Drew Brees stood on stage next to his bronze bust, in front of Who Dat Nation, and took his place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.Getting benched three times in the NFL helped him get there.Marty Schottenheimer, one of the greatest coaches and motivators to ever coach this game and who belongs here in Canton, Brees said Saturday. Marty was my biggest fan. He would tell me all the time, even as he benched me three times and made me fight for my job every year with two greats, Doug Flutie and Philip Rivers.The first two times I got benched, I deserved it. The third time, I still dont think I deserved it, Coach. But nonetheless, it lit more than a fire. It forced me to access a place in my mind and heart that I had not yet been. The adversity was not expected, but very necessary. I would never have reached the heights I did without it. I knew I needed to play better, but more importantly, I knew he believed I would play better.Brees eventually left the San Diego Chargers and joined the New Orleans Saints, where he won a Super Bowl playing for coach Sean Payton and became one of the most prolific passers in NFL history, to the delight of fans who filled the Superdome with chants of Who dat?Payton took time off from coaching Denver to introduce Brees on stage.Brees got emotional thanking Payton."I always wanted to make you right. And I know you trusted me, and that allowed us to be great."@Drewbrees had a special relationship with his head coach Sean Payton. pic.twitter.com/beiwxnUQwU NFL (@NFL) August 8, 2026You always had a plan and vision for every player you coached, Brees said. Im not sure if this is how you envisioned my journey or how big a role you would play in it, but I love you for it.Brees has the second-most yards passing (80,358) and touchdown passes (571) in league history, behind only Tom Brady. He was a first-ballot selection and joined a class that includes Larry Fitzgerald, Luke Kuechly, Adam Vinatieri and Roger Craig.I often ask myself how in the world did I play 20 years in the NFL, Brees said. Yes, it was for the love of the game. Yes, it was a relentless attempt to master my craft. Yes, it was the grind and challenge of preparation and the thrill of game day. But you want to know what it really was: for the love of my teammates. I would wake up every day with a burning desire to commit, sacrifice and command in a way that would give them everything they deserved..@drewbrees forever grateful for the guys he fought alongside pic.twitter.com/xIFbZ7uLEF NFL (@NFL) August 8, 2026Larry FitzgeraldFitzgerald was the first player to have his bronze bust revealed on stage Saturday at Tom Benson Stadium.The 11-time Pro Bowl wide receiver, who played his entire 17-year career for the Cardinals, was introduced by the oldest of his three sons, Devin.He finished his speech with a message to his boys thats applicable to everyone.Dont just pursue excellence for yourself, Fitzgerald said. Help other people pursue it, too. Thats the part of this story that matters the most. Not the likes. Not the fame. But the people you travel with. The values you uphold. In the end, its not just about the excellence. Its about the people who help get you there..@LarryFitzgerald ends his speech with a message to his late father and three sons @ProFootballHOF Enshrinement on ESPN/NFLNStream on @NFLPlus and ESPN App pic.twitter.com/so2dWiz3TD NFL (@NFL) August 8, 2026Being drafted No. 3 overall in 2004 by Cardinals coach Dennis Green reunited Fitzgerald with the man who was Minnesotas coach when he was a ball boy for the Vikings.When coach Green hired me as a ball boy, I grew up watching legends being built right in front of me, Fitzgerald said. Hall of Fame players like John Randle, Chris Doleman, Randall McDaniel and Warren Moon, who taught me what it means to demand more of yourself than anyone else ever would. Plus, they saw me..@LarryFitzgerald had a full circle relationship with his first coach in Arizona, the late Dennis Green @ProFootballHOF Enshrinement on ESPN/NFLNStream on @NFLPlus and ESPN App pic.twitter.com/p46sPIzuLl NFL (@NFL) August 8, 2026Fitzgerald thanked Hall of Fame receivers Cris Carter and Randy Moss for their influence on his career during his time working for the Vikings as a kid. He singled out former Cardinals teammates Emmitt Smith and Kurt Warner for showing him how to be a professional.Kurt, when you demanded that I elevate my preparation, consistency and accountability, you dragged me to the winners circle, Fitzgerald said. The timing couldnt have been better for an impressionable kid, and I continue to aspire to be the kind of man you are..@LarryFitzgerald shows love to his QB, @Kurt13Warner @ProFootballHOF Enshrinement on ESPN/NFLNStream on @NFLPlus and ESPN App pic.twitter.com/NFjnLA962P NFL (@NFL) August 8, 2026Fitzgerald is second on the NFLs career list in receptions (1,432) and receiving yards (17,492). His 121 touchdown catches are sixth.Adam VinatieriVinatieri became only the third full-time placekicker to be inducted into the Hall, joining Jan Stenerud and Morten Andersen.He may have a new career in comedy.Vinatieri drew plenty of laughs and cheers with jokes about Bill Belichick, Peyton Manning and Tom Brady.And Peyton, thank you for generously donating your forehead for todays teleprompter, Vinatieri cracked. A gigantic forehead means big brain and your football IQ is unmatched.Adam Vinatieri with a special shoutout for Peyton Manning @ProFootballHOF Enshrinement on ESPN/NFLNStream on @NFLPlus and ESPN App pic.twitter.com/Klp7wveKfd NFL (@NFL) August 8, 2026Manning nodded his head with a smile from his seat among the Hall of Famers.Vinatieri retired with NFL records of 2,673 career points and 599 field goals. Only George Blanda (26) and Andersen (25) had longer NFL careers than Vinatieris 24 seasons.When people hear the word greatness, they usually think about the biggest names on the biggest stages, Vinatieri said. But greatness isnt created under bright lights. Greatness is built on empty practice fields when its below zero. Greatness is sacrificing temporary fun for meaningful outcomes. Greatness is turning doubt into belief. Preparation matters. Character matters.And to all the doubters, thank you. Your criticism became fuel. Your doubt became motivation. You helped make me better.Colts owner Carlie Irsay-Gordon introduced Vinatieri, who won his fourth Super Bowl with Indianapolis after earning three championship rings in New England.Luke KuechlyAt 35, Kuechly became the second-youngest player inducted into the Hall. Chicago Bears running back Gale Sayers was 34 when he was inducted in 1977.Introduced by his father, Tom, Kuechly was inducted on the same field where he led St. Xavier High School to a state championship in 2007.Known for his intense study habits, Kuechly was a five-time All-Pro linebacker, the 2012 AP Defensive Rookie of the Year and 2013 AP Defensive Player of the Year during his eight-year career with the Carolina Panthers. Kuechly decided to retire in part to preserve his brain health after suffering several concussions.This game teaches you a lot if youre willing to observe and listen, Kuechly said. Its taught me resilience, consistency, toughness, the value of communication, how to find common ground, and most importantly how to enjoy it along the way cause often times the best moments are the ones you are in.Luke Kuechly talks on the importance of being in the moment. @Pantherspic.twitter.com/NK0KiF6xMN Pro Football Hall of Fame (@ProFootballHOF) August 8, 2026Roger CraigCraig, who revealed in a video speech that he has vascular dementia, became the first player in NFL history to have 1,000 yards rushing and 1,000 yards receiving in a season. Only Marshall Faulk and Christian McCaffrey have done it since."We weren't chasing numbers. We were chasing wins. I didn't realize I was making history."Roger Craig looks back on his historic 1000/1000 season as a RB @ProFootballHOF Enshrinement on ESPN/NFLNStream on @NFLPlus and ESPN App pic.twitter.com/YYvnRduBtO NFL (@NFL) August 8, 2026You spend your whole life trying to prove you belong and one day youre told youre one of the all-time greats. Man, its overwhelming, Craig said.This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW

SANTA CLARA, CA De'Zhaun Stribling was among the top wide receiver prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft and the 49ers landed him in the second round. Stribling was selected out of Ole Miss with the No. 33 overall pick. He has a solid stature, standing at 6-foot-2, 207 pounds. What has been eye-opening to onlookers analyzing his game is how well he moves for his size. Stribling runs a 4.36 40-yard dash. In his 2025 season at Ole Miss, Stribling caught 55 passes for 811 yards and six touchdowns.Now, it's time to put in work at the next level. Stribling is getting in his reps, conversing with his vets and becoming the best version of himself."It's just day by day. Just trying to be the best person I could be today, and when tomorrow comes, trying to be the best person I can be tomorrow," Stribling told USA TODAY Sports. "You know, just kind of not looking too far ahead, but also not just looking at my feet, right? Kind of just envisioning everything, taking it day by day, and just being the best I can be."He's humble, yes. He's a rookie, but he's not taking the moment for granted. He's not too high, not too low. Staying even-keeled as he navigates life in the NFL. It's always been his mindset, he told USA TODAY Sports."Just kind of being in the moment, maximizing the moment, living up to the moment," Stribling said. "Instead of kind of looking (to) the future, you know, and just missing small things that I could have capitalized on in the moment."Stribling was on the radar of the Los Angeles Rams, who were sold on his talent and were ready to draft him at No. 61, but he didn't fall to them. The Niners swooped in. So Stribling is in the Bay Area learning from the likes of veterans Mike Evans and Deebo Samuel Sr. Stribling said he's picking up different techniques and tips from his vets, asking questions and applying his learned knowledge of the game and position to his all-around skillset."Route running, physicality," Stribling told USA TODAY Sports. "You know the way that they could manipulate routes and the corners in their routes. You know, just getting open, creating separation, having strong hands at the catch point."He's a sponge, soaking up everything he can to ensure he's ready when the lights are bright. One of the key things he's done to prepare is build a rapport with 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy."Very good," Stribling told USA TODAY Sports about his bond with Purdy. "You know, he's a very talented guy. Just trying to be there for him. Asking questions. What can I do better just to be the best receiver I can be?"This article originally appeared on USA TODAY Sports: How is 49ers rookie wide receiver De'Zhaun Stribling adjusting to NFL life?

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - AUGUST 08: Yadier del Valle of Cuba knocks out Darren Elkins in a featherweight fight during the UFC Fight Night event at Meta APEX on August 08, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)Yadier del Valle spoiled Darren Elkins retirement at UFC Vegas 120 on Saturday after connecting with a brutal left hand that ended their fight just 35 seconds into the opening round.After fending off a kick but coming up short on a takedown, Elkins was already dealing with immense pressure from del Valle. The end came just seconds later when del Valle uncorked a hellacious left hand that sent Elkins crashing to the canvas in a heap.A few more strikes were landed on the ground but the referee quickly rushed in to rescue Elkins from further harm with del Valle getting the first-round finish.LEFT HAND LANDS CLEAN FOR YADIER DEL VALLE FOR THE R1 TKO [ #UFCVegas120 | LIVE on @ParamountPlus ] pic.twitter.com/uD9udoGmpk UFC on Paramount+ (@UFConParamount) August 9, 2026Please for everyone a round of applause for Darren Elkins, del Valle said after his win. This was one of the hardest camps Ive had. This is the first thing. So I was ready for this.While certainly not the ending he wanted, Elkins already vowed that Saturday night would be the final fight of his career win, lose or draw.Throughout his career, Elkins displayed heart and durability like few ever have in the sport and his willingness to step through the fire in every single fight absolutely defined his career.Gratitude, Elkins said about how he was feeling after laying his gloves down in the octagon. I didnt love how this ended but thats life. Im going to keep going. I cant lose in life. Im happy.This has been a journey. Almost 17 years. I never thought Id still be doing it at 42 years old. I always left in the cage. Sometimes it didnt go my way but keep going.Elkins retires with a 29-13 record including a record for the most bouts in UFC featherweight history with 29 including four post-fight bonuses and the second most wins in the history of the 145-pound division with 18.

KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - AUGUST 08: Jac Caglianone #14 of the Kansas City Royals hits a home run in the first inning against the Chicago Cubs at Kauffman Stadium on August 08, 2026 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Amy Kontras/Amy Kontras/Getty Images) | Amy Kontras/Getty ImagesJac Caglianone was the first Royal to get 12 or more total bases in a game since Lorenzo Cain had his three-home run game against the Yankees on May 10, 2016 and the Royals won 6-3. It was also the first time a Royal had hit four extra-base hits in a game since Kendrys Morales three-home run, one triple game on September 20, 2015 against the Tigers. All four balls were hit at 104.9 MPH or harder; he had the three hardest-hit balls in the game on either team.Lets talk about the pitching really quick so we can celebrate Jacs terrific night some more. Seth Lugos control was much better tonight, he only walked 1 and struck out 5 while allowing 3 runs in 6 innings for a definitional quality start. John Schreiber got the seventh and worked around a pair of two-out walks to escape with what was then a one-run lead intact. He also struck out a pair. Steven Cruz got the eighth because it was the middle of the Cubs order and worked around a two-out double for a scoreless inning including a strikeout. Nate Pearson got his first opportunity at a save since joining the Royals and worked around a leadoff double to get the job done. He even struck out Pete Crow-Armstrong to finish things, his second of the inning.Jac Caglianone got things started early and impressively, giving the Royals a first inning lead:That was Jacs longest home run so far this year at 448 feet. In the bottom of the second, Michael Massey led off with a single and John Rave walked to put runners at first and second with no outs. Nick Loftin sacrifice bunted, which is a ridiculous thing to do in the second inning, but it ended up paying off when Josh Rojas singled them both home.In the bottom of the third, Bobby Witt Jr. reached base on an infield single to Alex Bregman right before Jac Caglianone ripped a sweeper down into the right field corner for an RBI double. Clay Holmes finally had a scoreless fourth, but by then the Royals had thoroughly ruined is Cubs debut and Colin Rea came in to pitch the remainder of the game.Jac Caglianone added a double off the top of the left field wall in the bottom of the fifth but couldnt score. As noted, Lugo gave up three runs over the course of the game, so we entered the bottom of the seventh with the Royals clinging to a 4-3 lead despite an inning from the leaky bullpen. Carter Jensen got a leadoff walk and Jac Caglianone came through again.The bullpen ultimately didnt allow any runs, but it sure felt a lot better in the eighth and ninth with those insurance runs protecting the lead.Lets not ignore Bobby Witt Jrs ridiculous defensive play in all the Jac hype, though:When Bobby and Jac are both going good, you almost dont need anyone else in the lineup. The wins and losses dont matter at this point in the season, but wins are always more fun and watching the young studs do impressive things only makes it better.The Royals will try to win the series tomorrow afternoon. Randy Dobnak (1.16 ERA, 5.16 SIERA) will face off against Matthew Boyd (3.49 ERA, 4.09 SIERA). The game, as ever, will be aired on Royals.TV. It would be pretty fun if the Royals could take 2 out of 3 from the Cubs after Chicago went hard into the deadline and the Royals seemed to sleep in.

Their top rookie wasnt practicing again.Their Super Bowl-champion threw an interception, which in his sterling training camp is semi-news.Nick Emmanwori did the smallest bit of stretching with his teammates before he watched them practice again. Fellow safety DAnthony Bell and their coaches joked with Emmanwori and slapped him warmly on his back. It was the next, incremental step in the dynamic safety/linebackers return to Mike Macdonalds top-ranked defense from arthroscopic ankle surgery last month. Emmanwori remains what the team has thought all along: on track to play in the opener in four weeks.And a player who had his worst football day in this event almost a year to the day showed he is all the way back.The Seahawks annual fan-fest, training-camp practice at Lumen Field Saturday evening was the second straight practice rookie first-round draft choice Jadarian Price missed. He was in team sweats walking out as the champs took the field to the crowds cheers to begin drills. A team spokesman said the running back has lower-body soreness, per a team spokesman.Coincidentally, departed (to Kansas City) Kenneth Walker, the lead back the Seahawks drafted Price 32nd overall this spring to replace, missed this fan fest last summer with what the team also called soreness. That was part of Macdonalds staff pacing Walker through the summer following a high-ankle sprain from the winter of 2024.The Seahawks were inside Lumen Field as a team for the first time since they were sipping from red Solo cups, chuggin Bud Lights, raising the Lombardi Trophy to roaring fans and getting on Army vehicles to parade through downtown Seattle to celebrate their Super Bowl victory in mid-February.Macdonald uses this Fan Fest practice at Lumen Field as a dress rehearsal for how game days go in the NFL regular season. The head coach scheduled the practice to begin at 5:15 p.m., because thats about the time of the five primetime home games Seattle has this season on national television. The first one is the leagues kick-off game, Wednesday, Sept. 9, when the Seahawks get a Super Bowl 60 rematch with New England at Lumen Field.Macdonald had them go through a pregame timing and warmup schedule similar to in the real season.Derick Hall and his truckDerick Hall would have loved to have driven there.In his massive, beloved Dodge truck.The Seahawks re-signed Hall this offseason to a $42 million contract to extend him in Seattle beyond his rookie deal as the teams second-round draft choice out of Auburn in 2023.Hall said he knew he could have played out the final season of his rookie contract and likely commanded more on the open market next spring. But he loves Seattle, loves Macdonald, loves the Seahawks brotherhood and the fact he just won a Super Bowl with them.Macdonald loves Halls ability to take on double-team blocks and set the edge outside against the run game, as well as to cover receivers in pass coverage and pressure quarterbacks with his pass-rushing.So the Seahawks paid him $42 million, and let Boye Mafe leave in free agency to Cincinnati this offseason.The News Tribune asked Hall on KJR-FM radio what if any big purchases he made with his first monster NFL contract.Ive been into trucks, obviously. So I bought another truck, a sixth-gen(eration) Dodge. Ive loved the Cummins (engines), Hall said.The truck is massive. Hall installed air lifts in it to raise it many feet above the road. He can raise it, lower it, even lean it. He says he does that at stop lights, to amuse himself with the looks he gets from the drivers around him.Its one of multiple Dodge trucks with Cummins engines Hall, 25, has and loves.The nation got to see Halls 2020 Dodge Ram 2500 in the first episode of NFL Films Hard Knocks series on the Seahawks training camp. It aired on HBO Tuesday.Lasting impression of first NFL Films #Seahawks training camp Hard Knocks episode that just aired on HBO:Derick Halls truck!!! pic.twitter.com/eGmkCOldfK Gregg Bell (@gbellseattle) August 5, 2026The NFL Films camera on the parking lot of the Seahawks Virginia Mason Athletic Center in the opening seconds of that scene? Hall ran over it. Obliterated it with his giant tires. He couldnt see it.I did. I ran it over, he said. They were like, D-Hall, did you feel something when you rolled in? I was like, No. And they showed me the camera and it was just smashed.I was like, Dang, I apologize. But they were like, No, its unique. Its authentic.But I did smash a camera.Delivery drivers to Halls place in the hills above Seahawks headquarters in Renton happen onto Hall working on his truck in the driveway. All the time.I built that truck last offseason in my shop back in Mississippi, the native of Gulfport, Mississippi, said. It was brown with polish overlays. And I got up here and I tore it apart again.You can go on YouTube and watch it on Derick Hall Truck Productions.I was still hands-on. When we tore that truck apart, one of the first few trucks had that two-tone powder coat. So you have that base color, which is the teal. That process is pretty unique because you spray the whole thing teal, and then you let that bake. You take it out of the oven, and then you spray everything white, and then whatever you want to stay teal, you have to wipe that off. Its a lot of detail going into that.But wait, Hall wants to tell you more about his truck.As far as driving, I drive it every day. I drive it over everything else. I drive every day. I love it, he said. I enjoy it. Its just truly who I am. I have tons of these things. I love the trucks. I love the trucking lifestyle, so its truly who I am and I like to show people what I do outside of ball, and thats just my life.Being hands-on with it, I do it myself. I think thats pretty unique.AJ Finley is backA year ago at the same event, AJ Finleys season was already over.The then-third-year safety tore the anterior cruciate ligament in his knee in the teams 2025 fan-fest practice. He missed all of last season, missed out of possibly being on the field in Super Bowl 60 in February.Saturday, Finley showed hes all the way back. He intercepted Sam Darnold to end the first series of a simulated overtime session. It was off an out route by Jaxon Smith-Njigba, when the NFL offensive player of the year fell down coming out of his break.As is their custom, Finleys defensive teammates ran with him to the end zone to complete the play. The crowd got a kick out of that, more than Darnold did.Devon Witherspoon vs Cooper Kupp, continuedA day after Cooper Kupp got the better of Devon Witherspoon one-on-one with a slant route and catch that left the Pro Bowl cornerback angry, Witherspoon got back at him.Kupp tried a similar, head fake then sharp slant move across Witherspoon in a goal-line, one-on-one drill Saturday. This time, Witherspoon denied Kupps cut. He broke up Darnolds pass in the end zone.Sam Darnold throwing to Cooper Kupp and the rest of the #Seahawks WRs at the annual fan-fest practice at Lumen Field.@thenewstribunepic.twitter.com/VQI6Vv839f Gregg Bell (@gbellseattle) August 9, 2026Montorie Foster Jr. shiningOhio high-school substitute teacher and real-estate agent Montorie Foster Jr. continued his excellent week at wide receiver. Again this summer it is one of Seattles most competitive and crowded position groups for roster spots.Hes been so good, Foster is starting to get some reps with the first-team offense.Later in Saturdays goal-line, one-on-one scrimmage, Foster dived Superman-like at the back, right corner of the end zone to reach a pass long from Darnold. Foster tapped the ball to himself with his right arm extended, then kept both feet inside the back line of the end zone for a wowing touchdown.In the middle of the field in an 11-on-11 scrimmage, Foster made a double move with a head-and-shoulder fake. It left rookie cornerback Andre Fuller falling down 5 yards behind him as Foster made the catch and run in open field.Foster later scored a touchdown by ripping a pass by Drew Lock away from the defensive back along the left sideline.Running back signedZach Charbonnet on the physically-unable-to-perform list following reconstructive knee surgery in February, Price out, plus an injury thats sidelined Jacardia Wright all week and Robbie Ouzts ongoing absence and uncertain status have thinned the Seahawks running-back depth.Saturday the team signed Justin Jones, an undrafted rookie out of Auburn. Jones was in Seattles rookie minicamp in May as a tryout player. Jones only had 16 carries over four seasons at Auburn, 11 of those last college season. He excelled at special teams.The running backs with the first-team offense Saturday evening: George Holani, Emanuel Wilson and Velus Jones Jr.The Seahawks waived linebacker Power Echols, whom theyd signed only days ago.Under the logo, what the #Seahawks will be unveiling here at Lumen Field Sept. 9 at the opening game vs New England, to match the 2013 Super Bowl champions banner in the stadium rafters immediately to its left. pic.twitter.com/sxIzJmddWr Gregg Bell (@gbellseattle) August 9, 2026Extra points*Smith-Njigbas daily brilliant play was in the one-on-one drill. He ran past starting cornerback Josh Jobe then used his unique body control to keep Jobe away from Darnolds incoming pass for a touchdown in the back, left corner of the end zone.*Jobe answered with a breakup of Darnolds pass into the same area of the end zone to Kupp. Jobe bodied Kupp into the left sideline boundary and forced the 33-year-old wide receiver to juggle the ball for an incompletion out of bounds.*Tight end Elijah Arroyo, the teams second-round pick last year, continued his standout camp. In the one-on-one drill at the goal line he bulled into the chest of rookie safety Bud Clark, then deftly drifted away from the second-round pick to the left side of the end zone for a touchdown catch. Arroyo later beat Clark with a smooth cut on a deep in route for another catch.Arroyos best play was when he made a cut and move past Pro Bowl veteran safety Julian Love for a touchdown catch from Darnold in 11 on 11.

The Buffalo Bills held a landmark occasion in Orchard Park on Saturday. It was the first time football took place at the team's new Highmark Stadium.After years of planning and construction, the team finally welcomed fans into the new venue for the annual "Red and Blue" practice. Parts of the session were standard drills the team usually runs at training camp. Joe Brady's coaching staff did still find time for some team activities so the players could put on a show for Bills Mafia. How did some of the first sights and sounds look at the team's new home? Here is Bills Wire's roundup of clips shared to social media from the occasion:Highlights: "Red and Blue" practice at the new Highmark StadiumView from the top of the Stadium #BillsMafia(@alexbrasky) pic.twitter.com/ywwFN8Llik SleeperBills (@SleeperBills) August 8, 2026Highlights: "Red and Blue" practice at the new Highmark StadiumLIVE walk around the Bills new Highmark Stadium before the Return of Blue and Red practice https://t.co/WuczBjrbHe alex brasky (@alexbrasky) August 8, 2026Highlights: "Red and Blue" practice at the new Highmark StadiumWelcome home, Bills Mafia. pic.twitter.com/5posCJMROf Highmark Stadium (@HighmarkStadm) August 8, 2026Highlights: "Red and Blue" practice at the new Highmark StadiumBills QB Josh Allen takes the field in his beloved Nickel City uniform: pic.twitter.com/ghCEXOmkHe katherine fitzgerald (@kfitz134) August 8, 2026Highlights: "Red and Blue" practice at the new Highmark StadiumJosh Allen says hi pic.twitter.com/xAsmhyMYkm Bills Outlet (@billsoutlet_) August 8, 2026Highlights: "Red and Blue" practice at the new Highmark StadiumSome of Josh Allens first throws in the new stadium #BillsMafiapic.twitter.com/HNS18VULRZ Bills Outlet (@billsoutlet_) August 8, 2026Highlights: "Red and Blue" practice at the new Highmark StadiumHow about a little pitch and catch with Josh Allen for your first time inside of the new Highmark Stadium#BillsMafia@WGRZpic.twitter.com/xV9yxcvBjy Jonathan Acosta (@JAcostaTV) August 8, 2026Highlights: "Red and Blue" practice at the new Highmark Stadium172 pic.twitter.com/RMJtjRQgWF Bills Outlet (@billsoutlet_) August 8, 2026Highlights: "Red and Blue" practice at the new Highmark StadiumJosh Allen throwing the ball around for the first time in the new digs.With a The house that Allen built sign behind him pic.twitter.com/JgAC8rEW5G Alaina Getzenberg (@agetzenberg) August 8, 2026Highlights: "Red and Blue" practice at the new Highmark StadiumCole Bishop picks off Josh Allen during 1-on-1s #BillsMafiapic.twitter.com/CgN8desIrO Bills Outlet (@billsoutlet_) August 8, 2026Highlights: "Red and Blue" practice at the new Highmark StadiumBenford gets his revenge on Moore. DJ argues for a flag #BillsMafiapic.twitter.com/SlkdVugisx Bills Outlet (@billsoutlet_) August 8, 2026Highlights: "Red and Blue" practice at the new Highmark StadiumJosh Allen in the all grey & blue helmet. What do you think? pic.twitter.com/TsKB3ObFz5 Matt Parrino (@MattParrino) August 8, 2026Highlights: "Red and Blue" practice at the new Highmark StadiumHey lookIt's Josh Allen and DJ Moore...BUT IN A NEW STADIUM#BillsMafiapic.twitter.com/ucs61MQmr4 Dom Tibbetts (@DomTibbettsTV) August 8, 2026Highlights: "Red and Blue" practice at the new Highmark StadiumJosh Allen to Dj Moore in the new stadium #BillsMafia(@billsoutlet_) pic.twitter.com/uAIYpC8QeY SleeperBills (@SleeperBills) August 8, 2026Highlights: "Red and Blue" practice at the new Highmark StadiumJosh Allen hits DJ Moore on a post for a huge play #BillsMafiapic.twitter.com/cn3hiB4iao Bills Outlet (@billsoutlet_) August 8, 2026Highlights: "Red and Blue" practice at the new Highmark StadiumHighlights: "Red and Blue" practice at the new Highmark StadiumJosh Allen to DJ Moore during the Return of Blue and Red practiceThese two cant stop, wont stop making big plays pic.twitter.com/ADEKWGpimP alex brasky (@alexbrasky) August 9, 2026This article originally appeared on Bills Wire: Sights and sounds from Bills' 'Red and Blue' at new Highmark Stadium

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) The Royals made Clay Holmes' debut with the Chicago Cubs a forgettable affair Saturday night, hammering him for four runs in his return from the injured list, while Jac Calgianone helped to power Kansas City to a 6-3 victory.Caglianone hit two homers, two doubles and finished with four RBIs for the Royals. Josh Rojas also had a pair of RBIs.Seth Lugo (5-7) out-shined Holmes with his eight-pitch repertoire, which included a looping 65 mph curve that fanned MVP candidate Pete Crow-Armstrong. Lugo wound up allowing three runs on five hits and a walk over six innings, striking out five.Nate Pearson handled the ninth against his former team to pick up his second save of the season.Holmes (4-5) last started a big league game May 15, when he was still with the Mets, and a 111 mph liner from the Yankees Spencer Jones fractured his right fibula. He was in the midst of making rehab starts when the Cubs traded for him earlier this week.Holmes needed 70 pitches to go four innings, allowing six hits and two walks while striking out one.Caglianone gave the Royals to a 1-0 lead with his first-inning homer, a shot to right-center that went an estimated 448 feet. Rojas added a two-run single in the second, after a sacrifice bunt by Nick Loftin had advanced the runners, and Caglianone's double in the third was enough to score Bobby Witt Jr. from first base and make it 4-0.Carson Kelly halved the lead with a two-out double in the fourth, and Ian Happ's two-out homer made it 4-3 in the sixth. But the Cubs squandered a chance when the Royals' John Schreiber struck out Seiya Suzuki with two aboard in the seventh.Caglianone added his second homer in the bottom half of the inning to give the Royals some breathing room.Up nextLHP Matthew Boyd (7-1, 3.59) tries to win his eighth consecutive decision Sunday when he takes the mound for the Cubs in the series finale. RHP Randy Dobnak (2-0, 1.16) tries to continue his resurgence when he makes the start for Kansas City.___AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - AUGUST 08: Max Clark #15 of the Detroit Tigers bats during the game between the Detroit Tigers and the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park on Saturday, August 8, 2026 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Kavin Mistry/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty ImagesIt took seven innings, but the Tigers ended up with a blowout and a shutout against the Giants with an 8-0 win on Saturday. After dropping the first game in their series against the Giants, the Tigers were looking to pull even on Saturday evening. They would have the newly activated Jackson Jobe on the mound. Jobe hasnt pitched in about 14 months, so the Tigers would likely have a short leash on him depending on how well he was doing, but its nice to see him back and healthy. The Giants were leaning on Landen Roupp to get the job done on their end. The Tigers quickly went 1-2-3 to open the first. In the home half we got the best-case scenario for Jobe, as he also got a 1-2-3 inning. In the second, Colt Keith got a one-out walk. Spencer Torkelson then singled. This was followed by a Max Clark single to load the bases with only one out. Unfortunately, despite the incredible opportunity to take an early lead, the next two batters were out in order leaving all three batters stranded. In the home half, Jobe had another three-up, three-down inning, but he owed a big thanks to Max Clark for the third out, with a stellar catch that sent Clark right into the outfield wall. LADIES AND GENTLEMENMAX CLARK pic.twitter.com/LoyEC0RF62 Detroit Tigers (@tigers) August 8, 2026The Tigers went 1-2-3 in the top of the third. In the bottom of the inning, Drew Cavanaugh got a one-out walk, making him the first Giants baserunner of the game. Jobe got the next two outs to get out of the jam. With one out in the top of the fourth, Colt Keith walked. Two outs followed, though, and the Tigers once again left a baserunner stranded. In the home half, Willy Adames got a one-out single. Rafael Devers then hit into a double play to end the inning. The fifth was another three-up, three-down inning for the Tigers. But Jobe returned the favor in the home half, getting the side out in order. That appeared to be the handshake inning for Jobe as he got back to the dugout, so his final line was 5.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K on 71 pitches. We knew he would likely only be in a short time, but sorry to see they didnt give him another inning. He was doing really well. But better safe than sorry. In the sixth Gleyber Torres and Dillon Dingler got back-to-back walks. Then with one out, Keith walked as well and that was all she wrote for Roupp, who was replaced by Keaton Winn. Spencer Torkelson then walked, driving in the first run of the game. Once again, though, the Tigers left the bases loaded to end the inning. At least this time they did get one run in. Tyler Holton was the new Tigers pitcher in the bottom of the inning, and he got the side out in order. Trent Harris came in from the Giants bullpen to make his MLB debut in the seventh. He gave up a ground-rule double because the ball got stuck in the outfield fence, but McKinstry definitely thought it was an inside-the-park home run. Kevin McGonigle hit an RBI single, that got him to second because the outfielder threw home and McKinstry made his way around home for the second time in the inning. Magoo doubles the lead in the 7th!@kevinMcGonigle7pic.twitter.com/jPcqZMSl0c Detroit Tigers (@tigers) August 9, 2026A Torres groundout pushed McGonigle to third. Dingler then laced an RBI double right down the left field foul line. if Dillon Dingler has a million fans, i am one of them. if Dillon Dingler has ten fans, i am one of them. if Dillon Dingler has one fan, that fan is me. if Dillon Dingler has no fans, i am dead. if the world is against Dillon Dingler, i am against the world. pic.twitter.com/L126iDBgZ2 Detroit Tigers (@tigers) August 9, 2026And that was it for Harris. Not the dream debut he probably imagined, sadly. Reiver Sanmartin entered the game and gave up a single to Riley Greene, pushing Dingler to third. A pinch-hitting Eduardo Valencia doubled, bringing in two more runs. Valencia adds 2 pic.twitter.com/IzkuNx2jCe Detroit Tigers (@tigers) August 9, 2026The Tigers werent done yet, though, as Max Clark got a two-out triple to score Valencia. Baez then singled to score Clark. They really needed to thank some of the most sloppy fielding Ive witnessed all season, but who cares how you score the runs at the end of the day. The Giants went 1-2-3 in the bottom of the inning. Carson Seymour was the new pitcher in the eighth and he got the Tigers out in order. Ty Madden came in for the Tigers in the home half. With two outs, Eddys Leonard singled. The Giants left him stranded, though, with a final out to end the inning. Riley Greene took a leadoff walk in the ninth and Ben Malgeri came in to run for him. A wild pitch advanced Malgeri to second, then Torkelson walked. Another wild pitch bumped Malgeri over to third. Max Clark then hit into a force out that should have been a double play, but the ball overthrew first and Clark was safe. Malgeri scored. Baez then singled. McKinstry walked and the bases were loaded. No additional runs scored, but the Tigers should have secured their lead. In the home half, the Giants were out in order to end the game and tie the series up at one game apiece. Final: Tigers 8, Giants 0

Aug. 8PATERSON, N.J. The Spokane Velocity's USL League One match against the New York Cosmos, which was scheduled for 4 p.m. on Saturday at Hinchliffe Stadium, has been postponed due to travel delays for Spokane, according to USL LeagueOne.com, and will be rescheduled to a date that will be announced at a later time.This marks the second straight game in which the Velocity's contest has been postponed or delayed. Last week, in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Spokane allowed a goal early in the period against the Chattanooga Red Wolves but the game was delayed later in the half and was postponed due to lightning strikes.League rules dictate that Spokane's rescheduled match against Chattanooga which has yet to be announced will be replayed from the opening kickoff.Led by Shavon John-Brown's five goals, two assists and 19 chances created, fifth-ranked Spokane (10-2-6) boasts a four-game winning streak across all competition including League One and the USL Cup.The Velocity will now prepare for their first-ever USL Cup knockout stage match at ONE Spokane Stadium at 6 p.m. Wednesday. Spokane hosts sixth-ranked USL Championship club Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC.Spokane's defense will face an offense that averages 1.6 goals per match. But the Velocity's attack may be able find the net against the Switchbacks, who have only preserved two clean sheets, worst in USL Championship play, and allow 1.4 goals per game.

Aug. 8Spokane fighter Juliana Miller used a second-round submission to claim her third UFC win, beating Ravena Oliveira via rear-naked choke on Saturday in a UFC Fight Night flyweight bout in Las Vegas.It was a crucial win for Miller (6-4 MMA, 3-3 UFC), who came into the event with one win in her past four UFC fights. The 2022 Ultimate Fighter winner relied on wrestling and grappling to put Oliveira (7-4-1) on the defensive, and Miller eventually worked her way to her opponent's back after a takedown, locked in a chokehold and forced a submission at the 1:38 mark of Round 2."We were fighting for our jobs," Miller said during her post-fight interview. "I just decided, I don't (care) what you do, I'm taking you down and choking your (expletive) out."Miller also called attention to the Spokane Complex fires during her interview."For the millions of you watching at home, please, if there's anything you can do," she said.