Kevin Owens has been away from the ring for several months.
The last time any pro wrestling fan saw him inside the squared circle was weeks before WrestleMania 41 when he announced to the world he needed neck surgery that would keep him out of action for several months.
WWE Superstars Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens watch the third period of Game Three between the Montreal Canadiens and Washington Capitals during the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Bell Centre in Montreal, Quebec.(Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)
Owens has been seen sparingly since then. He’s featured on “WWE LFG” as a coach and recently made an appearance on the pre-show for NXT The Great American Bash.
Fox News Digital asked one of Owens’ best friends, Sami Zayn, about him in a recent interview prior to Night of Champions. Zayn said that Owens being in a spot where he could return to the ring just takes time.
“I don’t want to speak out of school sharing his medical stuff,” Zayn said. “The procedure that he had just takes time. He’s going to do his due diligence – do rehab exercises and all that. But it really is a matter of time when you’re talking about fusions and those kinds of procedures, you just need time to get to where it needs to be.”
Zayn added that any of WWE’s top shows – “Monday Night Raw” or “Friday Night SmackDown” – would see a significant boost in quality from Owens’ presence.
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Kevin Owens wrestles Sami Zayn during the WWE Elimination Chamber at Rogers Centre in Toronto, Canada, on March 1, 2025.(Georgiana Dallas/WWE)
“I’m hoping more than anybody, I would think, that he comes back soon. I think the fans have really been … I get asked about him a lot. So, it’s clear how beloved he is and how missed he is,” he said. “It goes without saying he’s an extremely valuable talent. He’s a one-of-one talent that leaves a gaping hole when you don’t have him on your roster.
“And I just think how better our show would be with him on it whether it’s SmackDown or Raw because of what he brings to the table. So, I think when he comes (back) I think it’s really gonna add just so much depth and dimension and excitement and quality programming to whatever show he lands on. It goes without saying.”
Zayn and Owens have been mainstays in WWE since they each joined WWE.
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Kevin Owens and Sami Zayn celebrate after defeating The Usos for the Undisputed WWE tag team championship during WrestleMania Goes Hollywood at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif., on April 1, 2023.(Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
Cincinnati Reds center fielder Dane Myers needed to be carted off the field after a play that could be a candidate for “Catch of the Year” turned scary after he crashed into the fence in Milwaukee on Monday night.
Milwaukee Brewers veteran Andrew Vaughn smashed a ball to center field in the bottom of the fourth inning, and Myers got a great jump as he started to track the ball.
As he sprinted toward the gap, Myers reached up and made an acrobatic catch, but he lost his balance and was too close to the wall when he collided with the fence at top speed. It was a miracle he even held on to the ball considering the collision, but it clearly took a toll.
Cincinnati Reds’ Dane Myers runs into the wall after making a catch during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers in Milwaukee on June 29, 2026.(Aaron Gash/AP)
Myers, writhing in pain on the warning track, was bent over when his fellow outfielders came over to tend to him, while Reds training staff started the sprint out onto the field.
Myers was holding his right shoulder, though his collision was head-on with the fence. Trainers looked at Myers for some time, as the crowd was hushed in hopes he would walk away from this somehow.
Eventually, a cart came out and Myers rose to his feet with some assistance as the crowd gave him a round of applause for sacrificing his body for his team. TJ Friedl ended up taking his spot in center field.
Myers was taken to a local hospital in Milwaukee for further testing, and it was a good sign that initial X-rays came back negative, according to manager Terry Francona following the Reds’ 5-3 loss to the Brewers. Francona wouldn’t go into specifics on what ailment Myers may be dealing with.
Myers, a 30-year-old Columbus, Texas, native, is in his first season with the Reds, where he serves as a bench outfielder.
Dane Myers of the Cincinnati Reds lies injured after making a running catch and colliding with the wall as JJ Bleday looks on during the fourth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wis., on June 29, 2026.(John Fisher/Getty Images)
He has played in 63 games this season, owning a .256/.358/.385 slash line with a .742 OPS, three homers and 14 RBI across 117 at-bats.
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Prior to his time in Cincinnati, Myers made his big league debut with the Miami Marlins in 2023, playing 22 games that year and hitting .269 over 67 at-bats. He spent the next two seasons with the Marlins, though his longest tenure in MLB came in 2025 when he played 106 games and hit .235/.291/.326 with six home runs and 31 RBI with Miami.
Unfortunately for the Reds, they were unable to get the win for Myers in the end. Joey Ortiz’s two-run home run in the bottom of the eighth inning broke the 3-3 tie at the time in this NL Central bout, which capped a comeback that also saw Brice Turang, who starred for Team USA during the World Baseball Classic, smash a solo home run to tie the game in the bottom of the seventh.
Dane Myers of the Cincinnati Reds makes a running catch before colliding with the wall in the fourth inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at American Family Field in Milwaukee, Wis., on June 29, 2026.(John Fisher/Getty Images)
Enzo Maresca is better equipped to deal with a recurring Manchester City issue than Pep Guardiola was last year
A few weeks ago there were questions over what Manchester City could do with Rodri. A contract offer has gone unanswered and the Spain midfielder was ignoring all talk of his future until after the World Cup as his deal ticks into its final year.
It continues what has been an incredibly frustrating two years for the club and the player since he suffered that ACL injury. After a string of comebacks couldn’t keep him fit, Rodri finally found some rhythm in the first half of this year only to fall down again at a critical point of the season.
City want to be able to rely on Rodri, but it is difficult to. And when you cannot turn to a Ballon d’Or winner, there need to be alternatives for such a crucial position.
Pep Guardiola did not last summer, hence why he arrived in Sicily in August for the club’s only pre-season looking like a man who knew he was in trouble. Rodri wasn’t fit to start games, Mateo Kovacic was injured until October and Nico Gonzalez still wasn’t a No.6.
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For the second successive season, that No.6 position was a significant issue that proved costly for City’s hopes of more silverware. And more bad news for Rodri threatens to take that into a third year, with more uncertainty for the midfield.
Enzo Maresca does not have the same scale of problem as Guardiola though because he has a £116m midfielder to drop into that position. Elliot Anderson has even bigger expectations on him in football after such a price-tag and taking on Rodri’s role is not for the faint-hearted.
It remains to be seen how City will use Anderson in the longer term, with some suggestion that he could play further forward as he has done at times for Forest. However, he is seen by Thomas Tuchel in the England team as a No.6 and so has spent the summer playing that role at the World Cup.
If City are not going to be able to rely on Rodri at the beginning of the season, Maresca can at least take comfort in being able to call on one of the best and most consistent midfielders in the Premier League from the last campaign. There is of course also the possibility of signing Moroccan teenager Ayyoub Bouaddi to secure City’s future in the position.
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Anderson will have greater competition for a place at the Etihad and will have been warned about the dangers of not being in the team, but a problem for City in the form of Rodri’s fitness looks like securing the £116m signing for a major role at the base of the midfield as his first assignment for his new team.
France coach Didier Deschamps is back with Les Bleus for their round of 32 match against Sweden at the World Cup on Tuesday after traveling to Europe for his mother’s funeral.
Deschamps learned of his mother’s death the day after France’s win over Iraq on June 22, which clinched advancement from the group stage. He missed Friday’s victory over Norway.
“I’m here. I’m good, and it’s good to be busy since Friday evening when I arrived back in the United States,” Dechamps said Monday through a translator.
France swept its group matches for the first time since 1998, joined by Argentina and Mexico as the only nations to win all three games. Seeking their third title after 1998 and 2018, Les Blues would face Germany or Paraguay in the round of 16 if they get past the Swedes.
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“For me it was very difficult. And for me and for the French national team it was important that I left. They did what they had to do,” Deschamps said. “And now we’re preparing a competition within the competition.”
Assistant Guy Stephan led the team to the 4-1 win over Norway in Deschamps’ absence.
“It was somewhat of a shock,” midfielder Adrien Rabiot said through a translator. “He completely trusted in us and we delivered the best way possible. We’re happy that he’s back. I don’t think that it’s so easy to have to grieve in these conditions. This is football and now we have the World Cup and it is the way it is.”
Deschamps coached France to the 2018 title and to the 2022 final, a penalty-kick loss to Argentina.
Captain of France’s 1998 champions, Deschamps took over as coach in 2012 and said in January he would retire this summer. He is trying to become the second coach to win two World Cup titles after Italy’s Vittorio Pozzo in 1934 and 1938.
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“Didier came back with the willpower to go as far as possible in this World Cup. It is something that, of course, will also help him to forget a little bit about these tragic events,” Rabiot said. “He smiled a lot. He tried to be enthusiastic, although I know that he’s very affected by his grief. I think he’s trying not to show it, not to transmit any negative to the squad.”
FIFA denied France’s request to wear black armbands for coach’s motherFIFA denied a request by the French soccer federation to wear black armbands against Norway in honor of Deschamps mother.
“It doesn’t change a lot for me, to be very honest with you,” Deschamps said. “I didn’t need that to have an additional sign. I already had enough signs as it was, whether it was directly or indirectly.”
FIFA did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment.
Marcus Thuram to miss match against Sweden and N’Golo Kante uncertainStriker Marcus Thuram won’t be available against Sweden because of a calf injury and midfielder N’Golo Kante is uncertain.
“As far as Markus, no, he has a little issue. It’s not very serious but muscular,” Deschamps said. “As far as N’Golo, it’s not muscular, but maybe it’ll be too tight for him to be in the starting 11 tomorrow.”
Thuram, a son of 1998 World Cup champion Lilian Thuram, entered in second-half injury time against Iraq in his only appearance so far.
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Defender William Saliba went the distance in the first two matches and rested against Norway.
“Of course he has issues with his back, and that is not something new,” Deschamps said. “He’s not at 100%, but if he’s at 99% it’s good for the matches. Everything is good.”
First-time World Cup meeting between France and SwedenFrance is meeting Sweden at the World Cup for the first time.
Les Blues had the best goal difference in the group stage at plus-8, outscoring opponents 10-2.
“We could have scored more,” Deschamps said. “We did concede two goals, but we did concede too many goal-scoring opportunities.
The full card has been announced for the Katie Taylor vs. Flora Pili event, including a fan favourite heavyweight star along with an upcoming welterweight world title challenger.
It will serve as Taylor’s final professional fight, as she draws the curtain on a remarkable career that has seen her also become undisputed lightweight champion whilst beating fighters such as Amanda Serrano and Chantelle Cameron.
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The undercard for the event has now been revealed, featuring a heavyweight battle between Dave Allen and Irish fighter Thomas Carty.
Following that bout he will then turn his attention to Carty, who is bidding to rise up the ranks again after suffering a setback defeat to Dajuan Calloway in March 2025.
Elsewhere on the card, Paddy Donovan collides with Tyrone McKenna. Donovan became mandatory for the IBF welterweight title in May when he defeated Karen Chukhadzhian, with a clash against new IBF champion Liam Paro expected in the future.
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First he will take on McKenna, who last time out was able to earn a stoppage win over Dylan Moran, and has also shared the ring with the likes of Jack Catterall, Regis Prograis, Lewis Crocker and Harlem Eubank.
Other fights announced for the event including Molly McCann vs. Sylwia Doligala, Taylor Bevan vs. Emmet Brennan, Joe McGrail vs. Matthew Boreland and Paul Ryan vs. Paddy Gallagher, while Adam Olaniyan and Bobbi Flood are also in action.
There’s a reason more golfers are choosing to walk the course these days. You get more exercise, a better feel for the layout and, in many cases, you can enjoy a more relaxed pace that lets you enjoy the round instead of rushing through it. And, maybe best of all, no cart fee!
The only downside? Carrying your bag for four-plus hours can be a strain on your back and shoulders.
That’s where a good push cart comes in. Today’s models are lighter, fold smaller and include features like built-in storage, drink holders, umbrella mounts and simple one-step setups that make walking the course easier than ever. And while motorized push carts are gaining popularity, we’re sticking to human-powered models in this round-up (we’ll cover the motorized variety soon.)
Whether you’re looking for premium performance, a cart for rugged terrain or a cart that practically unfolds itself, we have you covered below.
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These are five of the best push carts available now:
If there’s one push cart that’s become the top-pick for convenience, it’s the Bag Boy Nitron. Its nitrogen-powered auto-open mechanism unfolds in seconds with virtually no effort, making setup one of the easiest you’ll find. Lift and pop! It’s open. No screws or levers, just a simple motion and you’re ready to go. At just under 17 pounds, it’s surprisingly lightweight while remaining incredibly stable. Bag Boy’s Top-Lok system also securely locks compatible golf bags into place, eliminating bag twist during your round.
1 thing we really like: The auto-open system is genuinely satisfying!
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Bag Boy Nitron Push Cart
The Nitron push cart pairs instant setup with dependable stability and plenty of on-course convenience.
If storage space is at a premium, the Big Max Blade Trio deserves a serious look. Its innovative flat-fold design folds down smaller than almost any push cart on the market, making it easy to fit in even the most crowded trunk. Despite its smaller size, it rolls smoothly and provides the stability and storage golfers expect from a premium push cart. Comes in different colors, too.
1 thing we really like: If you have a small trunk, this push cart folds down to save as much room as possible.
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All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team.
If you buy a linked product, GOLF.COM may earn a fee. Pricing may vary.
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Big Max Blade Trio
Features an innovative flat-fold design that delivers premium stability, smooth handling, and one of the smallest folded footprints.
Long considered one of the gold standards in push carts, the Clicgear Model 4.5 builds on its reputation with an updated console, improved storage, a redesigned drink holder, and cleaner internal cable routing. It folds down to a compact size for easy transport while delivering the rugged construction and smooth performance that have made Clicgear a favorite among walking golfers for years. Comes in different colors to choose from.
1 thing we really like: Between the phone holder, magnetic storage, ball holder, and easy access to your essentials, everything you need is right at your fingertips.
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Clicgear Model 4.5
The Clicgear Model 4.5 features a new command center console with sound-amplifying phone holder, magnetic and hook & loop storage pads, charging cord access and a 3-ball holder.
The Speed Cart X is the latest evolution of Sun Mountain’s iconic push cart, offering thoughtful upgrades without changing what made the original cart so popular. Enhanced wheels roll effortlessly across any terrain, while stainless steel hardware, an improved brake system, and an updated umbrella holder add durability and convenience where you need it. It’s a premium push cart designed for golfers who walk often and want a rugged cart that will last a long, long time.
1 thing we really like: The upgraded wheels are really nice and roll nicely. Nice brake cabling, too.
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Sun Mountain Speed Cart X Push Cart
The Speed Cart X builds on one of golf’s most trusted push carts with premium upgrades, smooth-rolling performance, and exceptional stability.
For golfers who want maximum stability and who maybe carry a bigger bag, the Sun Mountain Pathfinder PX4 features a four-wheel design made to tackle any type of terrain. It folds in just two simple steps and includes plenty of built-in storage, including a large accessory console, mesh basket, valuables pouch, and drink holder. Updated features like a one-piece handle and dual umbrella mounts make this cart even more versatile for frequent walkers.
1 thing we really like: Four wheels are super helpful on hilly courses or rough terrain.
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Sun Mountain Pathfinder PX4 Push Cart
The Sun Mountain Pathfinder PX4 combines four-wheel stability, generous storage, and effortless two-step folding.
After scoring in the 72nd minute, Cody Gakpo immediately sank to his knees. As his teammates immediately rushed toward him in celebration, the 27-year-old forward covered his face while weeping, later pointing to the sky and appearing to pray. While this marked Gakpo’s third goal of the World Cup, this goal in the Round of 32 loss to Morocco on Monday was especially emotional for him. On Saturday, Gakpo and his partner, model Noa van der Bij, announced the death of their unborn child. Despite the grief, Gakpo was determined to continue on in the tournament.
“I think he dealt with it very well,” Netherlands head coach Ronald Koeman had said before the game. “There was never a moment where he said he wanted to leave the squad and go home. That says a lot about his maturity and the way in which he can deal with this.”
And just as Gakpo has been a key contributor for the Oranje, his teammates have been there to support him and his family during this difficult time.
“The most important thing is to ask, ‘What do you need?’” Netherlands captain Virgil van Dijk said. “It’s awful news, and reminds us that football is secondary and there are much more important things in life.”
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In the 113th minute, Gakpo was substituted off for Justin Kluivert.
As he walked off the pitch, the Netherlands fans in a section behind the goal immediately rose for a standing ovation. As Gakpo rounded the corner toward the bench, the applause only grew louder — a show of appreciation for someone who showed up for his team while dealing with tragedy.
Maya Koluder-Ramirez is a student in the University of Georgia’s Carmical Sports Media Institute.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
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U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Markwayne Mullin testifies at a House Appropriations Homeland Security Subcommittee hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., U.S., June 25, 2026. REUTERS/Annabelle Gordon
U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin celebrated Iran’s elimination from the World Cup, saying he did a “happy dance,” Sports Business Journal reported on Monday.
The Iranian team barely missed out on reaching the knockout rounds of the tournament. They drew all three of their matches in Group G and finished as the ninth-best third-place team after Austria scored a last-minute goal against Algeria in the final group-stage match. The top eight third-place teams earned spots in the round of 32.
Mullin didn’t hide his overjoyed reaction to the news that Iran was eliminated. He spoke at a World Cup security briefing in Washington, per SBJ, saying he was “so glad they’re gone” and that he was “very happy they’re going back because there wasn’t a single team that we dealt with more than them.”
With the United States in the middle of a military and political conflict with Iran, the U.S. government restricted the Iranian soccer team’s movements during the World Cup. Prior to the event, Iran moved its planned training base from Tucson, Ariz., to Tijuana. The U.S. limited the amount of time the Iranian team could spend in the country preceding each match and required the squad to exit the nation right after each contest.
Mullin told reporters following the Monday briefing, according to SBJ, “I’m just glad they’re done, and they’re not coming back. I was so happy when we were able to pull their visas and said they could leave the U.S. soil, and I might’ve sung a song or two or maybe even danced a happy dance.”
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Mullin maintained that “almost half” of the people Iran wanted to bring to the U.S. for the World Cup were directly tied to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, an assertion that the Iranian federation stated was “completely unsupported by any evidence.”
Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei said his team was treated “very unfairly” during the tournament.
Speaking following Iran’s 1-1 draw against Egypt on Friday in Seattle, Ghalenoei said, “It was the host that wasn’t very good to us. I urge FIFA to not let the hosts treat teams and players the same way in the future. I hope Mr. Infantino will actually stand up to such behavior.”
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FIFA president Gianni Infantino is famously close to Donald Trump, having awarded the U.S. president the inaugural “FIFA Peace Prize” in December.
Ghalenoei added that the United States’ “behavior towards us has been really terrible and we hope the world will be aware of that. Despite all of these problems, we’ve been able to perform well and the world is proud of Iranians and our team. I think that’s our greatest achievement despite all the obstacles and the hurdles they put in our way.”
The Iranian team left notes in the locker room for the hosts after their final two matches. The note in Inglewood, Calif., following a scoreless draw with Belgium on June 21 read: “From the ancient Persia of thousands of years ago to the civilized Iran of today, the spirit of Iran remains alive and steadfast. We came to Los Angeles with pride, competed with honor, and leave with dignity.”
The note left in Seattle read: “Perhaps points can be won in many ways. Perhaps a team can advance from a group, but only through fairness and honor can one stand tall before history. Fair play is not a line in football’s rules; it is the soul of the game. Thank you, Seattle, for your hospitality, and thank you to all Iranians, who gave their hearts, voices, and their whole being for Iran.”
United States’ security chief Markwayne Mullin said he “danced a happy dance” when Iran were eliminated from the World Cup.
The Iranian team exited the tournament in heartbreaking fashion when they were denied a late winner against Egypt by VAR, which deemed goalscorer Shoja Khalilzadeh’s toes offside.
The 1-1 draw saw Iran finish third in Group G, and they narrowly missed out on one of eight spots in the knockout rounds for third-placed teams, falling short on goal difference.
Mullin, who runs the US Department of Homeland Security, told reporters: “I’m just glad they’re done, and they’re not coming back. I was so happy when we were able to pull their visas and said they could leave the US soil, and I might’ve sung a song or two or maybe even danced a happy dance.’
He added: “There wasn’t a single team that we had to spend more time dealing with than Iran.”
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Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin (AP)
The Iranian team’s preparations for World Cup games have been affected by international relations between the countries.
Iran were forced to move their training base from Tucson, Arizona to Tijuana, Mexico, and the squad was only allowed to enter the US the day before its first two matches in Los Angeles, and two days before the final game in Seattle. They were made to return to Mexico immediately after each match had finished. Some staff members were denied visas to enter America.
Mullin also accused the Iranian delegation of trying to sneak a person tied to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps into the United States. The Iran Football Federation called the claim “false, fabricated and entirely baseless.”
Responding to Mullin’s latest remarks, a spokesperson for the federation said: “Iranians are used to the mistreatment and lies of US officials, so no one in Iran is surprised by these hostile remarks. These remarks once again demonstrate that US officials have no commitment to international law or the principles expected of a host nation capable of organising a global sporting event.
“The fact that he openly celebrates Iran’s elimination says far more about him than it does about our team. It reflects a level of pettiness that cannot even tolerate the presence of a football team competing on the world’s biggest stage.
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“After our match against New Zealand, our head coach said that the United States did not want Iran to remain in this tournament because of the inhumane and unprofessional treatment our team experienced. These latest comments only reinforce that belief.”
Iran’s draw with Egypt saw them knocked out of the competition (Getty)
Referring to the bombing of a school in the Iranian town of Minab in February, which Donald Trump blamed on Iran, the spokesperson added: “When they kill 168 children and lie to the whole world about it, nothing this person says is surprising to any of us.”
Reuters reported in March that an initial internal US military assessment found American forces were likely responsible for the strike. The Pentagon has since elevated the investigation but has not publicly confirmed any conclusions. The New York Times reported that the investigation determined the US was responsible for the missile strike.
Baker Mayfield stands on the sideline in a Tampa Bay Buccaneers uniform during game action against the Minnesota Vikings, captured from NFL 2023 Week 1 highlights on 9/10/23 as Tampa Bay opened its season at U.S. Bank Stadium. The quarterback’s helmet and shoulder detail remain centered in the frame with the background softly blurred. Mandatory Credit: YouTube.
Baker Mayfield has been down this path — almost exactly the same one — so when he talked about Kyler Murray’s upcoming season last week, folks listened.
The Minnesota Vikings signed Murray in March after the Arizona Cardinals gave up on him, and, according to Mayfield, a former college teammate, it’s all going to work out in Minnesota.
Oklahoma Bond Gives Murray’s Vikings Reset More Weight
Former Oklahoma quarterbacks Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray pose together during halftime festivities at the Sooners’ spring game on Apr. 23, 2022, in Norman, Oklahoma, reconnecting at the program where both became Heisman Trophy winners and No. 1 overall NFL Draft picks while fans filled the stadium for Oklahoma’s alumni celebration. Mandatory Credit: Nathan J. Fish-The Oklahoman/USA TODAY NETWORK.
Mayfield on Murray
Mayfield delivered his Murray takes at youth football camp in Oklahoma over the weekend. “I’m happy for him, and I think it’s going to be great. Coming from someone who has been in a similar situation where you think you’re going to be somewhere forever and just needing a new change of scenery,” he said.
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“I think this fresh start for him is going to be amazing. Kyler gets a bad wrap. People want to put a certain persona on him. Luckily, we get him early in the season before he gets too hot.”
It’s mounting momentum from players and fans, who believe the Murray experiment will flourish in the Twin Cities.
Of All People, Mayfield Would Know
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There is no better source for this assertion than Mayfield. Full stop.
Murray’s career arc right now absolutely resembles Mayfield’s — and might even be starting from a better spot. In 2022, the Cleveland Browns tossed Mayfield in the garbage, opting for Deshaun Watson, a decision that turned out to be a trainwreck.
Mayfield bounced around between the Carolina Panthers and Los Angeles Rams before landing in Tampa Bay in 2023, when he took a few months to reestablish himself as a Top 15 (or so) quarterback. Mayfield is no longer a joke, and in fact, has his eyes on a massive contract extension.
Murray can follow this path and might even skip the unsuccessful Panthers-Rams chapters that plagued Mayfield.
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Teammates at Oklahoma
At Oklahoma, the dynamic between Mayfield and Kyler was a crucible, an “iron sharpening iron” scenario that ultimately yielded a Heisman Trophy.
Mayfield arrived as the undisputed heart and soul of the program — loud, fearless, emotional, and supremely confident in his ability to win every Saturday. Murray, a former five-star transfer, brought unholy athletic skills, baseball hype, and enough talent to make any quarterback room uneasy.
For two seasons, Murray had to patiently observe and fiercely compete behind one of college football’s all-time great quarterbacks. What could have easily become a volatile situation instead transformed into an incredibly intense learning experience. Mayfield set the standard with his preparation, his swagger, and his masterful execution of Lincoln Riley’s offense. Murray absorbed everything, pushed Mayfield, and remained ready.
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Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield looks toward the field late in a divisional matchup against the Atlanta Falcons on Dec. 11, 2025, at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida, during fourth-quarter action as the veteran passer watched a key NFC South moment unfold from the Buccaneers’ sideline under stadium lights. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images.
By 2017, it was clear that Oklahoma housed both its current star and its future one. Mayfield completely owned his moment, and in doing so, taught Murray how to own the one that would come next.
On the other hand, Pro Football Network‘s Zahid Rashid recently explained some of the critiques of Murray throughout his NFL career: “Following his lone playoff appearance in 2021, Murray signed a five-year, $230.5 million contract extension with Arizona the following offseason. The deal included a controversial independent-study clause requiring him to complete 4 hours of film study each week, without distractions such as television or video games.”
“The clause quickly became a national talking point. Fans mocked Murray, suggesting the Cardinals included it because they questioned his work ethic or believed he spent more time playing video games than preparing for football. Murray later called the criticism disrespectful during an impromptu press conference, and the Cardinals soon removed the clause.”
Vikings coaches and players have noted for four months that Murray does not fit an aloof or lazy persona.
Rashid continued, “Even so, the episode left a lasting mark on his public image. Now entering a new chapter with Minnesota, Murray will look to prove that the criticism does not define his career, something Mayfield clearly believes he can do.”
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“However, the road will not be easy, as he enters training camp in a battle with J.J. McCarthy for the Vikings’ starting quarterback job.”
Less than 11 Weeks until Showtime
The Vikings’ season gets underway in 76 days, hosting the Green Bay Packers on September 13th. Murray will immediately face his former head coach, Jonathan Gannon, who now runs the Packers’ defense.
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kyler Murray wears his helmet during the opening day of organized team activities on May 26, 2026, at the team’s practice facility in Eagan, Minnesota, taking part in early installation work as the Vikings evaluated a reshaped quarterback room and began building timing with new teammates on the field together. Mandatory Credit: YouTube.
Murray, of course, still has to win the summer quarterback competition against J.J. McCarthy, but per Mayfield’s assessment, that will happen and may not even be difficult.
Oddsmakers expect the Vikings to win eight or nine games in 2026, putting them in contention for a Wildcard postseason berth. Murray has the league’s third-best odds to win the Comeback Player of the Year award, trailing Patrick Mahomes and Jayden Daniels.
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Murray will turn 29 in August.
Mayfield and Murray will clash on September 27th in Tampa Bay.
Dustin Baker is a novelist and political scientist. His second novel, The Invaders , is out now. So is … More about Dustin Baker
Atlantic City, New Jersey, is far from the shining casino resort capital of the East Coast that it used to be.
Sure, there are still great hotels and casinos left in the city and the beach, unlike most in New Jersey, is still free. But crime and corruption have changed the perception of the city over the years.
Atlantic City’s iconic Boardwalk Hall played host to “Monday Night Raw” and a taping of “Friday Night SmackDown.” Waller posted a video of himself running on the beach on social media and dubbed the beach town the “saddest city in America.”
“I’ve been to a lot in America but Atlantic City, New Jersey, might just be the saddest,” the Australian heel said. “It’s like Las Vegas for people who have given up on life. But it’s Monday morning. Technically, I’m at a beach – an American version of a beach.
A man walks past a Ferris wheel’s reflection on the beach at sunset in Atlantic City, N.J., on Sept. 5, 2020, as the state continues Stage 2 of reopening following coronavirus restrictions.(Alexi Rosenfeld/Getty Images)
“While the rest of the Raw roster is sleeping in, I’m out here getting after it. I don’t want to end up like one of these people who has to vacation in Atlantic City, New Jersey. So sad.”
While it might feel like that for some, fellow WWE star Matt Cardona had different memories of Atlantic City.
Cardona performed for Game Changer Wrestling at the Showboat Hotel in Atlantic City. The promotion would turn the hotel’s ballroom into a wrestling ring and put on some memorable matches on the independent scene.
Grayson Waller celebrates his win during SmackDown at KFC YUM! Center in Louisville, Ky., on June 7, 2024.(WWE/Getty Images)
“Back in Atlantic City tonight for @WWE. Matt Cardona, the man, was born on Long Island. Matt Cardona, the pro wrestler, was born in AC!” he wrote on X.
Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.
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