Happy New Year 2025

Category: Sports

NFL to expand international footprint over next 2 seasons

The NFL continues to expand its global footprint.

For the first time ever, Dublin, Madrid and Berlin will host NFL regular-season games next season, the NFL announced Friday, just days before the Super Bowl.

The Los Angeles Rams will also host a game in Melbourne, Australia, in 2026, the first time an NFL game is played on that continent.

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NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell during NFL Live Munich at Augustiner-Keller. (Kirby Lee/Imagn Images)

The Pittsburgh Steelers will play at historic Croke Park in the Irish capital, with their opponent yet to be determined.

“I think the emotion you hear from all of us is the excitement to bring a regular-season game to Ireland with the Steelers and how special that will be. And, yes, it ultimately comes back to the fans,” Peter O’Reilly, the NFL’s executive vice president for international events, said in a statement.

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“We see Irish fans travel to games in London or Germany or elsewhere, but this is a game on Irish soil, in Dublin, at Croke Park, and an opportunity to create an incredible atmosphere.”

The Steelers played the Chicago Bears in a 1997 preseason game at Croke Park, which has a capacity of more than 82,000.

The Indianapolis Colts will be the home team for a game at Olympic Stadium in Berlin, and the Miami Dolphins will be the home team in Madrid.

The Dolphins are playing at Bernabéu, the home stadium of Spanish soccer club Real Madrid.

Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin congratulates Steelers wide receiver George Pickens (14) after a long catch against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Md., Nov. 10, 2024. (Geoff Burke/Imagn Images)

The Rams will be the home team when they play in Melbourne, Australia, in 2026. They will play at Melbourne Cricket Ground, a venue that holds about 100,000 spectators, as part of a multiyear deal to have games in Australia.

“This is a big statement,” O’Reilly said. “Probably a few years ago, you may not have thought this was a reality. I’d say the commissioner, the 32 owners, there’s a commitment to become a true global sport property. That means expanding our footprint. That means going to different parts of the world and exposing more fans around the world, in this case fans in Australia and Melbourne, to our great sport.”

O’Reilly also said the game in Melbourne will likely be played in Week 1 to give teams as much time as possible to acclimate to the difference in time zones.

The NFL could play up to eight games internationally in 2025. London is hosting three of them, with the New York Jets and Cleveland Browns each being the home team for a game at Tottenham Hotspur stadium.

The Jets are also going to be the home team for a game at Wembley Stadium.

As international consumer markets go, Ireland would be by far the smallest that the NFL has entered so far.

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Super Bowl LIX will be streamed on Tubi. (Tubi)

The NFL is also considering having a team play back-to-back weeks in different European cities as it continues to try and expand the game globally.

The Kansas City Chiefs take on the Philadelphia Eagles in the Super Bowl Sunday at 6:30 p.m. ET on FOX.

FOX’s Super Bowl coverage begins at 1 p.m. ET Sunday. Coverage can be streamed live on Tubi for the first time.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Ryan Canfield is a digital production assistant for Fox News Digital.

February 7, 2025
Saints legend Drew Brees among many praising increased safety measures at Super Bowl LIX

NEW ORLEANS – The city of New Orleans started off 2025 in a tragic way, as a terror attack on its famous Bourbon Street killed 14 people and injured 57 others.

While the city, and the country for that matter, mourned together, it was only natural that many looked ahead to this week, Super Bowl LIX week, in the Big Easy.

How safe would the thousands be in this city just one month after the horrific attack?

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Military members and police guard a barricade on Bourbon Street prior to Super Bowl LIX. (Kirby Lee-Imagn Images)

Several former and current NFL stars spoke with Fox News Digital about how safe they feel being in New Orleans at the moment, and Drew Brees, the Super Bowl-winning quarterback of the Saints, explained what has been clear since this week began.

“You notice the law enforcement presence everywhere you go,” Brees said. “Every street that I’ve driven down, you feel the presence. I hope everybody feels safe. This is meant to be a celebration, it’s meant to be everybody coming together having a good time. Looking out for one another, but having a great time.

“I think that New Orleans, the NFL and everyone involved has done a phenomenal job. The state of Louisiana, Governor [Jeff] Landry, everyone’s done a phenomenal job to make sure everyone feels safe, relaxed and having a good time.”

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Brees’ Saints teammate Mark Ingram II reiterated his feeling of safety in the city he always loves coming back to, especially when football is involved.

Ingram spoke to the resilience of the people within this great city, and he firmly believes that no other place in the country could be safer right now.

“There’s no better place to be as far as safety right now than New Orleans,” he said. “There’s military out here with ARs like every block. Police, undercovers. I know what happened was tragic, and our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by that. Everyone was affected by it. But right now, the city has responded, and the NFL has responded. Walking around the city, there’s no safer place to be right now in America than right here in New Orleans.

“New Orleans is a resilient city. The people are resilient and strong, so kind and it’s always a blessing to come back to New Orleans, to a city that’s so important to me. It’s been a huge part of my life.”

New Orleans Police vehicles on Canal St. block the entrance to Bourbon St. (Kirby Lee-Imagn Images)

Green Bay Packers star Josh Jacobs added: “With everything that went on in this city, and in this world lately, I think that it’s an extreme importance to be able to feel safe and protected. The people out there on a day-by-day basis giving themselves and putting their bodies and lives on the line, they have the most gratitude and respect from me. I love what they’re doing.”

“When I got in last night, there’s a couple road blocks, the front of the hotel was blocked. It was like this was the most secure I’ve ever felt,” free agent receiver Braxton Berrios mentioned. “National Guard, military, police across all bases they have covered. Tremendous job by them, and we really appreciate it.”

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Secretary Kristi Noem said Monday the Department of Homeland Security has “no credible threats” on Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans.

New Orleans is expecting upwards of 125,000 visitors to converge on its city limits, where parties, concerts and other events will be happening throughout the week leading up to the game.

“We’re going above and beyond what we’ve seen in the past when we’ve hosted previously,” New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell said during a news conference. “We know we’re safer than we’ve ever been before.”

Louisiana State police motorcycle officers on Canal Street prior to Super Bowl LIX. (Kirby Lee-Imagn Images)

Safety will be at the forefront, with state, federal and local law enforcement officers with boots on the ground during the Super Bowl, Lanier said, though details about protocol were not disclosed.

Agencies including the FBI and Secret Service will be around the stadium and downtown New Orleans, according to DeLaune. They will include rooftop snipers, BearCat armored SWAT vehicles and more.

There will also be federal air marshals, who are armed, stationed around the city’s public transportation hubs scanning for suspicious people and activity, while also guarding against drones. There is a ban on drones around the Superdome and downtown New Orleans throughout the week and flight restrictions up to 18,000 feet, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

Super Bowl LIX will be streamed on Tubi. (Tubi)

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All the stops have been pulled out in terms of safety in the Big Easy, and it shows, no matter where you go.

President Donald Trump is also expected to be in New Orleans for the game on Sunday.

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Scott Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.

February 7, 2025
Drew Brees looking forward to Tom Brady’s FOX broadcast for Super Bowl LIX: ‘Going to do a great job’

NEW ORLEANS – New Orleans Saints legend Drew Brees is excited to watch the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles have a rematch in the Super Bowl, but he is also excited about who he will hear during that game.

Tom Brady, who shared some fun matchups against Brees throughout their illustrious careers, will be alongside play-by-play announcer Kevin Burkhardt calling the game on FOX as they have throughout the legendary quarterback’s inaugural season in the booth.

Brees spoke with Fox News Digital on Radio Row at Super Bowl LIX in the Big Easy, where he explained how much fun he has had listening to Brady this year.

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Tom Brady was the star of the show at the Netflix Is A Joke Fest, “The Greatest Roast Of All Time: Tom Brady.” (Monica Schipper/Getty Images)

“You can’t argue the knowledge base a guy like Tom Brady brings to the booth,” Brees said while also discussing his partnership with Aldi. “It’s fun to listen to him because obviously being right there alongside him from the perspective of playing the game as long as we did, you see the game, you process the game different.

“The way that you articulate certain situations, obviously what you’re thinking, maybe the way the offense is trying to attack the defense, or vice versa, there’s just a perspective and insight that exists with the guys who played the position in the current game. I think he’s going to do a great job.”

Brees knows the pressure that being in the broadcast booth can bring someone, even if it is a quarterback who has once played in front of thousands and millions more at home watching.

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He was in the booth himself a couple of seasons ago with NBC, though it came to an end after just one year alongside Mike Tirico.

While Brees may be looking to get back in the broadcast booth himself, he is enjoyed hearing Brady in his first season, and there is no bigger stage than what will be going down at the Caesars Superdome on Sunday.

Drew Brees stands on the sideline during the game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Dallas Cowboys at Raymond James Stadium on Sept. 9, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. (Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)

Both Super Bowl-winning quarterbacks know that all too well as players.

The game should provide some heated competition between these two teams who already saw each other in the “Big Game” just two seasons ago.

It was CBS’ Jim Nantz and Tony Romo on the call when a critical hold from Eagles cornerback James Bradberry on Chiefs receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster ultimately led to a game-winning field goal from Harrison Butker in a game that went back and forth throughout. It provided worlds of debate, highlight-reel plays and viral moments that many believe will happen again.

It is a different way to prepare for a Super Bowl for Brady this time, but his peers are looking forward to how he performs on this new side of the biggest stage in football.

GEARING UP FOR GAMEDAY WITH ALDI

While watching Brady, Brees knows the Super Bowl means having some good eats going on the grill and in the kitchen.

He teamed up with Aldi, who has up to 25% off some of the most popular food items that shoppers need for the “Big Game.”

Brees spoke about heading into Aldi to get those gameday essentials for his family, and he was blown away by the whole experience.

Super Bowl LIX will be streamed on Tubi. (Tubi)

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“I’ll be honest with you, it’s one of the cleanest, most inviting grocery stores I’ve ever been in to,” Brees explained. “My wife and I have been shopping there for a while. We couldn’t be more impressed, and obviously, the selection is the best.

“Whatever you’re doing on gameday with your friends and family, I know everybody likes wings, you got a plate of wings. Burgers, dogs, steaks, whatever it is. I know in the Brees household, gameday is the opportunity to gather as a family, cook up great food and play a little ball in the backyard while you’re watching the game.”

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Scott Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.

February 7, 2025
Luka Doncic trade has NFL stars dumbfounded at Super Bowl LIX: ‘It’s like trading Lamar’

NEW ORLEANS – It’s Super Bowl LIX week down in New Orleans, and all eyes are focused on the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles rematch in the “Big Game.”

But not all the talk is about football in the Big Easy because of what just went down in the NBA: Luka Doncic was traded to the Los Angeles Lakers.

A few NFL stars spoke to Fox News Digital about the trade, which left them flabbergasted as the Dallas Mavericks sent away their 25-year-old superstar guard.

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Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic is introduced at UCLA Health Training Center. (Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images)

“There’s no trade in history I feel like that really compares that type of trade,” Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs said. “A top three player in the NBA, 25 years old, is in the prime of his career – it’s literally that fan base’s face – to get traded for peanuts basically? I don’t think there’s nothing comparable to it.”

Jacobs mentioned Cleveland Browns star edge rusher Myles Garrett formally requesting a trade, and how it will be interesting to watch that play out. But it will only “ruffle some feathers” in Jacobs’ eyes.

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The Doncic trade did much more than that for the sports world, let alone the NBA.

Even some players who don’t watch basketball regularly couldn’t fathom the Mavericks moving on from the face of their franchise. Free agent receiver Braxton Berrios even thinks something must have gone down behind closed doors because of how buttoned up it was to the public.

Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic poses for photos with general manager Rob Pelinka and head coach JJ Redick at UCLA Health Training Center. (Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images)

“When that came up, my buddy had my phone and he goes, ‘You’ll never believe what just happened.’ I was like, ‘What?’ Luka had just gotten traded,” Berrios recalled. “I think it’s insane, there has to be a backstory there we’re not knowing, because you don’t trade the cornerstone of your franchise. Obviously, the fallout of the season tickets now, and they’re offering refunds and credits. That’s a bad deal.”

Is there even a comparison to the Doncic trade within the NFL? Atlanta Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. said something football fans wouldn’t fathom happening to prove his point about how “crazy” the trade was.

“That’s like trading Lamar [Jackson], that’s trading Pat [Mahomes]. It’s crazy,” Penix said, laughing.

Some thought the trade wasn’t even real when it went down, but it became official with Dallas getting All-Star center Anthony Davis, reserve guard Max Christie and a 2029 first-round pick in return.

Super Bowl LIX will be streamed on Tubi. (Tubi)

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The Mavericks believe that this move, despite how shocking it was, will help them now and into the future. Meanwhile, the Lakers have a new dynamic duo with LeBron James and Doncic, a pair no one thought would be sharing a court together other than in an All-Star Game.

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Scott Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.

February 7, 2025
FOX Sports’ NFL rules analyst Mike Pereira weighs in on ref controversy ahead of Super Bowl LIX

The conspiracy about NFL referees helping the Kansas City Chiefs has been one of the main conversation topics leading up to Super Bowl LIX.

FOX Sports rules analyst and former vice president of officiating for the NFL, Mike Pereira, joined “Fox & Friends” on Friday to weigh in on the discussion.

“I mean I think I would say what [NFL Commissioner] Roger Goodell said, which I try not to use harsh words. I understand why they think that, because the numbers point that different and the iffy calls seem to have gone the Chiefs way, but to think that there is intent is really ridiculous and that’s the term that Roger used,” Pereira said.

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Fox Sports College and NFL rules expert Mike Pereira during a Fox Sports media party in advance of Super Bowl LIX. (Stephen Lew-Imagn Images)

“The officials are out just to manage the game, and they have to make decisions in one 26th of a second, and so they don’t have time to factor in who made the foul, what color the team is. And so really, I understand the concern but it really won’t affect the way they officiate this weekend.”

Pereira said the Chiefs were a great team and that they teach penalty prevention to their players. Their number of false starts is less, and penalties of that ilk the team works on eliminating.

Pereira talked about how NFL teams will prepare for crews, but it is a little bit different to prepare for the Super Bowl crew.

“You know this is different too, because teams do prepare for crews, but this is not a crew, this is an all-star crew. So they’ve come from seven different crews, so it’s kind of impossible to judge where they might lean,” Pereira said.

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NFL referee Ron Torbert during the Cincinnati Bengals game against the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl LVI at SoFi Stadium. (Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports)

Ron Torbert will be the head referee for Super Bowl LIX. He also was the lead referee for Super LVI, when the Los Angeles Rams beat the Cincinnati Bengals.

The umpire is Mike Morton, Max Causey is the down judge, Mark Stewart is the line judge, Mearl Robison is the field judge, Boris Cheek the side judge, Jonah Monroe the back judge and Kevin Brown is the replay official.

Cheek is the only other official with Super Bowl experience other than Torbert, as he has officiated in three other Super Bowls.

With so many referees in the NFL, Pereira said it was hard to expect exact consistency across all calls.

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Referee Carl Cheffers puts his hand on the back of Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, #15, in the first quarter of the AFC Championship game between the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs on Jan. 26, 2025 at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. (Scott Winters/Icon Sportswire)

“Look, the parity in terms of number of fouls called this year is closer than I think I’ve ever seen it before. But you have different, you have 128 people, they don’t have the same judgment. So it’s hard to teach consistency or to expect consistency all the way through.”

There is one thing Pereira wants to see from the officials in the big game.

“All I care is, you know what, is that they call in the fourth quarter the same way they call the way in the first quarter.”

With that being said, Pereira said he does not want to talk during the broadcast at all.

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Super Bowl LIX will be streamed on Tubi. (Tubi)

“I hope you don’t hear me, I hope you don’t see me! If I don’t mumble a word then that mean’s there is not a controversy,” Pereira said.

The Kansas City Chiefs take on the Philadelphia Eagles in the Super Bowl on Sunday at 6:30 p.m. ET on FOX, where the officiating will be closely monitored.

FOX’s Super Bowl coverage begins at 1 p.m. ET Sunday. Coverage can be streamed live on Tubi for the first time.

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Ryan Canfield is a digital production assistant for Fox News Digital.

February 7, 2025
Fairfield’s Deon Perry nails incredible 70-foot game-winning shot to beat rival Marist

Fairfield guard Deon Perry called game – from the parking lot.

Fairfield and Marist were tied 56-56 with 1.1 seconds remaining in the second half on Thursday night at Leo D. Mahoney Arena at Fairfield University.

Fairfield’s Michael Rogan was inbounding the ball from under his own basket, with the Stags needing some kind of miracle to prevent overtime.

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Fairfield guard Deon Perry is mobbed by teammates after hitting miraculous game-winning shot. (Olivia Frzop/Fairfield University Athletics)

Rogan found Perry, who came crashing back towards Rogan to receive the pass.

Perry turned around, took one dribble and launched a prayer from about 70-feet out.

The ball hit nothing but net.

Pandemonium ensued as Perry was mobbed by teammates and fans who stormed the court.

Perry was hoisted into the air on top of his teammates’ shoulders while referees tried restoring order to the place, frantically blowing their whistles.

It was a fitting end to a game that was tied 11 different times with 10 lead changes, as it was back and forth all night long between the Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference rivals.

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Fairfield guard Deon Perry celebrates with teammates after hitting improbable game-winning shot. (Olivia Frzop/Fairfield University Athletics)

Perry only played 19 minutes in the Stags’ 59-56 win, but he led the team in scoring with 19 points on 6-14 shooting. He was the only Fairfield player to be in double-figures in scoring.

Jamie Bergens and Prophet Johnson each had nine points in the win, while Peyton Smith added eight points of his own for Fairfield.

For Marist, Josh Pascarelli and Jadin Collins-Roberts lead the way. Pascarelli scored 15 points on 6-13 shooting while Collins-Roberts added 10 points in the loss for the Red Foxes.

Perry’s miracle game-winner handed Marist only their second loss in MAAC play, and their fourth loss overall on the season.

Marist dropped to 16-4 (9-2 in the MAAC) with the heartbreaking loss to Fairfield and will look to bounce back against Iona on Saturday at 7 p.m. ET.

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Fairfield improved to 9-14 (5-7 in the MAAC) and will look to carry their momentum when they host cross-town rival Sacred Heart at 7 p.m. Saturday.

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Ryan Canfield is a digital production assistant for Fox News Digital.

February 7, 2025
Ex-Cowboys star Dez Bryant predicts team won’t see success under new head coach Brian Schottenheimer

Former Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant was brutally honest this week when asked about his former team’s choice for new head coach, saying he believes the team will not be successful under first-year head coach Brian Schottenheimer.

Bryant, who spent the majority of his NFL career in Dallas from 2010 to 2017, did not appear to be sold on Schottenheimer, who took over for Mike McCarthy after spending two seasons as offensive coordinator.

FILE – Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant (88) celebrates his fourth-quarter touchdown with teammates including guard Jonathan Cooper (64) against Washington at AT&T Stadium on Nov. 30, 2017. (Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports)

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“I’m an energy person,” Bryant told Yahoo Sports ahead of Super Bowl LIX.

“I don’t know the coach, so I can’t say he’s gonna do good – I can’t wish good or bad on him. But my energy is telling me that it won’t be successful. I just think it’s going to be too much for him.”

Schottenheimer, 51, takes over amid much speculation. Despite a lengthy career as an assistant coach, next season will be his first at the helm. But during his introductory press conference with owner Jerry Jones, Schottenheimer explained that he was finally ready for the job.

Dallas Cowboys Head Coach Brian Schottenheimer and owner Jerry Jones speak to the media at a press conference at the Star on Jan. 27, 2025. (Tim Heitman-Imagn Images)

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“I’ve had some opportunities when I was a much younger man, that I didn’t feel like I was ready,” Schottenheimer said. “I’m ready now. I know what I want. I know what it looks like.”

But Bryant believes there are outside factors that Schottenheimer might not be prepared for.

“I think it’s bigger than him just being the head coach. I don’t think he can deal with the scrutiny of the fans, you get what I’m saying? Us Cowboys fans, us Texans – we love our football. We’re ready to win. Cowboys ain’t won a Super Bowl since the ’90s. I was a fan playing for the hometown team, so I get it.”

COWBOYS STAR MICAH PARSONS REVEALS PLAN IF HE DOESN’T HAVE NEW CONTRACT BY TRAINING CAMP

Former Dallas Cowboys player Dez Bryant before the game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on Sept. 26, 2022. (Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports)

“I don’t see success,” he added.

Bryant also noted that the offseason coaching pool had several coaching candidates he believes would’ve been a better fit in Dallas.

“There were guys that could take this team to the next level, and I feel like we let it slip though our fingers to have a shot at success.”

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Schottenheimer becomes the seventh coach since the last time the Cowboys reached an NFC championship game — in the 1995 season on the way to their fifth Super Bowl title. He replaced McCarthy, who parted ways with the organization after three straight 12-5 seasons.

Super Bowl LIX will be streamed on Tubi. (Tubi)

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The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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February 7, 2025
NFL great Brett Favre praises Trump for taking action to protect women’s sports

Hall of Fame quarterback Brett Favre praised President Donald Trump on Thursday after he signed an executive order this week effectively banning transgender athletes from competing in girls’ and women’s sports.

Trump signed the “Keeping Men Out of Women’s Sports” order on Wednesday, which will require entities that receive federal funding to align with Title IX, which the Trump administration changed last week to recognize protections on the basis of biological sex – undoing former President Joe Biden’s 2024 rewrite.

President Donald Trump speaks as he signs documents in the Oval Office at the White House in Washington, D.C., on Feb. 4, 2025. (REUTERS/Elizabeth Frantz/File Photo)

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“I appreciate President @realDonaldTrump signing an initiative to keep biological boys from competing against females,” Favre said in a post on X of the executive order. “It’s sad that this had to happen in this day and age, but glad it was done.”

Favre also thanked Gaines, who hosts OutKick’s “Gaines for Girls” podcast, for “being part of this initiative to help push this forward.”

Former Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre takes the stage during a campaign rally for then-Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump on Wednesday, Oct. 30, 2024, at the Resch Center in Ashwaubenon, Wisconsin. (Tork Mason/USA TODAY NETWORK-Wisconsin)

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Surrounded by female athletes, Trump declared at the signing ceremony that “the war on women’s sports is over.”

In response to the executive order, NCAA President Charlie Baker said the Board of Governors would review it and take steps to align the organization’s policy in the coming days.

“The NCAA is an organization made up of 1,100 colleges and universities in all 50 states that collectively enroll more than 530,000 student-athletes,” the statement read.

BRETT FAVRE SPEAKS OUT ON BILL TO KEEP TRANS ATHLETES OUT OF WOMEN’S SPORTS: ‘CLEAR BIOLOGICAL DIFFERENCE’

“We strongly believe that clear, consistent and uniform eligibility standards would best serve today’s student-athletes instead of a patchwork of conflicting state laws and court decisions. To that end, President Trump’s order provides a clear, national standard.”

NCAA President Charlie Baker gives a television interview during the game between the UCLA Bruins and the South Carolina Gamecocks in the Sweet 16 round of the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament at Bon Secours Wellness Arena on March 25, 2023 in Greenville, South Carolina. (Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

Trump has also turned his attention to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) ahead of the 2028 Games in Los Angeles.

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The pressure comes amid an impending leadership change at the IOC. Current President Thomas Bach is due to retire and the top candidate to replace him, Sebastian Coe, has spoken publicly about his position to protect women’s sports.

Fox News’ Ryan Gaydos and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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February 7, 2025
LSU alum Jayden Daniels reflects on ‘full-circle moment’ of returning to Louisiana after stellar rookie year

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NEW ORLEANS – Jayden Daniels wishes he was in New Orleans to gear up for the Super Bowl, not a press tour.

However, the state of Louisiana is where he called home for two years and became a star at LSU, so he is taking it all in. The Baton Rogue campus is just 80 miles away from Bourbon Street, and it is a “full-circle moment” for Daniels.

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Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels, #5, celebrates a touchdown against the Detroit Lions during the second half of an NFL football divisional playoff game on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025 in Detroit. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

“Being here for two years, now we’re back here, I wanted to be back here playing in the Super Bowl, but it’s awesome man. Just being here, it’s a full-circle for us, for sure,” Daniels said in a recent interview with Fox News Digital.

It is also much more special for Daniels that the city is hosting the big game less than six weeks after the New Year’s terror attack.

“Obviously, it was a tragedy. You never want to see that happen,” Daniels added. “But it’s been awesome man, a great city to host an event like this. I love it out here. I’m happy they were able to do this.”

Daniels is in the Big Easy with his mother, which makes the full-circle moment even that much more complete. The two have teamed up with Invisalign to help fans build confidence with their smiles.

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels, #5, waves to the crowd after an overtime victory over the Atlanta Falcons during an NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024 in Landover, Maryland. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)

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With Daniels being back home after his rookie season, it is hard not to feel confident.

“It’s been awesome. I pride myself on my smile. I had braces growing up, so just being able to enhance your smile even more, you always gotta keep a good set of teeth on you,” Daniels said.

Daniels is making the trip to the NFL Honors on Thursday in New Orleans, where he was named the Offensive Rookie of the Year.

He came up short in the NFC Championship, but with a bright future ahead of him, it is easy to realize that the Washington Commanders have big goals in mind.

So, how can they do it?

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“We gotta take it one day at a time. Can’t really think about getting back, because you get caught up in different stuff,” Daniels said. “For us, just go out there, whoever we have, we have the standard set that this is who we want to be, this is the Commander team, we are the brand. Whoever comes in, we gotta hold them to that standard.”

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February 7, 2025
Hall of Famer Jerome Bettis crowns ‘prototype’ Saquon Barkley as the ‘best running back’ in NFL

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NEW ORLEANS – Jerome Bettis might know a thing or two about success in the backfield.

A two-time All-Pro, six-time Pro Bowl running back, and Super Bowl champion, Bettis was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2015.

Saquon Barkley is now well on his way to a gold jacket himself after becoming the ninth player to rush for 2,000 yards in a single season, and because of that historic performance, Bettis said no one is ahead of Barkley at the moment.

“I think Saquon Barkley is the best running back in the NFL right now. He’s special,” Bettis said in a recent interview with Fox News Digital. “He can do everything that you want a running back to do – catch it in the backfield, catch it deep, catch it in the flat, run for a first down, run for power, he can break it anywhere on the field. This guy is the ultimate running back.

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Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) runs with the ball for a touchdown against the Washington Commanders during the first half in the NFC Championship game at Lincoln Financial Field. (Eric Hartline-Imagn Images)

“He’s the prototype – if you draw up what a running back should be, it’s Saquon Barkley.”

Barkley, of course, was drafted second overall by the New York Giants in 2018. After spending six seasons there, the new regime opted to let him go, and it’s been a nightmare for Big Blue ever since.

To rub salt in the wound, Barkley will now suit up for the Birds in the Super Bowl on Sunday.

The big game was once “bittersweet” for “The Bus” Shortly after winning his title, he lost his father at the age of 61 to a heart attack. Perhaps maybe the best moment of his life was almost immediately followed by the worst, but Bettis is now able to fully “understand the importance of this game” and take it all in.

So, Bettis, like Barkley, is in New Orleans this year to spread awareness about heart health, teaming up with the CDC Foundation’s “Live to the Beat” campaign in efforts to keep people from a life cut short like his dad.

Running back Jerome Bettis #36 of the Pittsburgh Steelers runs with the football against the Denver Broncos during the 1997 season AFC Championship game at Three Rivers Stadium on January 11, 1998 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Broncos defeated the Steelers 24-21. (George Gojkovich/Getty Images)

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“The whole idea is to get people to understand and see that heart health is important, and they can do small things to change what that heart health will be in the future,” he said. “The quality of life, everything that goes with it. Small changes to your diet, taking a little bit of sugar out of that diet, working out, going for a walk on a daily basis, just small things that can really encourage heart health.

“Looking at my mortality, I‘m 52, so I’m saying to myself I’ve got to make sure I’m doing some of those things that helps me so that I’m not a victim of a heart attack or high blood pressure, a stroke, those type of issues that come with poor heart health. I’m making sure people hear my story, and maybe they’re inspired to make a change.”

NFL players don’t go into the Hall of Fame representing a team like baseball players do, but if that were the case, it would be hard to argue that Barkley wouldn’t have an Eagles helmet if they win this title, Bettis said.

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“He’s done something no Eagle has ever done, run for 2,000 yards, and has a chance to give them another championship. He would be cemented in the legacy of the Philadelphia Eagles,” he said. “If you talk about the history of the Eagles, you cannot not mention Saquon Barkley.”

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February 7, 2025