Here’s an up-to-date list of all NFL Players from North Bend High School in North Bend, Oregon.
The list includes only those players who have played in an NFL game.
See where it ranks among other schools in the state here.
Sports
EDO 2026: Niger Delta Games Torch Arrives Akwa Ibom Amid Pomp and Pageantry
The games torch of the second Niger Delta Games, billed for Edo state from February 20 to 27, has arrived Uyo, the Akwa Ibom State capital.
The torch, the games’ symbol of peace, strength and solidarity, commenced its tour of all nine competing Niger Delta states from Calabar, Cross River State, on Monday, February 9, before arriving Uyo today.
The torch bearer, Edidiong Umoafia, a bronze medallist at the Commonwealth Games, led other outstanding state athletes in a colourful procession, which was a roll call of the state’s star athletes of the yesteryear and those of the present, from the headquarters of the ministry of sports to the globe roundabout along Wellington Bassey way, where the Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Pastor Umo Eno, had already walked out to and was standing by to receive the torch in company with top government functionaries, the Managing Director of Dunamis-Icon Limited, Sir Itiako Ikpokpo, and management staff of the ministry of sports.
Addressing the gathering, Pastor Umo Eno declared the state’s intention to participate in the games and to do so fairly and under healthy competition.
Represented by the Commissioner for Education, Professor Ubong Umoh, the Governor thanked Dunamis-Icon Limited, organizers of the games, and the NDDC, sponsors of the games, for the initiative which he said was a viable platform to promote peace, unite the people and harness the sports talents that abound in the Niger Delta.
According to the Governor, “The theme of the games, Beyond Oil: Harnessing Talents, succinctly reminds us, as leaders, that beyond our bountiful natural riches, there lies a plethora of potentialities that can be harnessed into hastening the progress and development of our region.”
“Today, I am happy to receive the torch of unity, on behalf of our people, signifying our state’s readiness to participate in the second Niger Delta Games in Edo state. As I pass the torch back to the organizers for onward movement to other states, I beckon on my brother Governors in the region to embrace the message and lofty ideals behind the games by supporting the NDDC and Dunamis-Icon as they continue to work towards unveiling and propelling the sports talents that our region has been mightily blessed with.”
In his remarks, the games consultant, Sir Ikpokpo, commended the state liaison committee for what he called an effective organization of the torch ceremony and assured that all modalities had been put in place to ensure a hitch-free outing when the games get under way in Edo state.
Speaking earlier, the commissioner for sports and chairman of the state liaison committee, Elder Paul Bassey, reflected on the benefits of the games and praised the organizers for the professional touch they have put to the games.
“I must commend Dunamis-Icon Limited for going beyond initiating this competition with all its attendant benefits, to bringing professionalism and in-depth dexterity to the organization of the games.” “It is also a thing of immense joy that the NDDC has lived up to expectation by throwing its weight behind the games as a way of giving back to society.”
Goodwill messages were received from the Head of Civil Service, Mrs Elsie Anietie Peters and the Commissioner for Youth Development, Dr Eketette Ekanem, while the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Sports, Mrs Rosemary Ubia, delivered the vote of thanks.
High point of the ceremony was the handing over of the torch to officials of Abia state which is the next destination on the torch tour.
After touring the other eight states of the Niger Delta region,the games torch will arrive Samuel Ogbemudia stadium, Benin city, Edo state, where it would stay lit from the opening ceremony on February 20 to the closing ceremony on February 26, before being handed over to the next host state of the annual multi-sports championship.
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Kyrylo Marsak may have escaped the war in his homeland but it inevitably follows him, even as far as the Milano Ice Skating Arena. The figure skate, one of 46 Ukrainian athletes at the 2026 Winter Olympics, told DW it is “difficult mentally” to cope with the devastation wrought on his home city of Kherson since the Russian invasion began in 2022.
“What had meaning in my life, especially in Kherson, has been destroyed. The school where I went from first to eighth grade is destroyed to pieces and the skating rink is destroyed to pieces and my apartment is too — that bomb hit one floor below.”
That skating rink is where Marsak first discovered and developed the talent that would take him to the Olympics, where he is to compete in the men’s single event this week. But as well as places, it’s people that make elite athletes and the music for Marsak’s short program opener on Tuesday will be a reminder of his father’s role in his life.
“Fall on Me” by Italian father and son duo Andrea and Matteo Bocelli has become the way Marsak connects across thousands of kilometers to his father, Andriy, who is fighting on the front lines of the war.
Family separated but still close
The pair are only able to see each other in person once a year, at the Ukrainian national championships, but their bond endures.
“We have a really strong connection, me and my father. We are always thinking about each other and texting every night and every day. Just good morning. Good night. To make sure that we are both okay. And I can even feel this connection when I’m skating and when I’m on the ice,” he said.
“It’s exactly what I wanted to portray as well in my program, our connection. Even though we are not together, I can close my eyes and I see him everywhere.”
With Kherson under heavy fire in the early stages of the war, Kyrylo and his sister were separated from Andriy and their mother, Zoya, as the parents stayed at home and the children went north to Poland. From there, Kyrylo, then 17, and his sister went to Latvia where she stayed while Kyrylo took up a short-term offer at the Peurunka Skating Academy in Finland that turned in to a three-and-a-half year stay.
While in the Scandinavian country, fellow figure skater, Valtter Virtanen, has taken on a prominent role.
“In Finland he became like a mentor to me. He’s always giving me some tips and ways to improve just from his experience because he had so much more experience than I did. He always supports me and has done everything possible to help me achieve my goals.”
Kyrylo is, however, somewhat tight-lipped on exactly what those goals are in Milan.
“I want to just enjoy this atmosphere, get the maximum out of what I can, to show what I practice. I will not set any specific goals and scores or places. This would only making me anxious and nervous. So my goal is to enjoy this Olympic Games, enjoy the atmosphere and gain as much experience as I can.”
Russian competitor a problem for Marsak
One man who may stand in his way is Russian rival Petr Gummenik, who will skate under the Individual Neutral Athletes banner as one of 13 Russians and seven Belarussians who will compete over the course of the Games. With their countries banned, any potential individual competitors from those nations were declared ineligible if they were found to have actively supported the war in any way.
However a BBC investigation found that Gummenik has “recently worked with and been coached by Ilya Averbukh, who has been sanctioned by Ukraine. Averbukh has held the role of “Crimea’s ambassador for sport,” taken part in events in numerous occupied territories and staged performances for families of Russian soldiers.
Like most Ukrainians, Marsak does not believe Russians should be allowed to compete at the Olympics in any case.
“I think even under a neutral status, they should not be allowed because they are indirectly responsible for this war and most of them are supporting this war secretly,” he said, with particular reference to Gummenik.
Marsak believes the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has “not been paying attention” to such cases and is disappointed by comments by the new IOC President Kirsty Coventry on their re-admission ahead of the next Summer Games, in Los Angeles 2028.
Is IOC opening door for Russia?
While not directly referring to Russia, Coventry said earlier this month that “We understand politics and we know we don’t operate in a vacuum. But our game is sport. That means keeping sport a neutral ground. A place where every athlete can compete freely, without being held back by the politics or divisions of their governments.”
Marsak feels It would be particuarly offensive if they were allowed to compete under their national flag and their anthem.
“How can then say that the sport is out of the politics? They are representing their country. They are representing their flag. Well, this is directly the politics of it. Their country is currently the clear representative of terrorism.”
But, for now, Marsak wants to concentrate on his own country and his own performance.
“I feel really proud that I am going to represent my country. Our main goal is just to show our best and not pay attention to others,” he said.
The one exception, who will surely have at least a slither of his attention on the ice, is his dad.
Edited by: Chuck Penfold
;)
Google Maps (left); Courtesy of The Patch
Pricing for The Patch will be as follows:
Local resident 18 holes: $25 M-Th, $35 weekend
Senior/Junior resident (60 and older, 18 and under) 18 holes: $20 M-Th, $30 weekend
Non-resident 18 holes: $85, $95 weekend
In other community collaborations, Augusta National has partnered with Augusta Tech’s golf-course management program and the First Tee of Augusta to handle operations of the course. One more fun fact: According to the course’s website, the property’s two courses now resemble the shape of an elephant, which we’ve mapped out below.
;)
Getty Images / Google Maps
The Canadian Hockey League has unveiled its top 50 players to commemorate its 50th anniversary.
The list spans multiple eras, featuring Wayne Gretzky and Patrick Roy alongside Sidney Crosby, Connor McDavid and Connor Bedard.
Thirty-one of the 50 players are in the Hockey Hall of Fame, while 34 of them have won at least one Stanley Cup. Twelve of the players were named CHL player of the year during their junior careers.
There are 11 players who are active in the NHL: Crosby, McDavid, John Tavares, Nathan MacKinnon, Corey Perry, Patrick Kane, Bedard, Drew Doughty, Steven Stamkos, Leon Draisaitl and Taylor Hall.
Fans are being asked to submit their Top 10 from the Top 50 list, which will help inform the league’s final ranking, set to be revealed later this spring.
Top 50 CHL Players of the Last 50 Years
(listed alphabetically)
Bedard, Connor / Forward (WHL, Regina Pats – 2020-23) / (Chicago Blackhawks – 2023-Present)
Bergeron, Patrice / Forward (QMJHL, Acadie-Bathurst Titan – 2001-03) / (Boston Bruins – 2003-2023)
Bossy, Mike / Forward (QMJHL, Laval National – 1972-1977) / (New York Islanders – 1977-1987)
Bourque, Ray / Defenceman (QMJHL, Trois-Rivières Draveurs & Sorel/Verdun Blackhawks – 1976-79) / (Boston Bruins & Colorado Avalanche – 1979-2001)
Brodeur, Martin / Goaltender (QMJHL, St. Hyacinthe Laser – 1989-92) / (New Jersey Devils & St. Louis Blues – 1991-2015)
Carbonneau, Guy / Forward (QMJHL, Chicoutimi Saguenéens – 1976-80) / (Montréal Canadiens, St. Louis Blues & Dallas Stars – 1980-2000)
Coffey, Paul / Defenceman (OHL, Kingston Canadians, Soo Greyhounds & Kitchener Rangers) / (Edmonton Oilers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Los Angeles Kings, Detroit Red Wings, Hartford Whalers, Philadelphia Flyers, Chicago Blackhawks, Carolina Hurricanes & Boston Bruins – 1980-2001)
Crosby, Sidney / Forward (QMJHL, Rimouski Océanic – 2003-05) / (Pittsburgh Penguins – 2005-Present)
Doughty, Drew / Defenceman (OHL, Guelph Storm – 2005-08) / (Los Angeles Kings – 2008-Present)
Draisaitl, Leon / Forward (WHL, Prince Albert Raiders & Kelowna Rockets – 2012-15) / (Edmonton Oilers – 2015-Present)
Ferraro, Ray / Forward (WHL, Portland Winterhawks & Brandon Wheat Kings – 1982-84) / (Hartford Whalers, New York Islanders, Los Angeles Kings, Atlanta Thrashers, St. Louis Blues – 1984-2002)
Fleury, Marc-André / Goaltender (QMJHL, Cape Breton Screaming Eagles – 2000-04) / (Pittsburgh Penguins, Vegas Golden Knights, Chicago Blackhawks & Minnesota Wild – 2003-25)
Francis, Ron / Forward (OHL, Soo Greyhounds – 1980-82) / (Hartford Whalers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Carolina Hurricanes & Toronto Maple Leafs – 1981-2004)
Fuhr, Grant / Goaltender (WHL, Victoria Cougars – 1979-81) / (Edmonton Oilers, Toronto Maple Leafs, Buffalo Sabres, Los Angeles Kings, St. Louis Blues & Calgary Flames – 1981-2000)
Gilmour, Doug / Forward (OHL & QMJHL, Cornwall Royals – 1980-83) / (St. Louis Blues, Calgary Flames, Toronto Maple Leafs, New Jersey Devils, Chicago Blackhawks, Buffalo Sabres & Montreal Canadiens – 1983-2003)
Gretzky, Wayne / Forward (OHL, Peterborough Petes & Soo Greyhounds – 1977-78) / (Edmonton Oilers, Los Angeles Kings, St. Louis Blues & New York Rangers – 1979-99)
Hall, Taylor / Forward (OHL, Windsor Spitfires – 2007-10) / (Edmonton Oilers, New Jersey Devils, Arizona Coyotes, Buffalo Sabres, Boston Bruins, Chicago Blackhawks & Carolina Hurricanes – 2010-Present)
Hawerchuk, Dale / Forward (QMJHL – 1979-80, Cornwall Royals) / (Winnipeg Jets, Buffalo Sabres, St. Louis Blues & Philadelphia Flyers – 1981-97)
Iginla, Jarome / Forward (WHL, Kamloops Blazers – 1993-96) / (Calgary Flames, Pittsburgh Penguins, Boston Bruins, Colorado Avalanche & Los Angeles Kings – 1995-2017)
Kane, Patrick / Forward (OHL, London Knights – 2006-07) / (Chicago Blackhawks, New York Rangers & Detroit Red Wings – 2007-Present)
Lafontaine, Pat / Forward (QMJHL, Verdun Juniors – 1982-83) / (New York Islanders, Buffalo Sabres & New York Rangers – 1983-98)
Lecavalier, Vincent / Forward (QMJHL, Rimouski Océanic – 1996-98) / (Tampa Bay Lightning, Philadelphia Flyers & Los Angeles Kings – 1998-2016)
Lemieux, Mario / Forward (QMJHL, Laval Voisins – 1981-84) / (Pittsburgh Penguins – 1984-97 & 2000-06)
Lindros, Eric / Forward (OHL, Oshawa Generals – 1989-92) / (Philadelphia Flyers, New York Rangers, Toronto Maple Leafs & Dallas Stars – 1992-2007)
Luongo, Roberto / Goaltender (QMJHL, Val-d’Or Foreurs & Acadie-Bathurst Titan – 1995-99) / (New York Islanders, Florida Panthers & Vancouver Canucks – 1999-2019)
MacInnis, Al / Defenceman (OHL, Kitchener Rangers – 1980-83) / (Calgary Flames & St. Louis Blues – 1981-2004)
MacKinnon, Nathan / Forward (QMJHL, Halifax Mooseheads – 2011-13) / (Colorado Avalanche – 2013-Present)
McDavid, Connor / Forward (OHL, Erie Otters – 2012-15) / (Edmonton Oilers – 2015-Present)
Modano, Mike / Forward (WHL, Prince Albert Raiders – 1986-89) / (Minnesota North Stars/Dallas Stars & Detroit Red Wings – 1988-2011)
Murphy, Larry / Defenceman (OHL, Peterborough Petes – 1978-80) / (Los Angeles Kings, Washington Capitals, Minnesota North Stars, Pittsburgh Penguins, Toronto Maple Leafs & Detroit Red Wings – 1980-2001)
Neely, Cam / Forward (WHL, Portland Winterhawks – 1982-84) / (Vancouver Canucks & Boston Bruins – 1983-96)
Niedermayer, Scott / Defenceman (WHL, Kamloops Blazers – 1989-92) / (New Jersey Devils & Anaheim Ducks – 1991-2010)
Perry, Corey / Forward (OHL, London Knights – 2001-05) / (Anaheim Ducks, Dallas Stars, Montreal Canadiens, Tampa Bay Lightning, Chicago Blackhawks, Edmonton Oilers & Los Angeles Kings – 2006-Present)
Price, Carey / Goaltender (WHL, Tri-City Americans – 2002-07) / (Montreal Canadiens – 2007-22)
Pronger, Chris – Defenceman (OHL, Peterborough Petes – 1991-93) / (Hartford Whalers, St. Louis Blues, Edmonton Oilers, Anaheim Ducks, & Philadelphia Flyers – 1993-2012)
Propp, Brian / Forward (WHL, Brandon Wheat Kings – 1976-79) / (Philadelphia Flyers, Boston Bruins, Minnesota North Stars & Hartford Whalers – 1979-94)
Recchi, Mark / Forward (WHL, New Westminster Bruins & Kamloops Blazers – 1984-88) / (Pittsburgh Penguins, Philadelphia Flyers, Montreal Canadiens, Carolina Hurricanes, Atlanta Thrashers, Tampa Bay Lightning & Boston Bruins – 1989-2011)
Richards, Brad / Forward (QMJHL, Rimouski Océanic – 1997-2000) / (Tampa Bay Lightning, Dallas Stars, New York Rangers, Chicago Blackhawks & Detroit Red Wings – 2000-16)
Robitaille, Luc / Forward (QMJHL, Hull Olympiques – 1983-86) / (Los Angeles Kings, Pittsburgh Penguins, New York Rangers & Detroit Red Wings – 1986-2006)
Roy, Patrick / Goaltender (QMJHL, Granby Bisons – 1982-85) / (Montreal Canadiens & Colorado Avalanche – 1984-2003)
Sakic, Joe / Forward (WHL, Lethbridge/Swift Current Broncos – 1985-88) / (Quebec Nordiques/Colorado Avalanche – 1988-2009)
Savard, Denis / Forward (QMJHL, Montreal Juniors – 1977-80) / (Chicago Blackhawks, Montreal Canadiens & Tampa Bay Lightning – 1980-97)
Shanahan, Brendan / Forward (OHL, London Knights – 1985-87) / (New Jersey Devils, St. Louis Blues, Hartford Whalers, Detroit Red Wings & New York Rangers – 1987-2009)
Smith, Bobby / Forward (OHL, Ottawa 67’s – 1975-78) / (Minnesota North Stars & Montreal Canadiens – 1978-93)
Stamkos, Steven / Forward (OHL, Sarnia Sting – 2006-08) / (Tampa Bay Lightning & Nashville Predators – 2008-Present)
Stevens, Scott / Defenceman (OHL, Kitchener Rangers – 1980-82) / (Washington Capitals, St. Louis Blues & New Jersey Devils – 1982-2004)
Tavares, John / Forward (OHL, Oshawa Generals & London Knights – 2005-09) / (New York Islanders & Toronto Maple Leafs – 2009-Present)
Thornton, Joe / Forward (OHL, Soo Greyhounds – 1995-97) / (Boston Bruins, San Jose Sharks, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Florida Panthers – 1997-2022)
Weber, Shea / Defenceman (WHL, Kelowna Rockets – 2001-05) / (Nashville Predators & Montreal Canadiens – 2005-21)
Yzerman, Steve / Forward (OHL, Peterborough Petes – 1981-83) / (Detroit Red Wings – 1983-2006)
Swansea City co-owner Snoop Dogg will attend one of the Championship club’s games for the first time when they face Preston North End on Tuesday, 24 February (19:45 GMT).
The American rapper became an investor at Swansea last July and said last month that he wants to help the Welsh side become a “global name”.
Snoop Dogg will now make his long-awaited first appearance at a Swansea fixture when Vitor Matos’ team host Preston.
“From the moment we talked about me becoming an owner, I have been looking forward to the chance to be with you all at the Swansea.com Stadium,” Snoop Dogg told the club’s website.
“I have heard so many great things about the atmosphere, especially when we play under the lights.
“When I watched the Wrexham game [on television in December], where we showed we are the capital of Welsh football, the noise in the stadium sounded incredible even from over 5,000 miles away. I can’t wait to be a part of it.”
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Tony Dungy’s refusal to discuss his Pro Football Hall of Fame vote has gotten people talking.
First, his own NBC colleague Rodney Harrison appeared to take a swipe at Dungy during the Super Bowl pregame show, saying “you guys got it wrong” about not voting in Bill Belichick.
Dungy has not said whether he voted for Belichick, citing an “oath” he took to avoid discussing any actions behind the scenes. Dungy, of course, is allowed to reveal his own vote but not others.
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Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots and Indianapolis Colts head coach Tony Dungy embrace after the Patriots’ 24-14 victory over the Colts in the AFC championship game at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Sporting News via Getty Images)
But Dungy’s silence on his own ballot led to New York Yankees play-by-play announcer and New York radio host Michael Kay ripping him.
“Tony Dungy, again, who’s getting paid by NBC, was asked on the never-ending pregame show whether or not he voted for Bill Belichick. He said he’s not going to discuss it. First of all, if I’m NBC, I’d fire him on the spot,” Kay said on his own show Monday. “We’re paying you whatever amount of money we’re paying you. You are discussing it. What’s your value to us if you’re making news and you’re not discussing it with us? I mean, for him not discussing it, you know that he’s one of the 11 people that didn’t vote in Bill Belichick. …
“You do something that is a big part of history. You keep the greatest coach of all time from being a first-ballot Hall of Famer, and you don’t have the guts to discuss it? You have the temerity to say, ‘Nah, I’m not going to discuss it.’ Why not? Why won’t you discuss it? It just doesn’t make sense to me. I think this makes him look really bad. And for a guy who has pretty much a pristine reputation, [he] does not come out looking good with this.”
Former NFL coach Tony Dungy looks on from the sideline during the NFL 2025 game between Atlanta Falcons and San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium on Oct. 19, 2025 in Santa Clara, California. (Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
Out of the category that Belichick was in – with Robert Kraft, Roger Craig, Ken Anderson and L.C. Greenwood – he didn’t receive enough votes. Craig was the only one voted into the Hall of Fame from that group.
Despite Dungy not revealing his own vote, he did discuss the process, somewhat.
“People think we voted against Bill Belichick,” Dungy said. “We did not. In fact, the same exact vote. As a matter of fact, if the same exact vote had taken place, same totals as two years ago, Bill Belichick would have been in and so would another deserving Hall of Famer and that is why I’m upset. That is not right.”
Tony Dungy of the Indianapolis Colts reacts after giving up a first quarter touchdown to the Chicago Bears in Super Bowl XLI on Feb. 4, 2007 at Dolphin Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)
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Belichick won eight Super Bowls in his time in the NFL — six with the New England Patriots and two as the defensive coordinator for the New York Giants.
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🥇#Medals breaking and falling as athletes celebrate have sparked a growing row at #MilanoCortina and on social media. Games organisers say the issue has been identified and have asked athletes to return affected medals for repair.⛷️
ESPN’s Stephen A Smith fell victim to a self-laid trap. Once a staunch critic of Sam Darnold — even a guy who recommended the Minnesota Vikings get rid of him — Smith has changed his tune, claiming Minnesota “threw away a football season” by letting Sam Darnold depart to the Seattle Seahawks last March.
Darnold’s exit looks worse after Seattle’s title run, says Smith, even after Smith, too, supported it.
Smith does this often, saying one thing and later walking it back as ammunition to criticize something or someone. This time, that tendency landed at the Vikings’ doorstep.
Smith’s Darnold Flip-Flop Adds Fuel to Vikings Debate
Unimpressed by the Vikings’ decision-making, Smith even urged them to travel in the wrong direction.
Smith on the Vikings’ Handling of Darnold
One year ago, Smith personally stated he would not extend Darnold’s contract if he were in charge of the Vikings. Now, he’s throwing flames at the organization for not extending Darnold’s contract.
Smith said Monday, “Two bad games and you threw him to the wolves. That’s why their GM is gone; he was fired. That’s why Kevin O’Connell no longer should be called the QB whisperer; that’s why he’s lucky to have his damn job with that kind of decision.”
“He’s a damn good coach, and I know that, but I don’t want to hear no quarterback whisperer anymore. Don’t want to hear that. Bottom line is, the Vikings threw away a football season and jeopardized the career of Justin Jefferson by making the decision they made.”
It’s revisionist history at its peak.
Once Called Darnold a Virus
After Darnold looked the part of a QB1 last year with the Vikings, Smith teed off. Minnesota had won its Week 1 game at the New York Giants, and Smith wasn’t impressed.
He said on ESPN airwaves, “If you’re around some people with a cold enough, you’re going to get one. If you’re around some people with a virus, you’re going to get it. Contamination. You ever heard of that word? It happens,”
“When you’re around certain situations, ultimately, you become a byproduct of that. That’s what I am saying of Sam Darnold. I’m telling you, you’re very hopeful, and I can appreciate that. But you’re sitting up there, talking to us like we’re supposed to expect the high level of production from this brother. I’m not doing that. I got to see it to believe it. That’s all I’m saying.”
That’s right: Smith went from calling Darnold a virus a year and a half ago to chiding the Vikings for removing the so-called virus.
“At some point, your resume has to matter. Now, we saw him complete 14 of his first 15 passes from a clean pocket last week. We get all of that. That was against the New York Giants. Let’s see how he’s going to look when Nick Bosa and the crew are coming his way,” Smith added in September 2024.
“Don’t expect the same results because it ain’t going to happen. Let’s get that out of the way first. Secondly, I get your point about Justin Jefferson and having him as a weapon there. I get that part, but I gotta see it to believe it.”
Smith Advocated for Vikings Not to Pay Darnold
In January 2025, Smith also advocated for Minnesota not to pay Darnold a large contract extension.
“I’m saying you don’t give him Sam Darnold $40 million. You don’t give him $40 million. You go with J.J. McCarthy, because how much of a difference will it be?” he opined.
Here’s the footage:
The Seahawks later paid Darnold $100.5 million over three years, which feels like a steal after the Super Bowl triumph.
The Process … Wasn’t Horrible?
Of course, NFL pundits will spend the next several weeks — perhaps months — dunking on the Vikings for their Darnold decision-making. But important caveats are in play.
Foremost, the team’s ownership group fired the general manager on Friday, January 30th, the man responsible for letting Darnold walk. The Seahawks had just won the NFC Championship, and questions about Minnesota’s 2025 offseason process buzzed. Through their actions, the Vikings acknowledged that the right man was not in charge of the roster.
Too, Minnesota spent a 1st-Round pick on McCarthy, and more often than not, teams play 1st-Round quarterbacks. Darnold had just collapsed completely and unmistakably in the Vikings’ two most important games of 2024. They had McCarthy waiting to take over, and Darnold looked like a bum.
Minnesota, indeed, made the wrong decision, but the plan was righteous: stay committed to the plan with McCarthy while letting the guy who just choked when you needed him the most prove himself elsewhere.
The problem was that Darnold wasn’t eternally destined to be a choker. He improved.
Nowhere in Smith’s comments does he acknowledge that he recommended the Vikings part ways with Darnold. He’s having it both ways.
Jun 28, 2025; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Spencer Schwellenbach (56) pitches against the Philadelphia Phillies during the second inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images A fractured elbow derailed Braves starting pitcher Spencer Schwellenbach’s promising 2025 season last June.
As it turns out, it will also significantly delay the start to his 2026 campaign.
Schwellenbach will begin the season on the 60-day injured list due to right elbow inflammation, Braves manager Walt Weiss told reporters on the first day of spring training Tuesday.
Surgery isn’t expected, Weiss said, but the inflammation is likely to keep him out for an extended time. Schwellenbach, 25, quickly became a crucial member of the Braves’ starting rotation after his major league debut in May 2024.
In 38 starts, he has posted a 15-11 record, 3.23 ERA and 1.007 WHIP, striking out 235 batters and issuing 41 walks over 234 1/3 innings.
–Field Level Media
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