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Former Viking Says New Team Is Best Thing Ever to Happen to Him

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Texans guard Ed Ingram in 2025
Dec 21, 2025; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans guard Ed Ingram (69) is introduced before playing against the Las Vegas Raiders at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images

The Minnesota Vikings cut ties with guard Ed Ingram during the 2025 offseason, trading him to the Houston Texans for a 6th-Round pick, which would later turn into new running back Demond Claiborne of Wake Forest. And while Vikings fans will wait to see if Claiborne turns into the next big thing, Ingram claimed this week that landing in Houston was the best thing ever to happen to him.

Indeed, Ingram reclaimed his career outside of Minnesota.

Houston Found the Version Minnesota Never Got

Ed Ingram arrives for Texans minicamp in Houston.
Houston Texans guard Ed Ingram arrives for minicamp at Houston Methodist Training Center in Houston, Texas, on Jun. 9, 2026, beginning another offseason session after his move from Minnesota as Houston continued evaluating its offensive line depth, interior chemistry, and protection plan before training camp during the early summer practice window. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-Imagn Images.

Ingram Pounds Table for Current Employer

Ingram spoke to a new station in Houston this week, KPRC2, and was all smiles about the Texans: “What better place for them to be than Houston? I came here, I excelled. Shout out to Cole Popovich. He never let me get complacent, and he always challenged me.”

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“Personally, I’ve always thought I’m a great player. All I need is the right person to help me. Coming here was probably the best thing to ever happen to me in my career, coming here and having a coach.”

Vikings fans were actually relieved when Minnesota traded Ingram in March 2025. To an extent, the joke was on them.

Ingram continued, “Pretty much take me under his wing and kind of hone in my skills, because the skills were there. It just needed to be honed in and just controlled a little bit. It has helped me out tremendously.”

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“I love Houston, I love this team. It’s just like an energy you feel just walking into the building with this team. The Houston Texans, it’s a different feeling. Everybody’s close, tight-knit. We all are in this together.”

The Change of Pace in Houston

Ingram serves as an NFL reminder that player development isn’t always linear.

During his time with the Vikings, the former 2nd-Round pick struggled to find consistency. Pro Football Focus grades reflect this performance: 57.0 overall in 2022, 59.5 in 2023, and 54.0 in 2024 before Minnesota traded him. However, after being acquired by Houston, Ingram’s performance dramatically improved. In 2025, his overall PFF grade soared to 73.8, buoyed by an impressive 79.9 run-blocking mark. The rebound was remarkable.

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His penalty issues also improved substantially. He accumulated 10 regular-season penalties in three seasons with the Vikings. In contrast, he committed only two penalties with Houston in 2025, none for holding or false starts.

The Texans are now committing to Ingram long-term. It comes after he started 14 games and, according to Reuters, ranked 12th among eligible guards for the lowest pressure rate allowed.

Ed Ingram practices with the Vikings in London.
Minnesota Vikings guard Ed Ingram (67) participates in practice at The Grove in Watford, United Kingdom, on Oct. 4, 2024, working through an international-week session as Minnesota prepared for overseas action and continued sorting through interior offensive line performance during Kevin O’Connell’s third season with playoff ambitions still attached to the roster. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images.

Minnesota’s decision to part ways with Ingram wasn’t necessarily a mistake at the time; rather, Houston unlocked a superior version of the player. The change of scenery worked.

Ingram’s Replacement in Minnesota

Believe it or not, the Vikings actually downgraded by accident when getting rid of Ingram. While the trade was applauded at the time — by everyone because most didn’t think a team would spend a 6th-Rounder on him — it turned out to be a mistake.

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Minnesota spent $87 million over five years on free-agent guard Will Fries, who was not worth his price tag in Year No. 1 with the Vikings. He played decently, but at $17.5 million per year, a guard should play wonderfully.

In short, the purple team paid Fries megabucks for the production Ingram showed in Houston. It is unclear why Ingram could blast off down in Texas while never taking flight in Minnesota. Some have suggested the coaching was to blame.

A Sweet New Contract

Right before the start of free agency in March, the Texans locked down their main, affording Ingram a deal worth $37.5 million over the next three seasons.

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SI.com‘s Jared Koch noted at the time, “Coming aboard from the Minnesota Vikings via a trade last offseason, Ingram had proven himself more than worthy of being a starting-caliber NFL guard in just one season with Houston.”

“But that would also add to some speculation of just how much money that one year of production was worth when eyeing this week’s free agency.”

Ingram’s deal included $23.5 million in guaranteed money.

Blake Fisher and Ed Ingram line up during Texans preseason action.
Houston Texans offensive tackle Blake Fisher and guard Ed Ingram move toward the line of scrimmage at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, on Aug. 16, 2025, as the offense prepared to run a preseason play against the Carolina Panthers with protection communication unfolding before the snap for Houston’s rebuilt offensive front. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images.

“Sure, it may deplete their overall flexibility to spend big before the free agent market opens. But considering re-working the offensive line remains atop the list of the Texans’ to-do list for this offseason, investing in that talent upfront is far from a poor way to spend your resources,” Koch continued.

“For that reason, Ingram’s deal is well worth an A grade, and adds some further excitement to how the rest of free agency could pan out for the Texans once the legal tampering window opens.”

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Oddsmakers expect Houston to win nine or ten games in 2026.


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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

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Karolina Muchova: “I’d Like to Know What Happened Too”

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Karolina Muchova is back in the Wimbledon quarter-finals after ending a four-year wait with a hard-fought victory over defending champion Barbora Krejcikova.

The Czech star defeated her compatriot 7-5, 5-7, 6-3 to extend her winning streak to eight matches and record her 33rd victory of the 2026 season.

After the match, Muchova was full of praise for the reigning Wimbledon champion.

  • Coco Gauff Says Age Is Still on Her SideCoco Gauff Says Age Is Still on Her Side

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“You have to give it to her. She’s not a Wimbledon champion by luck. She knows how to play on this surface. She can get you into all the uncomfortable positions.”

She admitted losing her concentration briefly allowed Krejcikova back into the match.

“I think I lost focus for one or two balls and she started hitting freely. She deserved the second set. It was an incredibly tough match.”

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The victory also marked Muchova’s first Wimbledon quarter-final since 2021 after suffering first-round exits in each of the previous four tournaments.

Asked what had changed, the 28-year-old couldn’t help but laugh.

“I’d like to know what happened too.”

She then reflected on the difficult years that followed.

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“Those years I had some tough times during the period of Wimbledon. Just incredibly happy for this whole season. How I’m playing. I’m enjoying tennis a lot. This is just incredible to be here and make the quarter-finals.”

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Terence Crawford’s trainer BoMac predicts Errol Spence vs Tim Tszyu: “What’s he got left?”

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Errol Spence Jr returns to the ring this month, facing Tim Tszyu in Australia following three years of inactivity after his 2023 loss to Terence Crawford. Brian McIntyre, the trainer behind Crawford’s game plan, has weighed in on the upcoming fight.

Spence was beaten thoroughly by Crawford and, as his inactivity went on, was thought to have quietly retired from the sport. When announcing his deal to face Tszyu, he promised fans that he is only returning because he feels he has more left in the tank.

The Australian will boast home advantage and look to get a win on the world stage following two defeats to Sebastian Fundora and a KO loss to Bakhram Murtazliev. With that in mind, the big question fans have pre-fight is which man has more left to give in the sport.

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Speaking to FightHype, ‘BoMac’ summed the fight up similarly, saying that a prime Spence wins, but a prime Tszyu can cause problems.

“That’s gonna be a great fight. If Errol’s gonna be himself, he should win, but we don’t know what he got left. If Tim comes in and is himself, he’ll push Errol to the edge.”

Asked if he believes it’s a 50/50 contest, McIntyre said no.

“No, I don’t think so. I think Errol probably will win.

Spence vs Tszyu will be fought at a 158lbs catchweight. It tops a card on July 25 in Sydney, Australia, which also features Jermall Charlo and Stephen Fulton.

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Is England vs Mexico on BBC or ITV tonight? TV channel and live stream information

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England will take on World Cup co-hosts Mexico in the last 16 in the early hours on Monday for a spot in the quarter-finals

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NFL analyst identifies Falcons’ most promising building block

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After years of struggling to generate a competent pass rush, the Atlanta Falcons finally found the right formula under defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich in 2025. The Falcons finished second in the NFL with a franchise-record 57 sacks last season.

This was a massive step up for a defense that finished 31st in the league with just 31 sacks in 2024. So, what changed? There were several factors, including the improvement of second-year defensive tackle Brandon Dorlus, but the team’s rookie duo of Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. was arguably the biggest difference.

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Pearce led all rookies with 10.5 sacks, while Walker’s 5.5 sacks were the second-most of anyone in the 2025 NFL Draft class. While Pearce generated most of the headlines, Walker is the more complete player. The former Georgia Bulldog has the versatility to play multiple spots along the front seven.

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Bleacher Report listed each team’s “most promising building block” ahead of the 2026 NFL season. Walker was B/R’s choice for the Falcons.

“The Atlanta Falcons have a trio of exciting skill players in Drake London, Kyle Pitts, and Bijan Robinson,” wrote B/R’s Kristopher Knox. “However, two of them have made the Pro Bowl, while London—who made last year’s list—recently received a contract extension. So, we’ll pivot to the defensive side of the ball and second-year linebacker Jalon Walker. The Georgia product impressed as a rookie, tallying 36 tackles, 5.5 sacks, and nine QB hits.”

The Falcons attempted to play the former off-ball linebacker in more of a true edge role last season, but with Kaden Elliss departing in free agency, Walker is expected to pick up the slack on Ulbrich’s defense.

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“While he was largely used as an edge-rusher last season, the Falcons envision him being more of an all-around defender in the mold of former standout Kaden Elliss in Year 2,” added Knox. “Expect Walker to continue growing into a prominent role as one of Atlanta’s top defenders.”

With Pearce expected to be suspended for the start of the season, it will be interesting to see where Walker lines up in Week 1. Ultimately, the former Georgia standout’s versatility will only help Atlanta’s defense in 2026.

This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: NFL analyst identifies Falcons’ most promising building block

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Folarin Balogun cleared to play vs. Belgium after red card lifted

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USA World Cup star Folarin Balogun will be able to play in Monday’s game against Belgium in the Round of 16 match after all following an uproar over a red card he received against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Balogun received the red card after he stepped on the foot of Bosnia and Herzegovina defender Tarik Muharemovic. The red card was given after Brazilian referee Raphael Claus stopped the match for a VAR review to determine whether Balogun had committed a severe foul.

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Folarin Balogun of United States of America walks off the field after receiving a red card during the FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 32 match between United States of America and Bosnia and Herzegovina on July 1, 2026 at San Francisco Bay Area Stadium in Santa Clara, California (Matthew Huang/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

It was ruled that Balogun did and he was sent off.

The Athletic, which first reported Balogun’s playing status on Sunday, noted that part of FIFA’s disciplinary code stated, “the judicial body may decide to fully or partially suspend the implementation of a disciplinary measure.”

“If the person benefiting from a suspended sanction commits another infringement of a similar nature and gravity during the probationary period, the suspension shall be revoked by the judicial body and the sanction enforced without prejudice to any additional sanction imposed for the new infringement,” the rule added.

FOX Sports confirmed that Balogun would be able to play. The report noted that the play should not have been flagged to Claus.

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Folarin Balogun and Christian Pulisic

United States’ Folarin Balogun (20) and United States’ Christian Pulisic (10) stand by after Balogun received a red card during the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between the United States and Bosnia in Santa Clara, Calif., near San Francisco, Wednesday, July 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

FIFA confirmed that the suspension was suspended for a probationary period of one year.

“We accept the decision of the Disciplinary Committee and are pleased that Folarin Balogun is eligible to compete tomorrow,” U.S. Soccer said. “Our full attention is focused on the Round of 16 match against Belgium in Seattle, and we look forward to the continued support of our amazing fans.”

Balogun scored against Bosnia and Herzegovina. He spoke to reporters Friday about the red card.

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“First and foremost, it was totally unintentional, which I’m sure a lot of people know. But, you know, I think the choice of the referee was, of course, his choice, but I don’t think it was the correct call,” he said. “I think a yellow card would have been fair due to it not being intentional. There’s not many places I can place my foot in such a scenario. But it’s happened, and it’s something that I have to accept and move forward from.

“There’s been lots of different emotions. I’ve been upset, I’ve been happy, it’s been surreal to be honest,” he added. “But for me it was just important to stay calm. I never want to react out of anger and emotion. There’s still lots of people we’re inspiring. Little kids, boys and girls are watching. We have to show them the correct way to handle things even when you think it’s unjust, so I felt I did that. I’m happy with the support, not just I’m receiving but the team. I think we’re all looking forward to seeing what we can do against Belgium.”

U.S. Soccer had no way to appeal the ruing. Article 9.6 of the 2026 World Cup regulations reads, “No protests may be made about the referee’s decisions regarding facts connected with play. Such decisions are final and not subject to appeal, unless otherwise stipulated in the FIFA Disciplinary Code.”

Falorin Balogun celebrates goal

United States’ Folarin Balogun celebrates after scoring the opening goal during the World Cup round of 32 soccer match between the United States and Bosnia in Santa Clara, Calif., near San Francisco, Wednesday, July 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)

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“If a player or team official is sent off as a result of a direct or indirect red card (second caution), they will automatically be suspended from their team’s subsequent match,” Article 10.5 adds.

Fox News’ Jonathan Hunt contributed to this report.

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Brandon Aiyuk changes tune on Jayden Daniels after dragging Commanders QB’s mom into online beef

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Brandon Aiyuk just can’t stop grabbing headlines. The wide receiver has been looking to get out of San Francisco and join the Washington Commanders. However, he spoiled his case after dragging quarterback Jayden Daniels’ mother into his beef following Daniels’ nonchalant reaction to a fan shouting “f*** Brandon Aiyuk” at the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Aiyuk tried to do the damage repair with his latest Instagram story on Sunday. He posted a clip of himself wearing a Commanders hat and holding a pair of white cleats. He also tagged Daniels in the story.

“Let’s Run it 5! Let’s see ! Need you available all szn and I’ll do the same!” Aiyuk wrote.

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Brandon Aiyuk via Instagram (@brandonaiyuk)Brandon Aiyuk via Instagram (@brandonaiyuk)
Brandon Aiyuk via Instagram (@brandonaiyuk)

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A fan at the 2026 FIFA World Cup repeatedly shouted “f*** Brandon Aiyuk” at Daniels. The Commanders QB laughed at it and didn’t care to interact with the fan. Despite it being a standard way to deal with the situation, Aiyuk was not pleased with the signal-caller. He posted a picture of himself frowning.

“Tf always so funny? Turn your savage up.” Aiyuk wrote.

The wide receiver posted another message a little later.

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“(Daniels) is going to text me talking about, ‘You’re on my team now, you follow my rules.’ Boy, I’m a grown man. You’re going to have stop running behind your mama and I might believe what you’re talking about, but until then, no.”

The two of them have unfollowed each other on Instagram. NFL insiders believe that front offices are growing increasingly concerned about Aiyuk’s online behavior.

Also Read: “He might never play another NFL down”: Insider makes feelings known on Brandon Aiyuk calling out Jayden Daniels amid beef with 49ers

Also Read: Brandon Aiyuk takes dig at Jayden Daniels’ mom Regina while attacking Commanders QB in beef with 49ers

Warren Sharp blasts Brandon Aiyuk over beef with Jayden Daniels

NFL analyst Warren Sharp criticized Brandon Aiyuk after the wide receiver posted a video to his Instagram Story, appearing to take a dig at Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels.

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In the clip, Aiyuk claimed Daniels told him he planned to join the Commanders and joked that the quarterback would have to follow his “B’s rules.” He also added that Daniels should act like a “grown a** man” before mentioning the quarterback’s mother, Regina.

Sharp hit back at Aiyuk for his behavior on X.

“Telling a franchise QB ‘you’re on my team now you’re gonna follow my rules’?? complete psychopath,” Sharp tweeted.

The situation has further fueled speculation of tension between the two.