Panthers running back Jonathon Brooks will not play in the upcoming Hall of Fame Game against the Arizona Cardinals. Brooks is recovering from a torn ACL injury and is being carefully rested as he prepares for the regular season.
Key Facts
Jonathon Brooks was drafted 46th overall by the Carolina Panthers in the 2024 NFL Draft.
He tore his ACL in college and re-injured the same ACL after playing three NFL games.
Brooks missed the entire last season due to this injury and has now fully recovered.
Panthers head coach Dave Canales confirmed Brooks will not play in the Hall of Fame Game.
Last season, Rico Dowdle led the Panthers in rushing yards while Brooks was sidelined.
Dowdle has since left the team in free agency.
Brooks is expected to be the Panthers’ main running back when the regular season starts.
The Panthers’ next preseason game is on August 15 against the Buffalo Bills, where Brooks might play.
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Larry Berg will become the new commissioner of Major League Soccer (MLS) starting in 2027. He stated that the league will not adopt the promotion and relegation system, which is common in many soccer leagues around the world, anytime soon.
Key Facts
Larry Berg is the incoming MLS commissioner, beginning his role in 2027.
Berg is also a co-owner of Los Angeles FC, an MLS team.
Promotion and relegation is a system where teams move up or down between divisions based on performance; MLS currently does not use this system.
Berg said that promotion and relegation is not the right fit for MLS to build stadiums, invest in teams, and grow the league.
MLS operates as a single-entity system, meaning the league owns all teams and player contracts centrally.
This system helped reduce risks and attract investors when MLS started in 1996.
MLS currently has 30 teams as of 2026, growing from just 10 teams around 2000.
There is a second division league, the USL Championship, but it is not connected to MLS through promotion and relegation.
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The Atlanta Falcons signed running back Bijan Robinson to a three-year contract worth up to $75 million, making him the highest-paid running back in NFL history. Head coach Kevin Stefanski plans to gradually bring Robinson back into practice as they prepare for the 2026 season.
Key Facts
Bijan Robinson agreed to a three-year contract extension with the Falcons worth up to $75 million.
The contract guarantees Robinson $51 million.
Robinson's average yearly salary of $22.25 million is the highest ever for a running back in the NFL.
Robinson has completed his third NFL season, leading the league with 2,298 yards from scrimmage.
He rushed for 1,478 yards and seven touchdowns, and caught 79 passes for 820 yards and four touchdowns last season.
Robinson is a two-time Pro Bowler and was named First Team All-Pro once.
Head coach Kevin Stefanski plans to slowly increase Robinson’s practice workload over the next week.
The Falcons will start the 2026 season against the Pittsburgh Steelers on September 13.
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The Atlanta Falcons signed Bijan Robinson to a three-year contract extension through 2030, making him the highest-paid running back in NFL history. The deal is worth up to $75 million with $51 million guaranteed, giving Robinson an average annual salary of $22.25 million.
Key Facts
Bijan Robinson’s new contract with the Falcons lasts three years, through the 2030 season.
The deal can be worth up to $75 million, with $51 million guaranteed.
The average annual salary of $22.25 million is the highest for any running back in the NFL.
Robinson led the NFL last season with 2,298 yards from scrimmage and scored 11 touchdowns.
He finished fourth in rushing yards with 1,478 and added 820 receiving yards.
Robinson was the No. 8 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
He was a two-time Pro Bowl selection before the extension.
Falcons coach Kevin Stefanski expressed excitement about the contract and Robinson’s role on the team.
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The Los Angeles Angels are planning to remove veteran player Jorge Soler from their main team roster. Soler has not played well this season and may be released to join another team.
Key Facts
The Angels are designating Jorge Soler, an outfielder and designated hitter, for assignment.
Soler had a strong career year in 2019 with 48 home runs for the Kansas City Royals.
This season, his batting average is low at .203, and he has one of the worst contact rates in the league.
The Angels tried to trade Soler before the August 3 trade deadline but did not succeed.
If he clears waivers, Soler will be released and free to sign with other MLB teams.
Soler has played for six MLB teams over 13 seasons and won the World Series twice.
He was the World Series MVP in 2021 and was an All-Star in 2023.
Soler is in the last year of a three-year, $42 million contract with the Giants that started in 2024.
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Kevin Durant praised the Philadelphia 76ers for having four players who each scored at least 25 points per game, calling them a strong team to watch. Draymond Green, Durant's former teammate on the Golden State Warriors, disagreed and said he does not think the 76ers are better than the 2016-17 Warriors team.
Key Facts
LeBron James joined the Philadelphia 76ers for his 24th NBA season.
The 76ers roster includes Jaylen Brown, Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and VJ Edgecombe.
Brown, Embiid, and Maxey each averaged at least 25 points per game last season.
Edgecombe averaged 16 points per game in his first NBA season.
Kevin Durant said the 76ers have four 25-point scorers, making them a strong contender.
Durant compared the 76ers to his former Golden State Warriors team.
Draymond Green disagreed with Durant’s view and doubted the 76ers are better than the 2016-17 Warriors.
The 76ers are considered one of the favorites to win the Eastern Conference this season.
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The Chicago Bears had a strong 2025 season, winning their first playoff game since 2010 under coach Ben Johnson. Running back D'Andre Swift praised quarterback Caleb Williams for his focus and improvement during training camp as the team prepares for the 2026 season.
Key Facts
The Bears finished the 2025 season with 11 wins and 6 losses.
They won their first playoff game since 2010.
Caleb Williams was key to their success, with 3,942 passing yards, 27 touchdowns, and 6 fourth-quarter comebacks last season.
Running back D'Andre Swift had a career-best year with 1,087 rushing yards and 9 touchdowns in 2025.
Swift highlighted Williams’ poise and work ethic in the 2026 training camp.
The Bears compete in a tough division with the Lions, Packers, and Vikings.
Wide receiver DJ Moore will not be on the team in 2026.
New and returning players like Rome Odunze, Luther Burden III, and Kyle Monangai will share responsibilities alongside Swift and Williams.
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Manchester United is expected to appoint Eva Olid, former manager of Hearts women's team, as their new women's team manager. Olid led Hearts to their first Scottish league title and will replace Marc Skinner, who left Manchester United by mutual consent.
Key Facts
Eva Olid, 40, is set to become Manchester United women's team manager.
Olid guided Hearts to their first Scottish Women's Premier League title last season.
She joined Hearts in 2021 and left by mutual agreement earlier this year.
Marc Skinner left Manchester United after five years, having won the Women's FA Cup in 2024.
Skinner helped Manchester United reach the Women's Champions League group stage for the first time.
Manchester United is focusing on signing younger players to build long-term success.
The Women's Super League season starts on 4 September with United playing against London City Lionesses.
The club wants a coach who is skilled in developing players for the new role.
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Caitlin Clark, a player for the Indiana Fever, was named the WNBA Eastern Conference Player of the Week after a strong performance. She achieved her fourth career triple-double, tying the record for point guards in WNBA history. Clark and other top players are competing for the season's MVP award as their teams vie for playoff positions.
Key Facts
Caitlin Clark plays for the Indiana Fever in the WNBA.
She was named Eastern Conference Player of the Week by the league.
Clark averaged 25.7 points, 9 assists, and 5 rebounds per game during the week.
She recorded her fourth career triple-double with 26 points, 10 assists, and 10 rebounds.
This ties her with Sabrina Ionescu for the most triple-doubles by a point guard in WNBA history.
Clark has been selected as an All-Star three times.
Her team, the Fever, is among the top eight teams fighting for playoff spots with a 19-11 record.
Other MVP candidates include A'ja Wilson of the Las Vegas Aces and Kelsey Mitchell of the Fever.
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Penei Sewell, the offensive tackle for the Detroit Lions, was ranked No. 37 on the NFL Top 100 list for 2026, based on votes from active players. Micah Parsons, a player for the Green Bay Packers, praised Sewell’s strength and skill, comparing him to another top player, Lane Johnson.
Key Facts
Penei Sewell plays offensive tackle for the Detroit Lions.
He was ranked No. 37 on the 2026 NFL Top 100 players list by players’ votes.
Micah Parsons, Packers pass rusher, compared Sewell to Lane Johnson, a well-known Eagles offensive tackle.
Parsons spent the first four years of his career with the Dallas Cowboys.
Sewell was the No. 7 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
He finished his fifth season in 2025, playing 16 games.
Sewell earned his fourth straight Pro Bowl selection and third straight First Team All-Pro honor in 2025.
The Lions will play their first 2026 regular-season game on September 13 against the New Orleans Saints.
The Lions and Packers will face off twice in the 2026 season, in Week 7 and Week 18.
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The New York Jets drafted tight end Kenyon Sadiq in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Sadiq is recovering from hernia surgery and recently experienced a setback in training camp, but the team hopes he will be ready for the start of the season.
Key Facts
Kenyon Sadiq was the Jets' first-round pick and the top-rated tight end in the 2026 NFL Draft.
He ran a fast 4.39-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine.
Last season at Oregon, Sadiq had 560 yards and eight touchdowns on 51 catches.
He had hernia surgery in May before Jets training camp.
Sadiq participated in early camp practices but missed a session after a "little setback."
Jets head coach Aaron Glenn has not set a timeline for Sadiq’s return but is optimistic he will be ready by Week 1.
The Jets have several other receivers and tight ends, but Sadiq is seen as having the highest potential.
The Jets' preseason starts on August 14, and their regular season begins on September 13.
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The Arizona Cardinals announced that rookie quarterback Carson Beck will start in the Hall of Fame game against the Carolina Panthers. Beck is a third-string quarterback who has impressed the team’s coach with his accuracy and readiness.
Key Facts
Carson Beck is a rookie quarterback drafted in the third round.
He is the third-string quarterback behind Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew.
Neither Brissett nor Minshew are expected to play in the Hall of Fame game.
Head coach Mike LaFleur praised Beck’s accuracy and performance in practice.
Beck is 23 years old and played five seasons at Georgia before transferring to Miami.
He led Miami to the College Football Playoff national championship game last year.
The Hall of Fame game will take place on Thursday at 8 p.m. Eastern Time in Canton, Ohio.
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The Philadelphia 76ers acquired Jaylen Brown and LeBron James during the offseason. Brown spoke positively about learning from James as they prepare to play together in Philadelphia.
Key Facts
Jaylen Brown was traded from the Boston Celtics to the Philadelphia 76ers.
LeBron James signed with the 76ers after free agency and will play his 24th NBA season.
Brown called James one of the greatest players ever and looks forward to learning from him.
The 76ers’ key players now include Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, Brown, and James.
Brown averaged 28.7 points per game during the 2025-26 season while playing for the Celtics.
LeBron James will turn 42 years old in December and averaged 20.9 points, 7.2 assists, and 6.1 rebounds last season with the Lakers.
The 76ers are considered one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference with their current roster.
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The Baltimore Ravens signed wide receiver Zay Flowers to a four-year contract extension worth $140 million, with $108 million guaranteed. Flowers, a two-time Pro Bowl player, has had strong performances since being drafted in 2023, making him a key player for the team.
Key Facts
Zay Flowers signed a four-year contract extension with the Ravens.
The deal is worth $140 million, including $108 million guaranteed.
Flowers was drafted by the Ravens in the first round in 2023.
He has made two Pro Bowl appearances and posted back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons.
Flowers caught 86 passes for 1,211 yards and five touchdowns last season.
He became the fastest Raven to reach 100 catches in 21 games.
Flowers is a main target for quarterback Lamar Jackson.
The Ravens’ coach praised Flowers for his performance and contract deal.
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The Jordan Football Association President Ali bin Hussein accused FIFA President Gianni Infantino of blackmailing Jordan by linking FIFA help to endorsing Infantino. Bin Hussein also raised concerns about high costs, unpaid rewards, and unfair taxation related to FIFA events.
Key Facts
Ali bin Hussein is the President of the Jordan Football Association and a former FIFA vice president.
He claims FIFA said endorsing Infantino would help Jordan’s football problems.
Jordan did not endorse Infantino and called the situation blackmail.
Bin Hussein criticized FIFA for charging high ticket prices, visa denials for US World Cup fans, and unpaid prize money from the 2025 Arab Cup.
Jordan’s team faced US government taxes on World Cup participation that Canada and Mexico teams did not.
FIFA proposed selling a stake in the World Cup to fund sports development, but the plan was abandoned due to opposition.
UEFA and some FIFA executives have distanced themselves from Infantino amid controversies.
Jordan qualified for the 2026 World Cup but was eliminated in the group stage.
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Vinicius Junior, a key player for Real Madrid, is happy with the start of pre-season training under new coach Jose Mourinho. Although he is focused on preparing for the new season, there is uncertainty about his future because his contract is ending next year and Arsenal is interested in signing him.
Key Facts
Vinicius Junior is a 26-year-old Brazilian forward playing for Real Madrid.
He is training under new Real Madrid manager Jose Mourinho and feels positive about it.
Vinicius is in the last year of his current contract with Real Madrid.
There are ongoing talks between Real Madrid and Vinicius about his contract extension.
Arsenal, the English Premier League champions, are interested in signing him.
Vinicius has scored 128 goals and made 100 assists for Real Madrid.
He was Brazil’s top scorer at the recent World Cup, with four goals.
Vinicius is focusing on physical preparation to avoid injuries during the upcoming season.
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Jonathan Taylor, a running back for the Indianapolis Colts, wants a new contract after Bijan Robinson signed a record-breaking deal with the Atlanta Falcons. Taylor currently earns about $14 million a year and aims for a new contract worth between $15 and $20 million per year. Taylor has been one of the top NFL rushers since 2020 and remains an important player for the Colts.
Key Facts
Jonathan Taylor signed a three-year, $42 million contract extension with the Colts in 2023.
He makes about $14 million a year, currently the eighth highest-paid running back in the NFL.
Bijan Robinson recently signed a three-year, $75 million deal, making him the highest-paid running back ever.
Taylor is in the last year of his current contract and hopes to negotiate a new deal soon.
Since joining the NFL in 2020, Taylor has been one of the best rushers, with over 9,000 yards and 69 rushing touchdowns.
Last season, Taylor led the NFL with 18 rushing touchdowns and gained 1,585 rushing yards.
Taylor is 27 years old and likely to get a contract between $15 million and $20 million per year, less than Robinson and others.
The Colts may rely on Taylor more in 2026 due to injuries and player changes on the team.
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The Ohio State Buckeyes are ranked No. 1 in the 2026 Coaches Poll for college football. They received the most first-place votes, ahead of Indiana, Georgia, Oregon, and Notre Dame.
Key Facts
Ohio State got 38 first-place votes in the 2026 Coaches Poll.
Indiana Hoosiers came second with 14 first-place votes.
The SEC conference has nine teams in the top 25, Big Ten has eight, Big 12 has four, and ACC has three.
Ohio State lost their last two games in the previous season, including the Big Ten championship and the College Football Playoff first round.
Ohio State will start their 2026 season against Ball State on September 5.
Ohio State has a notable upcoming game against Texas in Austin.
The poll rankings were reported by USA Today.
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The Arizona Diamondbacks almost acquired pitcher Clay Holmes from the New York Mets before the 2026 MLB trade deadline. However, the Mets cancelled the deal after concerns about a Diamondbacks prospect's medical records, and Holmes was later traded to the Chicago Cubs.
Key Facts
Clay Holmes is a starting pitcher for the New York Mets.
The Diamondbacks were close to trading for Holmes ahead of the 2026 MLB trade deadline.
The Mets withdrew from the deal due to worries about a medical issue involving a Diamondbacks prospect.
Holmes was ultimately traded to the Chicago Cubs in a multi-player deal.
The Diamondbacks needed pitching help to improve their chances of reaching the playoffs.
The Diamondbacks did not add a starting pitcher before the deadline.
They did trade for outfielder Lars Nootbaar from the St. Louis Cardinals.
The Diamondbacks gave up players Daniel Eagen, Sandro Santana, and another player to get Nootbaar.
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Carrie Underwood will sing the theme song for NBC’s Sunday Night Football for the 14th year in a row in 2026. The new version of the song, inspired by rock music, will be shown starting September 13 before the game between the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants.
Key Facts
Carrie Underwood first performed the Sunday Night Football theme in 2013.
The 2026 season will mark her 14th consecutive year singing the theme.
The theme song show open will be previewed on August 6 at the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game.
This year’s theme will be shown in three settings: a recording studio, a small music venue, and a full stadium concert.
The theme song is inspired by rock music, linking to Joan Jett and the Blackhearts’ song “I Hate Myself for Loving You.”
Creative director Tripp Dixon helped design the show open to combine classic and modern rock elements.
Carrie Underwood described this year’s show open as one of her favorite versions so far.
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