French- Algerian football legend Zinedine Zidane expressed his hopes of becoming France‘s head coach as early as 2022 in an interview with the sports newspaper L’Équipe.
The president of the French Football Federation made little effort to keep the identity of the future manager a secret during an interview with the French newspaper Le Figaroin March. Without revealing a name, Philippe Diallo said that a new manager had been selected, adding that he had to be “someone who can tick many boxes [. . .] There must be a connection between the manager and the French”.
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Cover image: Zidane becomes new French coach REUTERS – Abdul Saboor
Zidane had frequently voiced his ambition to take over the team. “When I say I want to manage France’s team one day, I mean it, he told L’Équipe on his 50th birthday in 2022.
More recently during an Adidas event, the legendary midfielder known as “Zizou” said he felt at home with the French national team, where he played for more than a dozen years.
“Of course, it’s a dream and I can’t wait.”
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Full circle
Zidane has long seemed destined to become France’s head coach, given his legendary success as a player for the team. “I want to come full circle with the French team. I have known the team as a player and it’s one of the best things that ever happened to me,” he told L’Équipe.
Zidane is also remembered for losing his composure in the 2006 World Cup Final and headbutting Italian defender Marco Materazzi in the chest. His playing days came to an endwith a red card delivered by a referee and a defeat against Italy (a 1-1 tie and later 5-3 in the penalty shootout).
Zidane forged his legend as a professional footballer, but he has also stood out as a coach. The transition from one role to the other wasn’t easy: of the six French players to have won the Ballon d’Or – Raymond Kopa, Michel Platini, Jean-Pierre Papin, Zidane, Karim Benzema and Ousmane Dembélé – Zidane is the only one to have successfully made the switch.
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In 2016, barely 10 years after his retirement as a professional footballer, he became the main coach at Real Madrid after managing its reserve team Real Castilla and serving as assistant manager to Carlo Ancelotti. After joining Madrid, Zidane clinched an 11th Champions League trophy for the Spanish club. At the time, Zizou was only 44 years old; it was his first stint as a coach of a professional club. His achievements have yet to be matched.
Flamboyant at Real Madrid
The rest of the story belongs to football history: Real Madrid won two Champions League titles under Zidane in 2017 and 2018. In three years, he won three consecutive titles in the most prestigious European competition as well as two Spanish league titles (2017 and 2020), three Spanish Super Cups (2017, 2019 and 2020) and two European Cups (2016 and 2017).
Ancelotti praised his colleague in glowing terms after picking the reins back up at Real Madrid upon Zinedine’s departure. “He won three World Cups. He did a fantastic job up until the last day. He knew success – but it’s football, a coach comes and another one leaves. What he achieved is incredible.”
The Spanish sports magazine Marca also celebrated Zidane’s achievements: “He is not only a coach leaving with an enviable record (11 titles, one for every 23 matches) including three consecutive Champions Leagues. An icon of the greatest club is leaving, a legend, an exemplary citizen of Madrid who made a flag out of simplicity, elegance and honesty, on and off the stadium.”
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Out of management since leaving Real Madrid in 2021, Zidane had to wait for this moment to take over Deschamps’ role. The previous coach set a record for the longest time spent at the helm of the French national team, with 168 games, 121 victories, 35 ties and 31 losses. Deschamps is leaving behind a solid and talented team, despite their elimination from the World Cup in a semi-final defeat against Spain (2-0). As he begins his tenure, Zidane will rely on a core group of key players like Dayot Upamecano, Koundé, Adrien Rabiot, Aurélien Tchouaméni, Kylian Mbappé, Michael Olise and Ousmane Dembélé. Yet he also faces challenges, especially on the full-back positions and, to a lesser extent, central defence.
Zidane will also likely try to overhaul the coaching staff, beginning by naming World Cup champion Fabien Barthez as the new goalkeeping coach. The impact of Zidane’s coaching on Les Bleus remains to be seen. Supporters of the team will have to wait until October 2 to see the coach on the bench. Ironically, the match is against Italy – coming 20 years after Zidane’s loss to Italy as a player.
Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson (87) carries the ball after a reception while defended by Atlanta Falcons safety Billy Bowman Jr. (33) during second-half action on September 14, 2025, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. Hockenson’s ability to gain yards after the catch remained central to Minnesota’s passing attack as the Vikings worked to establish offensive rhythm. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images.
Determining the Vikings’ trade candidates isn’t an exact science. Think poetry instead of math.
Still, some guesses can be made.
A trade is an instance of needing two to tango. The Vikings could seek to trade the worst player on the 90-man roster but wouldn’t find any takers. On the other end of things is an unwillingness to trade the team’s best player: Justin Jefferson. The NFL would feature 31 teams willing to make an offer; the Vikings would decline them all short of something absurd.
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Check out some options that appear more realistic. They’re listed in no particular order.
The Vikings’ Trade Candidates — A Top 5
1 — Ivan Pace Jr., Linebacler
Minnesota Vikings linebacker Ivan Pace Jr. (0) celebrates after returning a fumble for a touchdown against the Detroit Lions during the fourth quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota on Oct 20, 2024. Pace raises his arms in celebration following the defensive score during the NFC North matchup late in the game. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images.
Recent years have been disappointing for Mr. Pace. Still, he’s a 25-year-old linebacker who can make plays behind the line of scrimmage. Surely there’s a team out there that is fascinated by his potential.
Minnesota appears happy to roll into 2026 with a deep linebacker spot. Doing so frees Eric Wilson and possibly Jake Golday to help at edge rusher. Pace is part of the mix as an off-ball linebacker who could free those more versatile players.
Determining that a different player could be the LB4 could mean recouping north of $3.5 million, per OTC.
2 — Theo Jackson, Safety
Minnesota Vikings safety Theo Jackson (26) lines up defensively during NFC Wild Card action against the Los Angeles Rams at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, on Jan. 13, 2025. Jackson contributed to Minnesota’s secondary rotation during the postseason matchup as the Vikings attempted to slow the Rams’ passing attack on the playoff stage in Arizona. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images.
What happens if Harrison Smith returns?
Josh Metellus is assured of a starting spot. Jay Ward boasts upside as a long, explosive fourth-year player. Rookie newcomer Jakobe Thomas boasts a nice build and some on-field snarl. Trading Jackson wouldn’t result in anything more than a late-round pick, possibly being as modest of swapping a 7th for a 6th.
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Moving him out would free $1.67 million.
3 — Tai Felton, Wide Receiver
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Tai Felton (13) fields the ball and turns upfield during first-quarter action against the Green Bay Packers, Jan. 4, 2026, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis. Felton accelerates into space as Minnesota looks to generate early momentum in a key division matchup at home. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images.
Tai Felton is a depth receiver who boasts elite wheels. He has proven to be feisty on specials as a fantastic option out at gunner.
His issue is that he got drafted by the past front office. Some struggles in training camp could create problems since gunners generally aren’t super tough to find. He’s a sophomore who got chosen in the 3rd in 2025. There’s a team out there willing to send a 5th or 6th for him.
4 — T.J. Hockenson, Tight End
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Dec 7, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson (87) reacts after scoring a touchdown against the Washington Commanders during the second half at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn Images
Consider an overly negative assessment of Hockenson’s game:
He doesn’t score many touchdowns.
His yards-per-catch average has been modest lately.
He has never been known as a terrific blocker.
Already, Minnesota has lowered his compensation. Shrinking his cap charge came with the trade off of setting him free a year early so he can try to land another beefy deal next March. Does GM Teasley get ahead of the sticks by trading the TE? Minnesota would recoup $10.25 million.
5 — Walter Rouse, Offensive Tackle/Guard
Aug 24, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Minnesota Vikings kicker Will Reichard celebrates with punter Ryan Wright (17) after a field goal against the Philadelphia Eagles during the fourth quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Caean Couto-USA TODAY Sports
Rouse is a hulking presence who looks large even when he stands beside other NFL linemen. Something to be said for that, folks. Better yet, he’s got some versatility; Minnesota has been experimenting with him inside.
The rationale here is that the Vikings could mirror that Vederian Lowe trade from a few years ago. Adofo-Mensah shipped out the Day 3 OT for a Day 3 pick since the team determined there wasn’t a future for Lowe in the Twin Cities. Something similar could occur, especially since there’s a logjam at OT.
Sep 22, 2019; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings running back Alexander Mattison (25) leaps over Oakland Raiders defensive back Curtis Riley (35) for a touchdown in the third quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports.
There was a time not too long ago, folks, when Alexander Mattison was being leaned on to become Minnesota’s next RB1. The plan didn’t work out particularly well.
Currently a free agent, Mr. Mattison is trying to find employment soon. The departed Vikings skill guy could still get a nice merge lane — training camp — to prepare for a bounce back in 2026 if he puts pen to paper soon. Check out the update courtesy of ESPN’s Adam Schefter: “Houston tried out veteran RBs Hassan Haskins and Alexander Mattison.”
Departed Vikings Runner Gets Chance in HOU
At minimum, DeMeco Ryans is a top-ten NFL coach. Quite possibly, Coach Ryans deserves to be included among the top five. Winning a Super Bowl would fully solidify his reputation as one of the foremost leaders in the NFL.
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The skipper down in Houston has done terrific work. Most notably, there’s the gruesome twosome coming off the edge in Will Anderson and Danielle Hunter. The NFL doesn’t offer a deadlier duo than those guys. Hunter has aged beautifully and Anderson is only surpassed by Myles Garrett and Micah Parsons in ability. Anderson could prove that he’s as good, or better, than any edge rusher in the upcoming season.
Coach Ryans, a defensive tactician, will be leaning on a ferocious defense to lead the Texans. His ambition can get complemented by a robust ground attack.
Jul 31, 2026; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans defensive end Danielle Hunter (55) during training camp at Houston Methodist Training Center. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images – Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Safe to say that Alexander Mattison has had a disappointing second half of his career.
Originally, Mattison arrived in the Twin Cities with some optimism as a 3rd-Round selection. He could function as a rock-solid RB2 behind the elegant, gliding Dalvin Cook. Mattison has never been a terrific athlete but he had good straight line speed and had better mitts than most realize.
Adding all of Mattison’s Vikings stats together involves seeing a runner who finished with 584 carries for 2,370 yards and 11 touchdowns. There were then 100 receptions for 718 yards and 6 scores. The 4.1 yards-per-carry average isn’t particularly inspiring. His normal season featured 132 carries going for 537 yards and 2 or 3 touchdowns. Essentially, a solid RB2, especially since his intangibles (compete, work ethic, etc.) were very high.
Recent seasons have seen him struggle with injury. Alexander Mattison played in fourteen games in Las Vegas in 2024. In 2025, Mattison worked as a Dolphin but didn’t play at all during the season. He’s very unlikely to get anything above the veteran minimum — think something a bit beyond $1 million — since he has produced modestly and is coming off injury.
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Sep 10, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins (8) hands the ball off to running back Alexander Mattison (2) against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Meanwhile, the Vikings are desperate for improvement in the ground game.
Veterans Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason are competing to work as the RB1. Mr. Jones is a versatile, high-compete player who is respected for his leadership (he’s also just a charming, down-to-earth guy if you ever get the chance to chat, so it’s easy to see why he’s well-liked by essentially everyone). The former Packer has soft hands as a pass catcher and does well in pass pro. He has lost a step, though, as somebody who is on the wrong side of 30.
Mason is young (27) and a physical presence. While he doesn’t get the credit he deserves for his athleticism, Mason is mostly in town due to his hulking size. If you get to camp, take a moment to look at Mason and Jones side-by-side. There’s quite the difference. Plus, Mason is a hammer who treats defenders like nails. Minnesota needs more of that physicality.
Otherwise, the top names to know are Demond Claiborne and Max Bredeson. The rookies got chosen during the 2026 NFL Draft, meaning they’ll be employed by the Vikings for the upcoming season.
Alexander Mattison, 28, will look to secure work sooner rather than later as a strong RB3 who could be elevated to RB2 if health allows.
In a rather shocking twist at SummerSlam 2026, WWE legend Randy Orton made a massive return after months to cost his best friend in the co-main event of the night.
CM Punk is still the WWE Champion after the co-main event of SummerSlam. That’s right – Cody Rhodes vs CM Punk didn’t actually headline SummerSlam Night One. That honor went to Oba Femi vs Brock Lesnar and their Hell in a Cell match. Many fans felt that the build-up to Cody vs Punk was underwhelming considering how big they are as superstars. Cody, Punk, and Roman Reigns are the undisputed three top stars of modern WWE. That’s why many thought that the WWE Championship would logically headline SummerSlam Saturday. However, that wasn’t actually the case.
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Either way, the war ended in a bizarre way at SummerSlam. The Viper, Randy Orton, made a shocking return for the first time since WrestleMania 42 in April – three-and-a-half months ago. He hit the RKO on Cody Rhodes while the referee wasn’t looking and CM Punk was outuside the ring. Punk swooped in and hit the GTS, getting a slow three-count from Charles Robinson, but enough to retain his WWE Championship.
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Orton was last seen over three months ago, when he lost in the main event of WrestleMania 42 Night One, and turned on Pat McAfee. The Orton-McAfee alliance is something that fans like to actively forget, and from the look of things, McAfee wasn’t feeling the response either, which is why he reportedly pulled out voluntarily, as did Jelly Roll.
Randy Orton ended the night by hitting a punt on Cody Rhodes and lifting the WWE Championship up in the air to signal that he was still in the rivalry, but he had vanished right after that, leaving everyone utterly confused about the storyline.
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Alexandra Eala of the Philippines celebrates after winning a women’s singles match against Naomi Osaka of Japan on day six of the Mubadala DC Open 2026 at William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center on August 01, 2026 in Washington, DC. Emilee Chinn/Getty Images/AFP
MANILA, Philippines — Alex Eala got a first-round bye at the Canadian Open, which starts this week in Toronto.
The Filipino tennis ace, seeded 25th in the WTA 1000 event, will face either Alycia Parks or a qualifier in the second round.
Eala’s first meeting with Parks was in the first round of the Australian Open last January, succumbing to a 6-0, 3-6, 2-6 loss.
If Eala advances, she could face Wimbledon champion Linda Noskova, who has had the upper hand in their head-to-head. The Czech is 2-0 against Eala, whom she swept in the Berlin Open semifinals last June and Indian Wells round of 16 in March.
At the Canadian Open last year, Eala bowed out in the round of 128, losing to Marketa Vondrousova, 6-3, 1-6, 2-6.
The Rafa Nadal Academy graduate is currently competing in the Mubadala DC Open in Washington, where she just dispatched four-time Grand Slam winner Naomi Osaka, 6-4, 6-2 to reach her first career WTA 500 final.
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Eala goes for the DC crown against world No. 3 and tournament top seed Jessica Pegula on Monday (Manila time) at 12 a.m.
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Manchester City manager Enzo Maresca spoke about promising young talent Ryan McAidoo after his performance against Inter
Enzo Maresca says that Ryan McAidoo needs the right path at Manchester City as the club assess whether he is best served stepping up to the first team this season. The 18-year-old winger came on in the second half of City’s first pre-season game against Inter and was one of the standout players, looking sharp and going close to either scoring or assisting a goal on a number of occasions.
City are looking at wide players in the transfer market and could see Savinho move to Spurs in the summer window, but McAidoo took his opportunity under Pep Guardiola last season by scoring on debut and has seriously impressed Maresca in the first few weeks of training. Having done enough to earn his spot on the right wing in the second half against Inter, he then took his opportunity in style.
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Maresca said that no decisions have been made on the many youngsters out on tour as they are looked at over the course of the four weeks before pre-season, and the question is whether McAidoo can play his way into the City squad or if he leaves on loan. Several clubs have already expressed an interest in taking him and that list may grow on the back of this latest performance.
Whatever happens, Maresca pointed to his record of giving debuts at Leicester and Chelsea to indicate that the right decision can be made on McAidoo.
“Since day one to be honest with Ryan, we were speaking with the club and since day one he is the kind of winger I love,” he said. “Very aggressive one v one, he always tries, makes the right decisions. But he is very young and he needs the right path.
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“At the moment, with most of the young players, the idea was to see them during pre-season and then decide. We started ten days ago and Ryan is working well. We are going to take the right decision. I am always very open with young players. At Leicester, it was a record number of debuts from the academy. And at Chelsea it was also a record number of debuts from the academy.”
India produced its biggest medal haul of the Commonwealth Games 2026 on Saturday, collecting 15 medals across boxing, athletics, para athletics and judo to continue its outstanding campaign in Glasgow.
The day belonged to India’s boxers, who delivered a historic performance by winning seven gold medals and three silvers from 10 finals, while the athletics team added three more medals and para athletics contributed a memorable one-two finish in the men’s F57 shot put. Judoka Unnati Sharma also added a bronze to cap another productive day for the Indian contingent.
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Indian boxing scripts history with seven gold medals
Indian boxing enjoyed arguably its greatest-ever day at the Commonwealth Games.
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The country dominated the finals, winning seven of the 10 gold-medal bouts, an unprecedented achievement in Commonwealth Games history.
Gold medals came through:
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Sakshi Chaudhary (Women’s 51kg)
Preeti Pawar (Women’s 54kg)
Jaismine Lamboria (Women’s 57kg)
Priya Ghanghas (Women’s 60kg)
Arundhati Choudhary (Women’s 70kg)
Sachin Siwach (Men’s 60kg)
Ankush Panghal (Men’s 80kg)
India also claimed three silver medals through Lovlina Borgohain (Women’s 75kg), Jadumani Singh (Men’s 55kg) and Narender Berwal (Men’s 90+kg) after all three narrowly missed out in their respective finals.
The remarkable campaign underlined India’s growing status as one of the strongest boxing nations in the Commonwealth.
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Para athletics delivers golden one-two
India celebrated a memorable result in the Men’s F57 Shot Put, where Soman Rana produced a gold medal-winning performance.
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Adding to the celebrations, Shubham Juyal claimed silver to complete an Indian one-two on the podium.
The result highlighted India’s increasing strength in para athletics, with both athletes delivering under pressure on the biggest stage.
India’s medal winners – August 1
Sport
Athlete(s)
Event
Medal
Boxing
Sakshi Chaudhary
Women’s 51kg
Gold
Boxing
Preeti Pawar
Women’s 54kg
Gold
Boxing
Jaismine Lamboria
Women’s 57kg
Gold
Boxing
Priya Ghanghas
Women’s 60kg
Gold
Boxing
Arundhati Choudhary
Women’s 70kg
Gold
Boxing
Sachin Siwach
Men’s 60kg
Gold
Boxing
Ankush Panghal
Men’s 80kg
Gold
Para Athletics
Soman Rana
Men’s F57 Shot Put
Gold
Boxing
Lovlina Borgohain
Women’s 75kg
Silver
Boxing
Jadumani Singh
Men’s 55kg
Silver
Boxing
Narender Berwal
Men’s 90+kg
Silver
Para Athletics
Shubham Juyal
Men’s F57 Shot Put
Silver
Athletics
Praveen Chithravel
Men’s Triple Jump
Silver
Athletics
Selva Prabhu Thirumaran
Men’s Triple Jump
Bronze
Athletics
Gulveer Singh
Men’s 5000m
Bronze
Judo
Unnati Sharma
Women’s -63kg
Bronze
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Athletics continues medal surge
Indian athletics once again featured prominently on the podium.
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In the men’s triple jump, Praveen Chithravel secured silver while Selva Prabhu Thirumaran claimed bronze, recreating India’s double podium from Birmingham.
Distance runner Gulveer Singh added another historic chapter to his remarkable campaign by winning bronze in the men’s 5000m.
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The medal made him the first Indian to win two track medals at a single Commonwealth Games, having earlier claimed silver in the 10,000m.
Unnati Sharma adds judo bronze
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India’s medal tally in judo also received another boost.
Unnati Sharma defeated South Africa’s Skye Knoester with a superb ippon in the women’s -63kg bronze-medal contest, ensuring India continued its best-ever Commonwealth Games campaign in the sport.
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Mixed fortunes elsewhere
Not every event brought success for India.
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Harsh Tokas narrowly missed out on a medal after losing the men’s -81kg bronze-medal bout, while Karanjit Singh Maan and Inunganbi Takhellambam exited through the repechage rounds.
In athletics, Priyanka Goswami finished fourth in the women’s 10,000m race walk, while Ravina Gayakwad was disqualified.
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The cycling team endured a disappointing day as the sprint riders failed to progress and Dinesh Kumar and Harshveer Singh Sekhon did not finish the men’s 10km scratch race qualification.
India’s men’s pairs team in bowls also bowed out after losing to England, while Nayanmoni Saikia ended her singles campaign with a defeat to South Africa’s Bridget Herselman.
Sep 12, 2021; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray (1) runs with the ball during the first half at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-USA TODAY Sports
Across the opening few days, J.J. McCarthy was gaining ground. Not so after the Saturday practice.
A chorus of people online sung the praises of Kyler Murray for the effort he put in earlier in the day. Consider what Alec Lewis of The Athletichad to say: “Vikings first practice in front of fans just ended. Kyler Murray was very sharp today. Completed all sorts of passes from the pocket. The operation looked clean. J.J. McCarthy’s timing seemed a tad off, late on some misfires. Kyler took most snaps with 1s, J.J. with 2s.”
McCarthy may have landed a few jabs in those opening days. Murray appears to have responded with a hefty uppercut.
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Kyler Murray is Fighting Back
Keep in mind, folks, that there’s a consensus on how today went. Nobody appears to think that McCarthy kept things close.
Check out the update from Will Ragatz: “Clear, decisive win for Kyler Murray in the QB competition today. Threw with anticipation, connected with Jefferson several times, ball rarely hit the ground. McCarthy had a couple nice moments late but was mostly shaky throughout. It wasn’t very close.”
Dec 28, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride (85) celebrates with quarterback Kyler Murray (1) after catching a 1-yard touchdown pass against the Los Angeles Rams in the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Judd Zulgad of SKOR North has been covering the passer battle pretty closely. See his video recap below:
So, that about settles it, right? Eh, not so quick.
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What’s going to matter for J.J. McCarthy is not that he had a bad day at the office. In a perfect world, he’d never struggle, but that’s not reality. What’s of significance now is how he responds. Can the kid see that he lost the day and then respond well?
Think back to those opening three quarters in the Week 1 Bears game before exploding in the last quarter. Can he do the training camp version of that? If so, then he’ll need to build off that success by becoming more consistent. Going back and forth between dreadful and dynamite isn’t going to cut it.
The Vikings have been quite consistent that adding Kyler Murray is about ratcheting up the competition. Seeing Murray put together a good day is what competition looks like for McCarthy.
Dec 21, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) practices before the game at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-Imagn Images
McCarthy isn’t assured of anything at this stage. And, to be clear, he’s not guaranteed to play well in response to his bad day. The onus shifts back to him now that the man who is gunning for his job — Kyler Murray — has had a good afternoon passing the ball.
Kyler Murray remains the favorite to start in Week 1. Putting together more days like today will only further his lead as he tries to remove any doubt about who should get to pass the ball to Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and the rest of the crew for the 2026 season.
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The Vikings have the day off tomorrow. The spotlight is sure to remain on the quarterbacks when the Vikings get back to work early next week.
Emma Finucane will bid to make Commonwealth Games history on Sunday after clinching a third gold on a dramatic day of track cycling at Glasgow 2026.
Finucane had already wrapped up the team and individual sprint titles by the time she took to the start line for the women’s kilo, an event she does not usually contest.
She flew round to take another dominant gold and tee up the opportunity to become the first Welsh athlete to win four golds at a single Commonwealth Games when she competes in the keirin.
The 23-year-old insists she is content with her current haul but is a world silver medallist in the keirin and will undoubtedly fancy her chances given the form she has brought to the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome.
More than anything, Finucane loves competing for Wales and will want to hear Hen Wlad Fy Nhadau ring out again.
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The Welsh national anthem rang out two more times on Saturday night, as Anna Morris claimed her second gold of the Games in the points race to continue an outstanding few days for Welsh cyclists.
She was joined on the podium by compatriot Jess Roberts, who won silver, and the Principality now sits second in the medal table and within touching distance of Australia.
“The Welsh team have been incredible,” said Finucane. “The girls have really shone at these Games. We’ve done so, so well. Seeing one of our athletes on the podium just minutes before I stepped onto the podium myself was iconic.
Finucane competing in the Women’s 1000m Time Trail Final (Getty)
“As a small nation, we have so much pride. The support we’ve had has been amazing, and I think we’ve really put the dragon on the track. We’ve embraced every moment.
“We’ve raced with pride and passion, and that’s why we’ve come away with so many medals. I’m really proud to be Welsh and I can’t wait to get out there again. Anything’s a bonus now. I didn’t think I’d win three gold medals. I came here with a dream, and I feel like I’m living an absolute movie.
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“I’m just going to go into it and leave everything out on the track. I love a keirin race, so I’m going to get on my bike, race the riders, get stuck in and see what happens.
“I’ll keep dreaming. Whatever happens, I’m really proud of what I’ve achieved.”
Anna Morris also won gold for Wales in the women’s 4000m individual pursuit (PA)
Finucane has dominated the headlines but Morris is also putting together a storming Games in Glasgow, backing up her individual pursuit title with gold in the points race.
The 31-year-old was disqualified from the scratch race on Friday after initially finishing second, but shrugged off the disappointment to lead a Welsh one-two ahead of Roberts.
“Yesterday was about refocusing and resetting,” she said.“I spent some time watching the races back, taking the lessons from them and learning what I could.
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“I just gave it everything I had in that final sprint. When I came off the track, I felt pretty sick after the effort. It was just a really tough race.”
Saturday also saw its fair share of crashes, with Neil Fachie picking himself up off the boards to win the seventh and final Commonwealth gold of his career.
Neil Fachie and pilot Aaron Pope overcame a crash in the Men’s tandem B Sprint Finals to win gold for Scotland (PA)
Fachie was set to say goodbye to the sport regardless of what happened but he looked set for a drab ending when he and pilot Aaron Pope crashed in the men’s tandem B sprint against Wales’ James Ball and Matthew Rotherham.
The race was restarted and a bruised but fired up Scottish pair got back in the saddle to seal an emotional victory.
“I said to a few people afterwards it’s almost like they poked the bear and we were ready,” said Fachie. “It might only be a little bear, but it’s quite an angry one. I was definitely an angry bear.”
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The afternoon session concluded with a huge crash in the men’s scratch race, which saw nine riders dramatically wiped out on the penultimate lap.
England’s Henry Hobbs was the main beneficiary, as the teenager kept his head to sprint for the line, popping a wheelie while he did it. Teammate Ethan Vernon took bronze behind New Zealand’s Thomas Sexton.
“To hear a massive crash behind you puts off a bit but I just had to lock back in and get it done,” said Hobbs. “It gives me a lot of confidence knowing I’ve got what it takes to win these sort of races in this sort of field.
“It’s really exciting in terms of where this could take me. Hopefully I can carry on this sort of trajectory and work towards the next few years.”
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LOS ANGELES — The Boston Red Sox are holding out all-star Willson Contreras in Saturday night’s game at the Los Angeles Dodgers as he undergoes concussion testing.
Contreras was hit by a pitch on the side of the helmet in the third inning of the Red Sox’s 9-4 victory over the Dodgers on Friday night. He left the game.
Contreras was struck by a 95-m.p.h. fastball from reliever Will Klein. The first baseman was checked on by the medical staff before taking first base. He had already hit the dirt after Klein’s first pitch of the at-bat.
Following Friday night’s game, Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy said preliminary tests on Contreras “have been fine.”
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Contreras is hitting .288 with 23 home runs and 67 RBI.
The Red Sox are starting Nick Sogard at first base with Contreras out of the lineup.
Snitzel has etched another significant chapter into Australian breeding history, reclaiming the Australian Champion Stallion title for the 2025/26 season. This accomplishment makes him only the second sire ever to regain this honour after a period of holding it for at least four consecutive years.
The esteemed Arrowfield Stud stallion previously dominated the General Sires’ Premiership from 2016/17 to 2019/20. He then yielded the crown to Written Tycoon, before I Am Invincible claimed the next three titles, and Zoustar took top honours last season.
Historically, only the legendary Star Kingdom has previously reclaimed the title following such sustained dominance, winning four straight premierships from 1959 to 1962 before regaining the title in 1965.
Snitzel has now joined that exclusive group of stallions.
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His progeny amassed an impressive $26,029,187 in prizemoney during the 2025/26 season, finishing more than $4 million clear of Zoustar to secure his fifth Champion Stallion title.
The latest success comes 10 seasons after his first premiership, a longevity only bettered by his grandsire Danehill, who won nine titles across 11 seasons, and Better Boy, whose four premierships were spread across 12 seasons.
“He was a marvellous stallion for the farm,” said Arrowfield principal John Messara. “Following on from Redoute’s Choice he was a worthy contender and also from the same sire line. It’s been great that we’ve had Danehill, then Redoute’s, then this bloke off that one sire line.”
Messara continued, “He (Snitzel) started off in a fairly humble way, but over time he’s built his record up and now he’s very much at the top of the game. We’re just sorry that he’s gone, but he did a wonderful job while he was here and we’re very grateful to him.”
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Snitzel, who passed away in June last year just short of his 22nd birthday, was represented by 291 runners during the season, with 146 individual winners combining for 226 victories.
His influence was strongly felt at the highest level, producing a career-best six individual Group 1 winners. Baraqiel won the Moir Stakes, Transatlantic captured the Toorak Handicap, Lazzura claimed the Coolmore Classic, while Golden Slipper winner Marhoona added the The Galaxy to her record.
Those two juvenile victories also helped Snitzel edge out Home Affairs in a thrilling Champion Two-Year-Old Stallion race. His two-year-olds earned $4,988,245 for the season, finishing less than $20,000 ahead of Home Affairs, whose first crop included Golden Slipper winner Guest House.
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It was the first time since 2020 that the Champion Two-Year-Old Stallion title had been won by a sire other than the Golden Slipper winner’s father, with Snitzel also achieving that feat five years earlier.
Snitzel finished the season with 32 stakes wins, his highest tally since producing 45 in his career-best 2016/17 campaign, while his number of individual stakes winners climbed to 175.
Although his influence will naturally diminish as his final crops make their way to the racetrack, Messara remains optimistic the champion stallion can continue making his presence felt. “We’ve got some nice yearlings for next season, he had some nice yearlings last season that’ll come out as two-year-olds very shortly, so hopefully he’s got another couple of seasons,” Messara said. “The game is not over.”
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