As of the end of the 2025 Season, 101 players who attended high schools in Nevada have played or are currently playing in the NFL.
That number may increase this fall when recently drafted players play their first regular-season games as pros.
Nevada ranks No. 40 in the nation among high schools that produce NFL players, and is the eighth-best in the West.
Advertisement
A total of 33 schools have produced at least one player.
Nevada’s Bishop Gorman High School has produced 16 NFL players to lead the State, followed by Reno High School with seven, and Valley High School with six.
Several players from the high schools listed here went on to play college football at schools and conferences in the West, including the Pac-12, Mountain West, Big West, Big Sky, and schools now affiliated with the Big Ten, Big 12, and ACC.
You’ve heard the term “load up on your backswing.” Good advice, but often misunderstood by a majority of players.
In my research using Swing Catalyst and various force plates, I’ve found that the “load” part of your backswing (getting your weight to your trail side so you can shift it forward on the downswing to create force and speed) happens earlier than you think. Max load occurs as soon as you start the club back — that’s the big shift. But as you reach the top, or specifically when the clubhead gets above your hands, the trick is to feel lighter and not buried so much into your trail side.
It’s this feeling of lightness that better allows you to transition from backswing to downswing and prep your body to get your weight to your front side for a powerful strike. Think of it like this:
Advertisement
1. Set up in your regular address position.
2. As you swing back, load into your trail leg. The earlier the better.
3. As you reach the top with the club high above your hands, feel that load disappear a little. It’s this feeling of lightness that’ll help you create a smoother transition from backswing to downswing.
4. When you’re light at the top you can more easily get your weight to your front side and launch upward for a powerful strike. Load is important, but better to do it earlier than later.
Advertisement
Joe Plecker is a GOLF Top 100 Teacher and is the director of instruction at The Landings Club in Savannah, Ga.
The 2026 WM Phoenix Open concludes on Sunday with the final round at TPC Scottsdale. You can find full WM Phoenix Open tee times for Sunday’s final round at the bottom of this post.
Featured final-round tee time
The Super Bowl may be the main course on Sunday, but the action at TPC Scottsdale should serve as a great appetizer. Ahead of the big game, some of the PGA Tour’s best will be duking it out in the desert in front of the rowdiest fans in golf as they seek to earn the title at the WM Phoenix Open.
Sitting atop the leaderboard is former Masters champion Hideki Matsuyama, who sits at 13 under. He fired a third-round 68 to take a one-shot lead into the final round. Playing alongside Matsuyama in the final grouping will be Nicolai Hojgaard who is seeking his first PGA Tour victory, and Maverick McNealy. The trio will go off in the final grouping at 12:57 p.m. ET.
Also tied with Hojgaard and McNealy at 12 under are Si Woo Kim and Ryo Hisatsune, who will play in the penultimate group. Lagging another shot behind are Michael Thorbjornsen, Jake Knapp, Matt Fitzpatrick and Jake Knapp, while the Englishman John Parry rounds out the top 10 sitting 10 under through three rounds.
Advertisement
You can watch Sunday’s final round of the 2026 WM Phoenix Open from 12-3 p.m. ET on Golf Channel, followed by the CBS broadcast from 3-6 p.m. ET. PGA Tour Live on ESPN+ will provide exclusive early streaming coverage in addition to featured group and featured hole coverage on Sunday.
With an ESPN+ subscription, you gain access to PGA Tour Live, where you can stream the best PGA Tour events live from wherever you want.
Advertisement
2026 WM Phoenix Open tee times for Sunday: Final round (ET)
Tee No. 1
10:45 a.m. – Daniel Berger, Harris English, A.J. Ewart 10:56 a.m. – Rasmus Neergaard-Petersen, Michael Kim, Sam Stevens 11:07 a.m. – Sudarshan Yellamaraju, Jacob Bridgeman, Jordan Smith 11:18 a.m. – Ryan Fox, Rickie Fowler, Max McGreevy 11:29 a.m. Mac Meissner, Keith Mitchell, Cameron Young 11:40 a.m. Ben Griffin, Brian Campbell, Sepp Straka 11:51 a.m. – Sahith Theegala, Michael Brennan, Mackenzie Hughes 12:02 p.m. – Scottie Scheffler, Kevin Roy, Stephan Jaegar 12:13 p.m. – Min Woo Lee, Chris Gotterup, Pierceson Coody 12:24 p.m. – John Parry, Viktor Hovland, Rasmus Hojgaard 12:35 p.m. – Jake Knapp, Matt Fitzpatrick, Akshay Bhatia 12:46 p.m. – Si Woo Kim, Ryo Hisatsune, Michael Thorbjornsen 12:57 p.m. – Hideki Matsuyama, Nicolai Hojgaard, Maverick McNealy
Advertisement
Tee No. 10
10:45 a.m. – Christo Lamprecht, Patrick Rogers, S.H. Kim 10:56 a.m. – Zach Bachou, Wyndham Clark, Alex Smalley 11:07 a.m. – Tom Kim, Zecheng Dou, Nick Taylor 11:18 a.m. – Chad Ramey, Rico Hoey, Davis Thompson 11:29 a.m. – Kurt Kitayama, Joe Highsmith, Chandler Phillips 11:40 a.m. – John VanDerLaan, Johnny Keefer, Bud Cauley 11:51 a.m. – Sami Valimaki, Cam Davis, Keita Nakajima 12:02 p.m. – J.T. Poston, Kensei Hirata, Takumi Kanaya 12:13 p.m. – Max Homa, Kristoffer Reitan, Collin Morikawa 12:24 p.m. – Hank Lebioda, S.T. Lee, Adrien Saddier 12:35 p.m. – Gary Woodland, Xander Schauffele 12:46 p.m. – Patton Kizzire, Neal Shipley
By opting against the conventional autumn carnival plan for Tempted, Ciaron Maher has provided Chad Schofield with an excellent shot astride the elite filly.
With leading jockey James McDonald pledged to ride Coolmore colt Wodeton in the upcoming Eskimo Prince Stakes (1200m) on Saturday at Randwick, Schofield steps into the coveted position on the impressive Everest contender.
No filly has won the race since Ichihara triumphed in 2013, and merely three have faced the males afterward, since most handlers direct them toward their gender-restricted race, the Light Fingers Stakes (1200m), a week on.
Maher seeks a three-week interval for Tempted from her debut run of the prep to the Group 1 Surround Stakes (1400m), embracing a rarer strategy that suits Schofield perfectly.
Advertisement
“It was a bit of good work from my manager who identified the ride might be available and put my name in the ring,” Schofield said.
“I was grateful Godolphin and Ciaron were happy to put me on and hopefully I can repay their faith in me.
“I went and galloped her on Monday morning and was very taken by her. I can’t wait to ride her Saturday.
“She is extremely talented, and I feel like we haven’t seen the best of her yet. Hopefully it’s this preparation and I’m on her back.”
In the Eskimo Prince Stakes under set weights plus penalties, she’ll give 1.5kg to horses including Wodeton, Golden Rose second, but commands $1.70 favoritism, a spot Schofield endorses.
“For sure. She’s got the runs on the board, and we’ve seen her talent,” he said.
“She looks to have come back really well, and she is a deserved favourite.”
Advertisement
Head to the racing betting markets to find top prices for the Eskimo Prince Stakes. Tempted shares the fillies’ representation this year with Memo, prepared by Peter Snowden, at $26 odds.
NEW DELHI: Fourteen-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi summed up a historic night in simple, heartfelt words — grateful for the moment, proud of the contribution, and clear-eyed about the journey ahead. “Abhi bohot dur tak hai jaana,” the teenage sensation wrote after scripting one of the most extraordinary performances in Under-19 World Cup history.Sooryavanshi’s scintillating 175 off just 80 balls powered India to their record-extending sixth ICC Under-19 World Cup title as they crushed England by 100 runs in the final at Harare on Friday. His knock — a breathtaking blend of fearless strokeplay and maturity beyond his years — completely outshone a valiant century from England’s Caleb Falconer.
T20 World Cup: ‘God changed my destiny’ – Mohammed Siraj on emotions of lucky comeback
After India opted to bat, Sooryavanshi produced a record-shattering masterclass, smashing 15 fours and 15 sixes to propel the side to a daunting 411/9. Skipper Ayush Mhatre chipped in with a composed 53, while Abhigyan Kundu’s brisk 40 ensured India never lost momentum. In response, England faltered after a promising start, sliding from 142/2 to 177/7. Falconer fought a lone battle with a powerful 115 off 67 balls, but the target proved far too steep as England’s wait for a second U-19 crown — stretching back to 1998 — continued.Later, the young batting prodigy from Samastipur, Bihar, took to Instagram, posting a photo with the trophy and reflecting on the moment. “Really enjoyed myself out there and happy that I could contribute to a win that will hold a special place in my heart forever,” he wrote, expressing gratitude for the overwhelming support. India’s dominant campaign drew praise from across the cricketing fraternity. Virat Kohli, who captained India to the U-19 title in 2008, hailed the team’s sustained excellence at the age-group level, while head coach Gautam Gambhir declared, “The bright future is here.”For Sooryavanshi, though, the message was clear — this was just the beginning.
Jan 4, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell (14)reacts after rushing for a touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens during the second half at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
The Minnesota Vikings may or may not pursue a different running back in free agency four weeks from now; the club has Aaron Jones and Jordan Mason under contract. Jones will turn 32 next season, and some believe he could be released sooner rather than later. If so, these are the worthwhile replacement options on the open market.
The Vikings are tight against the cap, yet a narrow group of free agent RBS could still align with the roster and scheme.
The Vikings also don’t have much cap space as of early February, so they’ll have to get creative with some cap magic.
Advertisement
From Good to Best: Vikings RB Fits
These are the top RB options for Minnesota in free agency.
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Kenneth Gainwell breaks free for a first-half touchdown at M&T Bank Stadium, with December 7, 2025 embedded mid-paragraph during a road matchup in Baltimore. The burst through traffic highlights Gainwell’s acceleration and vision as Pittsburgh struck early against the Ravens in a tightly contested divisional game. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-Imagn Images
5. Kenneth Gainwell
Believe it or not, Gainwell tabulated 1,023 yards from scrimmage in 2025, along with 8 touchdowns. The guy was a miniature machine.
He also torched the Vikings in Dublin — in a game when purple fans thought “they got away with one” after learning of Jaylen Warren’s injury. Instead, Gainwell played even more efficiently than Warren.
Advertisement
Warren would be a smart fit for the Vikings if a) the team releases Jones b) it views Mason as an RB1. His next contract should fetch about $5 million per season.
4. Javonte Williams
Williams totally revitalized his career in Dallas this season.
Many chalked him up as mid due to never popping off as the Denver Broncos’ RB1 despite fancy 2nd-Round draft stock in 2021. As it turns out, the Broncos just didn’t feature him enough.
Advertisement
Williams logged 1,338 yards from scrimmage in 2025, complete with 13 touchdowns. He helped fantasy managers win championships across the country. The veteran tailback turns 26 on draft weekend and will probably command about $10 milion per year in free agency.
3. Kenneth Walker
This guy has earned millions in the last few weeks.
Walker turned on the jets during the Seahawks’ sprint to Super Bowl LX, and truth be told, might even be more valuable than Sam Darnold on offense, mainly because Walker is playing like a Top 3 NFL tailback during the playoffs.
Advertisement
There are only two knocks on Walker: he’s not the most durable runner ever, and he experiences vanishing acts.
Perhaps his next team will feed him the rock at the same level as Seattle in the 2025 postseason.
2. Travis Etienne
Etienne just turned 27, meaning he has about two years left of his physical prime. He played so well in 2025 that Jacksonville may not let him leave. In the event that Jaguars hand the baton to Bhayshul Tuten, though, Etienne will need a new home.
Advertisement
He totaled 1,399 yards from scrimmage in 2025, with 13 scores. He’s basically AFC Javonte Williams.
Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence executes a late-game handoff to Travis Etienne Jr. at NRG Stadium, with September 29, 2024 appearing mid-paragraph as fourth-quarter action unfolded in Houston. The exchange captures Jacksonville leaning on its ground game while managing tempo against the Texans in a closely fought AFC South matchup. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
One thing separates Etienne from the rest on this list: he’s the best pass-blocking halfback, and it’s not close. For the Vikings, that characteristic often feels like a prerequisite.
1. Breece Hall
New Vikings offensive line coach Keith Carter’s connection to Hall predates his arrival in Minnesota. Before joining the Vikings in 2025, Carter operated as the Jets’ run game coordinator, putting him directly alongside Hall during the most productive stretch of the running back’s young career. From a coaching perspective, there aren’t many closer reference points than that.
Carter’s resume hasn’t been without friction. Former Titans players took aim at his methods on social media years ago, yet the Vikings still brought him in as an assistant offensive line coach last offseason. When Kevin O’Connell chose not to retain Chris Kuper ahead of the 2026 offseason, Carter’s internal standing became clearer. The promotion followed soon after, and Carter officially took over Minnesota’s offensive line room last week.
Advertisement
The timing matters for free agency, at least in theory. Carter oversaw the Jets’ rushing operation from 2022 through 2023, with Hall serving as the centerpiece. Now, as 2026 free agency approaches, Hall is set to hit the market with expectations in the $10–12 million range.
Minnesota wouldn’t be pitching Hall on a whim. Carter knows how Hall is wired, how he runs, and how to structure a rushing offense around his strengths. Provided any lingering frustration from Carter’s demanding style hasn’t closed the door, the Vikings present a wise second chapter for Hall.
New York Jets running back Breece Hall celebrates with teammates after finding the end zone, with January 5, 2025 placed mid-paragraph during a fourth-quarter scoring sequence in East Rutherford. The sideline celebration reflects Hall’s impact late in the game as New York closed the season with an emphatic offensive moment. Mandatory Credit: Kevin R. Wexler-NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Our Janik Eckardt on the idea of Hall to Minnesota: “Hall to Minnesota isn’t unrealistic, but it would take O’Connell’s commitment to feature the running game in 2026 and beyond. Furthermore, the Jets would have to allow him to leave in free agency. In the Twin Cities, Jones would be the first domino to fall if the Vikings indeed want to adjust their top RB duo.”
“The running back position will be a position to watch for the Minnesota Vikings in March and April.”
O’Connell and Carter would immediately put Hall to use: 1,415 yards from scrimmage in 2024.
Aug 31, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Golden State Valkyries guard Kaitlyn Chen (2) holds a ball as the WNBA logo appears on the ball and shorts before the game against the Indiana Fever at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
The WNBA has at long last presented a CBA proposal to players, according to a report from Front Office Sports.
Following a six-week period of silence with no reported movement, league representatives met with players earlier this week to renew talks.
That Monday meeting, lacking from the players’ perspective due to the absence of a prepared counter-proposal from the league, apparently moved the ball forward enough to result in a proposed deal sent to the players Friday.
“They volunteered that they did not have a proposal prepared at the top of the meeting,” Seattle Storm forward Nneka Ogwumike said earlier in the week. “That kind of set the tone for the conversation because we were hoping to hear otherwise.”
Now a deal has been sent, but the concessions within the new document are deemed modest.
Advertisement
The changes include small shifts to the previously suggested revenue sharing percentage, along with the move to initiate team-provided housing for the players who need it, as well as an agreement allowing two developmental roster spots per team.
At last report, the two sides remained far apart on overall money. The players association’s proposal called for players to earn an average of $800,000 per year, while the WNBA proposal came in at about $530,000 per year. The latest reporting did not reveal whether the two sides have inched closer.
The owners and players have been in negotiations on a new labor deal since late June, with multiple deadlines having been passed and extended in the meantime.
Advertisement
The regular season is supposed to begin in May, yet the league schedule requires that an expansion draft — the WNBA has added the Toronto Tempo and Portland Fire — and free agency must occur beforehand. Furthermore, the league needs to conduct its amateur draft, currently scheduled for April 13, and take a break for the FIBA World Cup that takes place in September.
Free agency typically begins in early January. The current best-case scenario being outlined now points to March, though that is contingent on a deal being reached in the coming weeks.
The WNBA has never lost games to a work stoppage in its 29-year history.
Manchester United have already eclipsed last season’s Premier League points tally with 13 matches still left to play, evidencing the failures of Erik ten Hag and Ruben Amorim in a torrid campaign
Aaron Morris Senior Sports Reporter
20:00, 07 Feb 2026
Michael Carrick may just be four matches into an interim head coaching stint with Manchester United, but he has already shown up the failures that Erik ten Hag and Ruben Amorim managed in their disastrous time in charge during the 2024/25 season.
There was a wealth of scepticism in the air when the 44-year-old arrived at Old Trafford last month. United fans were well within their right, of course, given that he was only sacked by Middlesbrough in the summer for guiding the club to a lacklustre 10th place finish in the Championship standings in 2024/25.
Meanwhile, Carrick’s caretaker role with the club following the departure of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in November 2021 lasted less than a month before he was replaced by Ralf Rangnick.
Advertisement
During his initial stint at the helm, Carrick achieved two wins and a draw from a total of three matches before he announced his shock decision to depart after a win against Arsenal and be replaced by the German – with Ten Hag taking up tenure at the end of 2021/22. What ensued next was two years of rot and questionable choices with an FA Cup trophy lift thrown in before the Dutchman was ultimately given the boot in October 2024, with Amorim left to pick up the pieces.
The Portuguese tactician failed to restore any glory to the Theatre of Dreams in his first season in charge, finishing a lowly 15th in the Premier League standings and losing the Europa League final to Tottenham Hotspur – albeit, mainly utilising a squad he inherited from his predecessor.
Giving Amorim the benefit of the doubt, the board backed him in the summer transfer window and afforded him a full pre-season schedule to play with to fine-tune his team. And while Amorim was handed a sizeable budget to bring in the likes of Matheus Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko and Senne Lammens, the 41-year-old never really managed to get the best out of his new arrivals.
That’s largely down to Amorim being insistent on favouring a failing 3-4-2-1 formation, utilising Amad as a wing-back when he clearly thrives in an attacking role, and dropping Bruno Fernandes deeper into the heart of the engine room alongside Casemiro, despite the skipper proving time and time again he is the club’s most valuable asset in the pocket.
Advertisement
A decision to drop Kobbie Mainoo, meanwhile, rubbed a number of fans the wrong way, especially given how fruitful the England international had been in the engine room prior to his arrival.
And that’s not to mention his public fallout with Marcus Rashford, pushing away perhaps one of the club’s most talented all-time academy products, who left on a short-term deal to Aston Villa and has since gone on to thrive in a season-long loan with Barcelona when he could have been doing the business at Old Trafford instead.
On the flipside, Carrick has not only managed to forge promising relationships with his squad in such a short space of time, but has also been able to do something that not Amorim nor Ten Hag, nor Solskjaer nor Jose Mourinho, Louis van Gaal or David Moyes could; get United back to running like the finely-tuned machine it was under Sir Alex Ferguson.
Advertisement
You can see that there’s an air of fresh start fever around Old Trafford at present, revamping it into a genuine Theatre of Dreams as of late compared to the one of nightmares it has been for the past 13 or so years since Fergie’s retirement.
That opinion is backed further by the fact that United have now eclipsed their Premier League points season tally from last season, currently sitting fourth in the standings and on the brink of European qualification with 44 points to the 42 that Amorim and Ten Hag managed in 2024/25.
To add further food for thought, there are still 13 matches remaining in the current campaign, meaning United could potentially bag a further 39 points by season’s end, should Carrick’s undefeated form continue to burn bright. Such events coming to fruition would put the Reds on a staggering total of 83 points – just one less than Liverpool achieved to win the title last time out.
Advertisement
Let’s not get carried away, with the form that Arsenal are in at present, it would take some form of divine intervention to see Mikel Arteta bottle the club’s first league title in more than two decades. But if United could achieve even seven or eight wins from their remaining fixtures it should be enough to seal qualification to the Champions League.
Given the collapse of relationships have been a key factor in underwhelming seasons for United as of late – from Rashford and Alejandro Garnacho’s falling out with Amorim to Cristiano Ronaldo’s alarming spat with Ten Hag – it’s vital that Carrick is able to keep his players content going forward, win, lose or draw.
If he’s able to do so, the future certainly looks bright for the Wallsend-born coach, who could even be awarded permanent tenure this summer for his achievements. While there have been calls from pundits and fans alike for United to consider a more-seasoned head coach when Carrick’s interim role concludes, it’s hard to see past the Englishman given his form at present.
Sky Sports discounted Premier League and EFL package
Advertisement
This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. Learn more
Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle for the 2025/26 season, saving members £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.
Sky will show at least 215 live Premier League games this season, an increase of up to 100 more.
The Super Bowl is nearly upon us, which means many of you will be headed to parties to cheer on either the Seattle Seahawks or New England Patriots. Or perhaps you are someone who may not care too much about football, but still enjoy the party atmosphere. But since you are reading this on a website called Seahawks Wire, chances are you have a rooting interest in Super Bowl LX.
If you’re like me, you’re going to be hunkered down at home, locked into the game. However, I know plenty of you will be going to a large gathering. So why not take down a few facts and tidbits of knowledge to impress your friends? Here at Seahawks Wire, we compiled a list of some interesting facts related to the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots, as well as the Super Bowl itself, for you to share with the gang.
Advertisement
Super Bowl Trivia
What player has earned the most Super Bowl MVP awards in history? Answer: Tom Brady
Who was the Seattle Seahawks’ MVP in Super Bowl XLVIII? Answer: Malcolm Smith
Sam Darnold and Drake Maye were both the No. _____ overall pick in their drafts. Answer: Third
What is the name of the Super Bowl trophy? Answer: Vince Lombardi Trophy
Who manufactures the trophy? Answer: Tiffany & Co.
What is Sam Darnold’s grandfather best known as? Answer: Former Marlboro Man named Dick Hammer
Who is the only quarterback to Super Bowl MVP without a touchdown pass? Answer: Joe Namath
List all teams to have never reached a Super Bowl. Answers:Browns, Lions, Jaguars and Texans
HE is the leading tackler for the Seahawks this season. Answer: Ernest Jones IV
19 of the Top 20 most watched television events in American history are Super Bowls… what is the only one that isn’t? Answer:M*A*S*H series finale
How many Super Bowls did Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel win as a player? Answer: Three
SHE had the infamous “wardrobe malfunction” in Super Bowl XXXVIII. Answer: Janet Jackson
Among PNW universities, which two schools lead all others in Super Bowl LX player representation? Answers: Eastern Washington University and Washington State University
Who has scored more touchdowns for the Seahawks: Steve Largent or Shaun Alexander? Answer: Trick question, they both scored 100 touchdowns
What is the only team to have played in both the NFC and AFC Championship games? Answer: Seattle Seahawks
Who was the Pope when the Seahawks first went to the Super Bowl in 2005? Answer: Pope Benedict XVI
Who was the Pope when the Seahawks won the Super Bowl in 2013? Answer: Pope Francis
Who is the current Pope? Answer: Pope Leo XIV
HE is the Seahawks’ all-time franchise scoring leader. Answer: Jason Myers
HE is the Patriots’ all-time franchise scoring leader. Answer: Stephen Gostkowski
Who was the first non-Tom Brady Super Bowl MVP for the Patriots? Answer: Deion Branch
Which team holds the record for fastest score in Super Bowl history? Answer: Seattle Seahawks
How fast did they score? Answer: 12 seconds, to start both halves
Who has the most watched Super Bowl halftime show ever? Answer: Kendrick Lamar
In which city was the NFL founded? Answer: Canton, Ohio
The New England Patriots are tied with the _______ for most Super Bowl losses in NFL history. Answer: Denver Broncos
What type of bird is nicknamed a “Seahawk”? Answer: Osprey
Manchester United captain Bruno Fernandes has praised Michael Carrick for changing the mood at Old Trafford after four straight wins since taking charge as interim manager.
Fernandes scored in United’s 2-0 win over 10-man Tottenham on Saturday, a result that strengthened their place in the Premier League top four.
Carrick is yet to lose in seven games across two spells as interim boss, and his recent results are increasing calls for him to be given the job on a permanent basis. The former midfielder had earlier said the club should not rush a decision on the next manager, but performances since Ruben Amorim left last month have impressed fans and players.
Advertisement
“Carrick came in with the right ideas, giving the players the responsibility and freedom on the pitch,” Fernandes told TNT Sports. “I was sure he would be a great manager and he is showing it. We hope we can help him even more.
“Everyone understands the pressure of playing for this club and the expectations around it. He knows what it means for this club to win. It adds something special to the team.”
The win moved United within two points of third-placed Aston Villa and gave them a cushion over the chasing teams in the race for Champions League qualification. A top-five finish is expected to secure a Champions League place due to the strong performance of English clubs in Europe this season.
Advertisement
United are now five points ahead of sixth-placed Liverpool, who host title contenders Manchester City on Sunday.
Dallas intends to keep Pickens on the roster, with the franchise tag, worth roughly $28 million for next season, likely serving as a starting point for negotiations to extend the wideout’s contract.
“I’m talking to George all the time by virtue of my excitement for him,” Cowboys owner Jerry Jones recently said of Pickens’ future. “He’s better than, as far as what he contributed to our team, showing the potential that he could contribute. I’m looking forward to getting things worked out so George can be a Cowboy [for] a long time.”
Pickens was drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft. After three productive seasons in Pittsburgh, he was traded to Dallas.
This past season, Pickens had the best year of his career, catching 93 passes for 1,429 yards and nine touchdowns as the Cowboys went 7-9-1 and missed the playoffs. He was selected for the Pro Bowl for the first time in his career.
Advertisement
Pickens’ counterpart, fellow elite receiver CeeDee Lamb recently said that he would have no problem should Pickens end up with a larger contract than his own.
“I don’t care about that, I just want my man to get what he deserves,” Lamb said during Super Bowl radio row. “As for me, I know I’m good. I’m fine. Me and my family, we’re straight, and I just want to compete at the highest level and I want to compete for a ring.
“The money will come if you play good, so just play good and let everything else take care of itself. As for GP, he’s well deserving. He deserves every penny that he gets. And if he gets more than me, I’m going to congratulate him on that.”
;)
