A coalition of women’s advocacy organizations have called on President-elect Donald Trump to demand the NCAA change its policies regarding trans athletes in women’s sports.
Our Bodies, Our Sports, the first and only coalition of women’s advocacy organizations fighting for fairness in women’s sports in the country, issued a letter to the president-elect requesting that he use his influence to have the NCAA take action "to protect the rights and opportunities of collegiate female athletes," a press release read.
"We write now to ask you to also use your powerful voice to urge the NCAA to take action and clarify participation rules to protect the rights and opportunities of female athletes," the letter read, in part.
"The NCAA’s controversial and unscientific Transgender Student-Athlete Participation Policy continues to allow men to participate in women’s sports – taking away women’s opportunities to compete, roster spots on teams, medals, and safe and fair competition," the release read.
This letter to the president-elect comes ahead of the 2025 NCAA Convention, which takes place from Jan. 14-17 in Nashville, Tennessee. The week is filled with issues, forums, business sessions and award presentations.
The letter also comes after a federal judge blocked the Biden administration’s attempt to redefine sex in Title IX as "gender identity," striking it down nationwide.
The ruling came in U.S. District Court Eastern District of Kentucky Northern Division in Cardona v. Tennessee on Tuesday.
Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti celebrated the ruling with a post on X. "Another massive win for TN and the country!" the post read. "This morning, a federal court ruled in our favor and vacated the Biden admin's radical new Title IX rule nationwide.
"The court's order is resounding victory for the protection of girls' privacy in locker rooms and showers, and for the freedom to speak biologically-accurate pronouns."
The Supreme Court has previously rejected the Biden administration’s emergency request to enforce parts of a new rule that would have included protection from discrimination for transgender students under Title IX.
As for the NCAA’s current transgender participation policy, it allows trans athletes to play in a "sport-by-sport approach," which "preserves opportunity for transgender student-athletes while balancing fairness, inclusion and safety for all who compete." The governing body says its policy aligns with that of the "Olympic Movement."
Part of the NCAA’s policy requires transgender student-athletes to provide documentation that meets the 2010 NCAA policy, plus meet the sport standard for documented testosterone levels at three points in time: Prior to competition during regular season, prior to the first competition in an NCAA championship and prior to any competition in the "non-championship segment."
Our Bodies, Our Sports consists of the following member organizations: Independent Women’s Forum, Independent Council on Women’s Sports, Women’s Declaration International USA, Champion Women, International Consortium on Female Sport, Concerned Women for America, Women’s Liberation Front, Independent Women’s Law Center, Young Women for America, Independent Women’s Voice, and Independent Women’s Network.
"We stand together in honor of the generations of women who came before us and in defense of all the women and girls who will come next," the letter to Trump ends. "We ask for your help in demanding that the NCAA finally act to restore fairness and opportunity in collegiate sports and we thank you for standing with us."
Comedian Shane Gillis revealed a heated conversation he had with legendary college football coach Nick Saban after the former suggested the latter’s Alabama Crimson Tide had cheated while he was there, on ESPN’s "College GameDay."
Gillis spoke on the "Talk of the Town" podcast, where he broke down what led to the situation where the comedian said Saban "spazzed on me."
First, Gillis told Saban’s "College GameDay" colleagues Pat McAfee and Kirk Herbstreit that he thought Alabama had dominated college football because they had been paying players before it was legal to do so through NIL deals.
"After I said that, we had to go into the stadium to sit at the desk, and I got in there, and he [Saban] was like, ‘I heard what you said,’" Gillis said. "And I was like, ‘Holy s–t,’ and then McAfee and Herbstreit were like, ‘He’s just breaking your b---s, dude.’
"’He loves messing with guys. Like he’s literally just f---ing with you,’ and I was like, ‘Oh, alright. I’ll f--- with him back.'"
Gillis’ antics weren’t received well by Saban, as the comedian doubled down during his Dec. 20 appearance at the Notre Dame-Indiana College Football Playoff game.
"I was just joking around. I don’t think the SEC paid players ever," Gillis said on the broadcast. Is this not a fun show? Is this a serious show? Alabama Jones is looking very serious."
"Alabama Jones" referred to Saban, who was wearing a hat that resembled the one worn by Indiana Jones.
Saban had a retort to Gillis, and he was certainly being serious.
"I do believe in integrity. I always tried to run the program that way so players had a better chance to be successful in life," Saban said. "We make more money in the NFL than any other school, 61 players in the league. That was how we cheated. We developed players."
After the cameras were off, Gillis said that Saban was actually upset after McAfee and Herbstreit said to go talk to him.
"So, I went up to him after, he was like, ‘You think the SEC dominated cause we cheated? That’s bulls---.’ He spazzed on me," Gillis said.
Saban is well known for his six national titles during his time in Tuscaloosa, as the Crimson Tide became a college football powerhouse. He also led the LSU Tigers to the BCS National Champions Game after the 2003 regular season.
Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick is reportedly among the thousands who lost homes to the raging Los Angeles wildfires.
Redick’s situation was revealed after news broke that the Lakers were postponing their game Thursday night against the Charlotte Hornets, ESPN reported.
Redick said Tuesday his family members evacuated the area.
"I just want to acknowledge and send thoughts and prayers to everyone in the Palisades right now," Redick said Tuesday, according to Sports Illustrated. "It’s where I live. My family and my wife’s family, my wife’s twin sister, they’ve evacuated.
"I know that a lot of people are freaking out right now, including my family. From the sound of things, with the winds coming tonight, I know a lot of people are scared."
The Lakers released a statement on the postponement of the Hornets game Thursday, saying their focus is on "what matters most today."
"We’re heartbroken for Los Angeles," the Lakers said in a statement Thursday night. "Our thoughts are with all those impacted by this unimaginable situation. And our gratitude is with the first responders and all of you who come together when we need each other the most."
It remains to be seen what the Lakers do about their game Saturday night against the San Antonio Spurs, who are also scheduled to play in Los Angeles Monday night.
The purple and gold are not the only Los Angeles professional sports team affected by the fires.
The Los Angeles Rams may play their wild-card game against the Minnesota Vikings at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, if the fires continue to affect the Inglewood area, where their home, SoFi Stadium, is located.
The Los Angeles Chargers, though not playing at SoFi Stadium for their NFL playoff game, limited players’ time outside during Wednesday’s practice due to poor air quality. They play the Houston Texans Saturday afternoon to kick off Wild Card Weekend.
The Chargers released a statement Wednesday night, pledging $200,000 in targeted funding to wildfire relief efforts in the area.
LA County Fire Department Chief Anthony Marrone announced Thursday the Eaton Fire, which claimed at least five lives, has been "significantly stopped."
LA City Fire Department Chief Kristin Crowley told reporters the Palisades Fire, which remains 0% contained, is "one of the most destructive natural disasters in the history of Los Angeles."
The Los Angeles Lakers’ game against the Charlotte Hornets on Thursday was postponed as wildfires in the Los Angeles area continue to rage on.
The team confirmed the multiple reports about the postponement, as the Lakers released a statement on X telling fans to "please hold onto your tickets. They will be honored for the rescheduled date."
The California wildfires have devastated Los Angeles County, with at least five dead and burning more than 27,000 acres, officials say. Thousands of homes have also been burned down.
An ESPN report added that Lakers head coach JJ Redick lost his home like so many others who live in the area.
"We’re heartbroken for Los Angeles," the Lakers said in a statement on Thursday night. "Our thoughts are with all those impacted by this unimaginable situation. And our gratitude is with the first responders and all of you who come together when we need each other the most.
"Tonight’s game will be rescheduled to focus on what matters most today. We’re with you, LA."
The purple and gold are not the only Los Angeles professional sports teams that are being affected by the fires.
The Los Angeles Rams could potentially play their wild-card game against the Minnesota Vikings at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, if the fires continue to affect the Inglewood area, where their home, SoFi Stadium, resides.
The NFL released their contingency plan on Wednesday night shortly after saying it was monitoring the situation in Los Angeles.
As of Wednesday afternoon, the air quality index read over 280, with 150 and above considered unhealthy.
The Los Angeles Chargers, though not playing at SoFi Stadium for their own NFL playoff game, limited players’ time outside during Wednesday’s practice due to air quality. They play the Houston Texans on Saturday afternoon to kick off Wild Card Weekend.
The Chargers released a statement on Wednesday night, pledging $200,000 in targeted funding to wildfire relief efforts in the area.
LA County Fire Department Chief Anthony Marrone announced Thursday that the Eaton Fire, which claimed at least five lives, has seen growth "significantly stopped."
LA City Fire Department Chief Kristin Crowley also told reporters that the Palisades Fire, which remains 0% contained, is "one of the most destructive natural disasters in the history of Los Angeles."
A federal judge in Kentucky blocked the Biden administration’s attempt to redefine sex in Title IX as "gender identity," striking down the change nationwide.
The U.S. District Court Eastern District of Kentucky Northern Division made the ruling in Cardona v. Tennessee on Thursday.
"Another massive win for TN and the country!" Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti said in a post on X. "This morning, a federal court ruled in our favor and vacated the Biden admin's radical new Title IX rule nationwide.
"The court's order is resounding victory for the protection of girls' privacy in locker rooms and showers, and for the freedom to speak biologically-accurate pronouns."
Sen. Bill Cassidy, R-La., released a statement on the ruling.
"It is clear the Biden-Harris administration completely lost its way on Title IX. They betrayed the original intent of Title IX by removing longstanding protections that ensured fairness for women and girls. Good to see this harmful regulation overturned," he said. "With President Trump and a Republican majority in Congress, we will ensure women and girls have every opportunity to succeed on the field and in the classroom."
The ruling came months after the Supreme Court rejected the Biden administration’s emergency request to enforce portions of a new rule that would have included protections from discrimination for transgender students under Title IX.
The sweeping rule was issued in April and clarified that Title IX’s ban on "sex" discrimination in schools covers discrimination based on gender identity, sexual orientation and "pregnancy or related conditions."
The rule took effect Aug. 1, and, for the first time, the law stated that discrimination based on sex includes conduct related to a person’s gender identity.
It led to more than two dozen attorneys general suing over the rule, arguing it would conflict with some of their state laws that block transgender students from participating in women’s sports.
"When Title IX is viewed in its entirety, it is abundantly clear that discrimination on the basis of sex means discrimination on the basis of being a male or female," the court’s opinion read. "As this Court and others have explained, expanding the meaning of ‘on the basis of sex’ to include ‘gender identity’ turns Title IX on its head.
"While Title IX sought to level the playing field between men and women, it is rife with exceptions that allow males and females to be separated based on the enduring physical differences between the sexes."
Kristen Waggoner, president, CEO and general Counsel at Alliance Defending Freedom, said in a statement the ruling was a "colossal win for women and girls" in the U.S.
"The Biden administration’s radical attempt to redefine sex not only tossed fairness, safety, and privacy for female students out the window, it also threatened free speech and parental rights," she added. "With this ruling, the federal court in Kentucky rejected the entire Biden rule and the administration’s illegal actions. We are thankful for the leadership of Tennessee Attorney General Jonathan Skrmetti and other state attorneys general who challenged this blatant overreach alongside our courageous clients.
"This ruling provides enormous relief for students across the country, including our client who has already suffered harassment by a male student in the locker room and on her sports team. The U.S. Supreme Court can further protect girls like our client by granting cases brought by the ACLU against West Virginia and Idaho laws that protect women’s sports."
The decision came as Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., is set to push the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act to the Senate Floor.
A procedural vote on it will happen on Friday.
Fox News' Julia Johnson and Chad Pergram contributed to this report.
Before his Nittany Lions take on the Fighting Irish for a spot in the national title game, Penn State head coach James Franklin was blunt about Notre Dame not playing in a conference.
Notre Dame is one of three teams that play an independent schedule in the FBS, but the College Football Playoff expansion has led Franklin to believe every team should be in a conference.
It didn't matter that Notre Dame head coach Marcus Freeman was right next to him during a joint press conference Wednesday. Franklin let his thoughts known.
"It should be consistent across college football," Franklin explained, via ESPN. "This is no knock at [Freeman] or Notre Dame, but I think everybody should be in a conference. I think everybody should play a conference championship game, or nobody should play a conference championship game. I think everybody should play the same number of conference games."
To Franklin’s point, the Nittany Lions made the Big Ten championship game, where they lost to the Oregon Ducks, who were named the No. 1 seed in the College Football Playoff. The Ducks fell to Ohio State, who will take on Texas for the other spot in the national title game.
Penn State played one more game than Notre Dame, which made the CFP as an at-large team with the No. 7 seed.
So, with more teams entering the playoff, Franklin is calling for every team to play the same number of games and belong to a conference.
However, Notre Dame has been adamant about its independent status, which has been a part of its identity for decades. Other Fighting Irish teams play in the ACC, the conference with which the football program has a scheduling agreement.
There are also differences among conferences. For example, SEC teams play only eight conference games, while the Big Ten plays nine before conference championship games are played.
Franklin likes the eight-game conference schedule in the SEC.
"I was not a math major at East Stroudsburg, but just the numbers are going to make things more challenging if you’re playing one more conference game," Franklin, who previously coached at Vanderbilt in the SEC, said.
"We need somebody that is looking at it from a big-picture perspective."
The CFP selection process was already ridiculed in this first year of an expanded playoff, with teams like Alabama being left out. Franklin wants to see consistency because of scheduling differences, which makes it difficult for the selection committee in his eyes.
"How do you put those people that are in that room to make a really important decision that impacts the landscape of college football, and they can't compare apples to apples or oranges to oranges?" Franklin wondered. "I think that makes it very, very difficult."
Freeman said he recognizes how his program’s independence comes with a great sense of pride, but he also knows his squad can use conference championship weekend to rest and recover, a luxury only Notre Dame could afford before heading to the playoffs.
"I’m a guy that just [thinks[, ‘Tell us what we’re doing, and let’s go.' And you move forward," Freeman said when asked about whether he had an opinion on the matter. "I love where we’re at right now. [Notre Dame athletic director] Pete Bevacqua and our Notre Dame administration will continue to make decisions that are best for our program."
The Capital One Orange Bowl between Penn State and Notre Dame kicks off Thursday in Miami Gardens, Florida, at 7:30 p.m. ET.
A contingency plan has been put in place by the NFL as it continues monitoring the wildfires in California ahead of the Los Angeles Rams-Minnesota Vikings wild-card matchup Monday.
The No. 4-seeded Rams are scheduled to host the No. 5 Vikings at SoFi Stadium, but as the wildfires rage in the area, there’s a strong chance the Inglewood venue won’t be used.
The NFL released a statement saying it plans on having the Rams-Vikings play as scheduled Monday night at SoFi Stadium. If the stadium can’t be used, the game will be moved to a different venue.
State Farm Stadium, the home of the Arizona Cardinals in Glendale, will be the backup location for the wild-card game, if necessary.
"The NFL’s priority is the safety of the Los Angeles community," the league’s statement began. "We are grateful for the tireless efforts of the first responders. Our hearts are with Los Angeles and everyone affected by the fires.
"We will continue to closely monitor developments in the area and will remain in contact with public officials, both clubs and the NFLPA."
The league issued a statement earlier Wednesday, which noted it was monitoring the situation.
The Rams had a scheduled off day Wednesday, though the Los Angeles Chargers, who share SoFi Stadium and head to Houston for their own wild-card game Saturday, limited players’ time outside during practice due to poor air quality.
As of Wednesday afternoon, the air quality index in Inglewood hit 281, according to ESPN. Air is considered unhealthy at 150 or higher.
At least 70,000 people have been ordered to evacuate as three major fires burn from the Pacific coast to Pasadena. Officials say the number of evacuation orders continues to fluctuate as the fires rage.
The Rams made an announcement Wednesday that no players or staff members have been affected by the fires, but the team is monitoring the situation closely.
"Our hearts are with those affected by the Eaton Fire in the Altadena/Pasadena area and the first responders protecting our community. Be safe," the Rams said.
Rams star receivers Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp were among many who posted on X to show support for the community.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by the fires," Kupp said. "Thank you to the firefighters, first responders, and everyone else doing their best in unfathomable circumstances."
Nacua added, "Thank you to all of the first responders! God bless the families impacted!"
As wildfires continue to ravage the Los Angeles area, one of its pro sports teams is taking action to help relief efforts.
The Los Angeles Chargers announced Wednesday they will provide $200,000 in targeted funding to the American Red Cross, LA Fire Department Foundation, Team Rubicon and pet rescue organizations sheltering animals that have been displaced by the wildfires.
The franchise is also urging fans to attend the "Charge Up to Playoff" events ahead of the team’s wild-card game against the Houston Texans, which will kick off from Houston on Saturday.
The team’s watch party at Hermosa Beach Pier on Saturday will also serve as a supply drive, as the Chargers are asking fans to bring any supplies for evacuation centers, including El Camino Real High School.
"While we're currently experiencing unprecedented conditions that seemingly cannot get any worse as we deal with multiple fires across our region, we're also witnessing our community at its very best," Chargers owner Dean Spanos said in a statement. "The bravery, selflessness, courage, sacrifice and compassion on display over the past 24 hours by first responders, good Samaritans, friends, family and neighbors alike has been remarkable.
"Our hearts are with everyone who has been displaced by these fires, the firemen and police officers and frontline workers who are risking their lives to keep us safe and those among us who have stepped up to assist one another in this incredible time of need."
The Chargers had a "Charge Up to Playoffs" event scheduled for Friday in Sherman Oaks, but the fires continue to devastate the area. However, similar events will be going on as scheduled, and the hope is fans who can provide goods such as blankets, bottled water, new or gently used clothes, first aid kits and more will join the relief efforts.
The team has a history of helping those in need, and not just in their own community. They recently donated 50/50 raffles from the team’s game against the Tennessee Titans to the American Red Cross Mountain Fire relief efforts in Ventura County. Also, funds for relief efforts for the Maui fire, Hurricane Harvey and other causes have been contributed by the organization.
While the Chargers are focused on supporting their community in this time of crisis, they do have to think about their game in Houston in a few days.
The team may not be playing at its home SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, California, which had an air quality index above 280 on Wednesday, but the team did alter its practice schedule to limit players’ time outside, a team official told ESPN.
Meanwhile, a game is scheduled to be played at SoFi Stadium, as the Los Angeles Rams are set to host the Minnesota Vikings on Monday night. The NFL released a statement saying it’s monitoring the fires in Los Angeles closely.
Weather conditions are not helping firefighters control the flames, as it’s often been too windy to fight the fires with aircraft.
The Los Angeles Fire Department has already put out a plea for any off-duty firefighters to help, with thousands already working day and night to get the fires under control.
"Just had a scope of my vocal cords & I was very emotional with the great report by Dr ZEITELS. He said the vocal cords are cancer free & he feels I can return to my love of being at courtside for @espn," Vitale posted on X with pictures of himself in the doctor’s chair.
Vitale has not lost his passion for college basketball at 85 years old, but he has been through tremendous battles with cancer, including melanoma, lymphoma and laryngeal cancer over recent years.
But Vitale announced in December 2024 that he was officially cancer-free, though it wasn’t known if he’d be returning courtside to call some of the country’s best college basketball matchups.
So, this news after his checkup with Zeitels is significant because he clearly wants to get back to entertaining the fans with his enthusiastic broadcasting on game days.
"Dick, you’re back!" Zeitels said in a video posted to Vitale’s Facebook Watch. "Your vocal cords are not going to hold you up.
"We've been down this road a long time. I didn't know we could get here, but we are here. And you're ready to be with your viewers, the players, ESPN, you're ready to be with everyone again."
Vitale got emotional after Zeitels said those words, and the doctor comforted him, knowing all too well what he’s been through.
"Dickie V" has spent 41 years as a college basketball broadcaster after spending time coaching at various levels, from high school to the NBA.
The New Jersey native spent time coaching at Garfield High School before taking over his alma mater, East Rutherford High School, where he led teams to two New Jersey state titles.
Vitale would go on to coach as an assistant at Rutgers before heading to the University of Detroit as their head coach. He’d remain in the Michigan city to coach its Pistons from 1978-79.
Once he was done coaching the Pistons, Vitale joined ESPN, calling its first-ever college basketball game in 1979, a game where DePaul beat Wisconsin, and the rest has been sweet history.
Now, Vitale is excited to get back to his love, as he says, and it’s safe to say every college basketball fan can’t wait for his long-awaited return.
As the Los Angeles wildfires continue to devastate the area, one key game of the NFL’s Wild Card Weekend is being monitored closely.
Monday night’s matchup between the Los Angeles Rams and Minnesota Vikings could be impacted by the wildfires, and the league released a statement saying as such.
"The NFL continues to closely monitor developments in the area and will remain in contact with both clubs and the NFLPA," the league wrote in a statement, per ESPN.
At least 70,000 people have been ordered to evacuate as three major fires burn from the Pacific Coast to Pasadena. Officials say the number of evacuation orders continue to be fluid as the fires rage on.
The Rams made an announcement on Wednesday that no players or staff members have been impacted by the fires, but they’re also monitoring the situation closely.
"Our hearts are with those affected by the Eaton Fire in the Altadena/Pasadena area and the first responders protecting our community. Be safe," the Rams said in a statement on Wednesday.
Rams star receivers Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp were among many who posted on X to show support for their community in this tough time.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected by the fires," Kupp said. "Thank you to the firefighters, first responders, and everyone else doing their best in unfathomable circumstances."
Nacua added: "Thank you to all of the first responders! God bless the families impacted!"
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Chargers, who share SoFi Stadium with the Rams, altered their practice schedule on Wednesday to limit players’ time outside, a team official told ESPN. The Chargers head to Houston to face the Texans on Saturday.
Air quality is a major concern due to the fires, as indexes have varied between 150 and 300 depending on location, with 150 being categorized as "very unhealthy" to breathe.
Inglewood, the home of SoFi Stadium and the location of the Rams’ wild-card game, had an air quality index of 281 on Wednesday.
Weather conditions are not helping firefighters control the flames, as it’s been too windy to fight the fires with aircraft.
The Los Angeles Fire Department has already put out a plea for any off-duty firefighters to help, with thousands already working day and night to get them under control.
Scholastic competition—especially college sports—has become an important part of the fabric of our country. And in increasingly divided times, athletic competitions are one of the few things that bring Americans of all backgrounds together. I think many people can agree that college athletics are a patriotic tradition, one that I am proud to have dedicated my 40-year career to prior to becoming a Senator.
Title IX in particular has played a major role in weaving together the fabric of this great American tradition. It leveled the playing field by creating opportunities for women to compete and earn the same scholarships as men. It has instilled valuable lessons such as work ethic, healthy habits, and teamwork in countless young people over the past 50 years. It has provided millions of women from across the country with educational and professional opportunities that have benefited them for a lifetime.
Sadly, over the last four years, the Biden administration has done all it can to dismantle Title IX protections for women in favor of radical gender ideology. President Biden’s Department of Education fully intended to rewrite Title IX, issuing a rule which would force schools to allow men to compete in women’s sports and require them to share private spaces together. All in the name of "gender equity." In the past few days, they rescinded this proposed rule, perhaps realizing how out of touch that stance is with the American public. But their intent was crystal clear.
As a result, what I have long called one of the greatest pieces of legislation to ever pass out of Congress is hanging on by a thread. If the unelected, unaccountable bureaucrats in Washington, D.C. continued to have their way with it, Title IX as we know it would cease to exist. Women’s opportunities to safely participate and benefit from scholastic athletics would greatly diminish—which would not just be a detriment to female student athletes, but to the entire country.
With President Trump’s resounding victory last November, the American people sent a clear message to Washington that they want to protect and preserve the original purpose of Title IX. One of the primary reasons President Trump won in a landslide is because he ran on the issue of saving women’s sports. Seventy percent of Americans agree: men don’t belong in women’s sports or locker rooms.
Which is why I am proud that my bill, the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act, or S. 9, will be one of the first pieces of legislation considered by Congress this month. This legislation will right the wrongs of the Biden administration by preventing women from being exposed to unfair and dangerous competition, as well as protecting women’s privacy in locker rooms.
The Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act will achieve this by doing two things. First, it ensures Title IX provisions treat gender as "recognized based solely on a person’s reproductive biology and genetics at birth." It’s unbelievable to me that this needs to be legislated—but after four years on the crazy train under Joe Biden, it clearly needs to be said. Second, it bans recipients of federal funding from operating, sponsoring, or facilitating athletic programs that permit males to participate in a women’s sporting event.
While this legislation is critically needed to stop the erosion of female athletics, it is also important to me on a personal level. For one, while most people know me as a football coach, my first job after college was coaching girls’ basketball. Title IX had just been implemented at that time, and I saw firsthand the tremendous impact it had on women’s sports. For the first time, female athletes were given the same opportunities, scholarships, and resources as male athletes. To this day, I keep in touch with the girls that I coached due to the opportunities provided by Title IX.
Furthermore, I am welcoming my first granddaughter this spring. I want for her what so many young women before her benefited from since Title IX became law in 1972. I want her to have the same opportunities available to her, without having to worry about men competing against her, harming her, or invading her privacy. I’m sure there are many parents and grandparents across the country that want the same for their girls.
Since coming to the Senate, I vowed to never stop fighting until the rights of American women and girls to fairly compete are thoroughly protected. I am glad the time has finally come where the Senate can deliver on my commitment. I encourage all my colleagues, Republican and Democrat alike, to support my legislation. By uniting behind the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act, Title IX will be restored, stitching back together a piece of the American fabric that has made our country more united and less divided.
Scholastic competition—especially college sports—has become an important part of the fabric of our country. And in increasingly divided times, athletic competitions are one of the few things that bring Americans of all backgrounds together. I think many people can agree that college athletics are a patriotic tradition, one that I am proud to have dedicated my 40-year career to prior to becoming a Senator.
Title IX in particular has played a major role in weaving together the fabric of this great American tradition. It leveled the playing field by creating opportunities for women to compete and earn the same scholarships as men. It has instilled valuable lessons such as work ethic, healthy habits, and teamwork in countless young people over the past 50 years. It has provided millions of women from across the country with educational and professional opportunities that have benefited them for a lifetime.
Sadly, over the last four years, the Biden administration has done all it can to dismantle Title IX protections for women in favor of radical gender ideology. President Biden’s Department of Education fully intended to rewrite Title IX, issuing a rule which would force schools to allow men to compete in women’s sports and require them to share private spaces together. All in the name of "gender equity." In the past few days, they rescinded this proposed rule, perhaps realizing how out of touch that stance is with the American public. But their intent was crystal clear.
As a result, what I have long called one of the greatest pieces of legislation to ever pass out of Congress is hanging on by a thread. If the unelected, unaccountable bureaucrats in Washington, D.C. continued to have their way with it, Title IX as we know it would cease to exist. Women’s opportunities to safely participate and benefit from scholastic athletics would greatly diminish—which would not just be a detriment to female student athletes, but to the entire country.
With President Trump’s resounding victory last November, the American people sent a clear message to Washington that they want to protect and preserve the original purpose of Title IX. One of the primary reasons President Trump won in a landslide is because he ran on the issue of saving women’s sports. Seventy percent of Americans agree: men don’t belong in women’s sports or locker rooms.
Which is why I am proud that my bill, the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act, or S. 9, will be one of the first pieces of legislation considered by Congress this month. This legislation will right the wrongs of the Biden administration by preventing women from being exposed to unfair and dangerous competition, as well as protecting women’s privacy in locker rooms.
The Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act will achieve this by doing two things. First, it ensures Title IX provisions treat gender as "recognized based solely on a person’s reproductive biology and genetics at birth." It’s unbelievable to me that this needs to be legislated—but after four years on the crazy train under Joe Biden, it clearly needs to be said. Second, it bans recipients of federal funding from operating, sponsoring, or facilitating athletic programs that permit males to participate in a women’s sporting event.
While this legislation is critically needed to stop the erosion of female athletics, it is also important to me on a personal level. For one, while most people know me as a football coach, my first job after college was coaching girls’ basketball. Title IX had just been implemented at that time, and I saw firsthand the tremendous impact it had on women’s sports. For the first time, female athletes were given the same opportunities, scholarships, and resources as male athletes. To this day, I keep in touch with the girls that I coached due to the opportunities provided by Title IX.
Furthermore, I am welcoming my first granddaughter this spring. I want for her what so many young women before her benefited from since Title IX became law in 1972. I want her to have the same opportunities available to her, without having to worry about men competing against her, harming her, or invading her privacy. I’m sure there are many parents and grandparents across the country that want the same for their girls.
Since coming to the Senate, I vowed to never stop fighting until the rights of American women and girls to fairly compete are thoroughly protected. I am glad the time has finally come where the Senate can deliver on my commitment. I encourage all my colleagues, Republican and Democrat alike, to support my legislation. By uniting behind the Protection of Women and Girls in Sports Act, Title IX will be restored, stitching back together a piece of the American fabric that has made our country more united and less divided.
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones was spotted in an episode of "Landman" on Paramount+, and his scene in a hospital alongside Jon Hamm and Billy Bob Thornton has many believing he was not acting as he got very emotional.
"Landman," a show about oil tycoons in Texas, saw Jones make a cameo during the ninth episode when he delivered a heartfelt speech to Jon Hamm’s character, who was in a hospital bed.
It makes sense that Jones made an appearance considering his own wealth was built through the oil business and real estate before purchasing the Cowboys.
"America’s Team" is what pulled Jones’ heartstrings, though, as he was telling Hamm’s character why he wanted to buy the team in the first place.
"I’m not saying I’ve done anything right, but I made my mind up a long time ago I was gonna work with my kids," Jones says to begin his monologue. "They’re involved in everything. They’re involved in my leasing, oil and gas, real estate.
"So, when I got the Cowboys, I got it so that we could all work together. I thought I was doing it for them. But the one that got the most out of it was me."
After Jones tells Hamm’s character that he believes the sickness he is dealing with will not take him to the next life, the Cowboys owner got emotional talking about his own family.
"I just know it’s not gonna be this time, but you’re gonna be sitting here sometime in the future, laying here sometime in the future and this room’s gonna be full of your business associates and the people you’ve worked with all your life. More than likely, your children and family are going to be there because they’re your children and your family," Jones said. "But you could have them there because they’re the people you spent your life with, you worked with, you fell down with, you got up with.
"Not just Thanksgiving and Christmas. That’s who you want to be with. So, when that comes like this, it’s a celebration of your life and you’re not wishing you had spent a little more time seeing a few more suns come up. That’s the trick.
"I’m pretty proud of them Cowboys. I’m pretty proud of the stuff we’ve done in oil and gas. It pales in comparison to how proud I am to have lived my life working with my kids."
Jones’ journey in oil and gas started with his company in Arkansas, named Jones Oil and Land Lease, which boomed. Jones also bought into Comstock Resources, which also dealt with oil and gas exploration. Today, Jones and his family are the largest shareholders of Comstock Resources Inc.
With the money he now had, Jones bought the Cowboys on Feb. 25, 1989 for $140 million, and it has been his pride and joy ever since. Like Jones says in the speech, his children play a huge part in the Cowboys’ operations.
Jones continues to run the team as owner, president and general manager, the last of the titles he has been criticized for in recent seasons, but will not be giving up anytime soon.
His son Stephen is chief operating officer, director of player personnel and co-owner. His daughter Charlotte is chief brand officer and co-owner. Finally, Jerry Jr. is chief sales and marketing officer and co-owner.
Though it may have been on a show, the 82-year-old Jones clearly loves that his Cowboys have become a family affair, and family is something he certainly does not take for granted.
There were plenty of surprises to go around. The Kansas City Chiefs won 15 games despite not being the most dominant team. The Minnesota Vikings nearly won the NFC North with Sam Darnold as the quarterback. Jayden Daniels emerged as a star. And the Buffalo Bills got better after trading one of the top wide receivers in the league.
Those were only some of the storylines around the NFL and that just scratches the surface.
The Detroit Lions are arguably the best team ahead of the playoffs and sit on top of the final NFL power rankings of the season.
Sunday night proved that if the defense wants to, it can be dominant. Allowing just nine points to the Minnesota Vikings was a tremendous leap forward; the only worry is if the bye week will cool down what might just be the best offense in the league. But it’s difficult to believe that will happen.
Last week: 2
Let the (real) games begin for the Chiefs. They locked up the top seed in the AFC, despite at times looking like they weren't even trying, and appeared to peak on offense in the last month before running out their backups for a meaningless game against Denver. The three-peat dream is right in front of them, and they left no meat on the bone this season in giving themselves the best shot to make it come true.
Last week: 1
The Bills enter the postseason with a lot of momentum. Despite finishing second in the AFC, many consider this team to be the most dangerous in the NFL. Again, though, everything hinges on postseason performance. A quick out in January could spell big changes in Buffalo.
Last week: 3
The Eagles wisely rested their starters in Week 18, meaning Saquon Barkley did not break Eric Dickerson’s single-season record for most rushing yards in a season. The Eagles will take on the Packers at home, and the big question in Philadelphia is if/when quarterback Jalen Hurts will clear the concussion protocol. Hurts sustained the concussion in Week 16, and as of Monday had not yet cleared the protocol. The Eagles hope their star quarterback will be back in action come Sunday.
Last week: 5
The Ravens put the finishing touches on their incredible season. Lamar Jackson is a favorite for MVP and Baltimore is a favorite to win the Super Bowl. It’s all about the postseason from here.
Last week: 6
Kudos to Sam Darnold for revitalizing his career, but it’s fair to say whether he can perform when the lights are the brightest. His offensive line didn’t help, but he did miss some throws early. They do get an indoor game to open up their playoffs, but they need to figure it all out quickly.
Last week: 4
It’s hard to judge the Packers after a slew of players took the field against the Chicago Bears, but losing at home to them is not what you want. At the end of the day, they still have a superb run game with lots of weapons, and it shouldn’t surprise anyone if they take care of business against the Eagles.
Last week: 7
The Commanders beat the Cowboys on a walk-off touchdown, and secured the No. 6 seed in the NFC, setting up a matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the playoffs. Their matchup is a rematch of Week 1, when the Bucs beat the Commanders 37-20. Regardless of how the playoffs go for Washington, this season is already a success. The Commanders have finally found their franchise quarterback in Jayden Daniels and with a 12-5 record, they are finally headed in the right direction.
Last week: 8
The Jim Harbaugh era began last January for the Chargers, but this is the part where fans will really get to see just how different things are for the franchise. It was a positive yet familiar script in the regular season, finishing well behind the Chiefs in the division for a wild-card spot, with a hard ceiling on their ability to compete with elite teams. Now is their chance to flip the script in the playoffs, and the last few weeks have shown they have the ammunition to do it.
Last week: 9
That's going to be a dangerous offense in the postseason.
Last week: 12
The best thing that could’ve happened for the Rams was winning the division before Week 18 kicked off, as Sean McVay was able to give his offense, especially quarterback Matthew Stafford, some much-needed rest heading into a big wild-card round against the Minnesota Vikings. While the Vikings were a win away from earning the No. 1 seed in the NFC, Los Angeles had them at SoFi Stadium earlier this season, and they handled business on their home turf. This Monday night game could be a thriller given both offenses' ability to take the top off defenses and put points on the board.
Last week: 11
The Broncos may have very well collapsed out of the playoff picture had the Chiefs not played their backups in Week 17, but a 10-win season is still a 10-win season. Sean Payton and Bo Nix delivered a shocking success story to Denver this year amid low expectations. But considering how they played in the final few weeks, they've earned plenty more cynicism regarding their ability to compete against Buffalo in the wild-card round.
Last week: 15
The Steelers’ defense is still formidable, but can Russell Wilson and his receivers get on the same page to make a postseason play?
Last week: 10
The Texans are heading to the playoffs rested and optimistic after a 23-14 win over the Titans on Sunday. Houston won the AFC South with a 10-7 record and move on to host the Los Angeles Chargers in the wild-card round on Saturday afternoon having rested most of their starters this weekend. Quarterback C.J. Stroud went 6-of-6 for 50 yards and a touchdown in the opening series and looks more than ready for the playoffs.
Last week: 13
In another life, Joe Burrow has the Bengals in the playoffs. But it was too little too late. Cincinnati will stay home.
Last week: 14
They might not have been heading to the postseason, but Geno Smith secured a big $2 million incentive with a win and passing for over 185 yards. The win for Seattle gave first-year head coach Mike Macdonald a 10-7 record, which is a great foundation to build on for next season. Seattle doesn’t need to rebuild this offseason given that record, but filling some key holes on the roster could elevate this squad to a playoff team next year if they continue clicking on the offensive end.
Last week: 16
They really had more talent than the record indicates, so a disappointment.
Last week: 17
Jonathan Gannon’s group certainly showed improvement in his second season, and a lot of that had to do with a healthy Kyler Murray and James Conner leading the way on offense. Also, hats off to Trey McBride for solidifying himself as one of the best tight ends in the league, constantly giving Murray someone to throw to when he needed it. Doubling their win total from a year ago, the Cardinals will continue building, especially on the defensive side of the ball after seemingly adding the right offensive pieces.
Last week: 20
The Dolphins had a chance to make the playoffs all the way up until the Broncos win in Week 18, yet the team is in complete disarray. Stars Tyreek Hill and Jalen Ramsey are both hinting that they want out of Miami, and that’s not a good sign for head coach Mike McDaniel.
Last week: 18
Health is all Kyle Shanahan will be preaching this offseason, as he hopes to have his group back to normal in 2025. Losing Christian McCaffrey, Brandon Aiyuk and many others throughout the season wasn’t something the reigning NFC champs could fight through. One thing to watch this offseason is Brock Purdy’s contract situation, though, as the franchise could move to lock him in and continue building around "Mr. Irrelevant."
Last week: 19
The Cowboys finished the season 7-10 despite key injuries to star players, and now the focus in Dallas turns to the future of head coach Mike McCarthy. McCarthy has been with the team for five seasons, and his contract has expired. The team fought hard for him down the stretch, and now Jerry Jones will decide whether the Cowboys bring him back or let him go.
Last week: 21
Despite sliding late in the season and missing the playoffs for the fourth straight year, the Colts are sticking with general manager Chris Ballard and coach Shane Steichen. But changes are still coming in Indy as the team announced Monday that it will be moving on from defensive coordinator Gus Bradley.
Last week: 22
Bryce Young is your 2025 quarterback, as it should be.
Last week: 24
The Bears will not be heading into the offseason with a sour taste in their mouths. Maybe the Packers let up on the gas pedal a bit during the game, but giving your No. 1 pick a walk-off win with a field goal can swing some sort of momentum their way. Now, they need to hit big on their hires.
Last week: 23
The Jets did the most Jets thing ever and won their final game of the regular season to worsen their draft position in 2025. Add in the fact that Aaron Rodgers seems destined for retirement, and this is a franchise that must go into a complete rebuild. They need to find the right head coach, but how desirable is the job? Not very, quite frankly.
Last week: 27
Onward to their coaching search.
Last week: 25
Four wins it is for Antonio Pierce in his first full season as a head coach. But the Raiders may have been the most competitive uncompetitive team in the league this year, as they kept plenty of games close despite one of the most incomplete rosters and hapless quarterback situation. They will be looking for a new coach.
Last week: 26
Doug Pederson is out and the Jaguars are wasting no time in looking for his replacement. On Tuesday, the team announced eight interviews, including one with Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson – one of the most highly sought after coaches this offseason.
Last week: 28
So, the Patriots fired Jerod Mayo after he led the team to a Week 18 victory that bumped New England from the No. 1 overall pick in 2025 down to No. 4. With a roster as bleak as the one the Patriots currently have, they needed all the draft capital they could get. Like the Jets (and possibly the Dolphins), New England is an AFC East team that needs a head coach. But with Drake Maye at the helm, it’s a more desirable job than New York.
Last week: 30
The Giants lost to the Eagles backups, securing the No. 3 pick in the NFL Draft. John Mara is bringing back both general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll for a fourth season. The top priority for the Giants this offseason is to find a quarterback, whether that be through free agency, the draft, or maybe both. There is certainly an urgency in New York to turn things around next season, as Schoen and Daboll certainly head into next season on the hot seat.
Last week: 32
The Titans will be looking for new leadership when they make the first pick of the 2025 NFL Draft after deciding to part ways with general manager Ran Carthon after just two years. Big spending couldn’t solve Tennessee’s issues last offseason. It’ll be interesting to see their approach this time around.
Last week: 29
The Browns’ putrid season has finally ended.
Last week: 31
The Fox News Digital Sports NFL power rankings were compiled by the Fox News Digital Sports staff and the OutKick.com staff.
"Knuckles" seems to be pairing up with "Sonic" right away in the NFL playoffs.
Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell told reporters on Tuesday that he expects David Montgomery to be available in the backfield for the team’s divisional round playoff game.
The Lions get a bye as the No. 1 seed in the NFC and will host the lowest seed of wild-card round winners. Those teams would either be the Los Angeles Rams, Minnesota Vikings, Washington Commanders or Green Bay Packers.
This is a huge development for the Lions, a team ravaged by injuries all season long, as Montgomery suffered an MCL injury in Week 15.
There was an initial fear that he would be out the remainder of the season, which would’ve been a crushing blow for the squad, even with the talent Jahmyr Gibbs possesses at the position.
But Montgomery didn’t take surgery as the only option, seeking different opinions from doctors on how he could rehab his knee and be available for his team in the playoffs. That decision appears to have worked.
While Montgomery has been rehabbing, Gibbs has been thriving with the heavier workload, which includes a four-touchdown game that clinched the No. 1 seed in Week 18 against the Vikings.
Gibbs has tallied three straight 100-plus rushing yard games since becoming the true lead running back. He has totaled 365 yards on the ground on 64 carries while hauling in 13 passes for 122 yards with a score.
But the Lions’ offense has benefited from using both Montgomery and Gibbs this season, with the former owning 775 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns while also having 341 receiving yards.
Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson’s luxury of having two bruising running backs that can get the job done no matter the down and distance has done wonders for his scheme, which also features a dynamic passing game led by quarterback Jared Goff.
While the Lions will still be without key players, including star edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson, who fractured his leg in Week 6 and is considered a long shot to be available at all the rest of the way, they’ll take all the healthy players they can get, especially one who has had such an offensive impact.
Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell is entirely focused on his wild-card round matchup against the Los Angeles Rams this week, but he did respond to a surprising report that revolves around him.
During "Fox NFL Sunday," Jay Glazer reported that multiple teams are interested in trading for O'Connell, one of the league's "Coach of the Year" frontrunners, heading into this offseason.
It's rare, but yes, teams can trade for coaches, and the offensive-minded O'Connell is someone that is piquing the interest of teams in need of filling that void in their organization.
However, when asked on Monday about the report, O'Connell expressed his desire to stay put in Minneapolis.
"I’m not really interested in kind of, I guess I should say, addressing the rumors or speculation," O’Connell told reporters, via the New York Post. "What I can tell you is I love this team. I love everything about this organization. This is where I want to be. This is where I want to keep coaching and leading."
While O'Connell clearly has a preference of where he wants to be, the Wilf family, owners of the Vikings, have "no interest" in trading their head coach, according to ESPN.
O'Connell's priority is handling the Rams this upcoming Monday, a team that handed the Vikings one of their three losses this season. Los Angeles took care of business on their home turf in a 30-20 win over Minnesota in Week 8.
O'Connell is also looking to win his first playoff game with the Vikings, as that didn't happen in 2022 when his squad went 13-4 but lost to the New York Giants in the wild-card round.
A 7-10 season, which included Kirk Cousins tearing his Achilles midway through, followed in 2023 before O'Connell's squad bounced back under Sam Darnold's leadership on offense.
This matchup against Rams head coach Sean McVay is a familiar one considering O'Connell was Los Angeles' offensive coordinator before being hired by Minnesota.
The Vikings open up the weekend as slight favorites against the Rams, but a battle between two teams and two coaches who know each other very well is expected to be a thriller.
And until the Vikings' Super Bowl run comes to an end, O'Connell's sole focus will be on the team he wants to remain with either way.
The Las Vegas Raiders will be searching for another head coach this offseason, as they have reportedly let Antonio Pierce go after one full season, the team confirmed in a statement.
Pierce was retained as the team's full-time head coach after taking over in an interim role for Josh McDaniels, who was fired midway through the 2023 campaign.
Raiders players showed more fight when he took over, and owner Mark Davis took that into account when conducting his head coaching search last offseason.
However, after going 4-13 in a tumultuous season, the Raiders will be back on the hunt to find the right coach to continue the team's rebuild.
"The Las Vegas Raiders have relieved Antonio Pierce of his duties as head coach," the Raiders' statement read. "We appreciate Antonio's leadership, first as an interim head coach and this past season as the head coach.
"Antonio grew up a Raiders fan and his Silver and Black roots run deep. We are grateful for his ability to reignite what it means to be a Raider throughout the entire organization. We wish nothing but the best for Antonio and his family."
Pierce spoke with reporters on Monday after the regular season came to an end, saying he hadn’t "heard anything different" about his status. He said his focus would be on improving as a head coach.
"What I need to do a better job of, I need to go with my gut," Pierce said. "I was better at that last year. This year I didn't do what I wanted to do as much as I wanted to do it."
The Raiders have been a revolving door at head coach in recent seasons, with Jon Gruden resigning in 2021, followed by McDaniels getting fired after a season and a half.
Now, Pierce, who players like Maxx Crosby and Davante Adams (who was traded this past season to the New York Jets) gave the thumbs up to, will search for his next coaching opportunity.
Las Vegas joins a head coaching search with teams like the Chicago Bears, New York Jets, Jacksonville Jaguars and New England Patriots, who have already placed numerous requests for interviews to get the ball rolling on that front.
Top candidates that have been named are Detroit Lions OC Ben Johnson and DC Aaron Glenn, Pittsburgh Steelers OC Arthur Smith, former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel and Tampa Bay Buccaneers OC Liam Coen.
Pierce's coaching journey began in high school at Long Beach Poly (CA) before making the jump to college with Arizona State in 2018 as a linebackers coach and recruiting coordinator. He would work his way up to defensive coordinator and associate head coach with the Sun Devils before returning to the NFL to the Raiders.
Pierce, a Super Bowl champion linebacker in his playing days with the New York Giants, was the Raiders' linebackers coach in 2022 and held the same position before serving in his interim head coach role in 2023.
The Dallas Cowboys’ decision regarding head coach Mike McCarthy may be speeding up after what the Chicago Bears did.
The Bears have reportedly asked the Cowboys for permission to interview McCarthy for their head coach vacancy, and ESPN reported Jerry Jones has yet to respond.
However, the Bears do not need the Cowboys' permission as they could interview the longtime NFL head coach after the exclusive negotiating window is up on Jan. 14.
McCarthy’s contract is set to expire with the Cowboys, but Jones has made it known that he is not going to just let the Super Bowl-winning coach just waltz into free agency. There is a chance that he could return, and players like Dak Prescott have been vocal about him remaining in place as well.
However, the speed at which Jones and the Cowboys make their decision could be sped up now with the Bears, and possibly other teams, waiting to interview McCarthy for their own head coaching gigs.
McCarthy has just finished his fifth season in Dallas, and after going 12-5 in each of the last three seasons, the Cowboys finished 7-10 and missed the playoffs for the first time since 2020 – his first year as head coach.
There were questions about McCarthy’s future with the organization before the 2024 regular season began, as players like Prescott and CeeDee Lamb received extensions, but the head coach’s future remained in limbo as he did not put pen to paper.
Things were not looking good for McCarthy either, as the Cowboys were stagnant to start the year and then plummeted once Prescott suffered a season-ending hamstring injury in early November.
However, it was clear toward the end of the year, as backup quarterback Cooper Rush got more comfortable in the starting role, that the Cowboys were not mailing it in, just waiting for the season to be over.
Dallas won four of its five games after snapping a four-game skid in early November, and despite a beatdown against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 17, Dallas played hard until the end in Week 18, though the Washington Commanders had a game-winning touchdown with three seconds left to hand them their 10th loss of the season.
NFL Network reported Jones and McCarthy were expected to meet Monday afternoon, though a contract offer was not mentioned. The report added that McCarthy wants to remain in Dallas if they would have him.
"I don’t know that I am considering making a change is really what I’m trying to say," Jones told reporters about his coaching situation.
Meanwhile, the Bears will be searching high and low for the right man to take over a team with loads of potential, but could not keep the ball rolling after starting the year 4-2. A Week 18 win over the Green Bay Packers snapped a 10-game losing streak to end the year on a high note, but Caleb Williams and company need to improve if they wish to compete in a loaded NFC North division.
The Bears have already requested permission to interview several top candidates, including Detroit Lions OC Ben Johnson and DC Aaron Glenn, New York Giants OC Mike Kafka and Steelers OC Arthur Smith, among others.
John Cena’s WWE farewell tour began with a big announcement and an even bigger prediction.
Cena shocked the Intuit Dome crowd during "Raw’s" Netflix premiere on Monday night, as they went into a frenzy when his walk-out music played.
While thanking the Los Angeles crowd for everything they’ve done for him over the years, he announced that he would be heading to Royal Rumble 2025, becoming the famed match’s first entrant.
The match, which is scheduled for Feb. 1 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, is one that Cena does not just want to compete in.
"I’m going to win the Royal Rumble," he told the crowd.
Now, Cena did mention there would be a better chance he wins an Academy Award than becoming a 17-time WWE Champion, which would be a record.
However, if he were to win the Royal Rumble, he would automatically get a world championship match at WrestleMania 41, giving him a shot at WWE history.
So, as Cena always says, never give up. It might be unlikely, but he seems determined to go out with a bang in his final year.
It is unclear just how many events Cena will be participating in this year, but his recent appearances have hinted at a pretty hefty schedule in the coming months.
The 47-year-old is a 16-time WWE champion who is bound for the Hall of Fame after his retirement.
Cena was just one of the special guest appearances on "Raw," as Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson opened the festivities before his cousin, Roman Reigns, defeated Solo Sikoa to be named the one and only "Tribal Chief." The current undisputed WWE champion, Cody Rhodes, also flew into the ring in suit and tie to help clear out the madness in that match.
The Undertaker rode in on a motorcycle after Rhea Ripley won the women's world title belt from Liv Morgan, and Chief Content Officer Triple H made a speech in front of the sold-out crowd and millions watching around the globe.
This new era of WWE on Netflix saw all the stops pulled out on Night 1, and Cena made sure to proclaim his goal for 2025 in the process.
Jacksonville Jaguars star quarterback Trevor Lawrence and his wife, Marissa, announced the birth of their first child, Shae Lynn Lawrence, in an Instagram post on Monday.
"Mommy and daddy love you so much!!! Thank you Jesus for our girl!!!" the caption of the post read with pictures of the Lawrence family together.
Shae Lynn was born on Jan. 4 at 4:01 a.m., weighing in at 10 pounds, 2 ounces.
Among the pictures was Trevor already performing his dad duties, carrying his baby girl in a car seat out of the hospital. He was also spotted sporting a "Girl Dad" hat in the photos.
The love from both mom and dad showed as the Jaguars’ franchise signal-caller heads into the offseason with a new priority to worry about off the field.
The 25-year-old Lawrence is coming off a tumultuous 2024 campaign that was cut short by a season-ending AC joint sprain in his left shoulder.
In the 10 games he played this season, Lawrence saw more struggles than he did in the second half of the 2023 campaign. He went 2-8 in his 10 starts, throwing for 2,045 yards with 11 touchdowns and seven interceptions.
Lawrence’s 60.6% completion rate was the lowest mark he’s had since his rookie season, when the Jaguars went 3-14.
Jacksonville finished 4-13 on the year as Mac Jones, Lawrence’s backup this season, took the reins the rest of the way. The Jaguars are set to pick fifth overall in the 2025 NFL Draft, where they’ll hope to add top talent to get back into the playoffs.
The Jaguars also fired Doug Pederson as head coach after three seasons, making way to a new leader for Lawrence and the rest of his teammates heading into next year.
But football can wait for now as Lawrence and his wife put their parenting helmets on and enjoy time with their daughter ahead of Trevor’s fifth NFL season in 2025.
