Turki Alalshikh has promised to explore a potential mega fight for David Benavidez, who must first take care of business against Gilberto Ramirez on May 2.
The pair will collide for Ramirez’s WBO and WBA cruiserweight titles, headlining a Premier Boxing Champions pay-per-view card at the T-Mobile Arena, Las Vegas.
For Benavidez, this represents an opportunity to become a three-division world champion, with the 29-year-old having already claimed notable victories at super-middle and light-heavyweight.
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His legacy at 168lbs, however, was slightly diminished by an elusive showdown with Canelo Alvarez, who he chased for the best part of 18 months while holding the WBC ‘interim’ title.
During this time, Canelo had made a sizable impression as the undisputed super-middleweight champion, but was widely accused of ducking his then-mandatory challenger, Benavidez, while defending his titles against lesser opposition.
Should the Mexican emerge victorious, then Benavidez would seemingly still be eager to face him, even after moving all the way up to 200lbs.
In a video recently posted by Pedigree Boxing, the WBC light-heavyweight champion reminded Alalshikh of a previous conversation regarding his desire to face Canelo.
“Remember you told me you were going to give me Canelo?”
In response, the boxing powerbroker admitted that such a fight seems unlikely, but nonetheless promised to speak with the man himself.
“Let me tell you something: there is something we can do and there is something we cannot do. Of course I want to see this fight, but maybe when [Canelo’s] 40 [years old].
“We will talk with him.”
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While the Canelo dream has not quite deserted him, Benavidez must ultimately remain focused on his cruiserweight title challenge against Ramirez.
The Premier League relegation battle looks set to go right down to the wire with four clubs seemingly battling to avoid the one remaining spot in the drop zone.
Perhaps Wolves or Burnley could still pull off the greatest of escapes but, in all likelihood, they will crash into the Championship and then be joined by one of Tottenham, West Ham, Nottingham Forest and Leeds.
Relegation for a Spurs side that won the Europa League last season, reached the Champions League knockout stage this term and has spent just one season outside the top flight since 1950 would go down as one of the biggest shocks in Premier League history but their chastening 3-0 defeat to Forest in their final game before the March international break and Igor Tudor’s catastrophic spell in charge has made that a real possibility.
The north Londoners are currently 17th in the table, just a point above bitter rivals West Ham in 18th, while Forest and Leeds have a marginally greater cushion between them and the bottom three. But with seven games remaining for each, there will be plenty of twists and turns still to come.
Here’s how the crucial relegation run-in is shaping up.
Where to pick up points? The fixtures have fallen fairly kindly for Leeds and the chances are there for them to secure Premier League football next season. Three wins would definitely be enough to survive and two may well do it, so they’ll be eyeing up home fixtures against the current bottom two – Wolves and Burnley – to get over the line. Away games against relegation rivals Tottenham and West Ham also look like prime opportunities to get results on the board.
Tricky contests? Their first game after the international break, away to high-flying Manchester United, is their toughest remaining fixture on paper and leaving Old Trafford with anything would be hugely impressive. That is their only game against a team currently above 10th in the standings but a trip to Bournemouth in April and hosting European football-chasing Brighton in their penultimate fixture won’t be easy. Will an FA Cup quarter-final against West Ham straight after the international break prove to be a welcome distraction or a hindrance?
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Final straight? Leeds will be desperate to have secured safety by the time they travel to West Ham on the final day but if not, that could be a high-octane shootout for survival. Games against Brighton and Spurs immediately preceding that are too unfriendly as finales go.
Where to pick up points? The three points they picked up by securing their first Premier League win since late January by hammering Tottenham 3-0 in the final match before the international break could prove vital with a tricky-looking remaining schedule. A home fixture against seemingly doomed Burnley is a golden opportunity for Forest to collect three more points and one further win in addition to that could be enough to get over the line. A home game against a mid-table Bournemouth side who may have nothing to play for on the final day could be their best chance.
Tricky contests? Games against three of the current top six still await Forest with trips to Man United and Chelsea on the docket as well as Aston Villa heading to the City Ground just three days after Forest travel to Porto for the first leg of their Europa League quarter-final. A trip to Wearside to face this season’s surprise package Sunderland at the end of April is also a tough ask.
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Final straight? It’s not the best with a journey to Old Trafford on the penultimate day of the season far from ideal although, as mentioned above, hosting Bournemouth on the final day could offer a chance to snatch the points required if things aren’t wrapped up by then. A home match against a floundering Newcastle as their antepenultimate fixture could also be worse. Things could be complicated if they are still going in the Europa League by that point, however.
Nottingham Forest secured a vital win over Spurs (AP)
Where to pick up points? At the moment, Spurs can’t pick up points from anywhere… They haven’t won for 14 league matches, with their last Premier League triumph coming against Crystal Palace back in December and their most recent attempt being a 3-0 hammering by relegation rivals Nottingham Forest. On paper, a game away to Wolves at the end of April is a good opportunity for three points, as is a potentially pivotal clash with Leeds at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium three matches from the end of the campaign, but every clash is tough currently. There’s a good chance they may have a new man in charge by the time they face Sunderland on 12 April though and how they could do with a new manager bounce.
Tricky contests? Sidestepping the obvious quip of ‘every single one’, given their recent form, away games at Champions League-chasing Aston Villa and Chelsea in May don’t look too fruitful. Even home fixtures with mid-table sides Sunderland, Brighton, plus top-half Everton suddenly look that much more dangerous as well.
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Final straight? Leeds at home as the third-last game is absolutely huge. Should that game go awry and Spurs head into the final two matches in the relegation zone, then a trip to Stamford Bridge and clash with Everton to finish up appear unlikely to provide succour.
Tottenham’s loss to Nottingham Forest was hugely damaging (AFP/Getty)
Where to pick up points? Their impressive form since hugely damaging back-to-back defeats to Wolves and Nottingham Forest at the start of the year have seen West Ham go from doomed to having a genuine chance of survival. They may well be questioning exactly where the form that has seen them claim four wins and three draws from their last 10 league games was earlier in the season but if they can keep it going from here, then a home game against cellar-dwelling Wolves straight after the international break and a trip to struggling Crystal Palace to follow look like brilliant chances to rack up victories. Welcoming Leeds to the London Stadium on the final day also looms incredibly large.
Tricky contests? The Everton (H), Brentford (A), Arsenal (H) run from late April to early May does not look very friendly. The games before and after that run appear to be much better chances to pick up the points the Hammers need to pull off an impressive escape.
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Final straight? If West Ham can get through that three-game stretch with a realistic shot at survival then an away game against Newcastle and a home clash with Leeds to finish the season might just be the ticket to get them clear of the drop zone. The final-day showdown against Daniel Farke’s side could be an all-time classic but won’t be a pretty watch if both sides are still fighting for their lives. However, the fact that the Whites are coming to the London Stadium at least plays into Nuno and co’s hands.
West Ham’s form since the turn of the year has given them a chance of survival (Getty Images)
Verdict?
This could genuinely go in any direction and you’d have to be a brave person to predict the outcome with any confidence.
It will surely all come down to the final day when West Ham host Leeds in a showdown for the ages, Spurs play Everton and Nottingham Forest host Bournemouth. Leeds generally have the kindest fixtures and although the goals have dried up for them recently, they should have enough to survive given the current cushion.
Forest could be adversely affected by their Europa League run and will probably need to have survival wrapped up going into the final couple of games, while West Ham’s crunch period comes straight after the international break. The next two fixtures could make or break the Hammers’ chances.
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Meanwhile, Spurs are in abject form and appear to be on the brink of ditching Igor Tudor. Could a new manager bounce prove sufficient? At this stage, we’ll say no and condemn Tottenham to the Championship for next season. But everything will change week by week.
2 min read Last Updated : Mar 22 2026 | 9:52 AM IST
Senegal’s team jersey will display only one star instead of two at the World Cup this summer, but it has nothing to do with the country being stripped of the Africa Cup of Nations title.
The Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) issued a statement to clarify that production of the jerseys by kit manufacturer Puma began in August last year and “manufacturing deadlines and industrial constraints did not allow for the interruption of this ongoing process.”
Senegal went on to win the Africa Cup in January for its second continental crown after winning the 2021 edition, to which its first star refers.
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But the Teranga Lions were surprisingly stripped of the second title on Tuesday when the Confederation of African Football’s appeals board ruled that Senegal forfeited the Jan. 18 final by leaving the field of play without the referee’s authorization, awarding Morocco a default 3-0 win.
The FSF made no mention of that decision in its statement, where it continued to refer to “our victory” and said it be reflected on the team jersey – after the World Cup.
“Aware of the Senegalese people’s legitimate attachment to their symbols, the FSF wishes to reassure all supporters: the new jerseys incorporating the second star are currently in production. They are scheduled to be available starting next September,” the federation said.
“The FSF apologizes for any misunderstanding this situation may have caused and thanks the supporters for their constant commitment, vigilance, and unwavering attachment to the national team.”
The FSF previously said it will appeal CAF’s unprecedented decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Switzerland, a process that typically takes a year to deliver a verdict, while the Senegalese government slammed the “grossly illegal and deeply unjust decision” and called for an international investigation “into suspected corruption” within African soccer’s governing body.
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CAF president Patrice Motsepe on Wednesday defended the body against perceptions of favoritism toward Morocco, which is a 2030 World Cup co-host and has invested heavily to become a soccer superpower.
(Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
That was Ernie Banks, greeting the prospect of a doubleheader with the kind of boyish joy he was known to embody. Banks was a ballplayer, of course. But you can imagine how the sentiment might have translated to golf, especially in the company of Walter Hagen.
Hagen, the game’s original showman, approached life with a mix of competitive fire and carefree indulgence. He chased titles, bagging quite a few, including 11 majors, but he also chased experiences, often blurring the line between the two. One afternoon in 1920, having traveled to England’s Kent coast for the Open Championship, he and fellow pro Jim Barnes went all in on Hagen’s carpe diem ethos. They went out for a casual round, then decided that one round wasn’t enough.
Their solution was a rambling, fence-hopping odyssey across three storied links — Royal Cinque Ports Golf Club, Royal St. George’s Golf Club and Prince’s Golf Club — stringing together 54 holes in a single, freewheeling day that was perfectly on point for the Hagen brand.
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More than a century later, that escapade lives on as the Hagen 54, an annual pilgrimage that is both a festive outing and an endurance test. Since its inaugural playing in 2025, the event has found a robust audience. The 2026 iteration is already sold out.
But entries are now open for the 2027 edition. The core golf format remains unchanged since Hagen and Barnes blazed their exuberant trail — 54 holes in one continuous push across the three courses — but modern comforts have been added, with caddies, sustenance and camaraderie carrying players from one property to the next. It’s golf on world-class venues, with on-course catering and someone to carry your bag if you’d like.
The 2027 event will take place July 21–22 on the Kent coast. Participants arrive on the evening of July 21 for a welcome reception and BBQ at Royal Cinque Ports, with optional golf that day at Prince’s or Royal Cinque Ports for those who want to warm up. The main event begins the following morning with a 5:40 a.m. shotgun start, playing in fourballs across the Hagen Route. It makes for an exhausting but exhilarating day. The entry fee is £1,125 per person (about $1,500) or £4,500 (about $6,000) for a foursome.
The Arsenal defender has not featured in a Three Lions camp since leaving the squad under dramatic circumstances during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, with White subsequently asking not to be considered for selection by then-manager Gareth Southgate.
The rift stemmed from a reported falling out with former England assistant Steve Holland, who allegedly claimed that White was not sufficiently interested in football.
White has since been on a self-imposed England exile, one that was not resolved during the interim reign of Lee Carsley following Southgate’s departure in the summer of 2024, but has now been lured back into the fold by Tuchel.
Ben White is back in the England squad (Getty Images)
He replaces Jarell Quansah in the squad for March’s internationals against Uruguay on 27 March and Japan on 31 March, with the Bayer Leverkusen defender dealing with a thigh injury, while Gunners teammate Eberechi Eze has also been ruled out due to a calf problem.
Newcastle winger Harvey Barnes has been chosen to fill the void left by Eze, whose only appearance for the senior team came in October 2020.
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Tuchel had spoken positively about a return for White, saying in August of last year that he was “delighted” to see him back in training after recurring knee problems.
“We were monitoring the process and huge compliments to the medical and performance department of the FA. And thanks to everyone at Arsenal to let us monitor closely so we are on it, speaking to Ben that we are delighted that he is back on the bench,” Tuchel said. “He wants to be back, he’s glad to be back.”
Thomas Tuchel has lured White back into the England fold (PA Wire)
White only has four England caps to his name and has not played for the Three Lions since a 3-0 friendly win against the Ivory Coast in March 2022.
He did not feature at the Qatar World Cup that year and ruled himself out of contention for Euro 2024.
But speaking on his selection for the March internationals, Tuchel insisted a player’s absence from a previous tournament will not be a factor in deciding who goes to this summer’s World Cup.
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“No, it’s not interesting to me if someone was at a tournament, or is now at their first tournament,” Tuchel said.
“It’s interesting how we’re trying to build the group, and I want to arrive with a strong group, and I want to be absolutely certain that we have a group that can enjoy weeks and weeks and weeks together. That we have the energy right, and we have the chemistry right.”
White has made just seven Premier League appearances this season for leaders Arsenal but has played in eight of their 10 Champions League games, with the club staring down the barrel of a quarter-final tie against Sporting CP.
He started Sunday’s Carabao Cup final against Manchester City, which saw Arsenal lose 2-0 as their hopes of an unprecedented quadruple went up in smoke.
Jaxon Smith-Njigba played a pivotal role in the Seattle Seahawks’ Super Bowl-winning run during the 2025 season, and on Monday, he got paid for his efforts.
Smith-Njigba and the Seahawks agreed to a four-year, $168.6 million contract extension with $120 million guaranteed, according to multiple reports. He will now become the highest-paid receiver in NFL history with a $42.15 million annual average value of the contract.
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) runs the ball during the third quarter against the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX at Levi’s Stadium on Feb. 8, 2026.(Cary Edmondson/Imagn Images)
The Seahawks selected Smith-Njigba in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft out of Ohio State. He didn’t turn into a full-time starting receiver until the 2024 season, which he earned his first Pro Bowl selection.
Smith-Njigba’s value to the team grew exponentially in 2025. He had 119 catches for 1,793 yards and 10 touchdowns with Sam Darnold slinging him the pill. The receiving yardage total led the NFL.
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) looks on during the Super Bowl LX parade on Feb. 11, 2026.(Kevin Ng/Imagn Images)
The 2025 season was the first year he was able to compete in the playoffs. In three games, he had 17 catches for 199 yards and two touchdowns. He had four catches for 27 yards in Super Bowl LV against the New England Patriots, but he didn’t really need to do much for the team to win.
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Smith-Njigba will enter his fourth NFL season with a different offensive coordinator but a similar roster on offense.
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba (11) runs for a touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams in overtime at Lumen Field on Dec. 18, 2025.(Kevin Ng/Imagn Images)
The EFL Cup final sets the stage for a blockbuster showdown at Wembley Stadium, where Arsenal and Manchester City will battle for silverware. By the end of the night, the famous trophy will be adorned in either red and white or sky blue as one side makes the iconic walk up the Wembley steps.
For Arsenal, this final represents a chance to end a decades-long drought in the competition, having last lifted the trophy back in 1993. Under Mikel Arteta, the Gunners have been in exceptional form and could turn their season into a trophy-winning campaign with victory here.
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Manchester City, meanwhile, arrive with their own motivations. Pep Guardiola’s side are aiming to secure their first major honour since their Champions League triumph in 2022–23, despite a season that has seen inconsistency and European disappointment.
With both teams occupying the top two spots in the Premier League, this final promises to be a high-quality, fiercely contested encounter between two of England’s best sides, each eager to make a statement on one of football’s biggest domestic stages.
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Arsenal team news
Mikel Arteta remained characteristically tight-lipped when addressing team news ahead of the EFL Cup final, offering little clarity on the fitness of Jurrien Timber (ankle) and captain Martin Odegaard (knee), suggesting a late decision will be made.
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There is, however, a confirmed absence, as Mikel Merino has been ruled out due to injury. On a more positive note, Eberechi Eze is expected to be available despite a minor scare in the previous match against Bayer Leverkusen, which he quickly brushed off.
Arteta also kept his cards close regarding the goalkeeper selection, declining to reveal whether Kepa Arrizabalaga or David Raya will start. However, Kepa’s steady performances as the backup could see him get the nod at Wembley, especially considering his experience on the big stage.
Manchester City team news
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On the other hand, Guardiola happily confirmed who would be given the gloves for Man City in his pre-game press conference; James Trafford will replace Gianluigi Donnarumma for the final.
Only Josko Gvardiol (calf) is out injured for the eight-time winners, but Guardiola will controversially have to make do without January signing Marc Guehi, ineligible for the showdown with Arsenal.
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The former Crystal Palace man was only a substitute in the second-leg loss to Real Madrid anyway, but Guardiola could still opt for a defensive alteration, with John Stones stepping in for Abdukodir Khusanov.
Bernardo Silva’s sending-off in midweek – the first of his career in the Champions League – means nothing for Wembley, where Erling Haaland will aim to score under the famous arch for the first time on the seventh attempt.
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Arsenal vs Manchester City EFL Cup final probable starting eleven:
Manchester United were left frustrated after not being awarded a second penalty during their 2-2 draw with Bournemouth on Friday night
Amad’s face told the whole story on Friday night as Manchester United conceded immediately after a big penalty appeal was waved away by referee Stuart Attwell during the game with Bournemouth. The winger was seeminglt pulled to the ground by defender Adrien Truffert shortly before Ryan Christie equalised for the Cherries.
VAR official Craig Pawson checked the challenge on the Ivorian but decided Attwell could stick with his on-field decision. “The referee’s call of no penalty for a challenge by Truffert was checked and confirmed by VAR – with it deemed the contact was not sufficient for a foul,” the Premier League’s Match Centre posted afterwards.
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The grievance might have ended there had it not been that 10 minutes later Harry Maguire was sent off and Bournemouth awarded a penalty for a similar challenge. On this occasion, the Premier League Match Centre explained: “The referee’s call of penalty and red card for Maguire for the denial of an obvious goal scoring opportunity (DOGSO) was checked and confirmed by VAR – with it deemed to be a holding offence with no attempt to challenge for the ball.”
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Anyone who watched the game would rightly be scratching their heads at that verdict. After the match, captain Bruno Fernandes called for consistency and felt both the Truffert and Maguire challenges were fouls.
Michael Carrick suggested it was too late for apologies – the match was over and the points had been dropped. And yet, the Reds have taken their complaints further and have contacted the PGMOL for an explanation.
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This is where United are likely to lose the sympathy of one of their legends. Gary Neville was an ardent critic of this approach two years ago when Nottingham Forest sought a response from the referee’s governing body after Ivan Toney’s goal for Brentford.
He wrote on X at the time: “Clubs writing to the PGMOL is embarrassing. Liverpool and Arsenal started it and set the precedent of this nonsense.
“The refs should be doing better and are under enormous pressure at the moment. It’s in the clubs’ interests to work with them to make them improve. This public posturing is unnecessary.”
Little has changed in the Premier League since Neville’s comments. Officials remain under the same intense scrutiny and clubs are still seeking answers from the authorities when things go against them.
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The trouble is that clubs and referees are sparring against each other instead of working collaboratively and that is why Neville will be against United’s course of action. In their most recent vote, Premier League clubs voted overwhelmingly to keep VAR despite fans being against the technology. United were one of the 19 clubs who voted to keep it in June 2024.
England’s 2026 World Cup kits
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England and Nike have launched the new home, away and goalkeeper kits to be worn at this summer’s FIFA World Cup. You can get free delivery on all orders with the code: ENGFREEDEL
Oct 26, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Baltimore Ravens wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) celebrates after making a catch during the fourth quarter against the Chicago Bears at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images
When a team lands a big fish like Kyler Murray, sometimes his old friends want to join. That’s the case for wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, who publicly acknowledged over the weekend that he’d like to join the Minnesota Vikings.
Hopkins wants in, and the Vikings have room for a proven veteran.
Hopkins is a free agent, and Minnesota may need a WR3. The connection makes sense.
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The Vikings Make Sense for DeAndre Hopkins
Would you mind Hopkins as the third wide receiver in 2026?
Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray connects with wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins during a game against Washington at State Farm Stadium, Sep 20, 2020, showcasing their early-season chemistry in Glendale. Hopkins quickly established himself as Murray’s top target in Arizona’s offense during his debut campaign. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Hopkins: I’m Here if Murray, Vikings Need Me
There are no ifs, ands, or buts about it. Hopkins would play for the Vikings this season if called upon.
Asked by TMZ this week about the Vikings as a landing spot, he replied, “Kyler — that’s my boy, man. Kyler is like family. I talked to Kyler throughout the year last year. I talked to Kyler after, you know, his situation in Arizona. Kyler’s like family, man.”
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“I would always, you know, embrace that journey with him. He’s on a one-year deal? Whatever I can do for what someone like that — if Kyler need me he know I’m there, if the Vikings need me they know I’ll be there.”
That doesn’t leave much to the imagination.
Hopkins’s Career Production
The Baltimore Ravens targeted Hopkins just 39 times in 2025 — or 14 fewer than Jalen Nailor in Minnesota, who filled the Vikings’ WR3 role last season. The year prior, in Kansas City and Tennessee, Hopkins posted WR3-adjacent numbers, perhaps suggesting he could return to that role in 2026 if fed targets from Kyler Murray.
Let’s suppose that the Vikings hear Hopkins interest and oblige. Before adding any WRs in the draft next month — Minnesota has nine picks on the menu, up from five in 2025 — the wide receiving gang could look like this:
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Justin Jefferson
Jordan Addison
DeAndre Hopkins
Tai Felton
Myles Price
Jeshaun Jones
Dontae Fleming
Joaquin Davis
It’s also worth noting that most of the other notable free-agent wide receivers have flown off the board to new teams, leaving Hopkins as a last man standing of sorts.
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins goes through pregame warmups at U.S. Bank Stadium before facing the Minnesota Vikings, Nov 9, 2025, in Minneapolis. The veteran receiver prepares for another matchup late in his career, bringing experience and route precision to Baltimore’s passing attack. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images
NBC Sports‘ Mike Florio on the prospect of Hopkins to Minnesota: “The more pressing question for Hopkins is whether the Vikings envision a spot for him in the lineup. The depth chart is led by Justin Jefferson, obviously. Jordan Addison is the No. 2, as he approaches the last year of his first-round rookie deal. (The question of whether they’ll exercise his fifth-year option may not be the no-brainer it once seemed to be).”
“Jalen Nailor, mainly a slot receiver, left in free agency. Hopkins has a specific and unique skill set. He displayed it during Saturday’s flag football event, boxing out an overmatched Team USA defender to make a one-handed catch of the undersized ball. Hopkins could be a potent weapon in the red zone, giving Murray an option for jump balls in the back corner if/when the defense focuses on Jefferson.”
Other WR Options from Free Agency + Draft
Speaking of free agency, these are the remaining options for WR3 as of March 23rd, in addition to Hopkins:
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins lines up during Super Bowl LIX against the Philadelphia Eagles at Caesars Superdome, Feb 9, 2025, in New Orleans. Hopkins appears on football’s biggest stage, adding another milestone moment to a decorated NFL career. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Or — if the Vikings want a wideout in the first three rounds of the draft — again … after the Felton pick last year — these are the options, listed in Consensus Big Board order:
Carnell Tate (Ohio State)
Makai Lemon (USC)
Jordyn Tyson (Arizona State)
Omar Cooper Jr. (Indiana)
Denzel Boston (Washington)
Kevin Concepcion (Texas A&M)
Chris Brazzell (Tennessee)
Chris Bell (Louisville)
Germie Bernard (Alabama)
Zachariah Branch (Georgia)
Malachi Fields (Notre Dame)
Antonio Williams (Clemson)
Elijah Sarratt (Indiana)
Skyler Bell (UConn)
Ted Hurst (Georgia State)
Bryce Lance (North Dakota State)
Deion Burks (Oklahoma)
Ja’Kobi Lane (USC)
Too, Minnesota could have strategically planned for a Felton redshirt year in 2025, meaning there’s a small chance that he’s tapped on the shoulder for WR3 duty and that Hopkins isn’t needed.
Hopkins will turn 34 this summer and has a borderline Hall of Fame resume.
Landon Donovan may be one of the most recognizable American men’s soccer players of all time.
Donovan was a part of the 2002 World Cup that made it to the quarterfinals and helped them get out of the group stage in 2010 following a disappointing outing in 2006. He scored one of the most memorable goals in 2010 when he scored in extra time to put the U.S. over Algeria and advance to the knockout stage.
With the highs that carried Donovan to newfound fame, there were also tremendous lows.
Los Angeles Galaxy midfielder Landon Donovan (26) in action against Orlando City FC during the second half at StubHub Center on Sept. 11, 2016.(Gary A. Vasquez/USA TODAY Sports)
Donovan details his bout with depression, reconfiguring what success meant to him and his incredible soccer career in his new book, “Landon: A Memoir,” which is set to be released Tuesday.
He opened up to Fox News Digital about his mental health struggles and what depression looked like for him.
“I had two different types of experiences with depression,” he said. “I realized through therapy and in retrospect that I’ve had an underlying depression, low-level depression my whole life that I deal with today. So, there are days where I wake up and and I just feel down and sad nad that is very manageable for me now. I’ve learned how to I’ve with that.
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“But then I’ve also had three episodes in my life of very serious depressive episodes that have lasted weeks that have been really, really hard to get out of. So, what hat look liked for me – not being able to get off the couch, not wanting to eat and just feeling like there’s a massive blanket on top of you that you can’t get off and that’s a horrible feeling.”
The former American soccer star said he’s found ways to pull himself out of those moods, along with the help of therapy.
USA forward Landon Donovan (10) reacts after nearly scoring a goal against Antigua & Barbuda during the second half at Raymond James Stadium on June 8, 2012.(Matt Stamey/USA TODAY Sports)
“I say the three Ms for me,” he explained. “Medication has helped a lot it my life. Meditation helps a lot. And then, in some cases, my mom. Just my mom being there next to me has helped me. And so, I’ am at a point now where, knock on wood, it’s bee a long, long time since I’ve had a major depressive episode. But medication and meditation keep my calm and exercise really – these are the three things now that really keep me sane.”
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Donovan mentioned that he really began to struggle after the 2006 World Cup and failed to score or provide assists for the team. He took the brunt of the criticism from the media at the time. He was also left off the 2008 Olympics roster, though the team featured a U23 roster.
The silver lining to that is no one was going to Donovan’s MySpace page to unload furious comments or even death threats similar to what professional athletes hear now.
In that way, Donovan told Fox News Digital he feels “very fortunate.”
“We see so many people who are in the public eye who have to deal with social media hatred, criticism, critiquing all the time. And this would have all been exacerbated for me had that all been around,” he said. “I feel very, very fortunate for a number of reasons that social media didn’t exist at that time, but it is a very real thing.
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“People assume that because we’re in the public eye and we make money and we have fame and our lives should be easy. And by the way, compared to the person who’s struggling to put food on the table, it is easy, so I’m not minimizing that. But it is difficult at times to deal with that. We are, as humans, social creatures. And we want to be liked, we all want to be liked, that’s normal. And to open your screen every day, your phone or your computer, and read people disparaging you, is really hard for humans. And sadly, we’ve seen it take many, many lives.”
Donovan retired from professional soccer as one of the greatest Major League Soccer players the league had ever seen. He helped the U.S. to four Gold Cup titles and the LA Galaxy to four MLS Cups.
Success in 2026 compared to 2006 looks a little different to Donovan right now.
LA Galaxy defender Maya Yoshida (4) and former player Landon Donovan embrace after defeating the New York Red Bulls in the 2024 MLS Cup at Dignity Health Sports Park on Dec. 7, 2024.(Gary A. Vasquez/Imagn Images)
“Success for me now is peace,” he told Fox News Digital. “I am at peace when I’m with my children. I’m at peace with my wife, when we get to travel, when I get to play golf. It’s sometimes crazy for me to think that a kid who grew up in a 900-square-foot home is flying to New York, staying in a Ritz Carlton overlooking Central Park and to think back at like, how did all this happen? But it wasn’t always easy along the way. And so, for me today, peace is all about doing the things that that I love.
“Sadly, my dad is a big part of the book. He’s a big character throughout the book and he wasn’t around growing up. I was able to reconcile with him at 25 years old, so almost 20 years ago. He passed away in December, and it was very eye-opening for me to be next to someone as they’re dying. You start to realize that when I am there one day, what is really, really, gonna matter to me? So, when I think about it that way, and try to think about that every day, what today is really gonna matter. Most things aren’t gonna matter. And so, the things that bring me peace are the things I’m gonna put my energy and effort into.”
Terence Crawford may have retired back in December but that hasn’t stopped a reigning world champion from challenging him to a fight.
Crawford competed for the last time back in September when he successfully stepped up to 168lbs and defeated Canelo Alvarez to become undisputed super-middleweight world champion.
The American hung up the gloves three months later, ending an illustrious career that saw ‘Bud’ also hold world titles at lightweight and super-welterweight, along with undisputed reigns at super-lightweight and welterweight.
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It it a titleholder at 147lbs who now wants to take on Crawford, after WBC champion Ryan Garcia revealed his intentions on social media.
“If Bud is listening, I would love to fight you. I feel like I would literally beat the sh*t out of you. You’re a good fighter but I don’t think you’ve ever fought somebody with talent and explosiveness and power.
“Have you fought anybody with one punch knockout power? No. I feel Bud Crawford is overrated. I’ll beat the sh*t out of him. I feel like that in my heart. I would actually fight him, if he doesn’t want it that’s not my fault.
“He’s not a draw, he doesn’t bring anything to the table, he’s boring as f*ck, but I would probably give him the biggest payday of his life if he takes the fight.”
He famously defeated Devin Haney in 2024 before the result was changed to a no contest due to a failed drugs test, and while a clash against Crawford could be unlikely, a rematch between Haney and Garcia has been touted to potentially take place later this year.
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