The Edmonton Oilers have never found consistency this NHL season. They have secured wins against strong teams like the Colorado Avalanche recently, but have also suffered a shutout loss against the Florida Panthers and heavy defeats to the Tampa Bay Lightning and Dallas Stars. This does not paint a good picture of the team’s ability to compete against top opponents.
The same was pointed out by former NHL star Chris Pronger recently, who praised Connor McDavid but raised serious concerns about the Oilers during an appearance on SiriusXM NHL Network Radio. Pronger pointed to the growing pressure on the team after consecutive deep playoff runs in 2024 and 2025 and questioned their identity.
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Pronger discussed the noise around McDavid and noted that roster moves, inconsistent performances, and unstable goaltending have left the Oilers searching for balance.
“I think there’s so much pressure on this team,” Pronger said. “They’ve gone to back-to-back finals. He’s kind of put them on the clock with respect to his contract. They’ve made a number of moves that haven’t necessarily panned out with respect to the goaltender.”
Despite having the best player in the league, Pronger stressed that individual brilliance does not guarantee team success.
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“They’re very much a team that’s kind of in flux, so to speak, in finding their game and finding their identity,” Pronger said. “… and he’s the best player in the league. But that doesn’t mean that you’re the best team in the league. And how you play together and how you work together a lot of times matter more than the singularity in how polarizing one player can be over another.”
McDavid continues to lead the Oilers with another elite season. The captain has recorded 118 points, including 40 goals and 78 assists, while crossing the 400-goal mark and 1200 points recently. His performances keep Edmonton competitive, especially on the league-leading power play.
Pronger on Oilers’ defensive commitment
Pronger focused heavily on defensive commitment. He said the Oilers must decide how badly they want to improve defensively, adding that success is not just about scoring goals.
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“Ultimately, it’s not about scoring goals. It’s about playing defense.” Pronger said.
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Oilers defenseman Darnell Nurse has a plus-minus rating of -18, and Jake Walman has a -12 rating. This has been part of their struggles this season.
Pronger also stressed that leadership starts with McDavid, who must set the tone with responsible two-way play.
“It always starts at the top,” Pronger said. “Your best player has to be committed to playing defense the proper way. And from there, you can move people around the board, and challenge players and hold one another accountable and push on one another to play better, whether it’s the goalie, whether it’s defense, whether it’s forwards, whether it’s collectively as a group and come together in the locker room and challenge one another to be better.”
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The Hall of Famer also questioned the team’s unity. From an outside view, he described Edmonton as “disjointed,” with players not always pulling in the same direction. He added that both coaching and management share responsibility for the current situation.
“They seem like they’re very disjointed in going in their own ways,” Pronger said. “Some of that can be coaching. Some of that can be the players. Some of that’s top down for management.”
Pronger warned the Oilers about relying on offense
Edmonton has a 35-28-9 record, and that’s primarily because of inconsistency, as they have failed to build a good win streak of over three games. Their offense averages 3.47 goals per game, and defensive struggles remain a concern.
“They look very disjointed defensively,” Pronger said. “They look at times disinterested. To me, it looks like they think they can score their way out of their problems all the time. And as we know, in the playoffs, it’s not always the case.
“And secondly, they have to get into the playoffs. They’re a bubble team right now. They’re in, but they’re a bubble team. And, as Connor McDavid said, the pillow fight in the Pacific certainly was a great line, because it’s very true when you look at how many points they have versus the East right now.”
As the playoff race tightens, the Oilers must address these gaps quickly.
Roma fullback Devyne Rensch was on the scoresheet tonight as he helped lead the comeback against Parma to secure three crucial points at the Tardini.
After the match, Rensch discussed the importance of this victory.
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“What a crazy match, Parma is a good team, the most important thing was to win, a goal and the penalty make me even happier but I’m happy for the team. Now we’re focused on the derby.”
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“Top 4? We’ve fought all season, we’ve always believed in it all together, we put a lot of effort into training even if it doesn’t show. We deserve it.”
Two weeks ago, Jeeno Thitikul arrived at the Chevron Championship and admitted she hears all the noise about her inability to win a major championship. The then-No. 1-ranked player in the world called it the “challenge” of her career to finally get it over the line at the biggest events.
Two days later, Jeeno Thitikul missed the cut at Memorial Park as Nelly Korda went on to win her third major and reclaim the top spot in the Rolex Rankings. Thitikul took a week off after her early exit in Houston and returned to action this week to defend her title at the Mizuho Americas Open. Thitikul has always approached her career with great perspective, that of someone who learned the game at a driving range in Ratchaburi, Thailand, a small town not far from Bangkok that doesn’t have its own course. Someone who has already achieved more than she thought possible. Thitikul wants to win a major, but she is also content with everything she has already accomplished in the game. There’s pressure to win a major because that’s a dream of hers, but not because she needs validation from others.
“I don’t think I have to prove anything to like even other players or people or myself, because like what I have I already proved for a long, long time,” Thitikul said on Friday at Mountain Ridge Country Club. “ It’s just a certain time that golf seems easy for you. Then I have a certain time [where] golf is so hard for me, which is Chevron, it’s one of the weeks that I feel like, ‘What did I do wrong?’ … I’m like, ‘What did golf do to me right now?’ And then coming to this week, didn’t expect anything, to be honest. ”
Thitikul won earlier this season in Thailand but has been struggling with her game since the LPGA returned to America in March. After bowing out of the Chevron early, Thitikul spoke with her coach about the issues with her swing, primarily her iron play, and they decided to attack her title defense at Mizuho with a new mentality.
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Try less.
“When you put the work [in] and don’t see the results, sometimes you are really disappointed,” Thitikul said earlier this week at Mizuho. “He said, ‘Maybe, don’t try.’ Then, if you don’t try, maybe you don’t expect anything.”
That mindset shift freed up Thitikul this week in West Caldwell, New Jersey. The 23-year-old opened with rounds of 67 and 69 to take a three-shot lead into the weekend. Celine Boutier closed the gap to two after the third round, but Thitikul put the tournament away on Sunday. She birdied the second and third holes while Boutier bogeyed three straight to fall out of contention. While Boutier faded, Ruoning Yin made five birdies on the front nine to get within one of Thitikul, but bogeys at 11 and 16 stalled her championship run, and Thitikul punctuated her title defense by pouring in a 20-foot birdie putt on the 18th hole to finish at 13 under and win by four.
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In the end, trying less got Jeeno Thitikul where she wanted to go.
“It helped me a lot,” Thitikul said of her new mindset after the win. “I just stayed in my bubble, stayed on what I can do. [If] golf is not going to be good, then golf is not going to be good. My life is not changing. I think what I have to think about is just what I can control.”
As is always the case with Thitikul, the title glow was quickly consumed by questions about when her major breakthrough will come. With the U.S. Women’s Open at Riviera a month away, Thitikul’s mind and game appear to be shaping up at the right time.
That’s something Jeeno Thitikul wants. But it’s not something the World No. 2 will stress over. If her major victory comes, it comes. If it doesn’t, Jeeno Thitikul will be just fine.
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“Yeah, that’s always been a dream,” Thitikul said of winning a major. “I will say dream, not goal, to be able to win a major. But I don’t want to put anything on my shoulders right now. I just took all of it out. I just play golf.
“Whether I win a major or not, I think I’ve got enough.”
Iowa State defensive lineman Domonique Orange brings down Iowa quarterback Cade McNamara during fourth-quarter action at Kinnick Stadium. On Sep. 7, 2024, Orange continued showcasing his power and interior disruption skills while helping the Cyclones pressure Iowa’s offense during the rivalry matchup in Iowa City. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.
The Minnesota Vikings have completed free agency and the draft this offseason, and regarding the roster right now, what you see is what you get. The club may make or move or two before it’s all said and done before Week 1, but the depth chart is full. Therefore, it’s time to peek at the most improved roster spots.
Minnesota’s offseason plan becomes clearer when ranking where the roster actually improved.
Truth be told, this exercise is pretty straightforward.
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The Biggest Jump Starts at Quarterback and Defensive Tackle
Ranked from medium improvement to the most, here’s the list.
San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Jauan Jennings (15) celebrates after a victory against the Los Angeles Chargers on Nov. 13, 2022, at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. Jennings later emerged as a frequently discussed trade or free-agent target for teams seeking dependable wide receiver depth and physicality. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images.
4. Wide Receiver
Notable Newcomer(s): Jauan Jennings Dillon Bell
Some might argue this should be higher, and the case for that contention would be sound.
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On Thursday night, the Vikings signed Jennings, a transaction that gives Minnesota its best wide receiver trio since Randy Moss, Cris Carter, and Jake Reed. The purple team has employed other decent WR3s since — like Bernard Berrian, Jerome Simpson, K.J. Osborn, and Jalen Nailor — but none are quite like Jennings.
Jennings is a willing blocker and just what the doctor ordered for Kevin O’Connell’s offense. Had the Vikings not lost Nailor to free agency, this spot might’ve ranked at No. 2 on the list.
Bleacher Report‘s Adam Wells on Jennings: “Jennings isn’t a burner who runs past cornerbacks, so he will need to maintain that aggressive style of play that has not always endeared him to other players around the NFL.”
“The Vikings will be more than happy to have Jennings’ aggression, attitude and swagger on their offense as they look to put together a roster capable of competing for a playoff spot in 2026.”
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3. Offensive Tackle
Notable Newcomer(s): Caleb Tiernan Ryan Van Demark
Perhaps planning for the future or strictly picking “the best player available,” Minnesota added Northwestern’s Tiernan in Round 3 of last month’s draft. Of course, the club has Christian Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill ready for LT and RT duty, but Tiernan inserts youth into the pipeline.
Van Demark has played 43 games in his career and can be considered this year’s Justin Skule or David Quessenberry.
In the last few years, the Vikings lean on one veteran OT as a contingency plan. Now, they have two.
2. Defensive Tackle
Notable Newcomer(s): Caleb Banks Domonique Orange
Out with the elderly, in with the babies — was the Vikings’ mantra at defensive tackle this offseason.
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Florida Gators defensive lineman Caleb Banks (88) pressures Georgia quarterback Carson Beck (15) during third-quarter action on Oct. 28, 2023, at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Florida. Banks later climbed into the NFL Draft’s first-round conversation because of his size, explosiveness, and disruptive defensive traits in the SEC. Mandatory Credit: Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images.
The club released Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave, who landed with the Cincinnati Bengals and Green Bay Packers, respectively. In March, fans wondered if Minnesota would roll with Jalen Redmond, Levi Drake Rodriguez, and Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins. The answer? An emphatic hell no.
Minnesota spent two of its first three picks on interior defensive linemen in the draft. Banks is the almighty gamble, coming off a foot injury, and most think big humans with bad feet isn’t a straightforward outcome. Still, if Banks’s foot heals and stays 100%, he has an All-Pro upside.
The Athletic‘s Alec Lewis noted this week on Banks’s foot injury: “Minnesota isn’t planning to rush Banks back from the most recent procedure on his fractured fourth metatarsal. The team also believes its top player health and performance staffers, Tyler Williams and Matt Duhamel, are at the forefront of recovery around the NFL.”
“Also important in the Banks discussion is the coaching component of his development when he does return from injury. All young players need different coaching personalities to maximize their skill set. Banks is different, according to Florida defensive-line coach Gerald Chatman, in that he responds to intense challenge and urgency.”
On Orange, he’s a nose tackle, and players from that position are just easier to scout for some reason or another. For the trajectory of the long-term roster, Banks and Orange instead of Allen and Hargrave is seismic.
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1. Quarterback
Notable Newcomer(s): Kyler Murray
You don’t have to be the almighty Murray stan to appreciate the Vikings’ value during his onboarding. Minnesota paid $1.3 million for Murray; the Arizona Cardinals are paying Murray to play for the Vikings. That is not spin. That is the truth.
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) rolls outside the pocket while scanning downfield against the Buffalo Bills on Sep. 8, 2024, at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, New York. Murray later joined the Minnesota Vikings, immediately becoming the favorite to lead Kevin O’Connell’s offense entering the 2026 season. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images.
Over the course of a 17-game season in his career, Murray averaged these numbers:
3,997 Passing Yards
30 Total Touchdowns
11 Interceptions
67.1% Completion Rate
623 Rushing Yards
Last year, J.J. McCarthy produced 11 passing touchdowns and 12 interceptions. His team still finished 9-8.
Murray at $1.3 million might be the best value in the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL.
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Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker
Minnesota Vikings cornerback Fabian Moreau stands on the field during an NFC Wild Card matchup against the Los Angeles Rams at State Farm Stadium. On Jan. 13, 2025, Moreau contributed to Minnesota’s secondary during postseason action as the Vikings attempted to advance deeper into the playoffs under head coach Kevin O’Connell. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.
Multiple waves of free agency have come and gone, and in NFL speak, the wire is down to slim pickings, except for some aging, once noteworthy stars like Tyreek Hill. All the productive young players have found new employers. For the Minnesota Vikings’ sake, seven players from the 2025 roster remain unsigned.
The productive departures are gone. These names remain in limbo.
Here’s a peek at those men in alphabetical order.
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Familiar Vikings Veterans Still Waiting for Their Next Shot
Who’s the most likely player to rejoin the Vikings, perhaps on the practice squad?
Notre Dame offensive lineman Zeke Correll participates in the school’s annual Blue-Gold spring football game at Notre Dame Stadium in South Bend on April 22, 2023. Correll developed into a steady presence along the Fighting Irish offensive line during his collegiate career, bringing experience, versatility, and leadership to one of college football’s most tradition-rich programs. Mandatory Credit: Greg Swiercz / USA TODAY NETWORK / USA TODAY NETWORK.
Zeke Correll | C
Merely mentioned for full disclosure, Correll was a Vikings practice squad candidate last summer. He then suffered an injury in August and spent the entire season on injured reserve.
Minnesota waived him on March 13th and now has Blake Brandel, Michael Jurgens, and rookie Gavin Gehardt lined up for the center spot in 2026.
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Fabian Moreau | CB
As a CB3, Moreau quietly had a solid 2025 season. He allowed a 54.2 passer rating in 11 games, a performance that largely went unnoticed due to his lack of name recognition. Minnesota should consider bringing him back as a CB4-CB5, especially if he remains a cost-effective option.
Matt Nelson | OT
Nelson remains largely anonymous in the NFL, typically occupying a practice squad role, providing swing depth, or filling in during emergencies. Unsurprisingly, he remains unsigned after the initial wave of free agency. He will likely have to wait until a team requires additional personnel for training camp.
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Jeff Okudah | CB
Okudah had a difficult stint as Minnesota’s CB3, hampered by concussions and poor play. When on the field, opposing quarterbacks frequently targeted him, exploiting his struggles. The former third overall pick appears to be in the later stages of his career, with the “2020 draft bust” label now firmly attached.
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey breaks free from Minnesota Vikings cornerback Jeff Okudah for a touchdown reception during the second half at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, on Oct. 23, 2025. McConkey continued his rapid rise as one of the NFL’s most dependable young receivers, showcasing his route-running precision and separation ability against Minnesota. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images.
The Viking Age‘s Adam Patrick on Okudah last month: “Unfortunately, multiple concussions resulted in Okudah only appearing in six games with the Vikings last season, but even when he was able to get on the field, his performance wasn’t anything close to what Minnesota was hoping to see from him.”
“Now that concussions could potentially be a lingering issue, and the fact that he just hasn’t been good during his tenure in the league, his career in the NFL could already be nearing the end, despite it beginning just six years ago.”
Brett Rypien | QB
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In May 2025 — so, a year ago at this time — Rypien was the Vikings’ QB2, believe it or not. The rapid change in circumstances now sees him seeking a QB3 role elsewhere, likely with a team looking for an inexpensive veteran for camp in the coming months.
Harrison Smith | S
The Vikings “released” Smith in March, but his tenure in Minnesota is not necessarily over. Smith performed well late in 2025, making a 2026 return seem plausible, even if only for situational play.
Can one truly imagine the Vikings winning a Super Bowl in 2026 with Kyler Murray under center, while Smith watches from home? The thought should be unsettling for both fans and Smith himself.
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The Athletic‘sAlec Lewis noted on rookie safety Jakobe Thomas as a possible Smith replacement this week, “Can Jakobe Thomas be the new Harrison Smith? In 2025, Thomas entered the transfer portal. He had played safety at Tennessee, mostly in a role that asked him to focus on deep coverage. The University of Miami’s staff kicked the film over to defensive coordinator Corey Hetherman.”
“He believed the Hurricanes could weaponize Thomas’ all-around abilities more powerfully. Thomas took to the idea. Part of the intrigue, for him, was the fact that one of his heroes, a fellow product of the state of Tennessee named Harrison Smith, was asked to play multiple roles in the Vikings’ defense.”
Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith speaks during a press conference at Sport Ireland Campus in Dublin, Ireland, on Sep. 26, 2025. Smith remained one of the Vikings’ most respected veteran leaders entering another international showcase game, continuing a long tenure defined by versatility, intelligence, and consistent defensive production throughout his accomplished NFL career. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.
Thomas was direct fruit of the Jonathan Greenard trade.
Lewis added, “Thomas is now playing for Smith’s longtime NFL team. Smith’s status remains up in the air, but O’Connell said Friday that one of the elements of Thomas’ pre-draft visit was watching film of Smith.”
“The reps Thomas takes with the full roster will be telling. The Vikings selected him in the third round, but he was one of the team’s priorities when the draft began.”
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John Wolford | QB
Wolford served as the Vikings’ emergency QB3 last season, when injuries and crappy play hit the quarterback room. He will not return in 2026. At best, Wolford might secure a practice squad position or serve as emergency quarterback insurance for a new team.
Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker
5′ Barcelona go through on the left with Marcus Rashford, who swings a low cross into the box. However, Real Madrid left-back Fran Garcia recovers in time to prevent any danger.
A minute later, Barcelona attack again, but this time it’s Raul Asencio who recovers and makes a superb tackle! Remember, Asencio came in last-minute after Dean Huijsen felt discomfort during warm-up.
NU setter Greg Ancheta, left, celebrates during a win over FEU in the UAAP Season 88 men’s volleyball Finals.–MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
MANILA, Philippines — Feeling the weight of the pressure, Greg Ancheta endured tearful nights, crying quietly in bed as he dealt with self-doubt without his teammates knowing.
Tasked with steering National University’s loaded offense bannered by Alas Pilipinas stars Leo Ordiales and Buds Buddin, Ancheta admitted the journey was far from easy, but one he eventually overcame through trust given by coach Dante Alinsunurin and his teammates and, more importantly, belief in himself.
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“There were times when I’d lie in bed crying alone. I just didn’t show it to my teammates or the people I shared a room with,” Ancheta said in Filipino.
“But I held on to Coach Dante’s reminder that I can’t rely only on the coaches if I want to play. I need to have my own identity as a player. I’m also thankful because they gave me their trust, and from there, I just kept working hard.”
After losing their last two games in the elimination round and finishing with a 10-4 record, Alinsunurin lamented that their set plays became one of their problems.
“There’s really a story behind that because I kept telling him that he needed to challenge himself. I wanted to push him and see what he was capable of because I knew he could help carry us to a championship,” said Alinsunurin of Ancheta.
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“In that situation, I really tried to bring out more from him. I told him he shouldn’t just depend on the coaching staff or the people teaching him. What’s important is that he learns how to decide for himself — not only in volleyball, but also in life.He needs to build his own identity as a player,” he added.
It lit the fire under Ancheta as he unleashed 30 excellent sets in NU’s win over University of Santo Tomas in the playoff for the No.2 spot. He then dished out 23 in their Final Four victory against UST to reach the title round for the 11th straight time.
In the finals opener, Ancheta anchored NU’s five-set comeback with 31 excellent sets and paced NU’s successful “six-peat” with 20 excellent sets in their 26-24, 25-22, 25-22 sweep of FEU to rule the UAAP Season 88 men’s volleyball tournament on Saturday at Mall of Asia Arena.
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“It feels really good because I was able to overcome all the challenges that came my way,” Ancheta said.
Alinsunurin, now an eight-time champion coach, credited his playmaker for accepting the challenge.
“With what he showed in the semifinals and finals, he was really impressive. I knew he was ready, and he performed very well,” he said.
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After overcoming the quiet battles no one else saw, Ancheta found tranquility with NU’s latest championship.
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“I want to thank coach Dante, who stood by my side and allowed me to fight for myself, too,” said Ancheta. “At this point, I feel like I don’t have anything left to prove except to give my best every game. Maybe this is the most meaningful championship I’ve won.”
The Indianapolis Colts selected former Georgia linebacker CJ Allen in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft with the 53rd overall pick. The franchise posted a clip of the 21-year-old working out at rookie camp on Saturday.
“CJ in motion,” the caption read.
Thanks for the submission!
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Fans flocked to the comment section to share their reaction to the video.
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“I seen dads at a cookout move faster,” a fan said.
i seen dads at a cookout move faster
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“Dude moving like a Amazon package handler,” one fan commented.
“10 and 11 personnel going to have CJ in hell,” another fan added.
“he is still just as slow fjejxbjanxjzjd,” one fan posted.
“Did he just learn how to run today?” Another fan said.
“Delete this bro looks 40 years old,” one comment read.
As the Colts’ rookie minicamp got underway on May 8–10, 2026, Allen’s athleticism was a major talking point. Throughout the 2026 draft process, many scouting reports labeled the linebacker as an average athlete. Reports suggested he had slow lateral speed and slow change of direction.
Many argued that he often looked split-second late on film when reacting to zone passes or chasing down fast ball carriers.
CJ Allen reveals the story behind wearing No. 53 with the Colts
After wearing No. 3 throughout his standout career at Georgia, CJ Allen needed a new number in the NFL because Colts kicker Spencer Shrader already wore it.
Indianapolis assigned Allen No. 53, and at first, he saw it as a standard linebacker jersey. Later, he was selected with the 53rd overall pick in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft after the Colts traded down from No. 47.
The jersey also holds major franchise history as former Colts All-Pro linebacker Shaquille Leonard wore No. 53 during his dominant run with the team. He won AP Defensive Rookie of the Year honors in 2018 and earned three first-team AP All-Pro selections while wearing the iconic number. Allen now hopes to create his own legacy in Indianapolis.
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The former Georgia star appeared in 41 games with 30 starts from 2023-25, recording 205 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, 4.5 sacks, 11 pass breakups, one interception, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.
His impressive 2025 campaign included 88 tackles, 8.0 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks, helping him earn First Team All-America and First Team All-SEC honors.
‘DDD’ had previously held the IBF crown, where he notably claimed a fifth round knockout win over Anthony Joshua at Wembley Stadium back in September 2024.
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Posting on social media, Fury has now compared those two fights, believing that the performance from Dubois against Wardley, along with some of his other recent outings, raise question marks about the chin of Joshua after he was dropped several times by ‘DDD.’
“Well, I’ve just been sat here thinking after Dubois’ unbelievable fight last night. Dubois fought Big Baby Miller, stopped him but never put him down.
“Then he fought Hrgovic, stopped him but never put him down. He fought Wardley last night in an unbelievable fight, stopped him and never put him down. He hit Usyk with some big bombs, never put him over. But yet he fights Anthony Joshua and pummels him to the floor five times.
“I’m not saying Anthony Joshua’s chinless, but they’re the facts. Take it as you wish and as you will. Everybody else never went over, not a singular person, Big Baby Miller, Hrgovic, Usyk or Wardley but Joshua goes down five times. Chinny!”
To the surprise of many, including UFC president Dana White, middleweight rivals Sean Strickland and Khamzat Chimaev embraced in a moment of sportsmanship in the immediate aftermath of their back-and-forth 25-minute title fight at UFC 328.
The pair of popular-yet-polarizing pugilists exchanged insults and threats online and in person in the months, weeks and days leading up to their anticipated clash, and Chimaev even kicked Strickland two days before the event at a press conference.
But unlike when Khabib Nurmagomedov and his team attacked Conor McGregor and his team following their UFC 229 lightweight championship grudge match in 2018, or when Nick Diaz and Joe Riggs brawled in the hospital after already fighting for three rounds in the cage in 2006, Strickland and Chimaev buried the hatchet.
Once Strickland’s name was read aloud by UFC in-cage announcer Bruce Buffer following a split-decision result, the men who used to train together on occasion before their heated rivalry shook hands and embraced.
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Chimaev kissed Strickland on the forehead, their respective teams exchanged pleasantries, and Chimaev even wrapped the belt around Strickland, who is now a two-time UFC middleweight champion.
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“What an awesome display of sportsmanship by Khamzat to put that belt around your waist,” Joe Rogan said to Strickland before their post-fight interview.
White was asked about Strickland’s and Chimaev’s post-fight conduct, which was the opposite of what fight fans had witnessed all week leading up to UFC 328.
“I was ready for the exact opposite,” White told reporters after the event in Newark, N.J.
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At one point during the height of his stardom, McGregor notoriously yelled into the microphone after one of his victories that he wanted “to apologize…to absolutely nobody!” for the way he had been conducting himself.
Strickland, on the other hand, was apologetic for some of the comments he made about Chimaev and some members of his fan base.
“I just want to apologize to my American fans, to my Muslim fans and my Christian fans,” Strickland said after he was crowned champion a second time. “I went too (expletive) hard. I’ll admit it. I respect all you guys. Chechnya (where Chimaev is from) has great fighters. They’re savage. He’s a (expletive) savage.
“I should be a better (expletive) example but I try to sell these fights for you (expletives). I appreciate you.”
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The 35-year-old from California did later clarify that all the contentiousness between he and Chimaev, 32, was real and not manufactured in the moment as it was happening.
After the fight, however, was different.
“When you go and fight another man, your soul is just exposed,” Strickland said at his post-fight media availability. “When you’re (expletive) bleeding, and he’s bleeding, and like I want to quit, he wants to quit. We don’t want to be there. You just have this level of respect for one another that it like transcends race, religion, nationality, country. After, you kinda become someone’s brother after you and him try to die, win or lose.”
There have been 13 different men to wear the undisputed title in the UFC’s 185-pound division over the years, but Strickland became just the second two-time middleweight champion, joining his old rival Israel Adesanya.
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Strickland first became a UFC champion in September 2023 when he upset Adesanya at UFC 293 in Australia. His first reign didn’t last long as he lost two decisions to Dricus Du Plessis, who couldn’t defend the title against Chimaev at UFC 319 last summer.
Wins over Paulo Costa and Anthony Hernandez put Strickland back in a position to fight for the title again and he took full advantage.
“That (expletive) would not go back,” Strickland said while complimenting Chimaev’s durability shown in absorbing 118 significant head strikes. “I’m hitting him with everything and he just keeps coming forward. Crazy.”
The final round of the match ultimately decided the winner.
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All three judges scored Round 1 for Chimaev, Rounds 2 and 3 for Strickland and had Chimaev evening things up after four. Two judges gave the fifth round to Strickland with one seeing it for Chimaev, who fell to 15-1 in mixed martial arts after suffering his first defeat.
Strickland improved to 18-7 in the UFC with the win. This was the ninth time Strickland, who leads all active UFC middleweight in average fight length, has gone the distance in a five-round fight since 2022. He is 6-3 in those contests.
Although the UFC 328 headliner and judges’ decision were extremely close, it does not appear an immediate rematch will be an option.
Chimaev, who previously competed in the UFC’s 170-pound division, informed White at the Prudential Center after the fight that he plans on now leaving the 185-pound division and moving up to the 205-pound weight class going forward.
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The former champion did also send the new champ a “see you soon again” message on social media, so you never know what the future of the compelling middleweight division may hold.
;)
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