NFL Draft 2025

With free agency complete and teams shoring up their rosters, it’s time for the NFL draft. With the 2025 class not expected to have a plethora of home run picks, the first round could be filled with players who fill specific needs.

The team that didn’t make the playoffs gets the first pick, then the other 23 teams will pick in inverse order of their regular season standings.

This team needs more weapons for QB Trevor Lawrence, and he would have a lot of success with a tight end who can block and catch. The Colts have Mo Alie-Cox and Andrew Ogletree, but neither of them are great pass catchers. If Thomas is healthy, he’s an instant upgrade.

New England needs a new cornerback after signing Carlton Davis to a big contract, and Carter is an explosive two-way player who can rush the ball and cover. He is a better option than Josh Hines-Allen or Travon Walker, who both struggled in the pass rush last year.

The Bears want competition and depth for RB Braxton Jones, and they’ve hosted both Hampton and Jeanty on top-30 visits in recent weeks. Both can be a productive back in this league, but Jeanty is the better fit for this team given its current needs. He’s also an ideal backup for RB Jalen Tolbert and slot receiver Tetairoa McMillan.

Reporting on Fan Protest Stories

Whether they helped bring down Jose Mourinho, led a march against their club owner or pushed back against plans to commercialize the game, fan protest stories remind us that football fans have a long history of using their passion as a weapon in the fight for change. And while their demonstrations may not be as grand as a tifo, they are nonetheless a force to be reckoned with.

In a recent study, Christian Brandt, Maryna Krugliak and Robert Warnecke found that fans’ glocally motivated activism is often rooted in the desire to express their devotion and protect figures of fandom (see ‘Crazy Fangirls’). The activists also act out of a sense of protectiveness for the clubs they support, as well as a desire to maintain the integrity of the game.

Fans’ glocally motivated activism is shaped by local contexts and varies across the world. As a result, it can be difficult for journalists to understand and report on the phenomenon.

Rookwood and Hoey have argued that the most effective way to report on fan protests is to tell a story with the five W’s: who, what, where, when and why. They also suggest reporting on the personal details of people involved in the protest, including their hobbies and family, to help humanize them.

This type of reporting can lead to greater engagement from readers, as shown by a recent experiment involving a teenage football fan protester. Researchers found that newsrooms’ reports that humanized the teenager led Democrats and those with Democrat-leaning views to have more positive attitudes toward the protest and the protesters. However, those reports that dehumanized the teenager had the opposite effect, with respondents viewing them as less credible.

Esports Tournament News – The Year 2025

Once upon a time, the idea of videogame-based tournaments was little more than a fringe concept that was played out by aspiring competitors in the backrooms of gaming stores. But as the 21st century rolled in, Esports gained serious momentum and today some of the world’s biggest tournaments rival those of traditional sports. From multi-million dollar prize pools to viewership numbers that eclipse some of the most celebrated sports events, esports tournaments have established a global presence that is hard to ignore.

Like traditional sports, esports tournaments feature teams of players competing against one another. These competitions may be hosted by a game publisher or a professional organisation, with the larger events being governed by esports governing bodies, often representing a particular region. Often, these governing bodies are more concerned with acting as an oversight body for the industry rather than directly organising specific tournaments.

While the growth of esports has been impressive, there is still much to be debated around whether these events truly represent legitimate sports. Many of the same problems faced by traditional sports – such as cheating, performance-enhancing drugs, and match fixing – have found their way into the industry, with controversies ranging from the blatant to the downright absurd.

The year 2025 promises to be a busy one for esports tournaments, with notable competitions set to take place across a number of titles. April kicks off with a number of major Counter-Strike 2 events, while June sees the start of RLCS Season 7, VALORANT’s Stage 2 international leagues and League of Legends’ MSI 2025.

Combat Sports 101

Combat Sports encompass a broad spectrum of disciplines that involve physical combat under specific rules. From boxing to MMA, Muay Thai to wrestling, each sport carries its own techniques and strategies, as well as cultural significance. Whether you’re an athlete or a fan, understanding the nuances of these disciplines is key to enjoying and understanding their fast-paced action.

Training

Athletes of combat sports undergo rigorous training regimens to improve their physical strength, technical prowess, and strategic understanding. These skills are necessary for achieving success in competition, where peak performance can be the difference between victory and defeat.

Mental Preparation

Developing the mind is as important as training the body in combat sports. This includes visualization techniques, mindfulness practices, and strategies for managing adrenaline and emotions during competition. Moreover, these skills can be applied in everyday life to enhance focus and decision making.

The History of Combat Sports

From the gladiatorial spectacles of ancient Rome to the global phenomenon of MMA, combat sports have shaped and influenced societal attitudes towards competition, masculinity, and violence. Exploring the careers of iconic athletes — from Muhammad Ali’s “Thrilla in Manila” to Conor McGregor’s historic knockout wins to Ronda Rousey’s pioneering dominance — offers a window into the timeless allure and enduring legacy of combat sports.

How to Evaluate Athlete Endorsements

Athlete endorsements offer a unique opportunity for brands to connect with consumers in a more authentic and dynamic way. By strategically selecting athletes that align with brand values and partnering with them to craft campaigns, marketers can drive sales, shift consumer perception, and inspire cultural movements.

Finding the right partner begins with a thorough understanding of both athlete and brand values. Choosing an athlete whose public persona embodies a particular virtue, such as hard work or perseverance, can align with a brand promoting those same qualities to create a consistent and credible narrative. For example, Nike’s partnerships with athletes like Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka transcend sports to embody empowerment and excellence, aligning perfectly with the ethos of a lifestyle brand.

Often, athletes are paid a flat fee, while some receive royalties or percentages of sales from the products they promote. This makes it important for brands to understand the payment structure before partnering with an athlete.

The length of the contract is also an important factor. Many contracts are set for a year or longer, and some may have exclusivity clauses that prevent an athlete from promoting competing products in the same industry.

Athlete endorsements should be evaluated based on their impact across multiple channels, from social media to live events and more. Metrics such as engagement rates and sales uplift can measure immediate marketing ROI, while surveys and consumer feedback provide a deeper evaluation of the long-term impact of an endorsement.

Athlete Retirement News

In the last few weeks, we’ve seen a flurry of athlete retirement news. Super Bowl champion Nick Foles hung up his jersey, and NBA star John Wall is retiring after 11 years in the league. For many athletes, deciding when to hang up the cleats can be a difficult decision.

Athletes typically retire at a much younger age than most people, and that can be a challenging transition for them. They have to learn how to live without the intense training, heightened attention and huge financial rewards of their sport. They also must figure out a self-identity outside of their sport and develop a support system that’s tailored to their needs.

For example, some athletes find new careers in coaching or business, while others take on public speaking or mentoring roles. They might even become product endorsers, like former football stars Charles Barkley and Michael Jordan. And, for some, a sporting comeback is about proving they have more left to give.

Often, these retired athletes can find ways to make a successful return to competition. But, it’s important for them to know what to expect before they do so. They should also be aware of any specific requirements their national governing body might have, such as USA Swimming and USA Track & Field, for returning from retirement. This way, they can ensure they comply with the necessary rules and regulations to avoid any potential legal issues or violations of anti-doping policies.

Sports Celebrity Gossip

ANY sincere fan will, at times, display what may seem like an inordinate amount of emotional attachment and angst over sports celebrity gossip. Whether it’s a megastar of music or film spotted in the stands at a game, a social media viral moment or a star athlete fighting back tears over a crushing injury, celebrities bring a certain level of intrigue to sports that boosts viewership and ticket sales. But as fans, it’s important to find a balance between entertainment and responsible engagement that prioritizes more substantial issues and fosters a critical mindset.

This week, Charlotte and Madeline dive into the latest in sports celebrity gossip. We find out why a former WWE star lost her job over Coldplay cheating drama, why surfing superstar Billy Kemper is battling a gruesome injury and more. Plus, Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard dishes on his Subaru lifestyle, WNBA star Suni Lee and NBA player boyfriend OG Anunoby make their relationship official and a teen powerlifter obliterates a world record that had the athletics world losing its mind.

US Open Schedule 2025

The US Open begins on Sunday, Aug 24. The tournament’s expanded 15-day schedule gives fans more matches to witness and allows players more rest between rounds. It also means prime-time storylines, marquee matchups on Arthur Ashe, and a final day that is hotly anticipated by fans.

Whether you’re planning your visit or watching from home, the 2025 US Open schedule is sure to deliver. Jannik Sinner and Aryna Sabalenka enter this year’s event as defending champions, but they’ll face stiff competition from the likes of No. 2 seed Carlos Alcaraz, Americans on the rise Ben Shelton and Taylor Fritz, as well as rising stars like Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff.

Tip #9: Check the official practice schedule the night before and morning of each day (and on the US Open app). The most reliable way to see your favorite players without fighting crowds is during the free Qualifier Tournament (Monday August 18-August 21) and the week before the main tournament.

The finals of the US Open are traditionally played on a Monday, but this year’s organizers may switch the date in order to heed player demands for a day off between the men’s semifinals and final.

The US Open takes place at the Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in Flushing Meadows, NY. It’s a great time to visit, as Arthur Ashe Stadium is mid-renovation with 2,000 new courtside seats and a modern mezzanine, plus upgraded facilities and an entirely redesigned entrance.

Asian Games 2026

Aichi Nagoya 2026 will bring together people from all backgrounds to celebrate sportsmanship and the spirit of competition. From the beauty of synchronized swimming and the speed of track and field to the precision of martial arts, Asia’s best will come together in the heart of Japan for an exhilarating journey of athleticism and culture.

A number of different sports will be on offer, and all 45 National Olympic Committees that are members of the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) are expected to send delegations. In total, 42 events will be held, including 32 of the 40 sports that were part of the 2024 Summer Olympics and 11 additional sports and disciplines.

Cricket and Mixed Martial Arts have been formally approved as medal events at the Asian Games 2026, set to be held in the Aichi prefecture and Nagoya city from September 19 to October 4. MMA will make its Asian Games debut and be classified as a combat sport alongside kurash and jujitsu.

Having been on the schedule of the Asian Games since its inception, cricket will be making a return to the main event after missing out on inclusion at the 2022 edition in Hangzhou, China. In addition to the traditional multi-sport event, the Games will also feature a range of para-sports that are designed to showcase the skills of athletes with physical disabilities and help promote understanding and social participation by people with disabilities.

Social Media in Sports

Many people rely on social media to stay informed about their favorite sports teams and players. Even when people watch TV broadcasts of a game, they’re likely to have their phone open to scroll through their social feed. That can have positive effects – but as Johnny Manziel’s story shows, it can also be damaging.

For athletes, a strong and consistent social media presence can boost their brand, deepen fan connections, and expand their revenue opportunities with team, league, sponsors and other partners. However, it can be challenging for them to balance their personal and professional life in a way that reflects positively on the sport and their fans.

In addition, with many fans around the world growing more and more invested in social justice and equality causes – including gender equity, racial justice, and climate change – they’re more and more likely to seek out athletes who align with those values on their platforms. That alignment strengthens their own personal brands, while demonstrating authenticity and a values-driven leadership approach to the public.

With fans around the world demanding to see more of their favorite athletes on social media, teams and their players must ensure they have a strategy in place for capturing content without interrupting their game. And with the average athlete’s personal social media following far exceeding a sports organization’s own channels, gaining the right support from the right partners is key to creating and maintaining a successful social strategy.