When the Minnesota Vikings completed their “competitive rebuild” process in 2024, a Super Bowl window, in theory, should’ve opened. Well, according to Bleacher Report, that window has already closed — and if so, wasn’t really ajar in the first place.

BR’s Brad Gagnon analyzed each NFL team’s current Super Bowl window, and for the Vikings, he essentially said the franchise is cooked.

Why Bleacher Report Thinks Minnesota’s Window Has Closed

BR: Vikings Super Bowl Window Is Closed

That’s a wrap for Minnesota’s Super Bowl aspirations, as Gagnon explained, “Minnesota Vikings: Closed. The talent is there at the skill positions, along the offensive line and on defense, but we need to see something from either Kyler Murray or J.J. McCarthy first.”

For context, Gagnon noted on the Green Bay Packers, “Green Bay Packers: 2-6 years. The 27-year-old Jordan Love is in his prime and under contract for the next few years, and the Packers are already a perennial playoff team.”

“They’re far from a crossroads, but things get tricky if they can’t deliver the next two years and Love is slated to count $74.2 million against the cap in 2028.”

And for Detroit: “Detroit Lions: 1-4 years. Jared Goff turns 32 this year, and the Lions have had no playoff success the last two seasons. Another failure could mark the end of the run, while a successful rebound could keep the window open into Goff’s mid-30s.”

The Roster — and Defense — Disagrees

A Super Bowl window remains open because of a trustworthy, borderline-elite defense, and the Vikings found theirs when Brian Flores arrived in 2023. While Kevin O’Connell’s first season delivered wins, drama, and last-minute heroics, Ed Donatell’s defense made every game a coin flip.

Flores then transformed the defense into the roster’s most reliable asset, a crucial development, especially for Kyler Murray, who signed on Minnesota’s dotted line if free agency three months ago.

Murray’s tenure in Arizona often saw him compensating for subpar situations. Defenses were rarely more than adequate, and his supporting cast inconsistently matched his talent. Now, imagine him in Minnesota: Flores’ defense, O’Connell’s play-calling, Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, T.J. Hockenson, and a solid offensive line. Suddenly, an 8.5-win projection seems conservative.

Last year, the Vikings won nine games with a comparable roster and less consistent quarterback play. While losing Jonathan Greenard to Philadelphia stings, Murray offers a significant boost in offensive efficiency. His career EPA+CPOE metrics rival those of Baker Mayfield, Trevor Lawrence, Daniel Jones, and C.J. Stroud.

If the prospect of Mayfield or Lawrence in Minnesota excites fans, Murray should at least spark serious consideration. The Super Bowl window remains open if Murray returns to form and the defense maintains its high standard. The playmakers are in place, the coaching is solid, and the roster is competitive.

It’s just up to the quarterback to deliver.

All Up to Murray — and Maybe McCarthy

Of course, if Murray simply doesn’t click in O’Connell’s system, all bets are off. Murray has been in the NFL for seven seasons and has worked with two different offenses. He should be able to “figure it out” with experience in his toolkit.

If he falters, the Vikings won’t hesitate to pass the baton to McCarthy, who’s hungry to resume his development and maturation after a rollercoaster 2025 campaign. In fact, Minnesota is hosting a quarterback battle this summer between Murray and McCarthy. May the best man win.

If both men falter — yes, Minnesota will be back to square one, probably eyeing the 2027 NFL Draft for a new quarterback of the future. The class is trending toward being remarkably deep for that project, if so.

A New GM if BR Is Right

Incidentally, Minnesota hired a new general manager last week, so if Gagnon is correct about a closed Super Bowl window, the Vikings already have a jump on the next step. They won’t have to sack the front office and scratch their heads. Nolan Teasley has already joined the franchiase and will lead the club into the future.

While it’s unclear what quarterback strategy Teasley would pursue, it’s a reasonable bet to assume he’d explore all options, including the aforementioned 2027 rookie class.

But that’s only if Murray and McCarthy utterly stink.

Vegas expects Minnesota to win eight or nine games in 2026 — the same forecast was made before the 2024 campaign when Minnesota ripped off 14 wins under the stewardship of Sam Darnold. They’re also slated to finish in last place in the NFC North, according to sportsbooks.

Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker

The grandson of boxing legend and American civil rights icon Muhammad Ali sent a message to UFC founder Dana White, as White leads a controversial revival of a law named after Ali.

The Muhammad Ali American Boxing Revival Act of 2026, a revision of a law that passed in 2000, has drawn attention as White and TKO Group push deeper into boxing through Zuffa Boxing. The bill would allow new “Unified Boxing Organizations,” or UBOs, to sign fighters, promote fights, create rankings and award titles under one system. The Congressional Budget Office says the bill would allow UBOs to contract with boxers, promote matches and run rankings and titles.

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Nico Ali Walsh walks off stage after defeating Reyes Sanchez in their four-round bout at Pechanga Arena in San Diego, Calif., on Aug. 20, 2022. (Michael Owens/Getty Images)

Walsh, as the grandson of the person the bill would be named after, wants to talk to White about it.

“My direct and respectful message to Dana White: We know what my grandfather’s legacy means to this sport, and we both know that as this bill stands, it should not have his name on it. I respect all you’ve done with the UFC,” Walsh said.

“We both live in Vegas, and I’m asking you, let’s have a sit-down, public or private, you choose. Let’s discuss the Ali Act, fighter protections, and what’s truly best for us fighters. Let’s do this for the sport we both love.”

Born to Muhammad’s daughter, Rasheda Ali, Nico has stepped into the ring to carry the Ali family’s boxing legacy. He is also the nephew of undefeated former boxing champion Laila Ali.

The original Muhammad Ali Boxing Reform Act became law in 2000, and was co-sponsored by John McCain. It was designed to fight unfair and anticompetitive practices in boxing. It also created a firewall between promoters and managers. Under current law, a promoter cannot have a direct or indirect financial interest in a boxer’s management, and a manager cannot have a financial interest in a boxer’s promotion.

Walsh argues the new bill weakens that firewall. He says it could let one organization act like promoter, matchmaker, ranking body and title system at once.

“That’s what the current Muhammad Ali Act protects from happening in boxing,” Walsh said.

The new bill is bipartisan. It has been co-sponsored by Representatives Brian Jack (R-GA) and Sharice Davids (D-KS), and overwhelmingly passed the House of Representatives with cross-party backing from both Republicans and Democrats. It was referred to the Senate Commerce Committee on March 25.

DANA WHITE’S BOXING OUTFIT MAKES SPLASH CONOR BENN SIGNING IN LAS VEGAS AMID WRESTLEMANIA WEEK

Heavyweight champion Muhammad Ali stands over Sonny Liston and taunts him to get up during their title fight at the Central Maine Youth Center in Lewiston, Maine. Ali knocked Liston out in one minute in the first round. (Getty Images)

Another critic of the bill is promoter Oscar De La Hoya, who argues that this new framework undermines the core of the original 2000 Ali Act, and could result in near-monopolies on the sport.

Still, even Walsh believes there are some details in the original law that could be updated now that 26 years has passed.

“There could be plenty of things updated. The bill, the, the original Ali Act was made in the early 2000s. Of course, it’s been 20-plus years, so things can be refreshed, revamped. One of the biggest things is the health benefits. So the Revival Act is pushing some health benefits. That is amazing for, for us fighters That’s great, but the health benefits at the front end doesn’t negate the, the rights that are being stripped from the fighters on the back end.”

Supporters of the Revival Act say the bill would modernize boxing. The bill includes new safety and business rules for UBOs, and its stated purpose is to “further enhance the well-being of professional boxers.”

As the bill comes under further sports and political debate in coming months, Walsh also wants to send a message to the other fighters about spreading awareness for this issue, and speaking up.

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George Foreman and Muhammad Ali box at Stade du 20 Mai in Kinshasa, Zaire, during the Rumble in the Jungle on Oct. 30, 1974. (Ken Regan/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images)

His larger concern is that many fighters and fans do not know what the Ali Act does. He said people often hear both sides of the debate but do not know the stakes.

“You need to know your rights as a fighter,” Walsh said.

Fox News Digital has reached out to the UFC for a response.

The Atlanta Falcons are acquiring offensive tackle Wanya Morris from the Kansas City Chiefs, according to several reports.

Atlanta will also get a 2027 seventh-round draft pick, while a 2027 sixth-rounder goes to Kansas City in exchange, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.

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Morris, 25, appeared in 12 games last season for the Chiefs, starting one. However, he suffered a season-ending knee injury on the first snap of Week 14’s matchup with the Houston Texans and missed Kansas City’s remaining four games.

In three years with Kansas City, Morris played in 43 games with 11 starts during the 2024-25 campaign. He even caught a touchdown pass in a Week 2 win over the Cincinnati Bengals that season. Morris was the Chiefs’ 2023 third-round pick (No. 93 overall) out of Oklahoma.

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However, several others had moved ahead of him on the Kansas City depth chart, including six-year veteran Jaylon Moore, second-year player Esa Pole and Chukwuebuka Godrick, and undrafted rookie Kahlil Benson from national champion Indiana.

Morris is expected to fill a swing tackle role with the Falcons, as he did with the Chiefs. Atlanta has Jake Matthews entrenched at left tackle and signed Morris’ former Kansas City teammate Jawaan Taylor to be the starting right tackle. The Falcons also have Michael Jerrell on the depth chart at right tackle, who they acquired from the Seattle Seahawks last season.

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The right side of the line will be particularly important in the Falcons’ offense with Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr. Atlanta also needed offensive line depth with tackle Storm Norton going on the physically unable to perform list on Thursday. Morris is also known as a good run-blocker, which has value in an offense featuring Bijan Robinson and Brian Robinson Jr. at running back.

Not many can get the better of Cristiano Ronaldo, Julian Quinones did – at the 2025-26 Saudi Pro League. Playing for Al Qadsiah, the 29-year-old Quinones scored 33 goals in 31 matches. It was five more than Ronaldo’s 28 (in 30 matches) for Al Nassr. On Thursday, the Mexican forward proved he hadn’t forgotten his goal-scoring boots, striking the first goal of the FIFA World Cup 2026 against South Africa in the marquee event opener at the Estadio Azteca.

The 29-year-old struck in the ninth minute, his powerful shot going between the legs of the South African goalkeeper Ronwen Williams to send the 80,000 spectators wild. It was the earliest first goal at a World Cup since 2006, when Philipp Lahm netted for Germany against Costa Rica after six minutes.

Earlier, news agency AFP reported, thousands of football fans attempted to shove their way into Mexico City’s official World Cup fan zone on Thursday, creating chaotic scenes shortly before kick-off in the opening game.

Access to the fan fest in Zocalo Plaza was hampered by metal barriers erected in recent days to prevent protesting teachers from reaching the area.

“Stop pushing and shoving, there are children here, you’re like animals!” a city official shouted through a megaphone as he tried to control access to the fan venue where the Mexico-South Africa game at the city’s Azteca Stadium will be shown on a giant screen.

Some fans threw water bottles and hurled insults at police, as well as chanting in support of the Mexican team.

“It’s crazy,” said Javier Maciel, a 25-year-old fan wrapped in a poncho with the colours of the Mexican flag. “There could have been better organization.”

The local government announced on social media that the site was “full” and suggested fans go to other plazas.

President Claudia Sheinbaum had been expected to watch the game at the fan zone but cast doubt on her presence following days of protests in the area by teachers demanding pay rises.

With AFP inputs 

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Patrick Mahomes had his wife Brittany Mahomes and their kids by his side as he made history.

On Wednesday, June 10, the Kansas City Chiefs quarterback’s agency, Equity Sports, announced via X that he signed “the largest contract in NFL history… yet again.”

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“The magic continues,” the post read. “Congratulations.”

Calling the deal “historic” and “game-changing,” the post noted that the 30-year-old athlete’s contract is valued at $504.75 million.

“Another milestone deal negotiated by Equity Sports CEO @chriscabott,” the X post concluded.

Patrick, who has been with the Chiefs since 2017, shared a video of the special moment to his Instagram that was originally posted by his football team.

“The Mahomes are here to stay 🏠❤️,” the team’s official account captioned a video, which featured Patrick signing the record-breaking deal as his wife Brittany, 30, and their three kids were there for support.

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The couple shares daughter Sterling Skye, 5, son Patrick “Bronze” Lavon III, 3, and daughter Golden Raye, 16 months. The entire family sported the Chiefs’ signature red.

Patrick also shared photos of the special moment to Instagram, writing in the caption, “CHIEFS KINGDOM!!!! We are here to stay! Love this place and the people that are apart of it and thank yall for being there for me and my family everyday! We ain’t done yet tho! ⏰.”

Fellow player and longtime friend Travis Kelce commented on the post, writing, “LFG!!!!! 🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥.”

Brittany celebrated her husband’s career milestone with an Instagram post of her own, writing, “Red is our color & Kansas City is our home🙏🏼❤️.”

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ESPN broke the news of the deal, reporting that the Chiefs added two years to Patrick’s contract that ties him to the team through 2033.

This story Patrick Mahomes Has Support of His Whole Family as He Signs Record-Breaking $504 Million Contract first appeared on Star. Follow Star on Yahoo so you don’t miss what’s coming next.

Japan’s Wataru Endo addresses fans before a training session Monday, June 8, 2026, in Nashville, Tenn., ahead of the World Cup soccer tournament. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

Japan captain Wataru Endo has withdrawn from the 2026 FIFA World Cup and announced his retirement from international football after failing to recover from a persistent foot injury, bringing an emotional end to an 11-year international career.The Liverpool midfielder had been engaged in a race against time to prove his fitness for the tournament after suffering a serious foot injury during a Premier League match against Sunderland in February. The setback effectively ended his domestic season, forcing him to spend the final months of the campaign on the sidelines undergoing rehabilitation while hoping to make one final appearance for his country on football’s biggest stage.There was optimism when Endo was included in Japan’s preliminary World Cup plans. He even returned to Liverpool’s matchday squad as an unused substitute during the club’s 1-1 draw with Brentford on the final day of the Premier League season. However, after linking up with the national team in Nashville, Tennessee, it became clear that the 33-year-old had not recovered sufficiently to compete at the level required for a World Cup campaign.The decision means Endo’s international career ends before the tournament begins, despite initially being named in Japan’s 26-man squad.

Endo announces international retirement

Alongside confirming his withdrawal from the World Cup squad, Endo revealed that he is stepping away from international football entirely.The midfielder, who became one of the defining figures of Japan’s modern era and served as captain in recent years, issued an emotional statement reflecting on both his disappointment and his pride in what the team has achieved.“As announced, I will be stepping away from the World Cup squad. Since my injury, I’ve done everything I possibly could up to this point, so I have no regrets whatsoever.“Of course, there’s frustration at not being able to participate in this World Cup, but more than that, I’m proud of how we’ve grown together since the Qatar World Cup – me as captain, leading this team and turning our goal of ‘winning the World Cup’ into something we can say as a matter of course.”Rather than focusing on the personal heartbreak of missing the tournament, Endo used his farewell message to back the next generation of Japanese players and urge supporters to continue believing that Japan can one day become world champions.“The current team is truly a wonderful team. I believe they will overcome any adversity and show us sights we’ve never seen before.“With this campaign, I will be retiring from the national team. So from here on, I’ll be cheering for the Japan national team as one of the fans. The moment when the Japan national team wins the World Cup will surely come someday.“Let’s believe in that and cheer them on together. And let’s unite Japan’s strength as one so that moment comes in this tournament – everyone, let’s take on the North and Central America World Cup together!!”He concluded with a final rallying cry for his teammates:“Everyone, give it everything you’ve got.”

An international career spanning two World Cups

Endo’s retirement brings the curtain down on a national-team career that began in 2015 and ultimately produced 73 appearances and four goals for Japan.He was first selected for a World Cup squad in Russia in 2018, although he did not feature on the pitch during that tournament. His first World Cup appearances came four years later in Qatar, where he established himself as one of the key figures in Hajime Moriyasu’s side during Japan’s memorable run to the Round of 16.By the time the 2026 tournament arrived, Endo had become captain, one of the team’s senior leaders and an important symbol of the squad’s growing ambition on the global stage.

Injury ends final World Cup dream

The timing of the injury makes the outcome particularly painful for Endo. The Liverpool midfielder underwent surgery after sustaining the foot injury against Sunderland in February, and much of the remainder of his season was devoted to recovery work in an effort to return before the World Cup.

Japan poses for a team photo ahead of the friendly soccer international between Japan and Iceland in Tokyo, Sunday, May 31, 2026. (AP Photo/Eugene Hoshiko)

His final appearance for Japan came in their last pre-tournament friendly, a 1-0 victory over Iceland in Tokyo on May 31. Koki Ogawa scored the only goal of the game with an 87th-minute header, securing a winning send-off before the squad departed for North America.That match has now become the final chapter of Endo’s international career.

Japan appoint new captain and replacement

Japan have already moved to fill the void left by their captain’s departure. Ajax defender Ko Itakura will inherit the captain’s armband for the World Cup campaign, while Borussia Mönchengladbach forward Shuto Machino has been drafted into the squad as Endo’s replacement.Moriyasu’s side now head into the tournament without one of their most experienced leaders as they prepare for a challenging Group F campaign.Japan head into their World Cup campaign with encouraging momentum, beginning their Group stage against the Netherlands in Dallas on June 14, followed by fixtures against Tunisia on June 21 and Sweden on June 26. The build-up has been equally positive, with Japan’s men’s national team closing their preparations with a 1-0 win over Iceland on May 31, 2026. That result capped a strong set of friendlies, including impressive 1-0 victories over England at Wembley on April 1 and Scotland on March 29.While Endo will no longer be on the pitch, he made clear in his farewell message that he intends to follow every step of the journey from afar, this time not as captain, but as a supporter hoping to see Japan achieve the dream he spent years pursuing.

South Africa’s return to the FIFA World Cup ended in disappointment as Bafana Bafana suffered a 2-0 defeat to hosts Mexico at the Estadio Azteca.

Goals from Julián Quiñones and Raúl Jiménez gave Mexico a historic victory in the opening match of the expanded 48-team tournament. While South Africa showed moments of determination, several factors contributed to their downfall.

Here are three reasons why Hugo Broos’ side lost their opening game.

1. Playing the Host Nation Was Always Going to Be Difficult

Facing the host country in a World Cup opener is one of the toughest challenges in football. Mexico had the advantage of playing in front of a passionate home crowd at the famous Estadio Azteca, with thousands of supporters cheering every attack and creating a hostile atmosphere for the visitors.

South Africa struggled to settle into the game as the crowd constantly backed Mexico and piled pressure on Bafana Bafana. The hosts fed off the energy from the stands and quickly took control of the contest.

2. South Africa Started the Match With Too Much Fear

The approach taken by coach Hugo Broos raised questions from the start. South Africa lined up in a defensive 5-3-2 formation, showing respect for Mexico but perhaps too much respect.

Rather than trying to impose themselves on the game, Bafana Bafana sat deep and allowed Mexico to dominate possession. The plan backfired when a defensive mistake gifted Quiñones the opening goal after only nine minutes.

Conceding so early destroyed South Africa’s game plan and forced them to chase a match they never looked capable of controlling.

3. The Red Card Made a Bad Situation Worse

South Africa were already struggling before Yaya Sithole was sent off in the 49th minute after bringing down a Mexican player as the last defender.

Playing with ten men against the hosts was always going to be a huge task. Mexico took advantage of the extra space and eventually doubled their lead through Raúl Jiménez.

Things became even worse when Themba Zwane received a second red card late in the game, leaving South Africa with only nine players. A team that entered the match cautiously was always likely to suffer after losing players.

In truth, the 2-0 scoreline was probably kind to Bafana Bafana. Mexico hit the woodwork and created several other chances that could have made the defeat much heavier.

Final Thoughts

Mexico deserved their victory and made history by winning a World Cup opening match for the first time. Quiñones’ early goal set the tone for the evening, while South Africa’s defensive mistakes, cautious approach and disciplinary problems combined to hand the hosts a comfortable win.

If Bafana Bafana are to progress in the tournament, they must play with greater confidence and avoid the costly errors that ruined their World Cup opener.