety net on bets on the horses.

This betting offer is available for selected horse races, where bettors will receive a refund on their stake up to £20 should their selection finishes runner-up to the Starting Price (SP) favourite.

These moneyback specials are available daily and applies to both win and each-way singles. Free bets are credited within 24 hours and are valid for seven days.

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However, bettors must bear in mind there are restrictions with this promotion. Ante-post, in-play and void bets are not eligible, and there must be at least five runners in the race you bet on.

Free Bet Offers: Top Bet and Get Offers

Bet and get promos are extremely popular betting offers. These are regular promotions that are offered around major events, notably football matches.

1

NetBet

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Rating: ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Available to: New and existing customers

Qualifying odds: 2/1

NetBet provide this promo on a wide range of sports and betting markets, particularly for acca bets and bet builders.

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Free bet offers are common around major events including football, horse racing and UFC events. The odds thresholds are extremely fair around 2/1 for qualifying wagers.

Waiting for a qualifying wager to settle is usually the standard practice before receiving free bets, but NetBet have been known to credit free bets after the confirmation of qualifying wagers.

NetBet Free Bets Pros

NetBet Free Bets Cons

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  • Regular offers across all sports
  • Not as valuable as other betting sites
  • Free bets credited on bet placement
  • Odds threshold slightly higher than others

Alternative Bet & Get

Midnite

Midnite are one of the newest betting sites on the market, but offer competitive bet and get offers for existing customers that match many established brands.

Users can find the Midnite bet and get offers in the ‘Rewards’ section, with betting offers including coverage of football, darts, NFL, cricket and more.

The qualifying bet is more often than not £10, with the free bet payout ranging from a 100 per cent match to a 50 per cent match with £10 and £5 free bets available.

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The odds requirements are also fair at evens, which is an improvement on NetBet albeit not as frequent.

Types Of Free Bets

Free bets come in two main forms: betting sign up offers for new customers and ongoing betting offers for existing bettors.

There are certain types of free bet offers that are commonly available on betting sites including:

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  • Matched free bets: Sometimes referred to as ‘bet and get’. Here users are required to bet a certain amount and wager on minimum odds set by the bookie to unlock the corresponding free bet. This is common for betting sign up offers.
  • Matched deposits: Not as common on betting sites, but can still be prevalent. With this betting offer, bookmakers will match the value of your deposit in free bet credits. Usually the value of the deposit will be capped at a certain threshold.
  • Moneyback: These betting offers provide a refund in either cash or free bets if your selection loses. Free bet offers are usually capped at a certain amount and bettors must meet the terms of the offer to qualify.
  • Rewards: Free bet clubs are very popular on betting sites. Here, bettors place a series of qualifying wagers over a week or longer to unlock a free bet the following week.
  • No deposit free bets: The holy grail for bettors and almost always reserved for existing customers. Betting sites reward loyalty with no deposit free bets that can be claimed to use on a variety of markets and sports.
  • Enhanced odds: Bookies such as Parimatch and talkSPORT BET are known to boost the price of a market for high-profile football, boxing, UFC and other events for new customers that sign up and bet. Customers receive a portion of funds in cash for the value of their bet, while the rest is made up of free bets to use on the sportsbook.

How The Independent Rate and Review Free Bets

Before a bookmaker makes our list of free bet offers, they must meet key criteria to ensure a high-quality betting experience.

1. Licensing

Only sites with a valid UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) licence are considered on our list of recommended operators.

It is non-negotiable. The UKGC ensures fair play and consumer protection, working alongside independent testing agencies like eCOGRA, whose rigorous standards all our recommended bookies have met.

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If a bookmaker isn’t regulated, it’s not safe – anyone can verify a licence via the UKGC register.

2. Security

Security is a top priority when evaluating betting sites. Every bookmaker we recommend must implement high-quality security measures such as SSL encryption and two-factor authentication to protect customer data.

3. Reputation

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Reputation also plays a role – established brands like Betfred and Bet365 consistently rank highly with us, but we also highlight new, reputable operators such as BetMGM when their free bet offers meet our expectations.

4. Mobile

With most bets now placed on phones and tablets, mobile betting functionality is essential.

Bookmakers with dedicated betting apps that mirror the desktop experience are given preference, and we also consider user app reviews from the Apple and Google Play stores.

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5. Experience

The customer experience is equally crucial – we rigorously test bookmaker support channels, favouring those that provide fast, effective resolutions.

Ultimately, our rankings focus on the quality of the free bet offers – how rewarding, flexible and accessible they are to the average punter.

We also take into account matters including odds restrictions, timeframe to both unlock free bet offers and use your bonus funds, wagering requirements and what payment methods are available.

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6. Value

Operators that provide valuable betting sign up offers, competitive terms, and ongoing free bet promotions for returning customers get the highest ratings and we constantly review our top betting offers.

Free Bet Promo Codes

Why Trust Us?

Chris Wilson is a betting content producer and sports reporter who has been working at The Independent since 2023.

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He writes betting tips across a range of sporting events as well as reviewing dozens of betting sites and casino sites across the UK.

Chris has extensively tested and reviewed offers from established operators and new betting sites to find the best free bet offers for readers of The Independent.

Responsible gambling is always at the forefront of his research, ensuring customers have a fair and secure experience claiming and using betting offers online.

Please Gamble Responsibly

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If you decide to engage with any of the online betting sites highlighted on this page, remember to gamble responsibly, even when using free bets and betting sign up offers.

When betting, always assume you’ll lose and therefore, only bet what you can afford to lose.

The same applies if you’re using new casino sitesslot sitespoker sites or any other form of gambling.

Make sure you use the responsible gambling tools offered by betting companies such as deposit limits, reality checks, loss limits and time outs. These can stop gambling from getting out of hand.

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If you have gambling-related concerns, then seek independent help. There are several UK charities and institutions that offer support, advice and information, with a few listed below:

Free Bets FAQs

What is a free bet?

A free bet is a bonus that is credited to a customer by a betting site to bet on an event. The free bet will carry a numerical value that customers can either use in whole or use partial funds. Customers may be limited to certain sports or events with free bets.

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How do you get free bets?

Free bets can be acquired by new customers by signing up for betting site. Bookmakers will also offer promotional free bets for existing customers though betting offers such as bet and get and loyalty.

Can you withdraw free bets?

No. Free bets are non-withdrawable. Customers must use the bonus on the sportsbook in their entirety within the timeframe specified by the bookmaker. Free bets that are not used in the timeframe will expire.

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Which bookmaker offers the best betting sign up offer?

In our research we found that Ladbrokes offer the best betting sign up offer on the market, providing new customers with £30 in free bets after signing up online and betting £5. Betfred also offer an impressive betting sign up offer.

We may earn commission from some of the links in this article, but we never allow this to influence our content. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent.

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Irfan Pathan disagrees with official award decision: ‘Man of the match was Jasprit Bumrah’ | Cricket News

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'Man of the match was Jasprit Bumrah': Irfan Pathan disagrees with official award decision
India’s Jasprit Bumrah hugs teammate Sanju Samson (AP Photo/Rafiq Maqbool)

Former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan has lavished praise on star pacer Jasprit Bumrah following his decisive spell in India’s thrilling semi-final victory over England cricket team in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 at the iconic Wankhede Stadium on Thursday.Speaking on his YouTube channel, Pathan described Bumrah as a rare talent and said India should consider themselves fortunate to have a bowler of his calibre. The former pacer highlighted Bumrah’s complete skill set and his remarkable ability to deliver under pressure in the biggest moments.

India in T20 World Cup final: Small contributions which had HUGE impact

“I have spoken about Bumrah many times before and I will say it again. We are lucky that a bowler like Jasprit Bumrah plays for India. India has never had a bowler like him before. Perhaps the world has rarely seen a bowler like him. He has everything including yorkers, slower balls, outswing, inswing, and bouncers. He also knows very well how to bowl under pressure,” Pathan said on his YouTube channel.India had earlier piled up a massive 253/7 after being put in to bat, largely thanks to a blistering 42-ball 89 from Sanju Samson. However, England remained firmly in the chase for most of the innings, powered by a superb century from Jacob Bethell.With England still eyeing the target late in the innings, Bumrah produced a decisive moment in the 18th over. At the start of the over, England required 45 runs from the final three overs, but Bumrah conceded just six runs while delivering four pinpoint yorkers. The pressure was then amplified by Hardik Pandya, who bowled an excellent penultimate over that cost just nine runs and also accounted for Sam Curran. England eventually finished on 246/7, falling seven runs short of India’s total.Earlier in the innings, Bumrah had also delivered a tight 16th over, giving away just eight runs and further tightening India’s grip during the closing stages.Pathan felt Bumrah’s effort deserved the Player of the Match award, particularly because he bowled the toughest overs on a batting-friendly surface where runs flowed freely.“According to me, Jasprit Bumrah should have been the Player of the Match. If you watched the game, you would have noticed that every other bowler had an economy rate of around 10. Some were even above 10 or close to 15. On such a flat pitch, 500 runs were scored. The one who performs the difficult job in such conditions is the real Player of the Match. The kind of work Jasprit Bumrah does, he bowls the tough overs,” he said.Pathan also highlighted Bumrah’s tactical awareness, pointing to how the pacer outthought Harry Brook with clever variation rather than pace.“Once again, when he came to bowl, the first batter he faced was Harry Brook. He did not try to bowl fast because he has a brilliant cricketing mind. He trapped Harry Brook with a slower ball right away. Bumrah could have bowled a yorker or a bouncer on the first delivery and played on his ego thinking, ‘I am Jasprit Bumrah.’ But he does not do that. He understands the pitch, the conditions, and he reads the batter very well. He knew Harry Brook likes pace. So instead of giving him pace, he trapped him with a slower delivery, which eventually led to Axar Patel taking the catch.”India’s innings was built around Samson’s explosive knock of 89 off 42 balls, which included eight fours and seven sixes. Valuable contributions also came from Shivam Dube (43 off 25), Ishan Kishan (39 off 18), Pandya (27 off 12) and Tilak Varma (21 off seven) as India posted a formidable 253/7 in their 20 overs.England were once struggling at 95/4 before Bethell’s aggressive 105 off 48 balls, along with a 77-run stand with Will Jacks (35 off 20), brought them back into the contest. A brief four-ball blitz worth 19 runs from Jofra Archer nearly turned the match in England’s favour, but India managed to hold their nerve in the closing moments.With the win, India secured a place in the tournament final, where they will face New Zealand national cricket team at the Narendra Modi Stadium on March 8 as they aim to capture another major ICC title.

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NFL Players from Susan Miller Dorsey H.S. (Los Angeles)

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  By SuperWest Sports Staff


Here is an up-to-date list of all NFL Players from Susan Miller Dorsey High School in Los Angeles, California.

The list includes only those players who have played in a regular-season NFL game. Consequently, players taken in the upcoming draft will not be included until they have seen the field.

The League does not officially recognize players who appeared only in preseason exhibition games.

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Susan Miller Dorsey is a prep football powerhouse, ranked as the No. 2 pro football player-producing high school in the state.

California has produced a total of 3,331 NFL players from 793 schools, with 264 pros currently active

See where all the other schools in the Golden State rank here, with links to their respective players.


NFL Players from Susan Miller Dorsey HS
Player Pos Teams From To
Kayvon Thibodeaux DE NYG 2022 2025
Jaydon Mickens WR JAX,TAM 2017 2021
Marvin Hall WR ATL,DET,CLE 2017 2021
Chris Matthews WR SEA,BAL 2014 2017
Chris Owens DB ATL,MIA,CLE,KAN,NOR 2009 2015
Jeremy Harris CB JAX,WAS 2014 2015
Rahim Moore FS DEN,HOU 2011 2015
Keith Browner DE HOU 2014 2014
Robert Herron WR TAM 2014 2014
Johnathan Franklin RB GNB 2013 2013
David Gettis WR CAR 2010 2012
Na’il Diggs LB GNB,CAR,STL,SDG 2000 2011
Jerome Boyd DB OAK 2009 2011
Jeremiah Johnson RB DEN 2011 2011
Jerome Johnson RB ARI 2010 2010
Dennis Northcutt WR CLE,JAX,DET 2000 2009
Antonio Chatman WR GNB,CIN 2003 2008
Edell Shepherd WR TAM,HOU 2003 2006
Keyshawn Johnson WR NYJ,TAM,DAL,CAR 1996 2006
Lamont Warren RB IND,NWE,DET 1994 2002
Player Pos Teams From To
Karim Abdul-Jabbar RB MIA,CLE,IND 1996 2000
Chris Mims DE-DT SDG,WAS 1992 1999
Charles Mincy DB KAN,MIN,TAM,OAK 1991 1999
Ron Lewis G WAS 1995 1995
Beno Bryant RB SEA 1994 1994
Aaron Cox WR RAM,IND 1988 1993
Holbert Johnson DB RAM 1987 1987
Daryl Knox LB PIT 1987 1987
Butch Johnson WR DAL,DEN 1976 1985
Bernard Jackson DB CIN,DEN,SDG 1972 1980
Reynaud Moore DB NOR 1971 1971
Ron Copeland WR CHI 1969 1969
Frank Buncom LB SDG,CIN 1962 1968
Billy Anderson DB-HB CHI 1953 1954
Jack Nix E SFO 1950 1950
Jack Kirby HB-DB GNB 1949 1949
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Iran Women sing Anthem after opening Match Silence

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After standing in silence during their opening match against South Korea, the Iranian women’s national team sang their national anthem before kick-off against Australia at the Asian Cup.

The team did not explain the gesture publicly, though it was widely interpreted as either mourning or a quiet response to the tensions in the Middle East.

Iran striker Sara Didar became emotional when speaking before the game, saying the team’s thoughts remain with family members back home amid the ongoing conflict in the region.

  • Auckland FC Players to honour women on International Women’s DayAuckland FC Players to honour women on International Women’s Day

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Despite the shift in pre-match gestures, the result on the pitch proved equally difficult for Iran. Australia secured a 4–0 victory on the Gold Coast.

Head coach Marziyeh Jafari said the team is trying to remain focused on the competition despite the situation unfolding in their home country.

Iran arrived in Australia before the recent military strikes and has avoided public comment on the conflict. The team is scheduled to play all its group matches on the Gold Coast.

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After two defeats in Group A, Iran now faces a crucial final group match against the Philippines. The team will need a victory to keep hopes alive of reaching the quarterfinals and maintaining a pathway toward qualification for the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2027 in Brazil.

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Former Packers president and franchise legend Bob Harlan dies at 89

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Bob Harlan, the former Green Bay Packers president and CEO who served the franchise in various capacities since 1971, died Thursday following an illness, according to the Packers. He was 89. 

Harlan, who was elected as president and CEO in 1989, oversaw a revival of the most historic franchise in the NFL. The Packers registered 13 straight seasons of .500 or better from 1992-2004, and captured a Lombardi Trophy in 1997 by defeating the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XXXI, 35-21.

“The Packers family was saddened to learn of the passing of Bob Harlan,” Packers president and CEO Ed Policy said in a statement. “Bob was a visionary leader whose impact on the franchise was transformational. From his inspired hiring of Ron Wolf to turn around the club’s on-field fortunes to his tireless work to redevelop Lambeau Field, Bob restored the Packers to competitive excellence during his tenure and helped ensure our unique and treasured flagship NFL franchise was on sound footing for sustained generational success.

“We send our deepest sympathies to his wife, Madeline, and the entire Harlan family.”

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Harlan’s hiring of general manager Ron Wolf in 1991 was critical, as he also hired Mike Holmgren as head coach, traded for quarterback Brett Favre, and signed the legendary Reggie White in free agency. Green Bay immediately snapped a streak of two losing seasons, made the playoffs for the first time in a decade in 1993, and appeared in the NFC Championship game the very next year. Following that loss to the Dallas Cowboys, the Packers went 13-3 in 1996 and won the Super Bowl. 

“Bob Harlan’s leadership of the Green Bay Packers was outstanding,” Favre said of Harlan in a statement. “Hiring Ron Wolf and supporting the trade that brought me to Green Bay changed my career. The organization believed in me and gave me the opportunity.

“He was so supportive of me during the challenges I faced in my career. Challenges my family faced, too. He was always there offering his support. He was a great and kind man.

“I appreciated the way he represented the Packers and connected so well with Packers fans. I also truly enjoyed his sense of humor and cherished the moments we shared over the years.

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“I know winning the Super Bowl and bringing the Lombardi Trophy back to Green Bay was a proud moment for him, what the team accomplished. It was incredible to be a part of the resurgence of this great franchise and Bob set the tone with his leadership.”

When Wolf stepped down in 2001, the Packers gave coach Mike Sherman managerial duties for four seasons before bringing former director of player personnel Ted Thompson back to Green Bay. Thompson’s first selection came at No. 24 overall in the 2005 NFL Draft, a pick he used on a quarterback by the name of Aaron Rodgers. Green Bay would go on to win its fourth Super Bowl (XLV) in 2011, making Harlan the only executive in NFL history to hire two different general managers that won Super Bowls with entirely different rosters, per ESPN.

Harlan did a lot more than just field a successful football team. Back in 2000, he helped produce and fought for a $295 million redevelopment plan of Lambeau Field. His successor, Mark Murphy, said Harlan was the “Most responsible for Lambeau Field becoming the most iconic stadium in the NFL.” 

Harlan was elected to the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame in 2004 and the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame in 2009.

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Lakers vs. Nuggets prediction, odds, line, start time: 2026 NBA picks for Thursday, March 5

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The battle for the fifth seed in the Western Conference is on when the Los Angeles Lakers face the Denver Nuggets in NBA action on Thursday. Los Angeles is coming off a 110-101 win at home against New Orleans on Tuesday, while Denver won a 128-125 decision at Utah on Monday. The Lakers (37-24), who have won three in a row, are 19-12 on the road this season. The Nuggets (34-24), who have dropped two of three games, are 16-12 on their home floor. The Lakers come into this pivotal matchup healthy. The Nuggets have ruled out Aaron Gordon (hamstring), Peyton Watson (hamstring) and Spencer Jones (shoulder). Cameron Johnson (ankle) is listed as questionable.

Tipoff from Ball Arena in Denver, Colo., is set for 10 p.m. ET. With a little over five weeks left in the regular season, the Lakers are a half-game behind the Nuggets in the standings and just 1 1/2 games out of the third seed. The Lakers are 5-0 ATS in their last five road games against the Nuggets. The Nuggets are 4.5-point favorites in the latest Lakers vs. Nuggets odds from DraftKings Sportsbook, while the over/under for total points scored is 240.5. Before making any Nuggets vs. Lakers picks, check out the NBA predictions and betting advice from the SportsLine Projection Model.

New users can target the DraftKings promo code, which offers $200 in bonus bets if your first $5+ bet wins:

The SportsLine Projection Model simulates every NBA game 10,000 times and has returned well over $10,000 in betting profit for $100 players on its top-rated NBA picks over the past eight-plus seasons. The model entered Week 20 on a sizzling 41-18 roll on top-rated NBA spread picks dating back to last season. Anyone following its NBA betting advice at sportsbooks and on betting apps could have seen huge returns.    

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Now, the model has simulated Lakers vs. Nuggets 10,000 times and just revealed its coveted NBA picks and betting predictions. You can head to SportsLine now to see the model’s picks. Here are several NBA odds and NBA betting lines for Lakers vs. Nuggets:

Lakers vs. Nuggets spread:    

Nuggets -4.5

Lakers vs. Nuggets over/under:    

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240.5 points

Lakers vs. Nuggets money line:

Nuggets -188, Lakers +156

Lakers vs. Nuggets picks:    

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See picks at SportsLine

Lakers vs. Nuggets streaming:

Prime

New users can also target the latest Underdog promo code CBSSPORTS2, good for $75 in fantasy bonus entries when you play $5 in select states.

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Top Lakers vs. Nuggets predictions

After 10,000 simulations of Lakers vs. Nuggets, SportsLine’s model is going Under on the total (240.5). The banged-up Nuggets will be missing three players while the Lakers are at full strength. The total has gone Under in four of the Lakers’ last six games when playing as the underdog.

Both teams have all the motivation tonight, the fifth seed in the Western Conference is on the line, with the fourth seed in sight. The total has also gone under in four of the Nuggets’ last five games at home. The model projects 239 combined points as the Under hits well over 50% of the time. 

How to make Lakers vs. Nuggets picks

The model also says one side of the spread hits nearly 60% of the time. You can head to SportsLine to see the model’s NBA picks

So who wins Lakers vs. Nuggets, and which side of the spread hits nearly 60%. Visit SportsLine now to see which side of the spread to back, all from the model that has returned well over $10,000 on top-rated NBA picks, and find out.

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David Croft reacts as Danica Patrick breaks silence about her departure from Sky Sports F1 commentator gig

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Former IndyCar driver Danica Patrick didn’t feature on Sky Sports F1’s broadcast team list for the 2026 season, leading to reports of her parting ways with the broadcaster. As the 43-year-old took to Instagram and broke the silence on her departure from Sky Sports, F1 commentator David Croft reacted to it.

After concluding her motorsport career in 2018 with the Daytona 500 and Indy 500 being her last races in NASCAR and IndyCar, respectively, Patrick joined NBC’s Indy 500 broadcast team. Just a couple of years later, she got her F1 broadcast gig with Sky Sports F1’s team for the 2021 US GP.

Since then, Danica Patrick featured on Sky’s F1 team for multiple races, but mostly for the races in America, i.e., the US GP, Las Vegas GP, and Miami GP. The 43-year-old is a well-recognized figure in the US, becoming the first female to win an IndyCar race and leading laps at the Daytona 500.

Ahead of the 2026 season, Sky Sports F1 released the list of their team, and Patrick’s name was off it. The former IndyCar driver took to Instagram and confirmed that she parted ways with the broadcaster as it was time for her to “move on.”

Danica Patrick uploaded images from her first F1 gig with Sky Sports at the 2021 US GP, with a caption that read,

“From my first @skysportsf1 race in Austin to my last 5 years later… I had such a blast! The sky team was so much fun (thank you all), I saw so many amazing new race tracks and cities, and got to be part of a huge boom in F1!”

“I called after the last race in 2025 and said it was time for me to move on and I was so grateful for the opportunity and experience I was given! ….and now due to my deep exposure to F1, I will be glued to my tv for the season starting this weekend, like every other fan,” she added

David Croft, better known as Crofty, who’s been serving as the lead commentator for Sky Sports’ F1 broadcast since 2012, reacted to Danica Patrick’s post about parting ways with the British media group as he liked the post.

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Image credits: Instagram/@danicapatrickImage credits: Instagram/@danicapatrick
Image credits: Instagram/@danicapatrick

Danica Patrick’s professional career timeline: IndyCar, NASCAR, broadcasting gigs, and now politics

Danica Patrick raced in the Formula Ford championship, where she met Bobby Rahal, who was then a Team Principal at Jaguar F1. Once she returned to the US, Rahal gave Danica her big IndyCar break for Rahal Letterman Racing (now Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing).

F1 Grand Prix of United States - Practice & Sprint Qualifying - Source: GettyF1 Grand Prix of United States - Practice & Sprint Qualifying - Source: Getty
F1 Grand Prix of United States – Practice & Sprint Qualifying – Source: Getty

After only a couple of years racing for Bobby Rahal, she made the move to Michael Andretti’s team, where she raced for the next five seasons, and won her only IndyCar race, i.e., the 2008 Indy Japan 300.

She joined NASCAR in 2012 and primarily raced for Stewart-Haas Racing, taking the pole position at the 2013 Daytona 500. However, her stint in NASCAR wasn’t as successful as her IndyCar stint, and she retired at the end of the 2018 season.

Danica Patrick then took up broadcasting gigs, featuring on NBC’s Indy 500 broadcast, Sky Sports F1’s broadcast team, and most recently FOX’s broadcast team for the 109th running of the Indy 500.

The 43-year-old also supported Donald Trump during the 2024 US Presidential elections and even spoke on behalf of the President. She became a speaker at Turning Point USA and supports Trump via posts on her social media accounts.

Danica Patrick also has a podcast named “Pretty Intense” as well as a Napa Valley vineyard named Somnium.

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