Former NFL player Gerald McCoy joined ESPN’s show "Get Up" as a new analyst. During the show, he talked about playing football without gloves and showed how his fingers are bent and injured from the sport.
Key Facts
Gerald McCoy is a retired NFL defensive lineman now working as an ESPN analyst.
He praised Baltimore Ravens player Trey Hendrickson for playing without gloves to better feel opponents.
McCoy also did not wear gloves during his NFL career.
He demonstrated that his ring finger bends unnaturally due to injuries from playing football.
Other ESPN panelists tried to bend their fingers like McCoy but could not.
Mike Greenberg compared McCoy’s hands to those of Booger McFarland, another former player and analyst known for finger injuries.
Football linemen often play through finger injuries, which leads to bent or damaged fingers over time.
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Tucker Kraft, a key player for the Green Bay Packers, talked about the intense rivalry between the Packers and Chicago Bears. Although Kraft missed last season’s important games due to injury, he looks forward to playing against the Bears this season and wants to make a strong impact.
Key Facts
The Packers and Bears rivalry has lasted over 100 years and is very competitive.
Last season, the Bears won key games against the Packers, including a postseason wild card game.
Tucker Kraft missed the last part of the 2025 season due to a torn ACL injury.
Despite playing only eight games last season, Kraft was the third-best receiver on the Packers with 489 yards and six touchdowns.
Kraft says he doesn’t have a favorite or disliked team in the NFC North but recognizes the Bears rivalry is strong.
The Packers and Bears will meet twice this season: Week 5 in Green Bay and on Christmas Day in Chicago.
The Christmas Day game will be streamed on Netflix.
The Bears traded receiver DJ Moore to the Buffalo Bills this offseason.
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Shedeur Sanders is showing strong performance in Cleveland Browns practices and may be gaining an edge over Deshaun Watson in the quarterback competition. Head coach Todd Monken praised Sanders' progress and believes he will continue to improve as the team prepares for the 2026 season.
Key Facts
Sanders worked with the Browns' first-team offense and led two successful two-minute drives in recent practices.
Head coach Todd Monken has been impressed with Sanders' development over the last four months.
Last season, Sanders threw for 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns, and 10 interceptions in seven games.
The Browns have added new receivers and offensive line players to support their offense.
Deshaun Watson is the veteran quarterback expected to start but faces competition from Sanders.
Sanders is younger and the team may prefer to develop him rather than bench him midseason.
With experience and new team members, Sanders could have a breakout season in 2026.
The Browns are preparing for preseason games soon as training camp continues.
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George Lombard Jr., the New York Yankees' top prospect, hit a home run for his first major league hit during his debut game. At 21 years old, he became the Yankees' youngest starting shortstop since Derek Jeter in 1995.
Key Facts
George Lombard Jr. is 21 years old and the Yankees' youngest starting shortstop since 1995.
He hit a home run in his first Major League Baseball game.
Lombard was the Yankees' No. 1 overall prospect and drafted 26th overall in the 2023 MLB Draft.
He progressed through the Yankees' minor league system and reached Triple-A by April 2024.
The Yankees considered trading for a shortstop before the August 3 trade deadline but chose to promote Lombard instead.
Yankees manager Aaron Boone praised Lombard’s performance and readiness for the major leagues.
In his debut, Lombard played shortstop, batted eighth in the lineup, and made a defensive double play.
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The Minnesota Vikings are still looking for players to fill the safety position despite signing Jamal Adams and drafting Jakobe Thomas. Harrison Smith, a longtime safety for the Vikings, has not yet decided if he will return for the 2026 season or retire.
Key Facts
The Vikings drafted Jakobe Thomas in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
The team signed Jamal Adams, a three-time All-Pro safety/linebacker, on July 27.
Harrison Smith has been with the Vikings since 2012 and may retire or return for the 2026 season.
Smith is considered irreplaceable by the team due to his experience and leadership.
Last season, Smith made 54 tackles, 1 sack, 10 pass deflections, 2 interceptions, and 1 forced fumble.
The Vikings plan to use a defense with three safeties on the field.
Players like Joshua Metellus, Jakobe Thomas, Jay Ward, and Theo Jackson are in competition to fill Smith’s role.
Jamal Adams could move from linebacker to safety in certain defensive setups.
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An Indianapolis Colts superfan named Seth Irskens got a unique haircut that shows his strong support for the team. His hair features the Colts’ horseshoe logo and a horse head design, celebrating his passion for the team and his well-known "Colts Anthem" fight song.
Key Facts
Seth Irskens is a big fan of the Indianapolis Colts and was named the team's Fan of the Year in 2024.
He created the "Colts Anthem," a version of a worship song turned into a fight song for the team.
Irskens had two barbers work on his hair for an hour and a half to create the Colts-themed design.
The haircut includes a small horseshoe on one side, his nickname "Da Flow" on the other, and a large horse head with a bigger horseshoe on the back.
Irskens shares his excitement for the team through his haircut and positive personality.
He says his anthem and fandom help inspire the team and fans during wins and losses.
The horseshoe is the official logo of the Colts, and "Neeeigh" is the horse sound he uses to show his enthusiasm.
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The Philadelphia 76ers added Jaylen Brown and LeBron James to their team this offseason. NBA legend Tracy McGrady says Joel Embiid is the "X factor" for the 76ers this season, especially if he stays healthy.
Key Facts
The 76ers acquired Jaylen Brown from the Boston Celtics and signed LeBron James to a two-year contract.
Jaylen Brown won the NBA championship in 2024 and was named NBA Finals MVP.
LeBron James aims to win his fourth NBA championship with his fourth different team.
Joel Embiid is a seven-time NBA All-Star, two-time scoring champion, and won the 2023 MVP award.
Embiid had career-best stats in the 2022-23 season, averaging 34.7 points, 5.6 assists, 1.2 steals, and 11 rebounds per game.
The 76ers have struggled to get past the Eastern Conference Finals partly due to Embiid’s frequent injuries.
Embiid has missed more than half of regular-season games over the past three seasons due to injuries.
Tracy McGrady believes the team’s success heavily depends on Embiid’s health and presence on the court.
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George Lombard Jr. hit a home run during his first major league game, helping the New York Yankees beat the St. Louis Cardinals 2-0. Lombard also made key defensive plays, and Yankees pitcher Ryan Weathers pitched six strong innings without allowing any runs.
Key Facts
George Lombard Jr. hit a home run in his second at-bat during his major league debut.
His home run gave the Yankees a 2-0 lead and was the first by a Yankee in a debut since 2023.
Lombard is the sixth-youngest Yankees player to debut since 1985 and the second-youngest shortstop.
Lombard helped start two double plays that ended innings for the Yankees.
Ryan Weathers pitched six shutout innings, allowing four hits and striking out six batters.
Jazz Chisholm Jr. also hit a home run for the Yankees.
The Yankees won their 10th game in 16 matches.
The St. Louis Cardinals’ All-Star outfielder Jordan Walker did not play due to knee injury.
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Tarik Skubal made his first pitching appearance for the Los Angeles Dodgers, pitching six effective innings against the Chicago Cubs. He struck out six batters and allowed two runs in the game, which showed promise after his recent trade from the Detroit Tigers.
Key Facts
Tarik Skubal debuted for the Dodgers on August 4, 2026, in a game against the Chicago Cubs.
Skubal pitched six innings, struck out six, and walked two batters.
He gave up two runs, including a home run on his first pitch of the third inning.
The Dodgers’ defense helped with several key catches to support his pitching.
Skubal was traded to the Dodgers from the Detroit Tigers just a few days before the game.
He had a strong record and low earned run average (ERA) with the Tigers before the trade.
Dodgers manager Dave Roberts praised Skubal's work ethic and attitude.
Fans opposing the Dodgers showed annoyance, including a plane flying a critical banner over the stadium.
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Lamar Jackson, quarterback for the Baltimore Ravens, was rated lower in this year’s NFL rankings compared to previous years after missing four games due to injury last season. Despite his drop in rankings and ratings, Jackson expressed that he is not concerned about the changes.
Key Facts
Jackson’s “Madden” video game rating dropped from 99 last year to 94 this year.
He fell from No. 2 to No. 69 in the NFL 100 list voted on by current NFL players.
Jackson missed four games last season because of an injury.
In the Bleacher Report NFL 1000 list, Jackson was placed in the “Pro Bowl Caliber” tier, ranked No. 7 among quarterbacks.
Jackson has a .690 win percentage, which is the second highest among active quarterbacks.
None of the other quarterbacks ranked in his tier have won an MVP award.
Some analysts think Jackson should be ranked higher given his past MVP awards and performance.
Jackson stated he does not pay much attention to rankings and focuses on playing football.
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Tobin Heath, a well-known player for the U.S. Women’s National Team, will retire officially by signing a one-day contract with the Portland Thorns. The Thorns will honor her with a ceremony on August 22 at Providence Park.
Key Facts
Tobin Heath played for the Portland Thorns from 2013 to 2020.
She helped the Thorns win two National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) championships in 2013 and 2017.
Heath holds the record for most assists in regular-season games for the Thorns and shares the single-season assist record in the NWSL.
She was a member of the U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) from 2008 to 2021.
Heath played in three FIFA Women’s World Cups and four Olympic Games.
She won two World Cup titles in 2015 and 2019, two Olympic gold medals in 2008 and 2012, and a bronze in 2021.
Heath scored 36 goals and had 42 assists in 181 games for the USWNT.
In May 2024, she was inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame in her first year of eligibility.
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The Baltimore Ravens recently signed star wide receiver Zay Flowers to a big contract, but rookie Ja'Kobi Lane is also drawing attention in training camp. Ravens head coach Jesse Minter praised Lane for a great catch and said the young player is building trust with quarterback Lamar Jackson.
Key Facts
The Ravens signed Zay Flowers to a four-year deal worth $140 million.
Flowers’ $35 million yearly salary ties him for the fourth-highest paid receiver in the NFL.
Ja'Kobi Lane, a rookie wide receiver picked in the third round, caught a notable one-handed catch during practice.
Coach Jesse Minter said Lane has shown good plays and is building consistency and trust with the team.
Lane played college football at USC, improving each year and earning third-team All-Big Ten honors.
The Ravens took Lane earlier than expected, selecting him 80th overall instead of the projected fourth or fifth round.
The Ravens have an open spot for the number two receiver behind Flowers, with Lane competing against other players.
Lane’s size and skill could make him a strong target near the end zone in future games.
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Alex Eala, a 21-year-old tennis player from the Philippines, won her country’s first WTA Tour-level singles title by beating top-ranked player Jessica Pegula in Washington DC. Her victory has sparked widespread interest in tennis in the Philippines, with President Ferdinand Marcos and other sports figures praising her achievement.
Key Facts
Alex Eala is the first Filipino to win a Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) Tour-level singles title.
She won by coming back from behind in a rain-delayed match against Jessica Pegula.
President Ferdinand Marcos congratulated Eala and hosted a reception in her honor.
Eala previously made history by advancing far at Wimbledon and beating defending champion Iga Swiatek.
Her success has increased public interest in tennis across the Philippines, filling courts and tennis camps.
Tennis has been less popular compared to basketball, billiards, and boxing in the Philippines.
Eala trained at the Rafa Nadal Academy in Spain on a scholarship after starting on painted basketball courts in Manila.
Boxing champion Manny Pacquiao praised Eala’s win as showing the “Filipino heart.”
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Stephen Daley, a top defensive lineman for the Indiana Hoosiers, is returning for a fifth college football season after missing part of last year due to a knee injury. Daley led the Big Ten in tackles for loss in 2025 and will join a strong defensive line for the defending national champions.
Key Facts
Stephen Daley is a defensive lineman for the Indiana Hoosiers college football team.
He led the Big Ten conference with 19 tackles for loss during the 2025 season.
Daley tore his patellar tendon in the Big Ten Championship game and missed the College Football Playoff.
Due to the injury, Daley was not signed by any NFL team.
Daley had 5.5 sacks and earned honorable-mention all-conference honors in 2025.
He played three seasons at Kent State before transferring to Indiana.
Daley’s return will strengthen an already deep defensive line for the defending national champions.
Other key defensive players returning include Tyrique Tucker and Mario Landino, with addition of transfer Tobi Osunsanmi.
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New England Patriots rookie Gabe Jacas delayed signing his contract due to concerns about a knee injury and a special injury waiver. After recovering and settling the contract, Jacas spoke publicly for the first time and is preparing to play for the team in the 2026 NFL season.
Key Facts
The Patriots had a strong defense last season, finishing with a 14-3 record and reaching the Super Bowl.
Gabe Jacas was drafted by the Patriots in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft (55th overall).
Jacas delayed signing his rookie contract because of a knee injury and an injury waiver covering the next three seasons.
He had surgery on his left knee during the offseason and missed rookie minicamp, OTAs (organized team activities), and mandatory minicamp while rehabbing.
Jacas spoke to reporters for the first time after signing, expressing gratitude to be part of the team.
He played college football at Illinois, earning several honors for his performance as an edge rusher.
Jacas is 6-foot-4 and weighs 260 pounds, with size and skills comparable to former Patriots player Matthew Judon.
He is expected to contribute to the Patriots’ defense in the upcoming season.
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The Kansas City Chiefs traded their top cornerback, Trent McDuffie, to the Los Angeles Rams and used draft picks to select rookie cornerback Mansoor Delane. Delane has a shoulder injury that is keeping him from tackling during training camp, and he may miss the team's preseason opener.
Key Facts
The Chiefs traded Trent McDuffie to the Rams for several future draft picks.
They used two picks on defense, including selecting Mansoor Delane with the 6th overall pick.
Delane, a rookie, injured his shoulder during offseason training activities.
He is wearing a yellow non-contact jersey in camp, meaning he cannot tackle yet.
Doctors will retest his shoulder in a couple of weeks to see if it has healed enough.
Delane likely will miss the preseason opener on August 15 against the Rams.
If cleared, he could return for the second preseason game on August 22.
The Chiefs need Delane to start strong because McDuffie is no longer on the team.
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Angel Reese, a star player for the WNBA team Atlanta Dream, was honored with a special pink-themed Barbie Night to celebrate the release of her own Barbie doll. Despite the team losing their game against the Las Vegas Aces, Reese scored 23 points and had 16 rebounds on her special night.
Key Facts
Angel Reese is a popular WNBA player with partnerships including Reebok and Mattel.
The Atlanta Dream held a Barbie Night featuring Reese’s Barbie doll.
Reese’s Barbie doll wears a pink jersey and holds a pink basketball, and sold out quickly.
Reese shared that growing up she didn’t have many dolls that looked like her.
Along with the doll, Reebok launched special sneakers named "Angel Reese 1: Barbie."
Reese scored 23 points and 16 rebounds in the game against Las Vegas Aces.
The Atlanta Dream are currently in playoff position in the WNBA.
Reese is averaging 15.8 points and 11.6 rebounds this season, nearing her first postseason appearance.
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The Los Angeles Rams are preparing for the upcoming NFL season with Matthew Stafford as their starting quarterback. They are deciding between Ty Simpson, a recent first-round draft pick, and Stetson Bennett IV, a fourth-round pick, for the backup quarterback spot during training camp.
Key Facts
Matthew Stafford will be the Rams’ starting quarterback for the 2026 season.
The Rams drafted Ty Simpson, a quarterback from Alabama, with the No. 13 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Simpson is competing with Stetson Bennett IV for the second-string quarterback position (QB2).
Stetson Bennett was drafted in the fourth round in 2023 and has not played in an NFL game yet.
The Rams plan to keep three quarterbacks on their roster this season.
Simpson has shown better practice performance recently, especially in padded drills that mimic real games.
Rams’ General Manager Les Snead believes Simpson is developing steadily without too much pressure.
The preseason games will be important for both quarterbacks to prove their readiness before the regular season starts.
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Conor McGregor injured his right knee during a fight with Max Holloway and needs surgery to fix a torn ACL and meniscus. He faces a recovery of 9 to 12 months and hopes to return in 2027 for a final fight on his UFC contract, possibly against Holloway.
Key Facts
McGregor suffered a knee injury moments into the first round of his fight against Max Holloway.
The injury involved damage to the ACL (a key knee ligament) and meniscus (cartilage in the knee).
He has had to undergo five surgeries in his career, with the upcoming surgery being his fifth.
McGregor’s recovery timeline is expected to be between 9 and 12 months.
He wants to fight Max Holloway again to finish his current UFC contract.
McGregor hadn’t fought in five years before this due to a broken leg in a previous UFC fight.
UFC president Dana White said McGregor is expected to be out of competition for about a year.
McGregor lost to Holloway in just 69 seconds during this match.
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Nik Bonitto, a key defensive player for the Denver Broncos, appeared injured during practice but coach Sean Payton said he will be fine. Bonitto has been very successful in the past two seasons, leading the team in sacks and earning Pro Bowl honors.
Key Facts
The Denver Broncos have a strong defense under coach Sean Payton since 2023.
Last season, Broncos allowed the third-fewest points and second-fewest yards in the NFL.
Nik Bonitto had a career-high 14 sacks last season and has made the Pro Bowl twice.
Bonitto was seen limping off the field in practice with a leg injury but has not missed any games in two years.
Sean Payton said Bonitto will be fine after the injury scare.
Bonitto was picked in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft and has been one of the best pass rushers recently.
Over the last two seasons, Bonitto has 27.5 sacks, second only to Myles Garrett in the NFL.
At age 26, Bonitto is considered one of the best young defenders in football.
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