Oct 26, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Jahan Dotson (2) scores a touchdown against the New York Giants in the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images
The Minnesota Vikings likely won’t have the cap space to go big-game hunting at wide receiver in free agency, pretty much ruling out players like George Pickens. The franchise could, though, target a sensible WR3 if Jalen Nailor departs for a new team. Consider these five wideouts the common-sense options.
Minnesota’s WR shopping list depends on Jalen Nailor’s status, but the market offers some speed, depth, and upside.
If Nailor returns in 2026, this list will be moot, but his status is a mystery.
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WR Free Agents Who Fit the Vikings for 2026
Ranked in order of realism, here’s who Minnesota could target at WR in free agency if Nailor walks.
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Rashid Shaheed carries the ball during second-half action at Lumen Field, with the play unfolding on Nov. 30, 2025, as Seattle faced Minnesota while Shaheed navigated traffic, accelerated into space, and pressured the Vikings’ defense in a tightly contested late-season matchup. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Ng-Imagn Images
5. Rashid Shaheed
Shaheed will command a fat contract next month, probably pricing himself out of the Vikings’ range. But in the off chance that Minnesota clears enough cap space to splurge, Shaheed would absolutely fit in the offensive plan, providing speed and playmaking that only Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison can currently provide in Minneapolis.
He’s only at the “bottom” of this list because he’s about to score a contract worth roughly $45 million over the next three years.
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USA Today‘s Tyler Dragon on Shaheed: “Shaheed’s been a lightning rod for the Seahawks offense and special teams ever since Seattle acquired him at the trade deadline. He’s the only player in the NFL this season with both kick return and punt return touchdowns.”
“Known for his explosive speed, Shaheed’s 95-yard kick return touchdown ignited the Seahawks in their divisional round win over the San Francisco 49ers.”
4. Gabe Davis
Davis tore his ACL one month ago. That, of course, does not help his free agency — at all — but it will drive down his price. Some team will hand him a one-year deal to prove he’s back and healthy.
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He fits the Vikings because he’ll be cheap and has WR3 tendencies. He’s also still just 26 years old. The only problem with Davis is his recovery timeline. He could be ready in September — or the recovery could bleed into October and November.
3. John Metchie
Metchie was a 2nd-Round pick by the Houston Texans in the 2022 NFL Draft and has never panned out. No team has targeted him more than 50 times in a season, and his once-fancy scouting report has not translated to the NFL as most draft heads predicted.
There’s a world, however, where Metchie can reclaim his career if some team commits to him as a WR3. The Vikings could sign him to a prove-it deal and pair him with Tai Felton at training camp to determine the WR3 for the 2026 season.
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Metchie is known for his route-running, and that could be just what the doctor ordered for Minnesota’s eventual QB1 selection.
2. Dyami Brown
Brown is just like Metchie: a 3rd-Rounder from the 2021 NFL Draft who looked promising a few years ago but has never had more than 300 yards in a season.
Washington Commanders wide receiver Dyami Brown celebrates in the end zone at FedExField, with the moment occurring on Aug. 21, 2023, during second-quarter preseason action against Baltimore as Brown punctuated the scoring play and energized the sideline following a successful red-zone sequence. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports.
He’s a bit different than Metchie because, in his purest form, Brown is a home run hitter. He has 4.44 speed and can beat many defensive backs on the outside.
Just give Brown about 70 targets in 17 games, and he can thrive as a WR3. Like Davis and Metchie, Brown, too, will be affordable in free agency.
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JagsWire‘sPaul Bretl on Brown: “When the Jaguars signed Brown to the offense, he immediately added another vertical presence to the offense with his speed. The Jaguars also thought he had the upside to attack other levels of the field and get the ball on designed touches out of the backfield.”
“However, as the season progressed, Brown’s role was reduced and eventually became nonexistent, with him even being a healthy scratch in some games. Brown was unable to carve out steady playing time, and he was eventually jumped on the depth chart by Tim Patrick. He finished the season catching 20 passes for 227 yards with a touchdown.”
1. Jahan Dotson
The Eagles leaned run-heavy, and when the ball went up in the air this season, Jalen Hurts didn’t consistently hit his usual efficiency marks. That environment didn’t do much for non-A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith wideouts like Dotson.
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Washington Commanders wide receiver Jahan Dotson stands on the field during pregame warmups at AT&T Stadium, with the scene set on Oct. 2, 2022, as Washington prepared to face Dallas while Dotson went through routines and focused on the upcoming NFC East matchup. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Dotson’s skill set fits better in a pass-forward offense, which is where Minnesota lives. If Nailor isn’t part of the 2026 plans, Kevin O “Connell would be wise to at least gauge Dotson’s market and see whether the price aligns with the role.
After all, the man was a 1st-Round talent four years ago. Youth is on his side. He also has 4.4 speed.
Long, straight drives only happen when you catch the ball on the sweet spot and swing slightly in-to-out as you approach impact. Problem is, most rec players swing slightly (or extremely) out-to-in (as in, left of the target).
A visual aid can help.
Set up a yoga block (or any soft brick-shaped object) about one inch outside the ball after you’ve teed up. Use the block as a guide to steer your club on the correct downswing path.
If you tend to swing too steep or cut across the ball, you’ll hit the block — not good. Make some slow-motion practice swings to start, missing the block every time, then go after it at full speed.
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When you consistently miss the block, you’ll find your drives soaring farther while avoiding slices and pop-ups. It’s an easy drill but it works like a charm every time.
Cheryl Anderson is a GOLF Top 100 Teacher who coaches at Heathrow Legacy Club in Lake Mary, Fla.
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President Donald Trump expressed support for Bill Belichick after the NFL legend was blocked from entering the Pro Football Hall of Fame on the first ballot earlier in the week.
Trump brushed off a “controversial” couple of years Belichick may have had, with his personal life spilling out into the spotlight. Still, Trump said during his interview with NBC News that the former New England Patriots head coach should have been a shoo-in.
Bill Belichick watches the Miami Hurricanes play the Indiana Hoosiers during the first half of the College Football Playoff National Championship game at Hard Rock Stadium on Jan. 19, 2026.(Kirby Lee/Imagn Images)
“I thought it was terrible. He’s won so much,” he said. “He’s won so many Super Bowls. (He) became a little bit controversial, I guess, after that, his little period after that. During it, he was just a great coach. I thought it was very inappropriate.”
“He’s had a little bit of a controversial year-and-a-half, two years, maybe, but what difference does that make? He should be in there right at the top,” the president added.
Trump didn’t mention anything specific. But Belichick’s love life with Jordon Hudson was thrust into the national spotlight as he got to work as the North Carolina Tar Heels’ head coach. The tipping point came during Belichick’s interview with CBS and Hudson shutting down a question about how they met.
Hudson’s presence with the Tar Heels raised eyebrows before the season started. The Tar Heels were 4-8 in Belichick’s first year as head coach.
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As rumors that Belichick was going to be left out first surfaced, the president weighed in with criticism against the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
President Donald Trump arrives to speak about the economy at a rally Tuesday, Jan. 27, 2026, in Clive, Iowa. (Charlie Neibergall/AP Photo)
“It is the same mindset that gave pro football the new and unwatchable ‘Sissy’ Kickoff Rule, that made it possible for Bill Belichick to not be elected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Both are ridiculous and should be overturned!” he wrote on Truth Social, touching on the league’s dynamic kickoff rules.
Belichick, who is currently the head coach of the North Carolina Tar Heels, was 302-165 in his career as a head coach between the Patriots and the Cleveland Browns. He won six titles with Tom Brady as the head coach of the Patriots before he mutually parted ways with the franchise after the 2023 season.
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He served as a defensive assistant under Bill Parcells with the New York Giants from 1979-1991. The team won two Super Bowls in that time.
North Carolina head coach Bill Belichick watches from the sidelines during the first half of an NCAA football game against Charlotte in Charlotte, N.C., Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025. (Nell Redmond/AP)
Belichick’s Patriots’ career wasn’t exactly sunshine and rainbows either. He was caught up in the Spygate and Deflategate scandals during his time, which may have been a reason why some voters didn’t elect him.
Mia Brookes left it late to qualify for the Winter Olympics Big Air final but produced one of the best runs of the night to progress after a nervy start.
The 19-year-old recorded a total score of 167 on a freezing cold night at Livigno Snow Park, finishing third to ensure she can compete for gold on Monday.
Going ninth of 29 competitors, she left herself with it all to do after miscontrolling the landing on her first jump and hitting the deck, scoring a mere 29.75 and slotting into 24th place.
She was up quickly but with each snowboarder’s two best out of three runs counting towards qualification, and only the best 12 athletes progressing, she needed to be perfect on her second and third runs in order to make the final.
And she nailed her second attempt at the trick, a backside 1260 melon grab, scoring 89.00 – the second highest score of the night – to move up to 22nd.
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The teenager from Cheshire ran over to hug parents Nigel and Vicky at the barrier after successfully completing the jump and beamed after keeping her hopes of qualifying alive.
And while she could not improve on that score with her third trick, a slightly safer cab 1060 stalefish, her score of 78.00 was enough to bump her up the rankings and into the top 12. She celebrated by racing over to her parents once again – although she went the wrong way and had to jump the fence to get there.
“That was insane, honestly,” she said afterwards. “I loved it. Every minute was awesome, but definitely quite scary. After that first run, I was so nervous. You just have to take your time at the top, not rush into anything.”
Asked about the heightened pressure to deliver a brilliant second run, she said: “I think it really came out of me in an athlete way, just keeping cool under the pressure, not really making any rash decisions or rushing anything, so it was nice to see that coming from inside myself.
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“That third one was special to land that one. You’re definitely in the air, like, thinking about it in the back of your mind, spinning, like, oh, my God, I’ve got to land this. So it was really special.
Mia Brookes fell on her first jump, doubling the pressure on her second and third runs (Getty Images)
“I think, honestly, as much as I hate it in the moment, it’s moments like that that I just love. When you land, it’s the best feeling on the planet. That’s what I love.”
The youngster is known for her unusual approach to competing, listening to heavy metal music – she named Metallica, Megadeth, Pantera, and Judas Priest among her favourites – to “block out the noise” and get in the zone.
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Fellow Briton Maisie Hill did not qualify however, after only scoring 20 for falling on her first run and failing to improve on her second, with a score of 57.25 on her third run not enough to send her through.
Brookes is one of Britain’s biggest hopes of a medal in Milano-Cortina and has the chance to go for gold in two events, Big Air and slopestyle.
She is the reigning X Games champion in slopestyle having won the title for a second time last month, and picked up an additional bronze medal in Big Air to underline her status as one of the favourites at Livigno Snow Park this week.
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But a stunning score of 89.00 on her second run restored her confidence (AP)
She won the only Big Air World Cup event she has entered this year, in Beijing in December, and won back-to-back World Cup crystal globes in the discipline in 2023-24 and 2024-25.
Hopes are high for a ‘Magic Monday’ for Team GB, in particular in snowsport, with both Brookes and freestyle skier Kirsty Muir in action.
21-year-old Scot Muir is a medal contender in the freeski slopestyle having qualified in third. Brookes added: “I’ve grown up with Kirsty. We’ve known each other since we were younger, so to go into an Olympic final on the same day as her for Great Britain is really special.”
Curlers Jen Dodds and Bruce Mouat also have the chance to guarantee a medal in the mixed doubles with a win in their semi-final against Sweden in Cortina, where they are the top seeds having lost just one of nine round-robin matches.
Rashid Shaheed has braved several odds to arrive at the threshold of history, one game away from Super Bowl glory. While his path to this milestone has been anything but smooth, it is important to note that Shaheed is from a family of celebrated athletes.
His parents, Haneef and Cassondra, are undoubtedly the earliest athletic influences on Shaheed. But who are Rashid Shaheed’s parents? And how did they influence his interest and journey as an athlete?
Thanks for the submission!
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Who are Rashid Shaheed’s parents?
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Rashid Shaheed’s parents, Haneef and Cassondra, are track and field athletes. Haneef attended Arizona State University, where he was a sprinter, while Cossandra ran the 400-meter hurdles at the University of San Diego.
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After Shaheed, Haneef and Cossandra had two girls, Aysha and Amirah, who were also track runners. The wide receiver also started out as a track runner before convincing his parents to allow him to play football.
In a 2023 interview with ESPN, Haneef recalled how he and Cossandra noticed Shaheed’s athletic trait as a kid. He said:
“We thought it was interesting that he immediately wanted to run everywhere. And as two track athletes, we thought, ‘OK, well, you know, the genetics are there for sure.’”
Despite his talent and early involvement in track events, Shaheed’s interest in football has always been apparent. Haneef put it thus in an interview with Mile Split:
“He ran track, but it was always to get better in football.”
Haneef’s involvement in his kids’ athletic development saw him coaching Aysha at Madison High School. He has also coached the youth track team Havoc despite working remotely for Anthem Insurance. While admitting that it’s challenging working with the kids, he hasn’t lost sight of the bright side. He said:
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“It’s a blessing and a curse, but on the plus side I’m just glad to be able to help. I’m here for the kids.”
Both of Shaheed’s sisters are now college track athletes, with Amirah running sprints at Oregon State while Aysha runs at Texas A&M. With a home full of athletes, there is bound to be some form of competitiveness. Haneef admits this, saying:
“It is very, very competitive with them. They bring it up all the time — who has more championships and who has more patches on their jacket.”
However, when the Seahawks take the field against the Patriots on Sunday evening, Shaheed’s family will be united behind him and his teammates.
Just two weeks after leaving LIV Golf and declaring his intentions to return to the PGA Tour, Patrick Reed already appears close to locking up his card for the 2027 season.
On Sunday, Reed became the first American to win the DP World Tour’s Qatar Masters. The win, his second on the European circuit in three weeks, vaults Reed to the top of the Race To Dubai rankings. The top 10 players who are not already exempt on the PGA Tour receive cards at the end of the season. Reed won the Hero Dubai Desert Classic two weeks ago and lost in a playoff last week in Bahrain before hoisting the trophy in Qatar.
“This little run I’ve had, two wins and a second, it’s awesome,” Reed said. “We couldn’t ask anything more than what we did. It’s special to come out here, especially to get two wins early on in the season, and hopefully there’s a lot more to come.”
Two weeks ago, after his win in Dubai, Reed revealed that he was currently not under contract with LIV Golf and was still negotiating his return to the league. Three days later, Reed announced he was leaving LIV and planned to play on the DP World Tour in 2026 while he waited for his PGA Tour suspension, which lasts through the end of August, to end. He planned to use his past champions’ exemption to regain status. But with two wins and a playoff loss in his last three DP World Tour starts, Reed has already just about locked up a PGA Tour card for 2027.
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The 2018 Masters champion currently has 2,259.70 points in the Race to Dubai. Last season, Jordan Smith finished 10th with 2,203.32 points. In 2024, Tom McKibbin, who eventually decided to forgo the PGA Tour to join LIV, finished 10th with 1,897.45 points.
Reed entered Sunday in Qatar with the lead, but early bogeys at No. 2 and No. 6 saw him drop from the lead. Reed steadied the ship on the back nine by making birdies at 10, 11 and 14 to eventually beat Callum Scott by two.
“It wasn’t looking very good there on the front nine,” Reed said. “To lose the lead like that and then to be able to kind of flip the switch there on the back nine obviously felt amazing. I just needed a putt to go in. I mean, I had 18 putts on the front nine; yesterday, I had 33 putts, so I felt like I was hitting the ball fine. I felt like right when we made the turn — you know, we were chasing at that point — I just decided to go for it and trust in the putter and trust in the process, and we were able to kind of get it done.
“I feel amazing. This one hasn’t fully sunk in yet, but today, with how stressful the day was, I was very proud because it very easily could have gotten away from me. The golf we’ve played since basically the offseason has been some stellar golf. I feel really confident in my golf game right now, and it’s always awesome to come and play the way we do, especially over here.”
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With the win, Reed also moves into the top 20 in the Official World Golf Rankings for the first time since 2021. He is exempt into the Masters for life, but his position in the OWGR means he should be eligible to play all four major championships this season.
It has taken Patrick Reed all of three tournaments on the DP World Tour to likely secure his full-time PGA Tour card for the 2027 season.
But now sitting atop the Race To Dubai, Reed has his sights on becoming the first American to win the Race To Dubai since Collin Morikawa in 2021.
“It’s always on your radar,” Reed said. “Trust me, you’d rather be in the lead than hunting and chasing. It’s always been a dream of mine to be an American and come out here and win the Race to Dubai. And hey, we’re off to a fast start.”
Usyk is the current king of the banner division, become undisputed heavyweight champion on two occasions after defeating Tyson Fury, Anthony Joshua and Daniel Dubois twice each.
He vacated the WBO belt late last year but still holds the WBC, WBA and IBF titles, and is expected to be back in the ring during the first half of 2026.
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Another man set to return to action soon is rising star Itauma, who is viewed by many as being one of the brightest prospects in the entire sport.
The 21-year-old has an unbeaten record of 13-0, with his last win coming in August when he stopped Dillian Whyte in the opening round.
He will next face Jermaine Franklin in March, after their original date of January was pushed back, and a victory there would put Itauma one step closer to a potential future world title shot.
Many figures from the boxing world have shared their thoughts on an Usyk vs. Itauma battle, and now former super-middleweight world champion Froch is the latest to do so.
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Speaking to Press Insights, ‘The Cobra’ admitted that while he would be interested in the bout, he feels the Ukrainian would be too good.
“I’d like to see it, but I wouldn’t put Moses Itauma in with Usyk. I’m a massive Usyk fan. He’s so good, but I’d love to see a young, fresh, dynamic, powerful fighter like him [Itauma] in against someone like Usyk.
“I think Usyk beats him now because he hasn’t got the experience, but I’d like to see that fight.”
Super Bowl LX TV channel and how to watch for free after BBC and ITV lose rights – Manchester Evening News
Need to know
Super Bowl LX TV channel and all the info needed to watch the New England Patriots against the Seattle Seahawks
Super Bowl LX(Image: Getty Images)
How to watch Super Bowl LX for free on TV in the UK
Location and Scheduling: The 60th edition of the NFL’s championship game lands at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara on Sunday, February 8, 2026. For those watching from the UK, the kickoff is slated for 11:30 PM GMT.
Channel 5’s Free Access: This season, Channel 5 serves as the primary free-to-air destination for British viewers. You can access the live broadcast through your television set or via a digital stream on the My5 app, compatible with most smartphones and smart TVs. Channel 5’s coverage begins at 10:30 PM.
Sky Sports’ Premier Coverage: For a specialised experience, Sky Sports remains the top choice for hardcore fans. They offer an uninterrupted, ad-free game feed on Sky Sports NFL and Main Event, with their studio buildup beginning at 10PM.
The DAZN US Feed Option: Viewers seeking the “genuine American” atmosphere can subscribe to the NFL Game Pass on DAZN. This platform carries the native US broadcast, featuring the iconic American advertisements and the full domestic halftime analysis.
The 2026 Contest: This landmark Super Bowl sees the New England Patriots take on the Seattle Seahawks. It is a high-stakes encounter between two iconic franchises that successfully navigated a grueling postseason to reach the final.
The Halftime Production: Global phenomenon Bad Bunny is the confirmed headliner for the Apple Music Halftime Show. His set is expected to be a massive cultural event, filling the gap between the game’s second and third quarters.
The Move from the BBC: The NFL ended its partnership with the BBC in 2022. The league opted for a more commercial model, seeking broadcasters that could offer integrated marketing and sponsorship opportunities that the license-fee-funded BBC is unable to provide.
The Rights Shift to Channel 5: While ITV previously held the free-to-air rights, Channel 5 secured a significant multi-year contract starting in 2025. This deal makes them the sole free-to-air home for the Super Bowl and a selection of regular-season fixtures.
Radio and Audio Streaming: If you aren’t near a TV, you can catch the game via live radio. talkSPORT and BBC Radio 5 Live (available through BBC Sounds) will provide detailed play-by-play commentary from start to finish.
The Monday Morning After: Due to the West Coast time zone, the game likely won’t wrap up until about 3:00 AM GMT on Monday. Consequently, many UK fans celebrate “Super Monday” by taking a day of leave to recover from the overnight session.
Augmented Reality (AR) Features: For the first time, fans using the official NFL app during the broadcast can access real-time AR overlays. This allows you to point your phone at your screen to see live player stats and “Next Gen” speed data overlaid on the action.
As name, image and likeness (NIL) deals have taken over college sports, player movement and coach movement have become as frantic as ever.
Former NFL agent Ben Dogra said the NCAA is not doing its job and that the colleges are unable to rule themselves, which he said is why there are talks of Congress getting involved.
“I always think less government is better. You shouldn’t have government involved unless you need it. I don’t think they should be involved. But who’s going to be involved? The NCAA clearly isn’t doing their job. And you can’t have these colleges ruling themselves,” Dogra told Fox News Digital in a recent interview.
Washington Huskies quarterback Demond Williams Jr. (2) warms up prior to the LA Bowl against the Boise State Broncos at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California. The game took place on Dec. 13, 2025.(Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Imagn Images)
“It’s going to be hard to penalize these players for transferring because it’s a business, and they have the prerogative to move from school to school,” Dogra said. “It’s no different than the coaches. The coaches are doing the same thing. I find it very fascinating that at the University of Washington, the quarterback who signed for $4 million was going to give it up and go someplace else for ($6 million.)”
Dogra said that head coach Jedd Fisch wasn’t happy about the prospect of losing Williams to the transfer portal, but that Fisch himself was looking at other jobs.
Washington Huskies head coach Jedd Fisch during the game against the UCLA Bruins at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California. The game took place on Nov. 22, 2025.(Jayne Kamin-Oncea/Imagn Images)
“The head coach wasn’t very happy about it, but that’s the same head coach, Jedd Fisch, that wanted the job at Florida and wanted the job at Michigan. So, isn’t what’s good for the goose good for the gander? And so, now you bring the kid back because you threaten a lawsuit because he broke the contract. Well, do you want that player on in your locker room? Is he going to be happy playing for the University of Washington? So, you have to be really careful. You might be killing your own culture because why couldn’t the kid transfer and break the contract if the coaches are? It’s called a buyout,” Dogra said.
Dogra then wondered whether, in a situation like that, contracts are enforced across state lines.
Clemson Tigers head coach Dabo Swinney discusses transfer portal activity involving linebacker Luke Ferrelli while seated next to athletic director Graham Neff during a news conference at the Smart Family Media Center in Clemson, South Carolina. The news conference took place on Jan. 23, 2026.(Ken Ruinard/ USA Today C /USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)
“Are those contracts going to be enforceable from state to state? Who’s really regulating them? So, unless you have something that’s uniform across the board, and I think that’s where they’re talking about Congress getting involved, we really don’t know much until there is a test case and we haven’t had a major test case,” he said.
Dogra referenced Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney ripping into Ole Miss head coach Pete Golding for trying to poach his players. The former agent said navigating NIL is like the Wild West.
Dogra represented Adrian Peterson, Patrick Willis, Mario Williams and Richard Sherman in his career.
Colt Observer, last seen winning the Victoria Derby, has made a successful return from a break with a victory at Caulfield.
In his first outing since the Victoria Derby success in November, Observer got a flawless ride from jockey Ethan Brown en route to victory in Saturday’s Group 2 Autumn Stakes (1400m).
Dispatched as the $4 equal elect, Observer saw off the late surge of Planet Red ($4.40) by 1-¾ lengths, as Victorius Spirit ($51) ended up three-quarters-of-a-length further adrift in third.
The Ciaron Maher-prepared Observer heads next to the Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m) over 1600m at Flemington on February 28.
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Jack Turnbull, National Assistant Trainer at Ciaron Maher Racing, observed that Observer had advanced markedly from his spring efforts to the current autumn phase.
“We’ve taken the norton bit off and decided to go with the lugging bit today,” Turnbull said.
“To begin like he did and then for Ethan just to go with him and be in that position and travel so kind, it was good to see from our end.
“Then to respond and quicken, first-up off a Derby prep and so lightly raced, it was exciting.
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“He’ll be second-up in the Australian Guineas in three weeks which is his early grand final and if we were to be successful then we could go a few different options.”
Turnbull mentioned that post-Australian Guineas, the Maher team and Observer’s owners Godolphin would discuss plans for the three-year-old.
Ethan Brown, who steered Observer into a gallant third during last spring’s Group 1 Caulfield Guineas before handing over to Mark Zahra for the Moonee Valley Vase and Victoria Derby wins, commended the Maher stable’s first-up preparation over 1400m.
“He can be a bit dour, but his last gallop was super,” Brown said.
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“Ciaron has switched him on at the right time and in the mounting yard he perked up, and he knew where he was.
“The beauty of it is that he was fresh enough to hold a spot over 1400 (metres) so going up in trip he’ll dour out, but now that he can hold a spot makes it easier for connections, horse and jockey. Explore the racing betting markets for Observer in the Australian Guineas.”
The halftime show has been headlined by some of the biggest artists of all time and has delivered wild, iconic moments throughout the 60-year history of the Super Bowl.
This year, Bad Bunny will headline, taking the stage at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. He has yet to announce any special guests, though the performances often feature them. Some have speculated that rapper Cardi B — with whom he has the hit song “I Like It” — could join him. She is also dating Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs, but Bad Bunny has not given anything away.
Last year, Kendrick Lamar took the stage during the big game in New Orleans. In 2024, Usher headlined in Las Vegas. In 2023, Rihanna performed at State Farm Stadium during Super Bowl LVII. Before that, five performers took the stage for Super Bowl LVI in Los Angeles: Eminem, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Kendrick Lamar and Mary J. Blige performed during the Rams‘ win over the Bengals.
For artists who play the Super Bowl halftime show, the audience is exponentially bigger than any they have ever encountered. It was not always like that, however.
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So what were the shows like before they became must-see television? Do you remember that killer halftime show featuring the Rockettes, Chubby Checker and 88 grand pianos in 1988? Do you remember the captivating “Be Bop Bamboozled” at the Orange Bowl in 1989? No — no you do not. Ditto Carol Channing (twice) or any of those four contrived Up With People performances in the late ’70s and early ’80s.
Before Michael Jackson, the Super Bowl halftime show was an endless wasteland of college marching bands and flag-spinning tributes — from salutes to Hollywood (twice), to Motown, to the Big Band Era, to the Caribbean, to Duke Ellington. We also got New Kids on the Block (1991) not singing any of their biggest hits and Gloria Estefan (1992) providing the soundtrack for Olympic figure skaters Dorothy Hamill and Brian Boitano of “What would Brian Boitano do?” fame — because nothing says a Minnesota Super Bowl like the lead singer of the Miami Sound Machine.
Then the King of Pop arrived at the Rose Bowl in 1993 — and the Super Bowl halftime show was never the same again.
Here is the complete list of previous Super Bowl halftime performers and themes:
2022: Eminem, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Kendrick Lamar and Mary J. Blige
2021: The Weeknd
2020: Shakira, Jennifer Lopez, Bad Bunny, J Balvin, Emme Muñiz
2019: Maroon 5, Travis Scott, Big Boi
2018: Justin Timberlake, The Tennessee Kids
2017: Lady Gaga
2016: Coldplay, Beyoncé, Bruno Mars
2015: Katy Perry, Lenny Kravitz and Missy Elliott
2014: Bruno Mars, Red Hot Chili Peppers
2013: Beyoncé
Beyonce brings the heat in New Orleans.
USATSI
2012: Madonna
2011: The Black Eyed Peas, Usher, Slash
2010: The Who
2009: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band
2008: Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
2007: Prince and the Florida A&M marching band
Prince made it rain purple in Miami.
Getty Images
2006: The Rolling Stones
2005: Paul McCartney
2004: Janet Jackson, Kid Rock, P. Diddy, Nelly and Justin Timberlake
2003: Shania Twain, No Doubt and Sting
2002: U2
2001: “The Kings of Rock and Pop” featuring Aerosmith, ‘N’Sync, Britney Spears, Mary J. Blige and Nelly
The world’s biggest boy band and the Bad Boys of Boston share the Super Bowl stage.
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2000: “A Tapestry of Nations” featuring Phil Collins, Christina Aguilera, Enrique Iglesias, Toni Braxton and an 80-person choir
1999: “Celebration of Soul, Salsa and Swing” featuring Stevie Wonder, Gloria Estefan, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy and tap dancer Savion Glover
1998: “A Tribute to Motown’s 40th Anniversary” including Boyz II Men, Smokey Robinson, Queen Latifah, Martha Reeves and The Temptations
1997: “Blues Brothers Bash” featuring Dan Akroyd, John Goodman and James Belushi (also featuring “The Godfather of Soul” James Brown and ZZ Top)
1996: Diana Ross celebrating 30 years of the Super Bowl with special effects, pyrotechnics and stadium card stunt. Finale featured Diana Ross being taken from the stadium in a helicopter
Diana Ross performs at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Arizona.
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1995: “Indiana Jones and the Temple of the Forbidden Eye” featuring Tony Bennett, Patti LaBelle, Arturo Sandoval, the Miami Sound Machine and stunts including fire and skydivers. Finale included audience participation with light sticks
1994: “Rockin’ Country Sunday” featuring Clint Black, Tanya Tucker, Travis Tritt, Wynonna & Naomi Judd. Finale included flashlight stunt
1993: “Heal the World” featuring Michael Jackson and 3,500 local children. Finale included audience card stunt
Michael Jackson stares down the Rose Bowl.
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1992: “Winter Magic” including a salute to the winter season and the winter Olympics featuring Gloria Estefan, Brian Boitano and Dorothy Hamill
1991: “A Small World Salute to 25 Years of the Super Bowl” featuring New Kids on the Block
1990: “Salute to New Orleans” and 40th Anniversary of Peanuts’ characters, featuring trumpeter Pete Fountain, Doug Kershaw & Irma Thomas
1989: “Be Bop Bamboozled” featuring 3-D effects
1988: “Something Grand” featuring 88 grand pianos, the Rockettes and Chubby Checker
1987: “Salute to Hollywood’s 100th Anniversary”
1986: “Beat of the Future”
1985: “A World of Children’s Dreams”
1984: “Super Bowl XVIII’s Salute to the Superstars of the Silver Screen”
1983: “KaleidoSUPERscope” (a kaleidoscope of color and sound)
1982: “A Salute to the 60s and Motown”
1981: “A Mardi Gras Festival”
1980: “A Salute to the Big Band Era” with Up with People
1979: “Super Bowl XIII Carnival” Salute to the Caribbean with Ken Hamilton and various Caribbean bands
1978: “From Paris to the Paris of America” with Tyler Apache Belles, Pete Fountain and Al Hirt
1977: “It’s a Small World” including crowd participation for first time with spectators waving colored placards on cue
1976: “200 Years and Just a Baby” Tribute to America’s Bicentennial
1975: “Tribute to Duke Ellington” with Mercer Ellington and Grambling State band
1974: “A Musical America” with University of Texas band
1973: “Happiness Is.” with University of Michigan marching band and Woody Herman
1972: “Salute to Louis Armstrong” with Ella Fitzgerald, Carol Channing, Al Hirt and U.S. Marine Corps Drill Team
1971: Florida A&M band
1970: Carol Channing
1969: “America Thanks” with Florida A&M University band
1968: Grambling State band
1967: University of Arizona and Grambling State marching bands
