Happy New Year 2025

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WWE star Roxanne Perez looks to make history in match for NXT Women’s Championship at Vengeance Day
Roxanne Perez will have a chance at history on Saturday night when she takes part in a fatal four-way match for the NXT Women’s Championship at Vengeance Day.

Fresh off a Royal Rumble where she rewrote the record books by being the longest-lasting competitor, Perez will compete against defending champion Giulia, Bayley and Cora Jade to become the first three-time NXT women’s champion in the brand’s history. The only other two-time champions were Charlotte Flair and Shayna Baszler before they were called up to the main roster.

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Roxanne Perez is shown during the WWE Royal Rumble at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis on Feb. 1, 2025. (Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images)

NXT general manager Ava Raine made the title match a fatal four-way after Jade’s win over Bayley on the final show before Vengeance Day. Perez told Fox News Digital in a recent interview she was “upset” that Raine cut her chances of possibly making history but was “focused” on the ultimate goal.

Perez and Bayley have feuded in recent weeks, and it came to a head when the young women’s superstar dressed up as one of Bayley’s older gimmicks just to be a thorn in her side.

“It’s so much fun,” Perez said. “Did you see the look on her face when I came out as her little old ‘Hugger’ Bayley? I think I got to her. She may have got me after, but I think I definitely got to her. But it’s been very fun.”

The 23-year-old said going up against Bayley was a dream that she had thought about since she was younger.

“I feel like I kind of manifested this since I was a kid. In the past few years, I’ve been saying I want to step in the ring with Bayley. She’s one of my dream opponents, dream matches,” she said. “But now I’m finally realizing I got to prove to her that ‘The Prodigy’ is just a little better, it’s way, way better.”

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Roxanne Perez regained the NXT Women’s Championship at Stand & Deliver 2024. (WWE)

Perez won the NXT Women’s Championship for the first time on Dec. 13, 2022, and held it for 108 days before she lost a six-way ladder match at NXT Stand & Deliver 2023. She regained the title at Stand & Deliver 2024 against Lyra Valkyria.

Giulia defeated Perez at New Year’s Evil back in 2025 as the former Stardom and Marigold star made her impact felt on NXT.

Perez explained to Fox News Digital what having the NXT Women’s Championship meant to her.

“Means everything to me,” she said. “I think winning it the first time, I definitely solidified myself as one of the best wrestlers that WWE has. I solidified myself as ‘The Prodigy.’ And it was the first title I won in WWE, my first singles title. Every single thing, every hurdle, every hard thing that I went through to get here, that proved to me that every single thing was worth it.

“I don’t think that there’s one girl on that roster that loves that title more than me, that wants the title more than me. So, that’s exactly why I’m going to become a three-time NXT women’s champion, and I’m going to take the women’s championship straight to RAW, straight to SmackDown, and maybe, if I decide to vacate it, somebody else will have a chance. But I don’t know. I think it belongs to me. Giulia’s just holding it for now.”

Here’s how the rest of the card will shape up to be:
- Obama Femi vs. Austin Theory vs. Grayson Waller for NXT Championship
- Fallon Henley vs. Stephanie Vaquer for NXT North American Championship
- Trick Williams vs. Eddy Thorpe in a strap match
- Nathan Frazer & Axiom vs. Josh Briggs & Yoshiki Inamura for NXT Tag Team Championship
- Je’Von Evans vs. Ethan Page in a singles match
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Ivy Nile and Chelsea Green and Roxanne Perez during the Women’s Royal Rumble at Lucas Oil Stadium. (Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images)

Vengeance Day will take place in Washington, D.C., starting at 6 p.m. ET.

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Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.
February 14, 2025
Eagles star Saquon Barkley ready to embrace loyal fan base during Super Bowl parade: ‘Expecting a party’

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Saquon Barkley had just finished up his rookie season with the New York Giants and wasn’t at all focused on the Philadelphia Eagles’ first-ever Super Bowl victory parade in the City of Brotherly Love in February 2019.

Seven years later, Barkley was a catalyst in the Eagles beating the Kansas City Chiefs to win Sunday’s Super Bowl in his first year with the franchise. And he’ll be one of the players every fan in the streets of Philadelphia wants to see during Friday’s parade.

The parade, which kicks off at 11 a.m. ET at the Sports Complex and ends with a ceremony on the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, is expected to be even bigger than the parade in February 2019, when Jason Kelce entertained a crowd in a Mummers costume.

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Eagles fans cheering for Saquon Barkley and Raising Cane’s founder Todd Graves in Trevose, Pa., Feb. 13, 2025. (Raising Cane’s)

Barkley got a small taste of what to expect Friday when he made an appearance Thursday at Raising Cane’s in Trevose, Pennsylvania, alongside the chicken chain’s founder, Todd Graves. Eagles fans were lined up as early as 5 a.m. to see and thank Barkley for bringing the Lombardi Trophy back to the city.

Speaking with reporters, Barkley acknowledged he wasn’t sure what to expect as he travels around Philadelphia, but he knows it’ll be a party to remember.

“Philly fans have been amazing all year round,” said Barkley, AP Offensive Player of the Year after rushing for 2,000 yards in 2024. “Just the love and support they have for this team. This city truly buys into this team, and you could see it out there how many people showed up.

“I’m expecting it to be a blast — a party — and I’m excited to be here with Raising Cane’s with Todd, who’s a really good friend of mine.

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“It’s been a crazy week so far for me, but just taking it all in and enjoying it.”

Barkley said he won’t be the player making a Kelce-esque speech on the museum steps, but he knows which players he would choose to do so because of how much they mean to the city.

“It won’t be me, I can guarantee that,” he said, laughing. “That’s not my thing. If I had to pick one, I’d say Lane Johnson or [Brandon Graham]. I think they’re the two longest-tenured Eagles right now, so I think it would be perfect for one of them to do that, especially if it is BG’s last game and last year with us. For him to go out with a bang would be pretty cool.”

Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley carries during the second half of the Super Bowl against the Kansas City Chiefs Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

While Barkley will enjoy celebrating victory with his family, friends and teammates, the City of Philadelphia will be making sure to keep the party a safe one, especially after the shooting during the Chiefs’ Super Bowl parade last year. One person was killed, and 22 others were wounded, including 11 children.

Eagles fans have mobbed the streets of Philadelphia many times in the past, including twice this year after the Eagles won the NFC championship and Super Bowl.

“You will see a large police presence continue throughout the day and into the evening,” Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel said of the parade.

Saquon Barkley smiles at Raising Cane’s in Trevose, Pa., after winning the Super Bowl. (Raising Cane’s)

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Barkley is ready to celebrate with the fans.

“[The fans] have been amazing to me, my family, especially my little daughter,” Barkley said. “From the first time I had my opening interview and my daughter was with me, they fell in love with her. It’s been a blast. For the season to go the way it went and finish it off the way we ended as Super Bowl champs, you can’t make it up.”

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February 14, 2025
Tristan Thompson responds to Raptors coach Darko Rajaković’s suggestion Cavaliers star lacked class

On Wednesday, Toronto Raptors coach Darko Rajaković described veteran Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson as a “no-class” player after the Cavs’ 131-108 win over the Raptors.

Rajaković also suggested Thompson’s actions showed a lack of respect.

“I think what Tristan did there was no class and disrespectful,” Rajaković said during a postgame press conference. “I’m not going to stand for that, for sure. I love when my team stands up for themselves. That was no class.”

Rajaković was irked by Thompson’s two-handed slam in the final seconds of the game.

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Raptors players Scottie Barnes and Jamal Shead confronted Thompson immediately after the final buzzer sounded, and some fans directed boos at the Cavs big man.

The Cleveland Cavaliers’ Tristan Thompson, right, has words with the Toronto Raptors in Toronto Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2025. (Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press via AP)

Thompson took to social media Thursday to share his response to Rajaković’s remarks. Thompson asserted that the Raptors engaged in a “full court press” even as Toronto was trailing by double-digits late in the game.

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“You wanna full court press with under a minute left in the game when you get cracked by 30 this will happen to you. Lose for draft lottery and be happy buddy boy. Hopefully you and most of your guys see the light at the end of Bobby and Masai long term plan. Bless up stay warm in MY CITY,” Thompson wrote on X Feb. 13.

Cavaliers coach Kenny Atkinson said he didn’t understand Thompson’s thought process at the time, but he also did not believe there were “bad intentions” behind the dunk.

Cleveland Cavaliers center Tristan Thompson dunks against the Toronto Raptors during the second half at Scotiabank Arena in Toronto Feb. 12, 2025. (John E. Sokolowski/Imagn Images)

“I’m not sure what he was thinking,” Atkinson said. “Sometimes, though, you’re playing the game, and you just have a reaction. I know with Tristan, there’s no bad intention there. I think just sometimes you’re playing, and the goal of the game is to score. Unfortunate.”

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Thompson, who is from Canada, had four points in four minutes. He is averaging 1.7 points and 3 rebounds per game in 28 games this season.

Fox News’ Ryan Gaydos contributed to this report.

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Chantz Martin is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.

February 13, 2025
Eagles star Cooper DeJean reveals message Chiefs fan Caitlin Clark sent after Super Bowl victory

Philadelphia Eagles rookie cornerback Cooper DeJean says he received a thoughtful message from fellow Iowa alum Caitlin Clark after his Super Bowl victory – despite her loyalty to the Kansas City Chiefs.

The WNBA star made headlines last month when she was spotted sitting alongside Taylor Swift in a suite at Arrowhead Stadium for the Chiefs’ divisional round playoff game against the Houston Texans on Jan. 18.

Singer-songwriter Taylor Swift, left, talks with Caitlin Clark of the Indiana Fever during the second half of the AFC Divisional Playoff between the Houston Texans and the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on Jan. 18, 2025 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Jamie Squire/Getty Images)

The two were seen embracing one another after Swift’s boyfriend, Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, scored a touchdown in the second half.

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However, despite her apparent loyalties to the “Chiefs’ Kingdom,” Clark sent a message to her fellow Hawkeyes star after his standout performance in Super Bowl LIX on Sunday.

“She sent me a nice message congratulating me,” DeJean said during an appearance on the “Up & Adams Show.”

“That was nice of her, being a Chiefs fan and all,” he added with a smile.

Philadelphia Eagles defensive back Cooper DeJean, #33, scores a touchdown after intercepting a pass during the first half of Super Bowl LIX against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025 in New Orleans. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)

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The rookie cornerback was drafted by the Eagles in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft. He had an immediate impact in his first NFL season, which was headlined by a stellar performance in the Eagles’ 40-22 win over Kansas City.

On his 22nd birthday, DeJean picked off Patrick Mahomes to score a touchdown and became the first player in Super Bowl history to intercept a pass or score a touchdown on his birthday.

Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Cooper DeJean, #33, celebrates after returning an interception for a touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs in the second quarter of Super Bowl LIX at Ceasars Superdome in New Orleans on Feb. 9, 2025. (Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images)

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“I was trying to find the fastest way to the end zone,” he said after the game. “Luckily, I got some blocks out there. I had to avoid some of those big guys, but it was just our defense working together like we have all year. It fell right into my lap.”

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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February 13, 2025
NASCAR star Bubba Wallace responds to Trump possibly attending Daytona 500 after past feud

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President Donald Trump is rumored to be attending this year’s Daytona 500 on Feb. 16. If he shows up, he will be there to watch a driver he has a spotty history with.

Bubba Wallace, who drives the McDonald’s car for Michael Jordan’s NASCAR team 23XI Racing, engaged in a public feud with Trump in 2020.

In July 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and the aftermath of the George Floyd riots, Wallace made multiple posts on X, then known as Twitter, condemning Trump for promoting hate.

Trump himself attacked Wallace on social media over the driver calling for a ban on confederate flags at races and alleged that an investigation into a noose being found in his garage was a “hoax.” An FBI investigation found that the noose had been in the garage stall since October 2019, and no crime had been committed.

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Bubba Wallace, #43, wears a “I Can’t Breathe, Black Lives Matter” shirt before a NASCAR Cup Series auto race at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Sunday, June 7, 2020 in Hampton, Georgia. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Later that year, Wallace alleged that he had been told he was “bringing politics into NASCAR,” in response to his condemnation of Trump. However, in 2024, Wallace made no political posts to speak of. Wallace previously told Fox News Digital why.

“Investing my time into that seems like a waste of time,” Wallace said at the time. “I was definitely more vocal then because our sport was in desperate need of change.”

Now, with Trump set to possibly attend the Daytona 500, Wallace feels just as indifferent as he did during the past year’s election. At the Daytona 500 media day on Wednesday, Wallace said he “couldn’t care less” if Trump showed up or not.

“We’re here to race. Not for the show,” Wallace added.

The response is in line with Wallace’s recent approach to politics. Unlike in 2020, he no longer makes any political social media posts. His feed on X is now just a curated mix of racing photos, promotional posts and photos of family.

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Bubba Wallace, right, argues with Kyle Larson after the two crashed during a NASCAR Cup Series auto race on Sunday, Oct. 16, 2022 in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

One of the biggest reasons Wallace abandoned that habit from 2020 is because of cultural shifts in social media during that time. Wallace said there is overwhelming “negativity” on the platforms he would use to get any messages of his beliefs out.

“Social media nowadays is just a way for people to hide behind a screen and voice their opinions on things they don’t really know about,” Wallace previously told Fox News Digital.

“It’s just too much negativity that it’s going to take years and years and years to get rid of, and we don’t have time for that,” Wallace said of the current culture of social media. “Now, with being a dad and trying to be the best that I can be here for my race team and my team here, that’s where I’m investing my energy so that’s all you can really ask for.”

For Wallace, the impact of becoming a father has been a transformative experience for him in such a short amount of time. Since his son was born, Wallace has two top-10 finishes in the three races he has competed in. He is also looking at life through a lense he was not looking through before.

“You have your kid at home and a full family to provide for now, so it’s crazy to go through all that,” Wallace said.

Meanwhile, if Trump shows up, it will be two major sporting event appearances for the president within the span of a week.

Last Sunday, Trump became the first sitting president in U.S. history to attend a Super Bowl when he traveled to the Superdome in New Orleans to watch the Philadelphia Eagles beat the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX.

Trump previously served as grand marshal for the 2020 Daytona 500 and gave the command for drivers to start their engines. He also took a parade lap around the 2 1/2-mile speedway in his armored limousine, leading the 40-car field before the green flag. The presidential motorcade remained on the apron in the corners instead of taking to the high-banked turns.

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President Donald Trump, accompanied by Ivanka Trump, speaks before signing the National Security Presidential Memorandum to Launch the “Women’s Global Development and Prosperity” Initiative. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik)

Thousands cheered, and a band played patriotic music when Air Force One flew over the famed track, a flyover that was simultaneously shown on big screens. Trump’s presence energized fans and caused huge headaches because of logistical issues at entrance points.

Trump, with first lady Melania Trump by his side, addressed the crowd before the race and called the Daytona 500 “a legendary display of roaring engines, soaring spirits and the American skill, speed and power that we’ve been hearing about for so many years.”

A notice from the Federal Aviation Administration posted Monday indicated that Trump was expected to attend the race, but NASCAR said Wednesday it had gotten no confirmation.

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February 13, 2025
Eagles defensive star Josh Sweat believes he ‘should’ve’ been named Super Bowl LIX MVP

The Philadelphia Eagles’ defense shut out the Kansas City Chiefs for most of Sunday’s Super Bowl, giving the team a 34-0 lead before Patrick Mahomes responded late in the second half.

One of the team’s top defensive stars believes his performance was worthy of the MVP award.

The Philadelphia Eagles’ Josh Sweat reacts after sacking Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes during the first half of the Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)

Mahomes was sacked a career-high six times during Sunday’s beatdown, and veteran edge rusher Josh Sweat led the charge with 2½ sacks, a career best.

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The Chiefs’ offense was limited to 23 yards in the first half, and Mahomes was picked off twice, including rookie Cooper DeJean’s pick-six on his 22nd birthday.

The Eagles’ defense had a field day. And Sweat, whose performance went beyond the stat line, believed that was enough to earn the MVP honor.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) tries to avoid the reach of the Philadelphia Eagles’ Josh Sweat, left, during the first half of the Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

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“I should’ve had it,” Sweat said of the Super Bowl MVP, via The Philadelphia Inquirer. “I could’ve had it. It’s all good, though.”

The last defensive player to be named Super Bowl MVP was Von Miller in the 2016 Super Bowl. Miller recorded six tackles, 2½ sacks and two forced fumbles during that game. Sweat registered six total tackles and 2½ sacks in Sunday’s game.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) runs past the Philadelphia Eagles’ Josh Sweat (19) during the second half of the Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

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Instead, quarterback Jalen Hurts was named Super Bowl MVP.

In his second Super Bowl appearance, Hurts completed 17 of 22 passes for 221 yards and two touchdowns and ran for 72 yards and a touchdown to lead the Eagles to a 40-22 win and the team’s second Lombardi Trophy.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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February 13, 2025
Ex-Panthers star Steve Smith Sr fires back at Cam Newton over ‘locker room of losers’ remark

Former Carolina Panthers star Steve Smith Sr. came to the defense of his former teammates on Tuesday after Cam Newton described the players as “losers” before the quarterback got there.

The Panthers selected Smith in the third round of the 2001 draft. Ten years later, the Panthers found their franchise quarterback in Newton with the No. 1 overall pick. Carolina had been to the playoffs three times, including making a Super Bowl appearance, before Newton was selected.

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Carolina Panthers’ Steve Smith, #89, and Cam Newton, #1, share a laugh during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on Thursday, Aug. 29, 2013 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn, File)

Carolina was 2-14 in 2010, which landed the team the No. 1 overall pick. Newton came in and eventually helped improve the team to division winners. They made Super Bowl 50 – only to lose to the Denver Broncos. Smith left the team after the 2013 season.

Newton’s “losers” remark came during an “Overtime” podcast interview when asked what type of pressures Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter may face upon entering the league.

“You could potentially be the first pick, but, bro, you have no way of impacting the game the way a quarterback does,” Newton said. “You can lock down the No. 1 receiver. You can make impact plays on offense all you want but it’s still not like a quarterback. My issue is that, when I was the first pick, I went into a locker room of losers. Just honest.

“Guys didn’t know how to win; guys didn’t know how to prepare. They didn’t take themselves serious to realize we was 2-14. There was a lot of 2-14 in the mentality of those guys.”

EAGLES’ MILTON WILLIAMS SAYS CHATTER ABOUT CHIEFS’ PURSUIT OF THIRD STRAIGHT SUPER BOWL TITLE FUELED PHILLY

Carolina Panthers’ Steve Smith, #89, and Cam Newton, #1, celebrate Smith’s touchdown catch against the Oakland Raiders during the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, North Carolina, on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2012. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn, File)

The remark did not sit well with Smith.

“53 man locker room – 1 = 52 losers. Wow… breaking news to 89,” he wrote in an initial post on X.

“I’ve watched & listened from a far as U @CameronNewton talk about @Panthers! None of us are perfect. Yes We were 2-14 before you blessed us w ur presence. The way you have talked about @panthers lately I’m very disappointed. I wish u nothing but the very best. I’m done!!!”

One fan pointed out Smith had been critical of the Panthers in the past.

“I’ve never backed down from my words,” he said in response. “However calling the men in the locker room losers isn’t slander it’s disrespectful! I disliked a lot of things that happened w/ my time there. But calling men losers naw.”

Squabbling over the past is far from what the Panthers organization needs to hear from its most famous alumni.

Carolina has not had a winning season since 2017. It was also the last time they made the playoffs. Since then, the team has had five head coaches with three interim head coaches.

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Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton, #1, on the sidelines in the second quarter against the New Orleans Saints at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans on Jan. 2, 2022. (Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports)

The Panthers were 5-12 in 2024, an improvement from their 2-15 season in 2023.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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Ryan Gaydos is a senior editor for Fox News Digital.

February 12, 2025
Patrick Mahomes’ former teammate pushes back on ‘tarnished’ legacy narrative around Chiefs star

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Patrick Mahomes’ loss in Super Bowl LIX to the Philadelphia Eagles dropped him to 3-2 in Super Bowls since he took the reins as Kansas City Chiefs quarterback.

On Sunday, Mahomes had one of the worst games he has ever had. The Eagles’ defense overpowered the Chiefs’ offensive line and rattled Mahomes early and often. He was sacked six times, threw two interceptions and lost a fumble. His QB rating was 11.4 for the game.

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Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter, #98, pushes Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, #15, during the second half of Super Bowl LIX on Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025 in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

The game was on par with his performance against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Super Bowl LV. He was sacked three times and threw two interceptions, finishing with a QB rating of 42.2.

NFL pundits began to question Mahomes’ legacy in the immediate aftermath of the game. While there were comparisons to Tom Brady going into the game in which some believed Mahomes would be in his stratosphere with a third consecutive title, the loss – for some – diminished his standing so badly that the gap between both is almost insurmountable.

Former Chiefs offensive lineman Mitchell Schwartz had none of that. He defended Mahomes in social media posts on Tuesday.

“Someone is going to have to explain to me how a 29 year old’s legacy is tarnished because after the best 7 year start to a career and getting closer than anyone in history to winning 3 straight Super Bowls, one bad game from basically the entire team diminishes that legacy??” he wrote on X.

“Tiger missed cuts in majors even at the height of his powers. Brady had a 16-0 team and lost to a 10-6 team. Missed the playoffs his 2nd year starting. Lost multiple playoff games to teams who threw for less than 100 yards but that doesn’t matter b/c it wasn’t in the Super Bowl?

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, #15, stands on the sidelines during the second half of Super Bowl LIX against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025 in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

NFL FANS INTERVENE AFTER RESTAURANT OWNED BY EAGLES’ CJ GARDNER-JOHNSON’S MOM HIT BY UNWARRANTED BAD REVIEWS

“The dynamic has gotten very weird where you have to not only win #Ringz but you also get docked this bad for a Super Bowl loss when you’re doing unprecedented things before the age of 30. Brady is the most accomplished QB ever, it’s going to take years to compare their résumés.”

As Brady lost to the New York Giants in 2007, Schwartz pointed out, pundits did not jump on his legacy and question his resume. He lamented the “reactionary” state of the media.

“It feels like we’re trying to blend MJ and Brady and hold Pat to that standard. No one is repeating 6-0,” he wrote. “Brady didn’t do it. No one else will, especially in football. Football is too interconnected, 1 game is too small. Jordan had 7 games to make sure his team won. Too different.”

Schwartz asked talking heads to “pump the brakes” on comparison and legacy talk.

Mahomes has plenty of time to catch Brady – if that is the goal. Brady was 32 years old when he reached his fifth Super Bowl and fell to 3-2 when his Patriots lost to the Giants for a second time.

Brady went 10 years without winning another one. The Patriots defeated the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX thanks to an interception from Malcolm Butler at the very end of the game.

Mahomes vowed to recover and bring the Chiefs back to glory.

“I let y’all down today. I’ll always continue to work and try and learn and be better for it,” he wrote on X. “Want to give thanks to God for every opportunity he has given me.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, #15, shakes hands with fans as he leaves the field following a loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX on Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025 in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Stephanie Scarbrough)

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“We will be back.”

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February 12, 2025
ESPN star warns Chiefs’ Travis Kelce about turning into ‘diminishing player’ ahead of eventual retirement

The Kansas City Chiefs’ bid for a third consecutive Super Bowl title came to an abrupt end Sunday. The Chiefs’ offense was mostly ineffective against the Philadelphia Eagles in the Super Bowl.

Patrick Mahomes was sacked six times and finished the game with 257 passing yards. Travis Kelce, one of Mahomes’ most trusted targets, accounted for just 39 of those yards.

The Super Bowl loss also brought Kelce’s 12th NFL season to a disappointing end. He finished the regular season with 823 receiving yards, which marked the second consecutive year the star tight end did not reach the 1,000-yard receiving mark.

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Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce walks off the field after losing to the Philadelphia Eagles in the Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

He will also celebrate his 36th birthday during the 2025 season. While Kelce did receive Pro Bowl honors for a tenth straight year and remains a productive player, his age and lackluster showing in the big game continued to fuel questions about when he may decide to step away from the game.

Last month, during an appearance on “The Stephen A. Smith Show,” Kelce admitted his thoughts on retirement tend to fluctuate, but he plans to “reevaluate” during the offseason. As the Chiefs’ offseason begins, former NFL player and current ESPN analyst Ryan Clark cited Jason Kelce’s dilemma after last season and compared it to his brother’s current situation.

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“Isn’t Trav sort of in the same place our colleague and friend, his brother, Jason Kelce, was in last year?” Clark asked. “Still feeling like you can still do it and you still have it, but you know you don’t have it like you used to. And it’s gonna be based on whether or not Travis Kelce understands he’s a diminished player and is comfortable with that.”

After the Eagles were eliminated from the playoffs last season, reports surfaced that Jason informed his teammates he had decided to retire. Several weeks later, the offensive lineman confirmed his retirement in an emotional speech.

“When you’re at the highest of highs, when you’re the best pass-catching tight end in the history of the National Football League, it’s hard to go into a game last night, have two drops, not have any impactful catches or impact on the game,” Clark said. “Can Travis Kelce go forward in 2025 and be that person? Especially when so many lucrative opportunities await him in his second career.”

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce waves to the crowd after a loss to the Philadelphia Eagles in the Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)

Kelce’s four receptions Sunday were enough to secure the record for most career Super Bowl catches with 35. Pro Football Hall of Famer Jerry Rice held the previous mark with 33. Kelce has also recorded more postseason receptions than any other Chiefs player in history.

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce after making a catch during warmups before a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Nov. 4, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann, File)

Clark suggested Kelce would weigh the “sort of player he wants to be” before making a final decision about retirement.

“Travis Kelce is going to have to take some time, sit down and know what sort of player he wants to be and what sort of life he wants to live, but he’s earned the right to take his time in doing so,” Clark added.

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Kelce has 12,151 career receiving yards and 77 touchdowns in 12 NFL regular seasons.

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Chantz Martin is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.

February 11, 2025
Cowboys star CeeDee Lamb sounds off amid teammate Micah Parsons trade rumors

Micah Parsons put together another strong performance this past season. The Dallas Cowboys linebacker recorded 12 sacks despite missing four games in his fourth NFL season.

Parsons is set to play the 2025 season on his fifth-year option before he is scheduled to become a free agent. The star pass rusher would then be free to sign with another team, unless his representatives and the Cowboys’ front office are able to reach an agreement on a contract extension.

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CeeDee Lamb, left, and Micah Parsons of the Dallas Cowboys celebrate after beating the Los Angeles Rams at AT&T Stadium on Oct. 29, 2023, in Arlington, Texas. (Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)

While Parsons’ future remains uncertain, trade rumors have already started to swirl – much to the displeasure of one of his current teammates.

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A report from NFL Media recently surfaced saying “some internal discussions” have taken place among the Cowboys brass about the possibility of including Parsons in a trade. Dallas star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb apparently caught wind of the report, and questioned whether there was any fatigue concerning discussions about Parsons.

Micah Parsons of the Dallas Cowboys walks off the field after the New York Giants game at AT&T Stadium on Nov. 24, 2022. (Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)

He also suggested that having Parsons on the team gives Dallas the best opportunity to win games going forward.

“Y’all aren’t tired of this? Every offseason, top of the charts… Let’s just win ball games and that’s with 11! SMH,” Lamb wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

Parsons is scheduled to make $21.324 million this upcoming season. While he is listed on the Cowboys’ roster as a linebacker, he lined up at the defensive end position for the majority of the team’s defensive snaps last season and was tagged as such.

Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb and linebacker Micah Parsons celebrate during the NFL Pro Bowl Skills Competition in Orlando, Florida, Feb. 1, 2024. (Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA Today Sports)

San Francisco 49ers star Nick Bosa’s roughly $34 million represents the league’s highest annual salary for a defensive end.

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Lamb and Parsons will be under the guidance of a new head coach when they report to training camp in the coming months. The Cowboys parted ways with head coach Mike McCarthy last month and promoted Brian Schottenheimer from his offensive coordinator post to head coach.

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Chantz Martin is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.

February 11, 2025