Normal view

There are new articles available, click to refresh the page.
Today — 26 January 2025Latest Sports News Today on Fox News

Eagles pummel Commanders, punch ticket to Super Bowl LIX with NFC Championship win

26 January 2025 at 15:29

The Philadelphia Eagles are back in the Super Bowl after the dynamic duo of Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley combined for six rushing touchdowns in the 55-23 beatdown of the Washington Commanders in the NFC Championship. 

Philadelphia will wait to see who will represent the AFC in Super Bowl LIX, as the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills get underway in the Midwest on Sunday night. 

Hurts and the Eagles were in the "Big Game" in 2022, where they lost to the Chiefs in Arizona. But what the Eagles didn't have then was Barkley, the NFL's leading rusher in 2024, and he showed why he might be the missing piece to win the Vince Lombardi after an incredible performance at home.

SIGN UP FOR TUBI AND STREAM SUPER BOWL LIX FOR FREE

On just the first offensive snap for the Eagles in this game, following an 18-play Commanders opening drive that ended with a field goal, Barkley ripped off a 60-yard touchdown run to immediately put the Eagles up 7-3 after the extra point. 

The Commanders’ response wasn’t a good one, as receiver Dyami Brown fumbled after a Zack Baun punch while tackling his opponent. And unfortunately for Washington, fumbles became a bad trend throughout this game. 

The last time these two teams played, the Commanders turned the ball over five times. However, Jayden Daniels and the Commanders ended up winning on a last-second drive in a 22-point fourth quarter. 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

But the comeback didn’t happen this time with the turnovers, as Jeremy McNichols fumbled on a kick return near the end of the first half, and Austin Ekeler fumbled in the second half. 

And all of those turnovers led to touchdowns. 

Barkley scored from four yards out after the Brown fumble, and Hurts got his first tush push score of the game to make it 20-12 near halftime, he found A.J. Brown for his only passing touchdown of the content to take a solid 27-12 lead into the locker room. 

The second half, though, is where things unraveled for Dan Quinn’s Commanders, as Hurts’ second touchdown on the ground was a nine-yard score in the third quarter to make it 35-14. And despite Daniels scoring on the ground himself to cut the lead a bit, Ekeler’s fumble saw another tush push touchdown for Hurts to make it three on the night. 

With desperation on their sideline, Quinn had no choice but to force Daniels to go for it on every fourth down as the fourth quarter began, and Nolan Smith’s sack on fourth-and-11 ultimately led Barkley to his third touchdown with a four-yard run, which basically sealed the deal at 48-23. 

The last-ditch effort from Daniels in the fourth was a deep ball down the left sideline to Terry McLaurin, who scored a 36-yard touchdown earlier in the game, but it was intercepted in the end zone by rookie Quinyon Mitchell. 

The cherry on top for Philadelphia was, with the backups in the game, Will Shipley scoring a touchdown from two yards out after ripping a 57-yard run earlier in the drive. 

Celebrations ensued for the home team, and rightfully so after incredible performances from Hurts (20-for-28 for 246 yards), Barkley (15 rushes for 118 yards) and Brown (six catches for 96 yards). 

For the Commanders, Zach Ertz, the former Eagles tight end, certainly did his part with 11 catches for 104 yards. Daniels finished 29-for-48 for 255 yards, while rushing for 48 yards on six carries.  

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

National anthem at Eagles-Commanders NFC Championship has fans feeling patriotic: 'Can't get any better'

26 January 2025 at 15:26

The Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Commanders were more than just division rivals on Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field as they played for a spot in Super Bowl LIX. 

But one thing both fan bases could agree on was how great the national anthem performance was before the game. 

Fans took to social media to voice their love for the patriotic scene that involved an actual Eagle, a brilliant rendition by Mark Kate Morrissey, who plays Elphaba in Broadway’s "Wicked," and fighter jets doing a flyover. 

SIGN UP FOR TUBI AND STREAM SUPER BOWL LIX FOR FREE

"I’m not an Eagles fan but their national anthem is the absolute best with the bald eagle flying in the stadium," one X user wrote. "It can’t get any better."

"Absolutely beautiful!" another one added. 

An American flag the size of the football field was displayed by numerous fans, creating a perfect wide shot of the whole scene before the two teams got to work on the gridiron. 

But the live eagle flying around the stadium from one trainer to another while Morrissey reached the climax of "The Star-Spangled Banner" was talked about the most on social media.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

"Not an Eagles fan but DAMN…that Bald Eagle flying during the singing of the National Anthem brought tears of pride to my eyes," another X user said. 

As Morrissey finished singing, four F-16s from the 177th Fighter Wing flew over the stadium, putting the cherry on top of the patriotic scene. 

Things got off to a hot start for the Eagles faithful in this game, too, as the home team saw star running back Saquon Barkley score two touchdowns in the first quarter, including one on the Eagles’ first offensive snap of the game to take a commanding lead from the start.

Many teams pull out all the stops for their national anthems during the season, but fans believe the Eagles are the cream of the crop after what transpired in this conference championship game. 

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Commanders get warning over penalties while trying to stop Eagles from scoring in bizarre sequence

26 January 2025 at 15:08

The Washington Commanders fumbled the ball away for their third turnover of the NFC Championship against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday, and some chaos ensued as Saquon Barkley got the team down to the goal line.

Barkley busted free for a 22-yard run on the third play of the drive and got the Eagles within one yard of adding to their lead.

SIGN UP FOR TUBI AND STREAM SUPER BOWL LIX FOR FREE

Jalen Hurts tried to break into the end zone but was stopped. Commanders defensive lineman Jonathan Allen was called for a defensive offsides. Then, after getting stopped, Washington committed three straight penalties to try to stop what they knew was coming.

Commanders linebacker Frankie Luvu tried to jump the play two straight times. He was called for encroachment penalties. Then Allen was called for encroachment. The Commanders were then warned that officials could reward the Eagles with a score if they purposely kept trying to jump the play and pick up a penalty.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

After Allen’s foul, Hurts was able to get pushed into the end zone for his fourth touchdown of the game. Philadelphia went up 41-23 with 12:24 to go in the game.

Hurts had the Eagles rolling all game long. He ran the ball into the end zone three times and threw a touchdown pass to wide receiver A.J. Brown earlier in the game.

Barkley ran for two touchdowns in the first quarter, including a 60-yard gallop.

Philadelphia neared its second Super Bowl appearance in three years.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Taylor Swift arrives at Chiefs-Bills AFC Championship in black Louis Vuitton outfit

26 January 2025 at 14:43

Taylor Swift arrived at Arrowhead Stadium dressed in a black jacket with gold Louis Vuitton lettering as she got set to cheer on her boyfriend, Travis Kelce, and the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship against the Buffalo Bills later on Sunday.

Swift also wore a black Louis Vuitton beanie, a black skirt and red tights as she was seen in the tunnel before she went up to her suite to watch the game with her crew.

SIGN UP FOR TUBI AND STREAM SUPER BOWL LIX FOR FREE

The pop star has been at a few Chiefs games this season between some breaks in between her "Eras Tour." But now that the tour is over, Swift is back in her place at Arrowhead Stadium leading the Chiefs Kingdom in their support for Kelce and company.

Last week, Swift was seen sitting with Caitlin Clark as the Chiefs defeated the Houston Texans. The Indiana Fever star is a massive Chiefs fan. They were seen celebrating Kelce’s touchdown in the second half of the game.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Kansas City is hoping to do the unthinkable: win three consecutive Super Bowl titles. No NFL team has accomplished the feat since the league merged with the American Football League.

Swift was right by the Chiefs’ side during last year’s playoff run, which included a divisional-round victory against the Bills.

Patrick Mahomes is 3-0 against Josh Allen and the Bills in the playoffs, but Buffalo had Kansas City’s number during their regular-season meeting in New York.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Eagles' AJ Brown pushes Commanders' Marshon Lattimore's helmet off in mid-game brouhaha

26 January 2025 at 14:02

Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver A.J. Brown and Washington Commanders defensive back Marshon Lattimore had to be pulled apart as they got into a brouhaha in the NFC Championship on Sunday.

The incident occurred after Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts ran into the end zone for a touchdown from the 1-yard line with under 2 minutes to play in the first half. Off to the right, Brown and Lattimore locked horns.

SIGN UP FOR TUBI AND STREAM SUPER BOWL LIX FOR FREE

The two players were pushing each other in the helmet. Brown pushed Lattimore’s helmet off his face. Lattimore was penalized for unnecessary roughness, and it gave the Eagles a great opportunity for a 2-point try. However, Washington locked in and stopped Hurts’ sneak.

No other player was penalized for the flare-up.

Lattimore is a four-time Pro Bowler. Washington acquired him in a trade with the New Orleans Saints in the middle of the season. He appeared in two games for the Commanders during the regular season and had three pass-breakups.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Lattimore is a fiery competitor. He’s been seen in multiple skirmishes with Tampa Bay Buccaneers star Mike Evans as the two players competed during NFC South rivalry games when the cornerback was on the Saints.

Brown, Lattimore’s foe in this skirmish, ended up scoring on the Eagles’ following drive. He caught a 4-yard pass from Hurts to push Philadelphia’s lead even higher.

He went into the half leading Philadelphia in receiving with four catches for 61 yards and the touchdown.

Philadelphia had a 27-15 lead at the break.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Bills' Mack Hollins drums up fashion statement with 'Muppets' gear at AFC Championship

26 January 2025 at 13:27

The Buffalo Bills' eccentric wide receiver Mack Hollins did much more than just walk into a stadium barefoot again on Sunday ahead of the AFC Championship against the Kansas City Chiefs. 

Hollins showed up at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium wearing a full "Animal" costume, a beloved Muppets character, and it included a big, red head. 

Hollins also wore a red-and-yellow crop top shirt and beige cutoffs just like Animal. 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

It might be Chiefs colors, but Animal is known for being wild and unpredictable when playing for the fictional "Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem" band. 

Perhaps that’s the type of mindset Hollins has entering enemy territory, wanting to be an animal to help his Bills reach the Super Bowl

CHIEFS MAY HAVE ONE ADVANTAGE OVER THE BILLS AHEAD OF THE AFC CHAMPIONSHIP, ANDY REID SAYS

Hollins has turned heads by showing up in freezing cold temperatures on game day without any shoes or socks. 

He’s a big advocate of "grounding," also known as earthing, where you walk with bare feet to connect to the planet’s natural electrical charge. It provides a therapeutic release for many. 

Hollins also has a growing social presence, especially on TikTok, where he shares homecare tips, fun science projects for kids, and more. 

But Hollins’ primary focus is making this latest chapter of the Bills-Chiefs rivalry have a happy ending for his squad. 

The Chiefs head into their home field advantage as the favorites to reach the Super Bowl for the third straight season, with hopes of becoming the first team in league history to win three straight Vince Lombardi trophies. 

Meanwhile, Josh Allen and the Bills want to finally get their shot at the Super Bowl, which would be the first time Buffalo reaches the "Big Game" in 31 years. 

Allen is one that sprays the ball around the field, and Khalil Shakir is usually the security blanket for him in the pass game. Hollins, though, provides a big-body presence, especially in the red zone. 

In these playoffs, Hollins has one catch on two targets in each game. During the regular season, he had five touchdowns on his 31 receptions for 378 yards. 

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

South Carolina suspends DJ who controversially played song to troll LSU, Flau'jae Johnson

26 January 2025 at 13:16

University of South Carolina athletics said Sunday it suspended the DJ who played a song to troll the LSU Tigers women’s basketball team and its star Flau’jae Johnson after the Gamecocks’ win in their pivotal matchup.

No. 2 South Carolina topped No. 5 LSU, 66-56, on Friday night. The Gamecocks’ win ended the Tigers’ undefeated streak to start the season.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

South Carolina’s official DJ, DJ T.O., played the instrumental version of Camoflauge’s "Cut Friends." Camoflauge was shot and killed in Savannah, Georgia, outside Pure Pain Records while he was walking his son. He is the father of Flau’jae Johnson and the shooting occurred six months before she was born, according to NOLA.com.

DJ T.O. reshared someone’s post about the song on Instagram and wrote "My bad" with a cry-laughing emoji.

Flau’jae is a rapper in her own right and has dedicated her career to her late father. She called out the DJ on X.

DUKE'S COOPER FLAGG DESCRIBED AS 'GENERATIONAL' PLAYER AFTER PERFORMANCE IN WIN OVER WAKE FOREST

"I’ll take my L on the chin, but this just nasty behavior. Nun funny bout that," Johnson wrote on Saturday.

South Carolina then addressed the incident.

"We are addressing Friday night’s inappropriate in-game song selection and subsequent Instagram post by the DJ who is hired to work our women’s basketball games," the school said. "Her actions were understandably upsetting to Flau’jae Johnson and her family and disrespectful to the LSU program and fans. Conference rivalries and passionate fan bases should only serve to enhance sports, not be used to target individual players personally. 

"We regret that it came to that in our venue after a game that saw both teams capture the level of national attention that women’s basketball has earned and we apologize to Flau’jae, her family and LSU.

"As a result of her actions, DJ T.O. will be suspended for the next women’s basketball home game, and we will meet with her to provide further education on our expectations of her in the future."

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Eagles' Saquon Barkley sends NFL fans into frenzy with incredible TD run to start NFC title game

26 January 2025 at 12:45

The Philadelphia Eagles answered the Washington Commanders’ long drive to start the NFC Championship with a rather short one.

It only took 18 seconds. Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts pitched the ball back to running back Saquon Barkley and the superstar player did the rest.

SIGN UP FOR TUBI AND STREAM SUPER BOWL LIX FOR FREE

Barkley found a hole, broke one tackle and spun around a Commanders defender to run for a 60-yard touchdown. Philadelphia went up 7-3 early in the first quarter.

Jayden Daniels led Washington on an 18-play, 54-yard drive to begin the game. The Commanders made two fourth-down conversions before Zane Gonzalez nailed a 34-yard field goal. On Washington’s next drive, the Eagles defense caused wide receiver Dyami Brown to fumble and Philadelphia recovered.

The Eagles and their fans were buzzing at Lincoln Financial Field. The NFL world was just as hyped on social media.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Barkley wasn't done. He scored again later in the first quarter as the Eagles went up 14-3.

Barkley appeared to be building upon his incredible performance in the Eagles’ divisional round win over the Los Angeles Rams. He had two long touchdown runs in the win to go along with his 205 rushing yards. Philadelphia won the game 28-22.

The former New York Giants running back has run for at least 100 yards in four straight games and nearing a fifth straight game. The streak dated back to Philadelphia’s three-point loss to Washington on Dec. 22.

The winner of the NFC Championship will punch their ticket to Super Bowl LIX.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Commanders' Jayden Daniels to auction custom-made jacket to benefit Los Angeles firefighters

26 January 2025 at 12:03

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels is set to play the NFC Championship against the Philadelphia Eagles with a heavy heart.

Daniels is set to auction one of his personalized Commanders coats to benefit the Los Angeles Fire Department, which has been dealing with destructive and devastating wildfires in the region.

SIGN UP FOR TUBI AND STREAM SUPER BOWL LIX FOR FREE

The rookie was born in Fontana, California, and attended Cajon High School in San Bernardino before he committed to Arizona State and later transferred to LSU.

The jacket has Daniels’ No. 5 emblazoned on it with the team name on the right cuff and left breast. The bottom of the burgundy and gold coat reads "Welcome to the team." The station said the inside of the jacket features the phrase "L.A. Strong."

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Kristin Juszczyk, the wife of San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk, made the jacket for Daniels. The designer went viral last year for her custom-made jackets for Taylor Swift and Taylor Lautner. Swift wore her jacket to a Chiefs game and Lautner wore his to a Lions game.

"We teamed up to auction off this one to help those in need who were (affected) by the LA fires," she wrote in a post on her Instagram Stories.

Only one will be auctioned.

The wildfires in Los Angeles left unfathomable destruction in their wake. Firefighters received some rain to help them battle the infernos but officials have warned of the risk of toxic ash runoff.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Chiefs' Travis Kelce says he 'used to dream of being like' what Josh Allen is as quarterback

26 January 2025 at 11:19

Before he became one of the best tight ends in the NFL ever, Travis Kelce was an all-conference high school quarterback who passed for more than 1,500 yards and 20 touchdowns in his senior year.

He committed to the Cincinnati Bearcats football program as a tight end and played quarterback in wildcat formations. He emerged as a better pass-catcher than passer and became a third-round draft pick of the Kansas City Chiefs in 2013.

SIGN UP FOR TUBI AND STREAM SUPER BOWL LIX FOR FREE

Kelce admitted on Friday ahead of the AFC Championship against the Buffalo Bills that he wanted to be a quarterback much in the style of Josh Allen.

"Josh is who I used to dream of being like in the NFL," he told reporters. "Big, athletic quarterback. Big arm. Being able to be a dual-threat guy.

"His ability to do everything – you can tell, he really took the bull by the horns and been their leader up front, and channeled that. Guys come in and out of the building and he's the main guy that makes them go, and I have a lot of respect for that guy."

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Kelce had been gifted the opportunity to throw the football three times in the regular season and once in the playoffs. He came through in the clutch in the postseason, throwing a touchdown pass in the 2021 divisional-round playoff game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Allen, a 6-foot-5, 237-pound gunslinger, has emerged as one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL and is vying for the first NFL MVP award of his career.

He’s been the face of the Bills since he took over the starting job. He had 3,731 passing yards and 28 touchdown passes this season. He also ran for 531 yards and 12 touchdowns this season.

The two teams will meet again with a trip to Super Bowl LIX on the line.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

ESPN's Adam Schefter under fire for using Patrick Mahomes as reference for possible NFL change

26 January 2025 at 10:47

ESPN’s NFL insider Adam Schefter faced criticism on Saturday for his report about the league possibly considering using replay assist when it came to quarterback slides.

Schefter wrote on X, "For all those complaining that Patrick Mahomes gets too many calls, relief soon could be on the way." The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback was criticized for the late slide against the Houston Texans that led to an unnecessary roughness penalty after linebacker Henry To’oTo’o hit him right after he dropped to the ground.

SIGN UP FOR TUBI AND STREAM SUPER BOWL LIX FOR FREE

Amid the controversy over the slide, head referee Clay Martin defended the call. He said there was forcible contact to Mahomes’ "hairline" on the other unnecessary roughness call.

NFL fans were upset with Schefter for using Mahomes as a reference point. Still, Schefter used statistics to back up his point. He compared penalties between the Chiefs and their playoff opponents over the course of their eight-game winning streak.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

According to researcher Paul Hembo, Kansas City’s opponents have been flagged for roughing the passer six times compared to zero times for the Chiefs. When it came to unnecessary roughness, Kansas City’s opponents have seen four penalty flags and only one against the Chiefs.

Still, fans were outraged.

Actor Eric Stonestreet, a huge Chiefs fan, called out Schefter on NFL Network.

"He calls out Patrick Mahomes in his tweet like Patrick Mahomes is the only one on the beneficiary end of a roughing the passer call," he said. "He’s got the biggest reach in all the NFL and here he’s out implying and furthering this conspiracy theory that the league is rigging the game."

Mahomes was asked about the alleged favoritism during the week.

"I don’t feel that way," he said. "… I just try to play football at the end of the day. The referees are doing their best to call the game as fair and proper as best they can.

"For me, it's go out there, play hard, try to do whatever I can to win the football game, and then live with the results based on my effort and how I play the game, and that's what we preach here in Kansas City."

The Chiefs play the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Championship.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Duke's Cooper Flagg described as 'generational' player after performance in win over Wake Forest

26 January 2025 at 10:23

Cooper Flagg scored 24 points, grabbed seven rebounds and dished out six assists playing 39 of 40 minutes in the Duke Blue Devils’ 63-56 victory over the Wake Forest Demon Deacons on Saturday.

Duke, the No. 2 team in the nation, improved to 17-2 and 9-0 against ACC opponents. It was Flagg who gave the Blue Devils the jolt they needed in the second half to inch away from Wake Forest. At one point, Flagg scored three times on a run of seven straight scoring possessions.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

On defense, Duke switched from man-to-man to zone to slow the Demon Deacons down with about eight minutes left in the game. Flagg admitted he never played zone before then. He finished with two blocks in the game.

Flagg’s legend is only growing ahead of his likely jump to the NBA. It’s a performance like the one against Wake Forest that only solidified him as a potential generational talent at the next level. It even left an indelible impression on Wake Forest coach Steve Forbes.

UCONN'S DAN HURLEY UNLOADS ON REFEREE WITH EPIC 1-LINER IN HUSKIES' OVERTIME WIN: 'DID I SAY THAT?'

"Generational," he said when asked to describe Flagg. "I’ll give you an example – their leading scorer last year was the first pick in the second round. This guy will be the first pick in the first round. Big difference.

"He’s a tough guy to guard. He’s got all the tools. The great thing about him… is his unselfishness. That he really wants other people to succeed."

Flagg is averaging 19.5 points, 8 rebounds and 4.2 assists this season. Duke has 12 games left before the conference tournament begins.

Flagg and the Blue Devils are set for a game on Monday night against N.C. State.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Matthew McConaughey touts Redskins fandom as Commanders prep for NFC title game

26 January 2025 at 09:49

Actor Matthew McConaughey showed off his lifelong Washington Redskins fandom on Sunday as the team, now known as the Commanders, got set to play in the NFC Championship.

McConaughey posted a photo of a tiny letterman jacket with the Redskins logo on the left side.

SIGN UP FOR TUBI AND STREAM SUPER BOWL LIX FOR FREE

"Hailing since 1974," he captioned the post on X.

While it appeared to surprise fans of the "Interstellar" star that he would be a fan of Washington, McConaughey talked about his support for the NFL team in 2014. 

He told GQ magazine he became a fan because of old Western movies. He said he "rooted for the Indians" and that because he liked hamburgers, he liked the Redskins because of their linebacker Chris Hanburger.

At the time, he also expressed support for keeping the Redskins nickname. Then-team owner Daniel Snyder had vowed not to change the name but did in 2020 amid a summer of racial tension in the U.S.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

"What interests me is how quickly it got pushed into the social consciousness," he told the magazine at the time. "We were all fine with it since the 1930s, and all of a sudden we go, 'No, gotta change it?' It seems like when the first levee breaks, everybody gets on board. I know a lot of Native Americans don't have a problem with it, but they're not going to say, 'No, we really want the name.' That's not how they're going to use their pulpit. 

"It's like my feeling about gun control: 'I get it. You have the right to have guns. But look, let's forget that right. Let's forget the pleasure you get safely on your range, because it's in the wrong hands in other places.'"

The Redskins name is still a hot-button issue for fans of the franchise. It appeared the old logo will be honored in some way as the franchise looks to build a new stadium on the old RFK site.

Now as the Commanders, McConaughey still supports the team and will be watching closely as Washington looks to make the Super Bowl for the first time since the 1991 season.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Aaron Rodgers' future with Jets will depend on new head coach, GM: report

26 January 2025 at 09:26

The New York Jets put together two of the most important pieces of their offseason with the hirings of Aaron Glenn as head coach and Darren Mougey as general manager.

Next on the list? Quarterback.

SIGN UP FOR TUBI AND STREAM SUPER BOWL LIX FOR FREE

Aaron Rodgers played one of the two seasons he was with the Jets. The first season ended just as quickly as it began for the quarterback as he tore his Achilles four plays into the year. The 2024 season didn’t go as well as the team had planned, with Robert Saleh and Joe Douglas both getting canned during the year. New York finished 5-12.

Whether Rodgers returns as the Jets’ quarterback is still in question.

NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport said in a video on Sunday that Rodgers had been adamant that whether he comes back to the Jets depends on the new leadership.

"Aaron Rodgers has been very clear that the decision about whether he comes back will be up to the new head coach and the new general manager. Aaron Glenn, to my understanding, is open to it, Rodgers as well. Expect those conversations to ramp up in the coming week," Rapoport said.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

The 10-time Pro Bowler had 3,897 passing yards and 28 touchdown passes as he played every game for the Jets.

If Rodgers does come back, New York may have a quandary at wide receiver to deal with.

Davante Adams has teased about playing elsewhere in 2025 and Garrett Wilson suggested he wanted to be traded out of New York.

So, while two key organizational pieces were put into place, there still is a lot to be determined on how the roster will look come Week 1.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Cowboys legend Michael Irvin criticizes team's head coach pick: 'We lost an opportunity here'

26 January 2025 at 08:35

The Dallas Cowboys made the stunning decision to hire offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer as the team’s head coach after the team split from Mike McCarthy and rumors swirled about Deion Sanders’ interest in the job.

Schottenheimer is the son of the legendary Marty Schottenheimer and spent the last two seasons as Dallas’ offensive coordinator under McCarthy. He was also the offensive coordinator for the New York Jets from 2006 to 2011, the St. Louis Rams from 2012 to 2014 and the Seattle Seahawks from 2018 to 2020. The Cowboys will be the first team he will serve as head coach.

SIGN UP FOR TUBI AND STREAM SUPER BOWL LIX FOR FREE

Not everyone was thrilled with team owner Jerry Jones’ decision on Schottenheimer. Fans made their opinions known on social media.

Cowboys legend and Hall of Famer Michael Irvin was unhappy as well.

"Here's my issue. We lost an opportunity here. I don't know what happened with coach Schottenheimer and the Cowboys, but Jerry is a shrewd, shrewd businessman, and this opportunity, I'm shocked he did not see. I was pushing for Deion Sanders to be the next head coach, and I still stand 10 toes down on that push," he said in a video posted to his YouTube channel.

He pointed to the NFC Championship being between two NFC East teams – the Philadelphia Eagles and the Washington Commanders.

"Let me break it down," he said. "We have two NFC East teams in the NFC Championship game being played tomorrow. All eyes on them. The Philadelphia Eagles and the Washington Commanders. Our enemies on all fronts. And they’re in a position that we haven’t held in 30 f---ing years. The longest drought by any NFC East team, 30 years.... You bring in someone who's already inside for head coach. You lose things there that you can't grab back that I'm worried about."

Irvin expressed concerns about the Cowboys losing their standing in the conference.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

"We’re losing ground in the NFC.... It was time to bring somebody in here that could shake things up and grab this last leg of Cowboys nation," he added. "If we've got 30 years right now, and life expectancy is 100 years, that means by math one third of Cowboys Nation has never felt or lived the glory of a championship story. Don't even know about it. How the hell can they pass something down when they don’t even know about it?

"Worse yet, that generation has seen total domination from a team named the Kansas City Chiefs, who in that span is running up on winning three in a row. So not only are you losing football games over here and opportunities over here and divisions over here, you’re about to get our moniker snatched off our backs."

It’s unclear how serious the talks between the Cowboys and Sanders were. It gained interest among fans, but Sanders was clear about his love for the Colorado football program.

For now, Sanders stays in college and Dallas embarks on a new journey with a new coach.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Dolphins' Tyreek Hill chalks up 'I'm out' remark to 'frustration' with 2024 season

26 January 2025 at 08:13

Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill raised eyebrows at the end of the 2024 season when he suggested he wanted a trade from the team after they missed the playoffs.

Hill told reporters he was "out" after the Dolphins lost to the New York Jets, losing a playoff berth to the Denver Broncos. He explained to ESPN on Saturday he was frustrated with how the season played out and chose to express it in a questionable manner.

SIGN UP FOR TUBI AND STREAM SUPER BOWL LIX FOR FREE

"What y'all had heard at the end of the season was frustration," he said. "I've been winning my whole life, bruh. Y'all don't understand, I bust my ass every day. I deserve to feel like that; I deserve to have some kind of opinion. 

"Y'all just want me to say, 'Oh well, get 'em next year?' Nah, f--- that. We've got to come back. We got to put some pressure on motherf-----. Y'all got to fix this s---, come on. Add some motherf------ dogs in this b----. I compete, I love to compete, bruh."

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Rumors swirled immediately after he made the comments, suggesting he requested a trade. But Dolphins general manager Chris Grier said no such request was made.

Hill’s agent Drew Rosenhaus said on "The Pat McAfee Show" earlier this month he believed Hill was committed to the Dolphins, though he didn’t speak to him about the matter.

The star wide receiver fell short of 1,000 yards receiving as the Dolphins faced injuries at quarterback. Hill had 81 catches for 959 yards and six touchdowns. He had four consecutive seasons of at least 1,000 yards before 2024.

Miami was 8-9.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Supercross riders brawl on track, dodge other bikers after collision

26 January 2025 at 07:32

The 2025 Supercross season got off to a bumpy start for riders Braden Spangle and Wyatt Mattson as they were both suspended from the third 250 race of the season.

Spangle and Mattson got tied up during a jump in qualifying at Angels Stadium in Anaheim, California. The two began to brawl on the track and were nearly struck by fellow rider Anthony Castaneda and other bikers.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Supercross officials came over to make sure the other rides saw them as they broke up their entanglement. Both Spangle and Mattson were suspended for the race.

F1 DRAMA BETWEEN MAX VERSTAPPEN AND GEORGE RUSSELL EXPLODES BEFORE SEASON FINALE

Spangle and Mattson failed to make the heats in San Diego and only Spangle made it to the heats when Supercross was in Anaheim the first time to start the season. However, Spangle didn’t make it to the main event.

On Saturday, it was Haiden Deegan who won the race in Anaheim. He finished 4.4 seconds ahead of Julien Beaumer. Deegan is second in points to start the season with Beaumer in first and leading by seven points through the first three races.

Jordon Smith, Jo Shimoda and Cole Davies round out the top five.

In the 450 main event, Jett Lawrence won the race just about 2.4 seconds ahead of Ken Roczen.

Roczen leads the 450 standings over Chase Sexton by three points. Lawrence is five points behind Roczen in third. Eli Tomac and Cooper Webb round out the top five.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Jannik Sinner wins Australian Open for 2nd straight time

26 January 2025 at 06:56

Italian tennis star Jannik Sinner defeated German Alexander Zverev in straight sets to win his second consecutive Australian Open title on Sunday, 6-3, 7-6 (4), 6-3.

Sinner once again solidified his top ranking in tennis. He’s been No. 1 in the world since June with no signs of stopping. He didn’t face a break point, and had more winners (32-25) and fewer unforced errors (45-27).

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Zverev said it himself.

"You're the best player in the world, by far. I was hoping that I could be more of a competitor today, but you’re just too good. It’s as simple as that," he said.

It’s the third Grand Slam title for Sinner. He’s won the Australian Open twice and won the U.S. Open last year. He went as far as the semifinals in the French Open and in Wimbledon. He’s the eighth man in the Open era to start his career 3-0 in Grand Slam finals.

"It’s amazing to achieve these things," he said.

AMERICAN MADISON KEYS WINS AUSTRALIAN OPEN, UPSETS NO. 1-RANKED ARYNA SABALENKA

Sinner came into the tournament with a massive spotlight on him. He tested positive for a trace amount of an anabolic steroid twice last March but blamed it on an accidental exposure involving two members of his team. He was cleared in a ruling that was appealed by the World Anti-Doping Agency.

He was initially exonerated in August, but WADA’s appeal is set for April.

Tennis stars such as Nick Kyrgios have spoken up about the doping violations of players like Sinner and Iga Swiatek, who accepted a suspension in November.

"Two world No.1s both getting done for doping is disgusting for our sport. It’s a horrible look," the Aussie star said last month. "Tennis integrity right now, and everyone knows it, but no one wants to speak about it, it’s awful."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Jayden Daniels' mom reveals why Commanders rookie remains single heading into NFC Championship

26 January 2025 at 06:37

Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels will soon take the field for the biggest game of his football career.

Daniels threw a pair of touchdowns during last week's win over the top-seeded Detroit Lions to help Washington secure an upset victory and advance to the NFC Championship for the first time in more than three decades. 

Many players from both the Commanders and the Philadelphia Eagles will likely have the full support of their significant other for Sunday's big game. But, don't expect a girlfriend to be rooting Daniels on from the stands – according to his mother.

The young signal caller and leading offensive rookie of the year candidate's mom, Regina Jackson, recently suggested her son is not dating anyone.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Jackson shared some concerns she has for her son amid the Heisman Trophy winner's stellar rookie campaign and his rising NFL stardom.

COMMANDERS VS. EAGLES: NFC EAST RIVALRY BY THE NUMBERS

"Girls, them girls." she responded when asked about what she worried about as Daniels prepared to make the leap to the NFL in a clip posted by Amazon Prime Video from the streaming services docuseries "The Money Game." The series explores how college athletes managed opportunities that arose due to the advent of name, image, and likeness (NIL).

"Some girl out here, she’s got a Jayden Daniels wall and her mama says, ‘Hey honey, you’re going to be the one to get ‘em.' And I know that sounds crazy, but I guarantee there's someone who's trying to get their hooks into Jayden Daniels," Jackson said about women who look to her son for financial gain.

"So thank god he got a mama like me because it ain’t happening," she added.

Former Eagles running back and FOX Sports co-host LeSean McCoy commented in apparent agreement by saying, "Sound like my mom lol the MOMs KNO."

Daniels did not appear to be shocked by Jackson's remarks 

"I bet she did say something like that," the former LSU star said as he smiled and laughed. This was not the first time Daniels spoke about his mother's efforts to make sure her son has a trustworthy group around him. 

"Nothing gets past my mama," Daniels told Boardroom in December. "She reads people, she doesn't want to put people around me that she doesn't feel will benefit me."

The Eagles will welcome the Washington Commanders to Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday. Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. ET. On the AFC side, the Kansas City Chiefs host the Bills in the second conference championship game of the day. The winners from each of those contests will meet in Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Broncos star Pat Surtain II earns high praise from Pro Football Hall of Famer Champ Bailey

26 January 2025 at 03:00

Denver Broncos star cornerback Pat Surtain II was named as one of the finalists for AP Defensive Player of the Year for the 2024 season.

Surtain, who wrapped up his fourth season in the NFL, put up his best year yet. He had four interceptions, 45 tackles and 11 pass breakups. He returned the interceptions for 132 yards, which included his 100-yard interception return for a touchdown. It was a league-leading stat.

SIGN UP FOR TUBI AND STREAM SUPER BOWL LIX FOR FREE

The young Broncos player caught the attention of fellow Broncos great Champ Bailey even before he came into the league. Bailey, who spoke to Fox News Digital on behalf of Trulieve, said he saw a little bit of himself in Surtain but thinks Surtain is better setup for the pros.

"A little bit. I think he’s far ahead of me as far as his demeanor, his professionalism, his technique," he said. "When he came into the league, you could tell he was going to be good right away. It was just more, ‘OK, can he sustain his success? Can he stay healthy?’ 

"Those are the things that are really unknown to an NFL player’s career – the health side of it, which is huge. And he’s been able to do that and play consistently. I always knew if he strapped them up, he’s going to be one of the best no matter what because of how he approaches the game."

Bailey has high hopes for Surtain’s career.

RAVENS' MARK ANDREWS BREAKS SILENCE AFTER CRITICAL DROP IN PLAYOFFS LED TO DEATH THREATS: 'ABSOLUTELY GUTTED'

"He looks like a 10-year vet playing like a guy in his prime," he said. "The sky’s the limit for him. I told people when he was drafted, he’s on a Hall of Fame path. It’s all about his good health. If he stays healthy, he will be a Hall of Famer and, hopefully, he’ll be Defensive Player of the Year this year. Definitely pulling for that."

The Defensive Player of the Year nominees list is stacked.

Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Zack Baun, Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett, Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson and Pittsburgh Steelers pass rusher T.J. Watt were also named as finalists.

Surtain earned his third Pro Bowl selection and his second First-Team All-Pro selection this season.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X, and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

❌
❌