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Another Orlando? Inside the "off-the-charts exciting" rise of FC Cincinnati
On Saturday, leaders of a Cincinnati pro sports franchise are hoping to draw 25,000 fans to their stadium for an afternoon matinee. But it won't be to watch Major League Baseball’s Cincinnati Reds, who play later that night. Instead, hordes of fans are expected to make their way to the University of Cincinnati’s Nippert Stadium, where FC Cincinnati of the United Soccer League play just their fourth home game in franchise history.
Jarryd Hayne Retires
Jarryd Hayne's NFL experiment is over, as the San Francisco 49ers running back announced Sunday he is retiring. A player in Australia's National Rugby League before heading to the United States to play football, Hayne said in a statement on the 49ers' official website that he will be returning to the sport at which he previously excelled.
Be prepared for Broncos to struggle early
The Denver Broncos are coming off of a Super Bowl victory and they have one of the most dominant defenses in the NFL. The team already feels like it’s being disrespected—some analysts have predicted a 7-9 season and players like Chris Harris have spoken out strongly against it. This is a team that is proud, that feels like it can be even better in 2016—they’ve said the defense, the league’s best from 2015, is "lightyears" ahead already this offseason—and that honestly thinks it can repeat as champions. All that being said, be prepared for them to struggle early. The first month could be tough.
Slow-playing Ryan Fitzpatrick status could backfire on New York Jets
By taking their time to reach a deal with Ryan Fitzpatrick, the Jets could leave the starting job to Geno Smith and hurt their shot at a veteran QB.
Eastern Illinois has unlikely pipeline to New England Patriots
On the final day of the NFL draft, coach Bill Belichick smiled when discussing the Patriots' selection of Eastern Illinois linebacker/safety Kamu Grugier-Hill in the sixth round (208th overall), then said jokingly, "You know, Eastern Illinois, it's a school that is closely scrutinized now, but we have some extra help on that one; we have a little scouting going on here. Most teams don't have that extra set of eyes."
Brandon Marshall: Matt Forte NFL's best all-around RB
Four-time All Pro Adrian Peterson is commonly viewed as the NFL's premier power back, but is he the most complete running back in the league? New York Jets wide receiver Brandon Marshall believes that honor belongs to new teammate Matt Forte.
Navy 'strongly recommending' Keenan Reynolds play
Keenan Reynolds' inspiring story can now live on in the NFL. Ray Mabus, secretary of the U.S. Navy, told The Dan Patrick Show Friday morning (via Pro Football Talk) that the Navy has given the Baltimore Ravens' sixth-round draft pick permission to play this season.
Tom Coughlin, Dwight Freeney want NFL again; Jarryd Hayne retires
Tom Coughlin wants to coach again, and Dwight Freeney wants to play. Both make their case, while the rugger-turned-returner retires from 49ers. Plus a commencement speech, a telling Vegas text and more
Vance Joseph explains decision to stick with 4-3 defense in Miami
Some coaches insist on using a certain system without regard to personnel. Others will adopt the system to match the skills of the players already under contract. For new Dolphins coach Adam Gase and defensive coordinator Vance Joseph, the decision has been made to stick with the system already in place.