The article explores how former NFL players like Jim Harbaugh, Mike Vrabel, Aaron Glenn, DeMeco Ryans, Todd Bowles, and Dan Campbell have transitioned into coaching roles, highlighting their playing careers, coaching philosophies, and impact on their teams' playoff performances.
After USC's disappointing loss to TCU in the Alamo Bowl, former Trojan players expressed strong criticism of the team's performance and coaching under Lincoln Riley, emphasizing the need for accountability, better coaching, and a successful offseason to improve future prospects.
FS1 has canceled three shows featuring former NFL players due to low viewership, including Breakfast Ball, The Facility, and Speak, while keeping other programs like The Herd and First Things First, and plans to develop new shows to replace the canceled ones.
Former Purdue players from different eras experienced a range of emotions as the Boilermakers clinched their first Final Four appearance in 44 years, with some watching from home, others cleaning their garages, and one even receiving noise complaints in Mexico. Each player expressed pride in the team's accomplishment and happiness for coach Matt Painter, with one former player even considering making a pit stop in Arizona to witness the Final Four in person.
The 2024 UFL season has begun with 24 former Pittsburgh Steelers players and some coaches making it onto the opening day rosters of the new spring league, which was formed through a merger between the XFL and the USFL. The league currently consists of eight teams, with hopes of expansion in 2025, and includes players such as Deon Cain, Jace Sternberger, and Taco Charlton.
Six former Tennessee Volunteers, including JaVonta Payton, Paxton Brooks, Alex Ellis, Bryce Thompson, Jarrett Guarantano, and Quinten Dormany, are set to kick off the inaugural 2024 United Football League (UFL) season, with four teams from the XFL and four teams from the USFL competing in separate divisions. The former Vols will be playing for various teams, with matchups scheduled to be televised on FOX and ESPN during the opening weekend.
Former UofL men’s basketball players and 502Circle share their excitement about the Pat Kelsey hire, expressing confidence in his coaching abilities and eagerness to support him. They believe Kelsey fits the culture of the city and can revitalize the team, despite the need for new players due to several transfers. Former players like Peyton Siva and Jerry Eaves are ready to assist in recruiting efforts and urge fans to support the new coach, emphasizing the importance of creating a winning culture and uniting the fan base.
More former New England Patriots players, including Matthew Slater and Julian Edelman, express disappointment with the negativity of the documentary about the team's years of excellence. Patriots owner Robert Kraft also expressed similar disappointment, despite the perception that he had a direct role in the creation of the series. The documentary, while at times negative, provides a compelling and more truthful narrative about the team's dynasty, showcasing the complexities of coach Bill Belichick and the team's journey to success.
Former Ohio State players, including Brad Sellers, Lawrence Funderburke, Michael Redd, and Aaron Craft, express excitement about the hiring of Jake Diebler as the new head coach of the men's basketball team, expecting the Buckeyes to become championship contenders. Diebler's authenticity, relatability, and on-court results as interim coach have garnered support from former players and incoming athletic director Ross Bjork, who consulted them during the search process. The former players believe Diebler's leadership and the potential of recruiting impactful players through NIL could lead to quick success, with the goal of returning Ohio State to its blue blood program status and achieving Big Ten titles and deep NCAA Tournament runs.
Former Detroit Lions players, including Barry Sanders, Golden Tate, Ndamukong Suh, and others, expressed their excitement and support for their former team's NFC Championship berth on social media. Damon "Snacks" Harrison humorously requested a division winner shirt for his time with the team, while others shared their joy for the city and organization.
Seton Hall basketball coach Shaheen Holloway and Wagner coach Donald Copeland engaged in a heated exchange during the postgame handshake after Seton Hall's 72-51 victory. Both coaches later apologized for the incident, with Holloway taking responsibility and expressing disappointment. The altercation overshadowed the fact that five former Seton Hall players are currently Division 1 head coaches, a source of pride for the program. Seton Hall showcased good ball movement in the game, but struggled with outside shooting. The team is preparing for tougher competition in upcoming games.
Former Philadelphia Phillies player Travis Jankowski had a standout performance in Game 4 of the World Series, contributing two hits and two RBIs to help the Texas Rangers secure an 11-7 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks. Jankowski's performance highlights the importance of bottom-of-the-order production in the playoffs. Additionally, three other former Phillies players, Brad Miller, Ian Kennedy, and Spencer Howard, could potentially receive World Series rings if the Rangers win the series. The Rangers currently hold a 3-1 series lead.
Jeff Brohm's University of Louisville football team delivered a dominant performance, shutting out Duke 23-0 in front of a crowd of over 52,000 fans. The win solidified Louisville's position as a top contender in the Atlantic Coast Conference and showcased the team's physicality and talent. Former Louisville players, including Super Bowl winner Otis Wilson and former Bears player Tom Andrews, were in attendance and praised Brohm's coaching and the welcoming atmosphere for former players. Louisville's success has them poised to climb in the rankings and potentially secure a spot in the ACC title game.
The NFL is open to having current and former players participate in flag football at the Olympics in 2028, with the league expressing support for player involvement. The league will work with the NFL Players Association and teams to facilitate player participation. Interest from players, both current and retired, has been expressed, and if current players are eligible, competition for spots on the American team could be intense.
The Green Bay Packers have introduced an enhanced Alumni Suite at Lambeau Field in preparation for the team's annual Alumni Weekend. The suite, which has been a fixture at the stadium for over a decade, will provide a dedicated space for former players and their guests to enjoy the game. The enhanced suite features an outdoor terrace, infrared heater, outdoor furniture, and large TV screens. Alumni attending the game will also have access to food and beverage offerings, Packers Alumni-branded seating, and a private restroom. The team plans to introduce dozens of former players on the field during halftime of Sunday's game.