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The Vikings Have Some Seriously Strange Draft Droughts

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Vikings fan greets others near the NFL Draft stage in Nashville
A Minnesota Vikings fan greets fellow supporters near the NFL Draft stage during second- and third-round festivities, with April 26, 2019 in Nashville, Tennessee capturing the lively atmosphere as crowds gathered to celebrate and follow selections during one of the league’s marquee offseason events. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zaleski / For The Tennessean

Every team has them, but it’s time to analyze the Minnesota Vikings’ current draft droughts and oddities. In doing so, some clues may dribble out about the team’s plans on April 23rd, when the draft kicks off.

Minnesota has some unusual draft habits that could matter this month.

Interim general manager Rob Brzezinski will take on his first draft as the top guy, and these are some of the things that just haven’t happened in a while for the purple team.

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The Long-Running Draft Patterns Following the Vikings

Picks and habits that have eluded Minnesota.

Kenyon Sadiq celebrates a touchdown during a game between Oregon and USC at Autzen Stadium. vikings draft droughts 2026
Oregon Ducks tight end Kenyon Sadiq (18) celebrates after scoring a touchdown on Nov 22, 2025, at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon, during a first-half matchup against the USC Trojans. Sadiq’s play highlighted his red-zone presence as Oregon capitalized on an early scoring opportunity in front of a loud home crowd. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images.

No TE Ever Taken in Round 1

Minnesota has drafted a few 2nd-Round tight ends in 65 years, but they’ve never taken the plunge in Round 1.

This time, they might have a chance at ending the drought, as Oregon’s Kenyon Sadiq has a 50/50 chance of being on the board at Pick No. 18. Choosing Sadiq would make sense after Minnesota reworked T.J. Hockenson’s deal this offseason, enabling him to hit free agency next offseason.

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No WR in Round 2 in 19 Years

Sidney Rice — he’s the last WR discovered by the Vikings in Round 2 way back in 2007. Minnesota usually just connects on 1st-Round wideouts or finds them in late rounds like Stefon Diggs in 2015 or undrafted free agency like Adam Thielen in 2013.

This year, a man like Alabama’s Germie Bernard could end the madness.

No Center in Round 2 in 47 Years

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The Vikings drafted Dave Huffman in Round 2 of the 1979 NFL Draft. He didn’t last long. Since then, Minnesota has said no thanks to 2nd-Round centers.

In 2026, they could “reach” a bit for a player like Connor Lew of Auburn.

No DT Drafted in Round 1 since 2013

Remember Sharrif Floyd? The guy whose career started somewhat promising but flamed out because of injury? He was the last defensive tackle picked in Round 1 by the purple team.

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In 12 days, the drought could end with Clemson’s Peter Woods or Ohio State’s Kayden McDonald.

Just One EDGE in Round 1 in Last 20 Years

In 2005, the Vikings drafted Erasmus James in Round 1 — and then stopped investing such capital in EDGE defenders. They preferred the comfort of trades — see: Jared Allen — and the middle rounds for players like Everson Griffen and Danielle Hunter.

Keldric Faulk (Auburn) and Akheem Mesidor (Miami) are in play at No. 18 in 2026.

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Just One Safety in Round 2 in Last 30 Years

Like the center position, the Vikings also don’t draft safeties in Round 2. The only guy in the last three decades was Tyrell Johnson from Arkansas State in 2008.

Emmanuel McNeil-Warren tackles Zevi Eckhaus during a game at Washington State. vikings draft droughts 2026
Washington State quarterback Zevi Eckhaus (4) is brought down by Toledo safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (7) on Oct 25, 2025, at Gesa Field at Martin Stadium in Pullman, Washington, during second-half action. McNeil-Warren’s tackle halted the play and showcased Toledo’s defensive pursuit in a physical cross-conference matchup. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-Imagn Images.

On April 24th, Minnesota could change this tendency by picking LSU’s A.J. Haulcy or hoping Dillon Thieneman (Oregon) or Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (Toledo) fall after a Vikings trade back.

No RBs Drafted in First 4 Rounds in 5 Years

Since Dalvin Cook left the franchise after the 2022 campaign, Minnesota has opted for veteran RB fixes, including Alexander Mattison, Aaron Jones, and Jordan Mason. They had no young running back to take the baton.

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This is a very strange drought because it’s not difficult to find RB talent anywhere in the draft. Thankfully, Minnesota has done its homework so far in this draft cycle, having officially met with Nebraska’s Emmett Johnson and Wake Forest’s Demond Claiborne.

ESPN’s Kevin Seifert noted on the RB need this week, “Jordan Mason, 26, and Aaron Jones, 31, are entering the final year of their contracts, and the Vikings explored moving on from Jones this spring when they bid for free agent Travis Etienne Jr. After the New Orleans Saints signed Etienne, Jones agreed to take a pay cut to return.”

“There might not be an immediate need for a running back, but it is coming soon. The 2026 class of running backs is not deep enough to feel assured that Brzezinski will have a value pick available to him in the top 100. The class offers one dominant, explosive playmaker who almost certainly will be a top-10 pick — Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love — and then a notable drop-off.”

Last year’s draft was renowned for running back depth, but Minnesota drafted zilch.

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Jonah Coleman runs the ball through defenders during a game between Washington and Maryland. vikings draft droughts 2026
Washington running back Jonah Coleman (1) powers through defenders on Oct 4, 2025, at SECU Stadium in College Park, Maryland, during a game against Maryland. Coleman pushed upfield with strength and balance as the Huskies leaned on their rushing attack in a competitive matchup against the Terrapins. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-Imagn Images.

Seifert added, “At least two others appear likely to be top-100 picks: Love’s Notre Dame teammate Jadarian Price and Arkansas’ Mike Washington Jr. In a recent three-round mock draft conducted by ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr., Matt Miller and Jordan Reid, Kiper matched the Vikings with Price with the No. 49 pick.”

Just One WR in Rounds 2 & 3 in Last 18 Years

Remember the Tai Felton pick in Round 3 last year? That was the first time in about two decades that Minnesota chose a wideout in Rounds 2 or 3 — basically a Friday night.

This year, Minnesota is meeting with gobs of pass-catchers who might be taken in Rounds 2 and 3. This drought feels like it’s nearing an end.


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Jannik Sinner becomes first man to win 5 straight Masters 1000 titles with victory in Madrid Open

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Three or so months ago, there was some concern Jannik Sinner was losing ground in his rivalry with Carlos Alcaraz after losses in the Australian Open and Doha.

Things have changed a bit there.

The world No. 1 defeated Alexander Zverev 6-1, 6-2 in the final of the Madrid Open on Sunday, making him the first player in history to win five straight ATP Masters 1000 titles. He was previously in a tie with Novak Djokovic (who won four straight 1000 titles three different times) and Rafael Nadal (once).

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GAA Fixtures – Hurling & Gaelic Football

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GAA Fixtures 2026 – We have the start times for Dublin, Cork, Galway etc in the Connacht, Leinster, Munster, and Ulster Gaelic Football & Hurling

New GAA Rules Explained

CLICK HERE FOR LIVE GAA SCORES AND COMMENTARY

GAA LEAGUE Tables

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Saturday 2 May

Ulster SFC semi-final
Derry v Monaghan, Box-It Athletic Grounds, 5pm – GAA+

Leinster SFC semi-final
Louth v Dublin, Laois Hire O’Moore Park, 7pm – GAA+

Ulster MFC Round 2
Monaghan v Tyrone, Páirc Grattan, Inniskeen, 12pm
Derry v Cavan, Find Insurance Owenbeg, 12pm

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Ulster MFC Qualifiers Round 2
Armagh v Fermanagh, Crossmaglen, 12pm
Donegal v Down, Donegal CoE, 12pm

Leinster MHC – Phase 2 Round 3
Laois v Westmeath, Laois Hire O’Moore Park, 12pm
Wexford v Kilkenny, Chadwicks Wexford Park, 2pm
Dublin v Wexford, Parnell Park, 2pm

 

Sunday 3 May

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Leinster SFC semi-final
Kildare v Westmeath, Glenisk O’Connor Park, 2pm – GAA+

Munster SHC Round 3
Clare v Limerick, Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chíosóg, 2pm – RTE

Ulster SFC semi-final
Armagh v Down, Clones, 4pm – RTE

Ladies Connacht SFC final
Galway v Mayo, Páirc Seán Mac Diarmada, 3pm – TG4

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Ladies Leinster SFC
Dublin v Kildare, Parnell Park, 2pm

Ladies Munster SFC
Cork v Waterford, Páirc Ui Rinn, 2pm
Tipperary v Kerry, Clonmel Sportsfield, 2pm

Ladies Ulster SFC
Donegal v Tyrone, Lifford, 2pm – TG4

Monday 4 May

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Munster MFC Phase 2 round 2
Kerry v Cork, Austin Stack Park, 7pm
Waterford v Clare, Lemybrien, 7pm

Leinster U20HC quarter-finals
Laois v Wexford, Laois Hire O’Moore Park, 2pm
Kilkenny v Offaly, UPMC Nowlan Park, 2pm
Tuesday 5 May

Leinster MFC quarter-finals
Westmeath v Kildare, TEG Cusack Park, 6.30pm
Offaly v Meath, Glenisk O’Connor Park, 6.30pm

 

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Wednesday 6 May

Leinster U20FC final
Louth v Kildare, Parnell Park, 7.30pm

Munster U20HC semi-final
Cork v Clare, SuperValu Pairc Ui Chaoimh, 7.35pm

Friday 8 May

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Munster MHC Round 5
Cork v Limerick, Pairc Ui Rinn, 7pm
Waterford v Tipperary, Fraher Field, 7pm

Connacht MFC final
Galway v Roscommon, Tuam, 7pm

 

Saturday 9 May

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Munster SHC Round 3
Waterford v Cork, Azzurri Walsh Park, 6pm

Leinster SHC Round 3
Kildare v Galway, Cedral St Conleth’s Park, 3.30pm
Wexford v Dublin, Chadwicks Wexford Park, 4pm – RTE

Tailteann Cup Round 1
Clare v Offaly, Zimmer Biomet Páirc Chísóg, 4pm
Wexford v Limerick, Chadwicks Wexford Park, 6pm

Joe McDonagh Cup
Down v Carlow, McKenna Park, 1pm
Westmeath v Laois, TEG Cusack Park, 5pm

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Christy Ring Cup
Donegal v Roscommon, O’Donnell Park, 7pm
Meath v Derry, Trim, 1pm
Kerry v Wicklow, Austin Stack Park, Tralee, 1pm

Nickey Rackard Cup
Armagh v Louth, BOX-IT Athletic Grounds, 2pm
Tyrone v Fermanagh, Tyrone CoE, 2pm
Mayo v Sligo, Hastings Insurance MacHale Park, 2pm

Lory Meagher Cup
Monaghan v Lancashire, Páirc Grattan, Inniskeen, 1pm
Cavan v Longford, Kingspan Breffni, 2pm
Leitrim v Warwickshire, Páirc Seán MacDiarmada, 2pm

All-Ireland U20FC semi-finals (played 9/10 May)
Roscommon v Kerry, TBC, TBC
Tyrone v Louth or Kildare, TBC, TBC

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Ulster MFC quarter-finals
Sunday 10 May

Munster SFC final
Kerry v Cork, Fitzgerald Stadium, Killarney, 1.45pm – RTE

Connacht SFC final
Roscommon v Galway, Dr Hyde Park, 4.15pm – RTE

Leinster SHC Round 3
Offaly v Kilkenny, Glenisk O’Connor Park, 3pm

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Tailteann Cup Round 1
Sligo v Tipperary, Markievicz Park, 12.45pm
Carlow v Antrim, Netwatch Cullen Park, 1.30pm
Laois v Wicklow, Laois Hire O’Moore Park, 2pm – GAA+
Waterford v London, Cappoquin Logistics Fraher Field, 2pm
Fermanagh v Longford, Brewster Park, 3pm

Joe McDonagh Cup
London v Antrim, McGovern Park, Ruislip, 1pm
Monday 11 May

Munster MFC Phase 2 round 3
Cork v Waterford, Pairc Ui Rinn, 7pm
Kerry v Clare, Austin Stack Park, 7pm
Tuesday 12 May

Leinster MFC semi-finals
Louth v TBC, TBC, 7.30pm
Dublin v TBC, TBC, 7.30pm
Wednesday 13 May

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Munster U20HC final
Tipperary v Cork or Clare, TBC, 7.35pm
Friday 15 May

Munster MHC final
Tipperary v TBC, TBC, TBC

 

Saturday 16 May

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Munster SHC Round 4
Tipperary v Clare, FBD Semple Stadium, 7pm

Leinster SHC Round 4
Galway v Dublin, Pearse Stadium, 4.30pm
Kilkenny v Kildare, UPMC Nowlan Park, 6pm
Offaly v Wexford, Glenisk O’Connor Park, 6pm

Tailteann Cup Round 1
Westmeath/Down/Cavan v Leitrim, TBC

Joe McDonagh Cup
Carlow v London, Netwatch Cullen Park, Carlow, 1pm
Antrim v Westmeath, Corrigan Park (TBC), TBC
Laois v Down, Laois Hire O’Moore Park, TBC

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Christy Ring Cup
Derry v Kerry, Find Insurance Celtic Park, Derry, TBC
Donegal v Meath, O’Donnell Park, Letterkenny, TBC
Wicklow v Roscommon, Echelon Park, Aughrim, TBC

Nickey Rackard Cup
Louth v Mayo, GAA Training Centre, Darver, TBC
Sligo v Fermanagh, Markievicz Park, TBC
Tyrone v Armagh, Tyrone CoE, Garvaghey, TBC

Lory Meagher Cup
Lancashire v Warwickshire, Páirc na hÉireann, Birmingham, TBC
Longford v Monaghan, Glennon Brothers Pearse Park, TBC
Leitrim v Cavan, Páirc Seán MacDiarmada, TBC

All-Ireland U20FC final (played between 16/17 May)
Sunday 17 May

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Ulster SFC final
Derry or Monaghan v Armagh or Down, Clones, 4.15pm – RTE

Leinster SFC final
Dublin or Louth v Kildare or Westmeath, Páirc an Chrócaigh, 2pm – RTE

Munster SHC Round 4
Limerick v Waterford, TUS Gaelic Grounds, 3pm
Monday 18 May

Munster MFC final
Friday 22 May

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Leinster MFC final
TBC v TBC, TBC, 7.30pm

Saturday 23 May

Sam Maguire Cup Round 1

Tailteann Cup Round 2A & 2B

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Sunday 24 May

Munster SHC Round 5
Cork v Clare, SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh, 4pm
Limerick v Tipperary, TUS Gaelic Grounds, 4pm

Leinster SHC Round 5
Dublin v Kilkenny, Parnell Park, 2pm
Kildare v Offaly, Cedral St Conleth’s Park, Newbridge, 2pm
Wexford v Galway, Chadwicks Wexford Park, 2pm

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Joe McDonagh Cup
Antrim v Carlow, Corrigan Park (TBC), 1pm
Down v Westmeath, McKenna Park, Ballycran, 1pm
London v Laois, McGovern Park, Ruislip, 1pm

Saturday 30 May

Sam Maguire Cup Round 1

All-Ireland U20HC final
Saturday 6th June

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Leinster SHC final

Joe McDonagh Cup final

Tailteann Cup Round 3

Sunday 7 June

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Munster SHC final
Munster Senior Hurling Final, Venue TBC, 2pm

Saturday 13th-Sunday 14th

Sam Maguire Cup Round 2A & 2B

All-Ireland SHC preliminary quarter-final

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Tailteann Cup quarter-finals

Saturday 20th-Sunday 21st

Sam Maguire Cup Round 3

Tailteann Cup semi-finals

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All-Ireland SHC quarter-finals

Saturday 27th-Sunday 28th

All-Ireland SFC quarter-finals

 

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July

Saturday 4th: All-Ireland SHC semi-final (Leinster winner v quarter-final winner)

Sunday 5th: All-Ireland SHC semi-final (Munster winner v quarter-final winner)

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Saturday 11th-Sunday 12th: All-Ireland SFC semi-finals; Tailteann Cup final (Saturday)

Sunday 19th: All-Ireland SHC final

Sunday 26th: All-Ireland SFC final

 

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August

Saturday 1st: All-Ireland SHC final replay date

Saturday 8th: All-Ireland SFC final replay

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LiveScores Now Available at IrishScores.com

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Has Bruno Fernandes equalled the Premier League assist record?

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Bruno Fernandes is attempting to equal the Premier League assist record held by Thierry Henry and Kevin De Bruyne but the Manchester United captain was not credited for setting up Benjamin Sesko’s goal against rivals Liverpool at Old Trafford.

Fernandes, who is on 19 assists and is one behind Henry and De Bruyne’s single-season record of 20, headed back across goal before Liverpool goalkeeper Freddie Woodman punched the ball onto striker Sesko and the deflection took it over the line.

Fernandes was given the assist on the Premier League’s Fantasy Premier League (FPL) game, as he had the final attacking touch before Sesko put the ball in, even though Woodman had attempted to make the save in between.

But the definition of an assist in FPL, which is played by millions of fans around the world, and official Premier League records is different, and there was a change to FPL rules that meant an assist could still be awarded if there is only one defensive touch before the ball reaches the goalscorer.

For now, therefore, Fernandes will have one more Premier League assist in his FPL tally, but will remain behind Henry and De Bruyne as the Premier League officially does not award assists when there is a touch from a defending player.

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Meanwhile, the Premier League has sought to explain why Sekso’s goal stood following a VAR check on a possible handball. The VAR Stuart Attwell checked whether the ball brushed off Sesko’s hand before crossing the line.

An update from the Premier League Match Centre confirmed: “The referee’s call of goal was checked and confirmed by VAR – with it deemed there was no conclusive evidence that Sesko handled the ball before scoring.”

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Braves place Ronald Acuña Jr. on IL with strained left hamstring

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Just as the Atlanta Braves welcome Spencer Strider back to their roster, Ronald Acuña Jr. is going on the injured list. The team announced the move on Sunday morning.

Acuña strained his left hamstring during Saturday’s 9-1 win over the Colorado Rockies, apparently sustaining the injury while running out a ground ball to second base. He grabbed at the back of his leg quickly after dashing from the batter’s box.

This story will be updated with more information.

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Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods reportedly released by WWE along with others

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Kofi Kingston and Xavier Woods, the WWE tag team known as the New Day, reportedly departed the company on Saturday as part of the latest string of releases.

Kingston and Woods became fan favorites as they formed New Day with fellow superstar Big E. But after Big E was sidelined with a serious injury, the two continued their tag team prowess in the ring. Kingston and Woods were four-time tag team champions as a duo and held the belts eight times when they were with Big E.

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Xavier Woods and Kofi Kingston standing together at Netflix Tudum live event in Inglewood California

Xavier Woods and Kofi Kingston attend Netflix Tudum 2025: The Live Event at The Kia Forum in Inglewood, Calif., on May 31, 2025. (Kevin Winter/Getty Images)

Fightful Select and BodySlam both reported the departures of Kingston and Woods. The two were moved to the alumni section of the WWE website.

Kingston had a ton of success as a singles competitor. He captured the WWE Championship at WrestleMania 35 over Daniel Bryan as part of the “Kofi-Mania” era where he received a ton of fan support on his way to his first title. He was also an intercontinental champion four times and a United States champion three times.

Woods joined WWE in 2010 after stints at Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) and New Japan Pro-Wrestling (NJPW). Woods won the King of the Ring tournament in 2021.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

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Xavier Woods and Kofi Kingston celebrating their win at WrestleMania 41 in Allegiant Stadium

Xavier Woods and Kofi Kingston of the New Day celebrate their win during WrestleMania 41 at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nev., on April 19, 2025. (Craig Melvin/WWE)

As a tag team, the two were considered to be one of the best in WWE’s history. They captured their last titles at WrestleMania 41 and turned heel soon after that. The two lost their tag titles in June and Woods was injured during the year. Kingston formed an alliance with Grayson Waller in the interim before the departure.

Elsewhere, Tonga Loa and JC Mateo reportedly departed the company as well.

Loa first appeared in WWE in 2009 before departed in 2014. He re-appeared most recently in 2024, joining forces with Solo Sikoa and the newly formed MFT faction.

MFT's JC Mateo, Talla Tonga, Solo Sikoa and Tonga Loa face off with Jimmy Uso in a wrestling ring

MFT’s JC Mateo, Talla Tonga, Solo Sikoa and Tonga Loa face off with Jimmy Uso during Saturday Night’s Main Event at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Ga., on July 12, 2025. (Georgiana Dallas/WWE)

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Mateo joined WWE in 2025, also backing up Sikoa in the faction. He was also a tag team champion with Tama Tonga before eventually dropping the belts to Damian Priest and R-Truth in March.

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NFL Players from Bozeman HS (Bozeman, MT)

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  By SuperWest Sports Staff


Here’s an up-to-date list of all NFL Players from Bozeman High School in Bozeman, MT.

The list includes only those players who have played in a regular-season NFL game. Consequently, players taken in the recent 2026 draft will not be included until they have seen the field.

The League does not officially recognize players who appeared only in preseason exhibition games.

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Bozeman is ranked as the No. 1 pro football player-producing high school in the state.

Montana has produced a total of 78 NFL players from 39 schools, with 6 pros currently active.

See where all the other schools in Big Sky Country rank here, with links to their respective players.

NFL Players from Bozeman HS
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Carl Froch sees only one outcome if Moses Itauma is ordered to face Wardley vs Dubois winner

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Carl Froch has considered Moses Itauma’s chances against Fabio Wardley and Daniel Dubois, as either man could soon be ordered to face the rising star.

Before anything else, Wardley must first defend his WBO world title against Dubois on May 9, headlining a Queensberry show at Manchester’s Co-op Live Arena.

The 31-year-old was elevated from ‘interim’ to full heavyweight champion following his victory over Joseph Parker, which resulted in a stunning 11th-round finish last October.

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Dubois, meanwhile, has not fought since his rematch with Oleksandr Usyk in July, back when he was relieved of his IBF title via an emphatic fifth-round stoppage.

As for Itauma, it is likely he will be named as the WBO mandatory challenger, putting him in line to face the winner of Wardley-Dubois.

The 21-year-old comes off a dominant fifth-round finish over Jermaine Franklin, who was dropped and stopped for the first time in his career.

While having not yet established himself at world level, his performance in March nonetheless suggests that Itauma is capable of competing with the likes of Wardley and Dubois.

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In fact, Hall of Famer Froch has opined on his YouTube channel, Froch On Fighting, that the hard-hitting prodigy is more than ready for such a challenge.

“I think Moses beats both of them. Obviously Daniel Dubois’ got that punch that could catch him, as has Fabio Wardley, but I just don’t think they’re good enough [to beat him].

“When you look at Itauma and his speed – his footwork, his combination punching… the power – he’s just very, very good.”

Itauma is set to return to action on July 25, meaning his maiden world title shot – should it arrive as early as this – is unlikely to involve the WBO belt.

It is worth noting, too, that Itauma trains at the same gym as Wardley, which represents a clear stumbling block in the way of their potential fight.

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IPL 2026: Who is Nishant Sindhu? Gujarat Titans hand debut to India U-19 World Cup winner | Cricket News

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IPL 2026: Who is Nishant Sindhu? Gujarat Titans hand debut to India U-19 World Cup winner

Gujarat Titans handed a maiden IPL appearance to young all-rounder Nishant Sindhu during their clash against Punjab Kings at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday. Captain Shubman Gill confirmed the inclusion at the toss after opting to bowl first.Explaining the decision, Gill pointed to the team’s recent success while chasing and their desire to build on that rhythm. “We’ve been chasing well in the past few games, so we’ll continue with the momentum,” he said. He also reflected on the importance of finishing games strongly, praising Rahul Tewatia’s impact in the previous match. Gill added that the surface might offer early help for bowlers and stressed that the team is aiming to peak at the right stage of the tournament. “I think it’s all about peaking at the right time, and I feel our best game is yet to come. Nishant Sindhu makes his debut,” he confirmed.Sindhu, a talented all-rounder from Haryana, is known for his left-handed batting along with his slow left-arm orthodox bowling. He first rose to prominence during the 2018-19 U-16 Vijay Merchant Trophy, where he amassed 572 runs and claimed 23 wickets, playing a decisive role in Haryana lifting the title.His progress continued at the international junior level, where he was part of India’s triumphant squad at the 2022 ICC Under-19 World Cup. During the tournament, he contributed in both departments, picking up six wickets in five matches and also scoring an important half-century.At the domestic level, Sindhu made his first-class debut in the 2022 Ranji Trophy and later featured in both the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy and the Vijay Hazare Trophy. His consistent performances earned him IPL contracts with Chennai Super Kings in 2023 and 2024, although he did not get an opportunity to play during those seasons.

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IPL 2026: Gujarat Titans opt to bowl vs Punjab Kings; Nishant Sindhu handed debut | Cricket News

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IPL 2026: Gujarat Titans opt to bowl vs Punjab Kings; Nishant Sindhu handed debut
Shreyas Iyer and Shubman Gill (Agency Image)

Gujarat Titans won the toss and elected to bowl first against Punjab Kings as the playoff race begins to heat up.Explaining the decision, skipper Shubman Gill said his side wanted to stick to what has worked recently. “We are gonna bowl first. We have been chasing well in the past few games and our bowling is doing well, so will continue that momentum,” he noted, adding that the surface could offer something early on. Gill also pointed to the team peaking at the right time and praised the middle-order finishing, especially Rahul Tewatia’s recent efforts. He confirmed one change, with Nishant Sindhu coming in for his debut.Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer, meanwhile, felt the pitch looked good for batting but with enough assistance for bowlers. “It looks beautiful, some grass on the wicket and some bounce considering it is black soil,” he observed. Iyer emphasised the challenges of a demanding schedule but maintained that his side remains focused. “It is not frustration, it is an intense league… it is just another game and we will put our best foot forward.” He also confirmed changes, with Xavier and Vyshak added to the bowling attack.Teams:

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Bhuvneshwar Kumar on RCB loss: ‘It was just one off day’

Punjab Kings (Playing XI): Prabhsimran Singh(w), Priyansh Arya, Cooper Connolly, Shreyas Iyer(c), Marcus Stoinis, Suryansh Shedge, Nehal Wadhera, Marco Jansen, Xavier Bartlett, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra ChahalGujarat Titans (Playing XI): Shubman Gill(c), Sai Sudharsan, Jos Buttler(w), Washington Sundar, Nishant Sindhu, Jason Holder, Rashid Khan, Arshad Khan, Kagiso Rabada, Mohammed Siraj, Manav SutharWith Gujarat Titans currently sitting fifth and pushing hard for a playoff spot, a win today could significantly boost their position, potentially drawing them level with the teams above. However, they face a tough test against table-toppers Punjab Kings, who have been one of the most consistent sides this season despite coming off a rare defeat in their last outing. All signs point to a high-stakes and closely fought contest.

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NFL fifth-year option tracker: Every team’s decision on 2023 first-round draft picks

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imagn-zay-flowers-ravens-week-1.jpg
Imagn Images

The first round of the 2023 NFL Draft was a fascinating one. There were a trio of quarterbacks selected in the top four picks, with Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud and Anthony Richardson all coming off the board early. There were stars that were found both early (Will Anderson Jr., Devon Witherspoon, Jalen Carter, Bijan Robinson, Jahmyr Gibbs) and later (Christian Gonzalez, Jaxon Smith-Njigba) in the first round, at positions considered both premium and not. And of course, there were plenty of whiffs as well. 

Three years after these players had their dreams come true on draft day, their teams are now in a position where they have to decide on their futures. All first-round contracts are guaranteed for four seasons, but they also contain an option for the team to extend the player a fifth year, also fully guaranteed. And the decision on whether to do so had to be made by May 1.

In the space below, we’re going to track each of the first-round draft picks by whether they had their option picked up or declined, or whether they signed a contract extension with their team. As a reminder, there were only 31 picks in the first round of the 2023 draft because the Miami Dolphins forfeited their selection as punishment for violations of the league’s anti-tampering policy.

Fifth-year option tracker

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