Happy New Year 2025

Tag: pro

Peyton Manning’s son impresses NFL stars at Pro Bowl Games: ‘The future’

The NFL’s most famous football family is poised to expand its footprint in the professional ranks when Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning finally declares for the draft.

And there appears to be another Manning waiting in the wings after Arch – Peyton’s son, Marshall. The younger Manning was seen throwing the football around to some NFL stars while they were at the Pro Bowl Games.

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Former Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning with his son Marshall before the game against the Cleveland Browns at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, Dec. 2, 2024. (Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images)

Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor described him as “the future” in a video posted to the Colts’ social media account. Manning threw passes into the end zone to Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase among others who were gathered in Orlando, Florida, for the game.

“Marshall Manning, man, the future right here,” he said. “You are all seeing it at the 2025 NFL Pro Bowl Games. The future’s right here.”

HOW TO WATCH SUPER BOWL LIX BETWEEN CHIEFS, EAGLES STREAMED ON TUBI

Arch is the son of Peyton’s older brother Cooper, making him and Marshall cousins.

AFC coach Peyton Manning, talks to players before the flag football event at the NFL Pro Bowl, Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025, in Orlando. (AP Photo/Chris O’Meara)

Peyton and Cooper are the sons of Archie Manning, the former New Orleans Saints quarterback. He played about 11 years for the Saints as well as the Houston Oilers and Minnesota Vikings. His three sons, including Eli, all played football in some capacity.

Cooper was never able to play pro football, but Peyton and Eli both starred in the NFL. Each won two Super Bowl titles before they retired.

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

Eli Manning was named a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first time on the ballot. Peyton is already a Hall of Famer.

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Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.

February 2, 2025
WWE is ‘driving pop culture,’ pro wrestling legend Paul Heyman says

WWE had a stranglehold on the pro wrestling world for more than 12 months, as Paul “Triple” Levesque, the company’s chief content officer, introduced a new era into the company.

Cody Rhodes finished his story and opened up a new path as Undisputed WWE champion; Roman Reigns lost his title and had to deal with an insurgency in his Bloodline; Rhea Ripley and Liv Morgan began a monthslong feud that saw the Women’s World Championship change hands a few times; Tiffany Stratton injected a youth movement into the women’s division with her Money in the Bank win and subsequent cash-in all the while the company welcomed a whole host of new faces to the main and development rosters.

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Tiffany Stratton became the WWE Women’s Champion on “Friday Night SmackDown” on Jan. 3, 2025 after she cashed in her Money in the Bank contract. (Dylan Azari / Special to the Telegram & Gazette / USA TODAY NETWORK / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

Those were just the achievements in the ring. WWE debuted on Netflix and partnered with multiple brands, including Hulk Hogan’s Real American Beer, NBA, NHL and Cosm, as well as a multi-year partnership with TNA Wrestling to showcase talent on each other’s brands.

It is only scratching the surface as WWE begins WrestleMania season – akin to the Super Bowl – over the next few days. It will begin with the Royal Rumble on Saturday to determine the next superstars who will get shots at the men’s and women’s championships respectively.

WWE Hall of Famer Paul Heyman acknowledged the hot streak the company has been on as of late, suggesting to Variety it has transcended pop culture.

“We’re no longer a boutique industry,” he told the outlet. “We’re not on the fringe. We’re driving pop culture now, and with the fact that Roman Reigns is the undisputed top box office attraction, the number one star in the entire industry, and his Wiseman, are driving these cultural phenomenon, I would suggest the youth of this world is in very good hands right now.”

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Roman Reigns, left, celebrates with special counsel Paul Heyman after defeating Brock Lesnar and unifying the WWE Championship and the Universal Championship during WrestleMania at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, on April 3, 2022. (Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports)

To underscore that point, WWE has seen celebrities from all corners flock to WWE events.

Matthew McConaughey, Kai Cenat, Gabriel Iglesias, Danielle Fishel, Vanessa Hudgens, Quavo and others have been seen in the stands. Not to mention, Jason Kelce and Lane Johnson appeared at WrestleMania 40, and NBA stars Jalen Brunson and Tyrese Haliburton mocked their on-court rivalry in the ring after the playoffs last year.

Hudgens explained to Fox News Digital her fandom goes above and beyond. She never misses a “Monday Night Raw” and plans to watch on Netflix every week.

Saturday kicks off the road to WrestleMania with the Royal Rumble, which is followed by the Elimination Chamber in March. Fans should have a decent idea about what the WrestleMania 41 main events will look like by spring.

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WWE Royal Rumble wrestling signage goes up to promote the upcoming event on Wednesday, Jan 29, 2025 in Indianapolis. (Michelle Pemberton/IndyStar / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images)

WrestleMania 41 will take place in Las Vegas on April 19 and 20.

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Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.

January 29, 2025
Former NFL star J.J. Watt has strong words for Pro Bowl after numerous players drop out

J.J. Watt was selected to the Pro Bowl five times, and the game, during his playing days, marked the beginning of the end of the game we once knew.

In recent years, the Pro Bowl has become practically unwatchable, prompting the NFL to change the format from a typical all-star game to a skills competition.

The “Pro Bowl Games” now consist of a flag football game, dodgeball and other competitions.

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J.J. Watt of the Houston Texans and Team Sanders during the 2014 Pro Bowl at Aloha Stadium Jan. 26, 2014, in Honolulu (Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)

This year, numerous players have backed out of the Pro Bowl for multiple reasons. On Tuesday, it was revealed Jayden Daniels, Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson will all sit out.

Typically, players who make the Super Bowl won’t make the trip because they have bigger things on their mind. It’s not uncommon for players who came up short in the Super Bowl to participate in the Pro Bowl.

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After numerous reserves were announced Tuesday, Watt voiced his displeasure.

J.J. Watt of the Houston Texans and the AFC warms up before the 2013 Pro Bowl against the NFC at Aloha Stadium Jan. 27, 2013, in Honolulu. (Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)

“When you get 5 alternates deep, just call it the Participation Bowl,” he wrote on X Tuesday.

Twenty-four players are replacing original selections.

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Allen and Jackson both cited injuries, as did Amon-Ra St. Brown, who was eliminated in the divisional round of the playoffs. Eleven players replaced members of the Philadelphia Eagles (six) and Kansas City Chiefs (five) since the two teams face off in the Super Bowl in New Orleans Feb. 9.

Eighty-two players were initially selected for the Pro Bowl, 41 on each team. With alternate selections, there are 106 Pro Bowlers this season.

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

The Pro Bowl Games run Thursday through Sunday in Orlando, Florida.

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January 29, 2025
3 star QBs, including top MVP candidates, will skip Pro Bowl Games after failing to make Super Bowl

The NFL was on a quest to find replacements for next weekend’s Pro Bowl Games after three stars opted out.

Normally, those who do not make the Super Bowl will head to the Pro Bowl.

But three playoff quarterbacks will be staying home this year.

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The Pro Bowl logo on the field at Camping World Stadium before the start of the 2018 Pro Bowl between the AFC and NFC Jan. 28, 2018, in Orlando, Fla. (Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)

Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen and Jayden Daniels have all opted out.

Jackson’s Baltimore Ravens fell to Allen’s Buffalo Bills, 27-25, in the divisional round. Allen again lost to the Kansas City Chiefs in the playoffs and is now 0-4 against them in the postseason.

Daniels and the Washington Commanders were walloped by the Philadelphia Eagles, 55-23, in the NFC title game.

Josh Allen, left, of the Buffalo Bills and Lamar Jackson of the Baltimore Ravens embrace after a game at M&T Bank Stadium Sept. 29, 2024, in Baltimore. (G Fiume/Getty Images)

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New England Patriots rookie Drake Maye is replacing Jackson on the AFC roster, Pittsburgh’s Russell Wilson is filling in for Allen and Tampa Bay’s Baker Mayfield was selected to fill Daniels’ spot.

Bills running back James Cook was named as a replacement for Derrick Henry of the Ravens. Buffalo center Connor McGovern was also tabbed as a replacement.

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels throws a pass against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half Jan. 5, 2025, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Jerome Miron)

Jackson and Allen figure to be the top two finishers in the NFL MVP voting. It’s likely they’ll be in New Orleans next week, but not for the reason they had hoped.

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

The Pro Bowl Games run Thursday through Sunday in Orlando, Florida, and include skills competitions and a flag football game, replacing a game between the NFC and AFC that had b become practically unwatchable.

January 29, 2025
Broncos star Pat Surtain II earns high praise from Pro Football Hall of Famer Champ Bailey

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Denver Broncos star cornerback Pat Surtain II was named as one of the finalists for AP Defensive Player of the Year for the 2024 season.

Surtain, who wrapped up his fourth season in the NFL, put up his best year yet. He had four interceptions, 45 tackles and 11 pass breakups. He returned the interceptions for 132 yards, which included his 100-yard interception return for a touchdown. It was a league-leading stat.

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Denver Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II, #2, gestures after a play in the third quarter against the Indianapolis Colts at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver on Dec. 15, 2024. (Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images)

The young Broncos player caught the attention of fellow Broncos great Champ Bailey even before he came into the league. Bailey, who spoke to Fox News Digital on behalf of Trulieve, said he saw a little bit of himself in Surtain but thinks Surtain is better setup for the pros.

“A little bit. I think he’s far ahead of me as far as his demeanor, his professionalism, his technique,” he said. “When he came into the league, you could tell he was going to be good right away. It was just more, ‘OK, can he sustain his success? Can he stay healthy?’

“Those are the things that are really unknown to an NFL player’s career – the health side of it, which is huge. And he’s been able to do that and play consistently. I always knew if he strapped them up, he’s going to be one of the best no matter what because of how he approaches the game.”

Bailey has high hopes for Surtain’s career.

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Champ Bailey partnered with Truelieve. (Truelieve)

“He looks like a 10-year vet playing like a guy in his prime,” he said. “The sky’s the limit for him. I told people when he was drafted, he’s on a Hall of Fame path. It’s all about his good health. If he stays healthy, he will be a Hall of Famer and, hopefully, he’ll be Defensive Player of the Year this year. Definitely pulling for that.”

The Defensive Player of the Year nominees list is stacked.

Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Zack Baun, Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett, Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson and Pittsburgh Steelers pass rusher T.J. Watt were also named as finalists.

Stream Super Bowl LIX for free on Tubi. (Tubi)

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Surtain earned his third Pro Bowl selection and his second First-Team All-Pro selection this season.

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January 26, 2025
Eli Manning says Peyton Manning trying to ‘steal’ 2025 Pro Bowl playbook

For the third consecutive year, the Manning brothers will return as head coaches and go head-to-head in an action-packed Pro Bowl weekend, featuring star offensive and defensive players from the AFC and NFC.

Peyton Manning, two-time Super Bowl champion and arguably one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time, will coach the AFC. Eli Manning, two-time Super Bowl champion who infamously beat Tom Brady to win both games, will coach the 2025 Pro Bowl’s NFC team.

“Peyton kind of keeps trying to steal my strategies,” Eli told Fox News Digital. “He keeps trying to steal my playbook.”

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Former NFL players Peyton Manning, left, and Eli Manning are going head-to-head for a third consecutive year as head coaches for the 2025 Pro Bowl between the AFC and the NFC. (Harry How/Getty Images)

Last year, Eli’s NFC squad triumphed against Peyton’s AFC roundup in a final 64-59.

In 2023, Eli beat Peyton 35-33.

“It’s been a lot of fun coaching the Pro Bowl these last two years,” Eli said. “Especially beating Peyton these last two years.”

The sibling rivalry is clearly alive and well in the Manning family, as Eli pointed the finger at Peyton for lacking the necessary skills to beat him, especially with regard to the game’s skills challenges.

“He didn’t think about, and he didn’t really worry about, the skill challenges last year,” Eli told Fox News Digital. “He was all worried about the playbook and the X’s and O’s on the field where we just dominated him in the skills.

BILL BELICHICK BACKS ELI MANNING’S HALL OF FAME PURSUIT

“Peyton’s not good at dodgeball. Peyton’s not good at ping pong. He’s not good at pool,” Eli said. “All he did was play football growing up, so he never learned any other skill. He didn’t know how to coach the players in some of those skills.”

Eli touted his superior past of playing tug-of-war as one of his many advantages against his brother.

“I almost went pro in tug-of-war years ago,” Eli said.

The youngest Manning brother added that Peyton’s preparation includes studying and consulting with experts for the skills challenges, a relay race and dodgeball, among others.

“I’ve just got to really rely on my instincts and, in my experience, playing flag football,” Eli said of his own strategy.

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Former NFL Superbowl-winning quarterbacks Peyton Manning and Eli Manning, right, talk prior to the SEC Championship game between the LSU Tigers and the Georgia Bulldogs at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Dec. 3, 2022 in Atlanta. (Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

Above all else, Eli said he is excited to arrive in Orlando, Florida, and celebrate a season of successful football.

“That’s what this is all about,” he said. “All of these guys had unbelievable seasons.”

Travis Kelce, Josh Allen, Joe Burrow, Myles Garrett, Cameron Heyward and Joe Thuney are among the AFC team’s headliners who earned their spot on the roster.

Jared Goff, Kyle Juszczyk, George Kittle, Lane Johnson, Nick Bosa and Justin Jefferson are among the NFC athletes set to deliver a riveting flag-football performance on Sunday, Feb. 2, at Camping World Stadium in Orlando.

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“I watch these guys every Sunday competing on the AFC and NFC side,” Eli said. “To get to know them a bit, to get to hang out with them and see their personalities off the field is what I look forward to the most.”

In partnership with Knob Creek, Eli launched a single barrel bourbon, Eli Manning’s 2025 Bold Pick, just in time for the Pro Bowl and Super Bowl LIX.

“I got to go down to Kentucky and hand pick this bourbon,” Eli told Fox News Digital.

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Gabriele Regalbuto is a Senior Editor of SEO at Fox News Digital. Gabriele has a Journalism and Communications degree from West Virginia University. She has worked to produce content for newspapers, magazines, and digital platforms. At Fox, she has assisted in coverage of breaking news events including the 2024 presidential cycle, 2022 midterm elections, Queen Elizabeth II’s death, the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.

January 25, 2025
Trump names Australian pro basketball team owner as New Zealand, Samoa ambassador

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Hudson River Swim founder and retired Navy SEAL Bill Brown joins ‘Fox & Friends Weekend’ to discuss the plan to gather veterans in Washington for Tuesday’s secretary of defense confirmation hearing.

President Donald Trump announced on Friday that Australian basketball Illawarra Hawks majority owner Jared Novelly will serve as the next U.S. ambassador to New Zealand and the Independent State of Samoa.

Trump described Novelly as a “highly respected philanthropist” in an announcement on Truth Social.

TRUMP NOMINATES PENNY SCHWINN FOR DEPUTY SECRETARY OF US DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION

Illawarra Hawks owner Jared Novelly is seen in the crowd during the round five NBL match between Cairns Taipans and Illawarra Hawks at Cairns Convention Centre, in Cairns, Australia. (Emily Barker/Getty Images)

Novelly serves as chairman of Crest Sports and Entertainment and Crest Management.

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He is also an East Asia Superleague Basketball shareholder, according to his LinkedIn profile.

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“He will fight hard to protect our Nation’s interests in the Indo-Pacific, and always put AMERICA FIRST,” Trump wrote. “Congratulations Jared!”

Alexandra Koch is a breaking news writer for Fox News Digital. Prior to joining Fox News, Alexandra covered breaking news, crime, religion, and the military in the southeast.

January 25, 2025