In the eyes of New England Patriots nose tackle Cory Durden, Christian Gonzalez sets the standard at the cornerback position in the NFL.According to WEEIs Justin Turpin, Durden lauded Gonzalez as being the best cornerback in the league after the teams training camp practice on Thursday.Its dope, Durden said regarding playing on the same team as Gonzalez. Obviously, having the best corner in the game behind you. Its a lot of confidence.Gonzalez recorded 10 passes defensed last season with the Patriots. He did not register an interception in the regular season, but did record one in the playoffs, along with a sack and seven passes defensed.The Patriots star defender is expected to lead the charge for New England in the secondary in 2026 behind Durden, who is in line to be the teams starting nose tackle next season.Follow Patriots Wire onTwitterandFacebook.This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Patriots DT makes admission on Christian Gonzalez after practice

TV presenter and Newcastle United fan Declan Donnelly has paid an emotional tribute to his "childhood hero" Kevin Keegan following the football legend's death aged 75. Keegan, a revered figure who managed Newcastle United and also played for the club for two years, passed away on 20 July after a battle with stage four cancer.Donnelly, alongside his presenting partner Anthony McPartlin, honoured Keegan on their podcast, Hanging Out With Ant And Dec. The duo hailed him as a "true legend to Newcastle United supporters," reflecting on his profound impact. They opened the episode by acknowledging Keegan's immense significance to the people of the North East.Ant and Dec with Kevin Keegan in 1995 (Getty)Kevin Keegan was the reason that I really got into football, he was the David Beckham of his day. He was the Lionel Messi and the Cristiano Ronaldo of the 70s and 80s, Donnelly said.The 50-year-old continued: He signed for Newcastle United in 1982, which is when my eldest brother had started taking me to football.Him signing for Newcastle was huge news, and that started my rollercoaster love affair with Newcastle United and football.He was my childhood hero. When we got the news through last week, I was absolutely devastated.Im not ashamed to say I shed a tear.Donnelly, who is from Newcastle upon Tyne, added: He just meant so much to the people of the North East.What he gave to us in his energy and enthusiasm and the hope he gave us for our football team.He just meant so much beyond football to the whole region. He was just such a special man.We were lucky enough to meet him on a couple of occasions.Donnelly, known for hosting shows such as Im A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here, also recalled meeting Keegan for the first time when he was a young boy after he won a competition.He grew visibly emotional and said: That was the best. They say you should never meet heroes, but he was absolutely the exception.I shed a tear last week, and I shed another one this morning, Donnelly added.McPartlin also shared his sentiments about the football star, nicknamed King Kev, and said: Words like legends and saviours get bandied around, but he did he saved our club when he came back as manager.Hes a true legend of the game, and to Newcastle United supporters, and he will be missed.

Seattle Storm co-owner Celeste Keatonhas been officially suspended and fined by the WNBA, following her interaction with two teenage fans who were supporting Sophie Cunningham particularly the Fever guards stance on banning transgender athletes from womens sports.According to The Athletic, Keaton approached two teens prior to Tuesday nights game against the Indiana Fever, who beat the Seattle Storm that evening. The fans who were both wearing shirts with XX and XY chromosomes on them were backing Cunningham, who has been vocal about IL26-638, a statewide ballad initiative in Washington schools that would ban transgender students from participating in girls athletics. Keaton allegedly cursed out the teens and called them fucking insane.More from Rolling StoneBarbie Goes BasketballWith the Debutof the FirstAngel Reese Doll - Here's Where to Buy ItThe Unmatched Joy of Backyard HoopsTrump Rants About Iran War and Trans Athletes to Children in Oval OfficeLast night, @seattlestorm co-owner Celeste Keaton cursed out two teen girls for wearing @xx_xyathletics shirts, calling them "f*cking insane." One of them was left in tears. I tried to get security involved and was told I should email the front office. pic.twitter.com/Qi8TcfRtYB Brandi Kruse (@BrandiKruse) July 29, 2026I got a lot of negative feedback about me hating trans, Cunningham said in a recent ESPN profile. And Im like, I never once said that. I think that I am here to extend love. But I also think with that love is truth, being honest. And I want to protect young girls in a locker room, or young girls in sport who shouldnt have to go against biological men. She doubled down on this in an Instagram post, with the caption I said what I said.After podcast host Brandi Kruse posted a video of Keatons exchange, the Storm issued an apology. We are aware one of our co-owners made comments to two fans in attendance at last nights game, majority owner Ginny Gilder said in a statement. We apologize that this happened. Everyone who attends a Storm game deserves to feel welcome, and we remain committed to creating an inclusive environment where every fan is treated with respect. Then, as The Athletic reports, WNBA fined and suspended Keaton from the next five home games. Truly embarrassing of the co-owner, Cunningham wrote on X. Unfortunately shows the type of leader she is.I truly believe there is a safe space and love for EVERYBODY. Biological girls, biological boys, trans women, and trans men. Everyone is welcome at my table! You can disagree and still be kind. Bravo to those girls for standing up for what they believe. Youll be hearing from https://t.co/gIVWhEHi3Q Sophie Cunningham (@sophaller) July 30, 2026Best of Rolling StoneEvery Super Bowl Halftime Show, Ranked From Worst to BestThe United States of WeedGaming Levels UpSign up for RollingStone's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Last season, the New Orleans Saints were reportedly fielding trade offers for Chris Olave. Now they've made him one of the NFL's highest paid wide receivers.Olave, headed into the final year of his rookie contract, reportedly signed a four-year extension that will keep him as Tyler Shough's huckleberry through the foreseeable future. At $132 million and $90 million guaranteed, it wasn't able to reset the wideout market but pays him slightly more in annual average salary than former Ohio State teammate Garrett Wilson. The New York Jets gave Wilson a four-year, $130 million deal last offseason, making him the league's seventh-highest paid WR.It's a big bet on a player who has emerged as an engine in the Saints offense when available. The Saints are locked in to $90 million for a receiver coming off his finest season. His 100 catches were seventh-best in the NFL en route to second-team All-Pro honors. But he also missed more than half the 2024 season due to concussion concerns and his 2.0 yards per route run (YPRR) were a career low. Will the Saints regret a great commitment for a player who may merely be good?The New Orleans Saints extend WR Chris Olave for four years, $132 million ($90 million guaranteed)This offseason has been predicated on bringing weapons into the fold as New Orleans figures out whether Shough's ability to exceed expectations as a rookie was an outlier or a sign of things to come. The Saints signed running back Travis Etienne for $12 million annually and used the eighth overall pick of the 2026 NFL Draft on Jordyn Tyson. Keeping Olave fits with that philosophy.At the same time, it's fair to wonder if Olave can keep up his 2025 pace when he's not the surefire focus of the offense. Last year's New Orleans offense couldn't run the ball (31st in rushing expected points added). Only two other players on the team had more than 40 targets and one, Rashid Shaheed, was traded mid-season. His target share of just under 30 percent was a career high and his 8.7 air yards per catch were a career low, leading to modest impacts despite his prolific nature. 83 of his 156 targets came within nine yards of the line of scrimmage and he wasn't able to do much with them; his EPA on such targets was -4.0; 58th best among 77 qualified wideouts. He was responsible for -43 yards after catch over expected (YACOE), which is partially attributable to a Tyler Lockett trait of getting down to avoid injury and partially because, as good as he's been, he's been generally a little below average after the catch.For the Saints to get the most out of this contract, they'll need to change how Olave is used. While he only caught nine of 28 deep targets, he still managed positive EPA and YACOE numbers. Tyson has a diverse route tree, and can thrive in the intermediate range with an array of hitches and breaking routes. This could free up Olave for longer throws and, importantly, fewer double-teams.Head coach Kellen Moore has done a great job adapting through his first season-plus at the helm. He can make these pieces fit together in order to bring the best out of Shough. If the Olave we see is the same guy who gets stuck as a short-range security blanket, this deal probably won't age well. But if he gets back to the deeper routes we saw earlier in his career, this is money well spent for a team cultivating playmakers in hopes of lifting an inexpensive quarterback on a rookie contract.Grade: B-This article originally appeared on For The Win: Grading Chris Olave's $132 million extension to stay with the Saints

Another domino has fallen for Victory+: On Thursday, the NWSL became the latest to cut ties with the streaming platform. In a statement, the NWSL announced that it had terminated its agreement with Victory+ effective immediately.The move comes as Victory+ has experienced reported financial difficulties, leading multiple teams to pull out of their deals. The NWSL severed the partnership after less than a year following a missed rights payment, per multiple reports.Per the statement, games on Victory+ will instead be shown on the leagues free direct-to-consumer platform NWSL+ starting this weekend. Sundays match between the Utah Royals and the Portland Thorns will be the first to reflect this change.A broadcast update from the National Womens Soccer League. For more information: https://t.co/1FOIAfrFE3pic.twitter.com/BtMcXNpVZs National Womens Soccer League (@NWSL) July 30, 2026In addition to the NWSL, five individual clubs (Bay FC, Washington Spirit, Orlando Pride, Gotham FC and Angel City FC) have regional deals with Victory+; the Pride and Bay bothannounced on Thursday that those agreements have been terminated, with Awful Announcing reporting that Gotham will make a similar announcement on Friday.The NWSL becomes the latest to pull out of Victory+ amid the platforms ongoing financial troubles. On July 15, the Texas Rangers announced that the franchise would be switching from Victory+ to BZZR for all local broadcasts.On the same day, the Anaheim Ducks reportedly informed Victory+ that it would be terminating the partnership and lining up a new platform for next season. At the time, Sports Business Journal reported that Victory+ had been struggling to secure funding since February and had missed rights payments to teams across multiple leagues.The NWSLs current media rights deal, which was signed in 2023, splits games between CBS, ESPN, Amazons Prime Video and Scripps ION. But with the expansion of the league to 16 teams in 2026, the NWSL added Victory+ to the rotation ahead of the season to accommodate the larger slate of games.The free, ad-supported service was scheduled to air 57 total NWSL matches through a weekly Sunday night show, with several regular-season matches initially scheduled for 2027. Its unclear whether those games will air on NWSL+, or if the league will find a new home for them ahead of next year.Despite recent issues, Victory+ has multiple deals still in place. The Dallas Stars have yet to follow the Rangers in leaving the platform, and agreements with the WNBAs Minnesota Lynx and Atlanta Dream are still going strong.

Charlotte Hornets broadcasters Eric Collins and Dell Curry landed an endorsement deal recently, starring in an advertisement for fast food chain Whataburger.Collins, known for his energetic and over-the-top calls, provided the same energy during the sponsored video. As for Curry, he aided his counterpart in naming Whataburger locations throughout the state of North Carolina.Curry and Collins have worked together for 11 seasons covering Hornets basketball and have recently ventured outside of Charlotte, landing a deal to cover exclusive primetime games with Amazon Prime, which began last season. Curry, a 10-year Hornets veteran in his own right, had his jersey retired by the franchise last season.This article originally appeared on Rookie Wire: Charlotte Hornets broadcasters land local endorsement deal

Four New Signings To Start? | Predicted 4-4-2 Rangers Lineup To Face Dundee UnitedDerek McInnes will officially begin his reign as Rangers boss with a trip to Tannadice Park on Friday night. Despite snapping up seven new names, the Scotsman is expected to be backed with further additions before the window is slammed shut next month. But the focus must be on the upcoming clash with Dundee United, as a victory on the road should boost the Gers ahead of their crucial Europa League qualifier against Jagiellonia Biaystok.Although their most recent encounter finished 4-2 in favour of Rangers, a last-gasp spot-kick from Nedim Bajrami saw them escape defeat when they clashed heads in Dundee back in December. It wont be a stroll in the park for the Glasgow giants, and it remains to be seen whether McInnes replicates last seasons tactical mastery while in charge of Hearts.Predicted 4-4-2 Rangers Lineup To Face Dundee UnitedDefenceThe Light Blues have replaced Jack Butland with Ivor Pandur, as the former Hull City goalkeeper has been roped in as the new number 1. Veteran Liam Kelly would continue as the understudy to the Croatian following his contract renewal earlier this summer.GLASGOW, SCOTLAND JULY 26: Ben Godfrey of Rangers with a headed clearance during a pre-season friendly match between Rangers and West Ham at Ibrox Stadium on July 26, 2026 in Glasgow, Scotland. (Photo by WM Sport Media/Getty Images)James Taverniers departure has left a massive void down the right-hand side. Ross McCrorie has returned to his boyhood club, but the gaffer should rely on Dujon Sterling, who has impressed as a fullback in their pre-season outings. Ben Godfrey, snapped up on a season-long loan from Atalanta, is expected to feature alongside Emmanuel Fernandez in the heart of the backline. Tuur Rommens has been a revelation since his January arrival, and his presence on the left would offer a perfect balance between defence and attack.MidfieldA midfield reshuffle has already taken place amid rumours of in-demand Nicolas Raskins likely exit. Connor Barron is sidelined with a knee injury, and the gaffer might not risk Thelo Aasgaard and Cammy Devlin in the starting XI due to minor knocks. Vanja Dragojevi has yet to receive his work permit, but the Bosman arrival of Dan Neil has significantly boosted them in the centre of the pitch. The former Sunderland star should grab a start over Mohamed Diomande, and so is Tochi Chukwuani, who has showcased his expertise as a deep-lying playmaker since his winter move. While the search is on for wide attackers, McInnes must bank on Djeidi Gassama and Findlay Curtis, with Nedim Bajrami being the only other outright winger available for selection,Lawrence Shankland and Youssef Chermiti must spearhead the attack, as their movement and poaching traits high up the pitch could make a difference in Rangers battle for redemption. Highly-rated Ryan Naderi could be brought in as a super sub.

RENTON, WASHINGTON - JUNE 11: Leonard Williams #99 of the Seattle Seahawks talks with the media at Virginia Mason Athletic Center on June 11, 2026 in Renton, Washington. (Photo by Jack Compton/Getty Images) | Getty ImagesThe Seattle Seahawks have some big contract decisions coming up on their big defensive tackles. While time is on their side regarding Byron Murphy II, who isnt even extension eligible until next offseason, this year is the last of Leonard Williams three-year contract. Williams confirmed that extension talks have been opened, but he didnt go into any real details beyond that.If youre already antsy regarding the future of one of Seattles most important players, perhaps this will put you at ease. In a guest appearance on Daily Puck Drop with Jason Puckett, longtime NFL insider Mike Garofalo indicated that a deal is imminent. How imminent? We shouldnt be worrying about it by the time the Seahawks hang their latest Super Bowl banner.It is going to be a big number, Garofalo said. Itll be before Week 1, Ill put it to you like that, and its going to be a big number from my understanding. A lot of teams now are playing defenses that are really relying upon defensive tackles. The Eagles paid both of their guys [Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis] a combined $64 million per year at defensive tackle. It used to be the defensive ends were getting all the moneyI mean DTs got paid along the way, but now its like really big money for these guys because a lot of these defenses, particularly the Eagles, rely upon these defensive tackles to create havoc up front. Same for the Seahawks and what theyre doing.Garofalo is referencing Jalen Carters $38 million/year extension, which makes him (for now) the highest paid defensive tackle in the league. Jordan Davis contract extension was three years for $78 million, or $26 million/year.Williams existing deal is worth $64.5 million and averages out to a little bit over $21 million/year, which is a bargain given his productivity. Presumably, a big boost in pay is coming for the 32-year-old if/when that new contract is agreed to.

SportsLine's Mike McClure, a daily Fantasy pro with more than $2 million in winnings, gives optimal MLB DFS lineup advice for Thursday, July 30

Here is how it played out drafting from the No. 6 spot in full PPR