Jeff Darlington
@JeffDarlington
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ESPN NFL Reporter. Traveling the country to bring you the stories of sports and the people who play them. Instagram: @jeffdarlington
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Tom Brady just quietly approached a security guard waiting outside the Chiefs’ locker room — and asked if he could see Patrick Mahomes. Brady was escorted into a room where he spoke briefly with him. A very clear display of respect from one incredible quarterback to another.
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Tom Brady just walked over to this little boy with :33 left in the game, handed him his hat and shook his hand… and the boy broke down in tears. Man, that one got me.
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Andy Reid finds Taylor Swift in the crowd and points her way. Fun moment between the two.
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Breaking News: I just spoke to wide receiver Deebo Samuel — and he told me that he has asked the 49ers to trade him.
He did not want to discuss specific reasons behind his request, but he has indeed let the 49ers know his desire to leave the organization. More to come.
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It’s so great how the DeVito family is making sure they enjoy every second of this ride, whether it lasts six games or six seasons. Things like this make you hope for the latter.
DeVito family tailgate handing out cutlets and pasta in the Giants parking lot 🤌🏻
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I decided to go super investigatory. Here’s Brian Kelly saying “family” two days ago at Notre Dame… and Brian Kelly saying “family” today at LSU. Some of my best work.
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The last seven years of Dak’s life have been filled with gut-wrenching tragedy and adversity — and yet he has remained among the classiest, kindest athletes I’ve ever gotten to know. I know he’ll persevere and all of that, but man, this is just a crushing and sad injury.
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Well, my daughter just dropped Jesus in the school play. 🤦🏻♂️
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Dolphins coach Brian Flores with the silver lining of a virtual NFL Draft: "It’s been a lot of fun, actually. I haven’t spent this much time with my family – my kids, my wife – in a long time. It’s been great to sit down and eat dinner, to help my kids with their homework."
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I just got an email from Antonio Brown. He tells me the team “took away my guarantees.” He added there’s “no way I play after they took that and made my contract week to week.” So at this moment, once again, don’t expect AB to play on Monday Night Football.
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As Tom Brady announces the end of his NFL career, here is our essay on the one aspect of it that we can all agree on. I hope it brings back as many memories for you as it did for me writing it.
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I'm told NFL is appealing for an indefinite suspension that would be a minimum of one year. But perhaps more significant given the structure of Watson's contract, source tells me the NFL's appeal will also include a monetary fine. Money is now a significant part of the equation.
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I’m a little hesitant to share, so I hope it’s ok. But in the wake of Edward Aschoff’s passing, maybe his memory can motivate someone who sees this. It’s an email from 2007. He’d become one of ESPN’s top college football reporters.
Chase your passions… even in the face of risk.
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This is the right video to start your day. Aidan Hutchinson singing Billie Jean on the debut of Hard Knocks:
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And there it is… 😂
Tyreek Hill as a caught fish on that TD celebration might be my favorite yet. Need that video asap. 😂🎣
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Ryan Tannehill has agreed to terms on a new four-year contract with the Titans, per source. Here’s the numbers:
$118m total
$29.5m average per year
$62m full guarantee
$91m total guarantee
BIG deal for Tannehill!
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Tom Brady is retiring from football after 22 extraordinary seasons, multiple sources tell
@AdamSchefter
and me. More coming on .
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Tannehill is at his locker, quiet and devastated. Put aside your opinions of him as a QB. Just as a human, less than a year after being fired, imagine how much he wished he could return to Miami to play in the Super Bowl. And he was so unexpectedly close to it. Man, what a year.
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Tyreek Hill is asked about being in the MVP race: "No. We have a player on this team that's better than me. And means more to this team than me. And his name... is (fullback) Alec Ingold." 😂
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The visual of Tom Brady, carrying his sleeping daughter in his arms, his wife walking with him, as he stopped for a friendly talk with Mike Vrabel, just did a nice job of putting things in perspective, even as it involves a sports icon facing an uncertain future.
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BREAKING NEWS: It is now official. Tom Brady will not be returning to the Patriots, per Brady. A new chapter awaits. For now, this is just goodbye to the previous one.
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I wonder if the people cheering for Mahomes’ touchdown pass are the same people who booed the pregame moment of unity. 🤔
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Brock Purdy finding his family in the opposite endzone from the locker room after the game ended — and hugging his father following his first win as the 49ers starter — is just an awesome sight to see.
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I’ve known new Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel for a very long time — about 15 years now — and when I tell you this is a dream come true for him… well, just take a look at the resume he sent me from 2005 when he was trying to land his first internship with the Broncos. Dream big.
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Patrick Mahomes on the final drive: "It’s tough to swallow. Not only from me, and football in general, to take away greatness like that, for a guy like Travis to make a play like that, you want to see the guys on the field decide the game. They’re human. They make mistakes. But…
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I’ve seen a lot of opposing fan bases make noise for their team after a win — but the Lions might’ve topped them all today.
Or as
@JaredGoff16
said to me as he left the field, “Are you seeing this? Best fans in the f***ing league!”
This video is well after the game ended…
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When I sat down with Patrick Mahomes recently ahead of the Super Bowl, I asked him if he senses that he's become a bit of a villain to other fan bases. His answer, specifically his comparison to the Patriots, was a pretty honest assessment: "I can definitely sense it. I never…
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First year out of college, covering the Dolphins in 2006, I staked out Drew Brees' hotel, waiting for him after his dinner with Nick Saban. I was scared shitless when Brees arrived. I asked if he had a minute. He gave me 20. On the record. Over a beer. I’ve never forgotten that.
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A sampling from our
@ESPN
interview with Tom Brady, including his explanation into why there is a “zero” percent chance he’ll retire after this game no matter the outcome.
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Travis Kelce on Taylor Swift’s Grammy success: “She’s unbelievable. She’s rewriting the history books. I told her I need to hold up my end of the bargain and bring home some hardware, too.”
Kelce says he’s heard some of the new album — but says he’s revealing nothing.
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Bill Belichick has now been in the Bucs’ locker room for 20 minutes, talking in a private area with Tom Brady. Belichick entered on his own without anyone else around him.
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It is astounding to hear doctors make clear a life was literally saved on the middle of a football field Monday night while the country watched. For as much as it felt like a disturbing tragedy happening before our eyes… we were actually witnessing true heroism in real time.
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Departures from Houston since Jack Easterby was hired in April 2019:
- GM Brian Gaine
- WR DeAndre Hopkins
- HC Bill O’Brien
- Head of PR Amy Palcic
- President Jamey Rootes
- Team captain JJ Watt
Each move deserves individual evaluation… but just look at those job titles.
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Tom Brady, at 43 years old, just put together a second-half performance that included 15 of 17 completions for 263 yards, 3 touchdowns and 0 INT. That’s a perfect passer rating of 158.3. Still got it.
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Dolphins safety DeShon Elliott understood the assignment here in Frankfurt, Germany.
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Literally no one:
Mike McDaniel: “Awesome, guys. Those are nice, strong handshakes with eye contact. I appreciate that. Thank you for showing me the respect and regard. I’ll do the same.” 😂
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An awesome moment to watch Bills safety Damar Hamlin huddle with his teammates before taking the field for his first regular-season game. Hamlin was a healthy scratch the first three games — but will have a key role on special teams today.
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Marcus Mariota is walking up to every player in the Titans’ locker room, one after another, now working through the defensive guys, to shake hands and hug them. A quiet, quick message for each one. Always classy.
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The time I realized Eli is who we think he is: I was at hotel tiki bar at Pro Bowl in Hawaii, and every player had retreated to get ready for dinner. Eli returns 30 minutes later, gently approaches a dozen bar staff, one by one. I ask someone why.
“$100 bill for each of us.”
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If you want to understand Dak a little better — and understand why you’re seeing so much care for him — I’d encourage you to watch this feature we did together two years ago. He’s a special human.
A friendship built on their fight, faith and desire to finish everything they pursue.
The inspiring story of Dak Prescott and his biggest fan, Kendrell Daniels.
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Today after the Dolphins’ scrimmage, the organization played Zach Thomas’ Hall of Fame speech on the stadium’s digital boards. I love this show of respect from Dolphins running back Jeff Wilson Jr.
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My dad started lifting weights a few years ago — and realized he was pretty good at it. Today, at 76 years young, in his first competition, he set the national record for his age class in the deadlift at 315 pounds. How cool is that?! Proud of him for even giving it a shot.
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When it comes to Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel, there is far more than meets the eye. We spent a recent morning together -- on a day that started at 2:24 a.m. -- as he shared the scars that have shaped him into the man he is today. Produced by Luis Aldea for Sunday NFL Countdown.
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Sources: Bills locker room has been so emotional about Trump comments that team made plans to address topic during a team meeting tonight.
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How wild was Miami’s comeback? It’s the first time in 12 years a team has come back from a 21-point deficit in the fourth quarter.
From 2011 to 2022, teams trailing by 21+ in the fourth quarter have a record of 0-711.
Credit:
@ESPNStatsInfo
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I was standing behind
@Tua
in a dark tunnel near the field at Hard Rock Stadium, where he emerged from the locker room for a glimpse of the game’s final seconds. The moment the Dolphins won:
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Tom Brady informed Bucs today at 6 am he’d be retiring. One aspect I’d been mentioning for a bit now: Brady for months implied to many close to him that it was going to be either a return to Tampa or retirement. Tough for many to believe, including those close, but he meant it.
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Trying to cover free agency while two kids under 5 don’t have any preschool has led to a pretty deep dive into the Disney+/Netflix catalogue. We’ve now reached back to the first season of Mr Rogers... which led to this lovely discovery. 🤯🤪
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Mike McDaniel is one of a kind. But he is also far more than meets the eye. From ESPN’s Sunday NFL Countdown… My essay on the Dolphins’ quirky coach:
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Jags CB Jalen Ramsey: “I was wondering why they were so confident. We stung their ass last time.” ...Were they mad about the disrespect? “We don’t give a f***. We really don’t care.”
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Baker Mayfield to Erin Andrews: “It’s inexcusable. Rivalry or not, we can’t do that. That’s endangering the other team. That’s inexcusable. The reality is, he’s going to get suspended. It’s inexcusable.”
Well done, Baker.
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Gronk reuniting with Brady — wherever Brady ended — always felt like a real scenario behind the scenes. I can’t understate the appreciation, on and off the field, they have for each other. Gronk was done with the Patriots… but he never wanted to be done catching TDs from Brady.
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“Just treat her like a queen.” - Chiefs coach Andy Reid on his only relationship advice for Travis Kelce
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Jerry Jones not mincing words: “Special teams is totally a reflection of coaching.”
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The Dolphins are now ranked the NFL’s No. 1 defense in points allowed. And I don’t know if there’s literally a single person aside from Dolphins fans who could name more than one — maybe two — starters. No defensive players over 30 years old. Sign of a very promising future.
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You might have seen a moment at the end of last week’s game when
@TomBrady
met a boy who beat cancer. His name was Noah Reeb, and this week, I went to Utah to learn more about his story. I’m so honored to share it with you. Produced by Josh Volensky.
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The Dolphins will not be pursuing Lamar Jackson or any other starting QBs this off-season, multiple team sources tell me. As one source said, “Mike fully believes Tua is the perfect fit for his system.”
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Kyrie for Garoppolo makes a lot of sense. Cleveland finally gets its quarterback. Kyrie back to scoring 25 ppg for a championship team.
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Tomorrow has potential to be a very memorable day across the NFL as many players are extremely emotional about Donald Trump comments.
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I just had a pretty unique view of the Patriots players coming off the field and into the locker room. A lot of emotions here. Check it out.
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How does a man decide what to do with his remaining greatness? A deeper look into Tom Brady's Final Dilemma:
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RIP, my mentions.
I know you’ll hate me. I know you’ll tell me I’m an idiot. And I understand why it’s so hard for all of us — myself included — to start accepting this likelihood. Hey, there’s still a chance. But... the reality is... Brady is looking forward to free agency.
ESPN’s
@JeffDarlington
on
@GetUpESPN
: “I’m now at the point where I would be stunned if Tom Brady went back to New England.”
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Just talked to Jared Goff — he has already spoken to Lions coach Dan Campbell and several other members of the Lions’ staff. Based on those conversations, they very clearly view him as their starter moving forward. Physical coming soon. Sounds like they’re fired up to have him.
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It was my first offseason covering the NFL in 2006 — a Dolphins beat writer for the Palm Beach Post — and Drew Brees was visiting South Florida on a free agency visit. I knew he was at dinner with Saban, and I knew what hotel he was staying at. So I waited hours in the lobby.
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Blake Bortles is currently finalizing a deal to join the Rams as Jared Goff’s backup, per source.
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Chalk me up as someone who cringes at the mere suggestion of neutral site conference championships becoming a normal thing. A home game for a trip to the Super Bowl might be the most electric environment in American sports. 100 times better than energy of an actual Super Bowl.
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Taylor Swift and Brittany Mahomes have arrived at Lambeau Field.
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I was never very good at math, but I’ll give it a shot:
UCF beat Auburn + Auburn beat Georgia and Alabama + Georgia and Alabama will play for national title + UCF never lost a game =
UCF is the best team in college football.
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Gisele: "My husband cannot f---ing throw the ball and catch the ball."
Lamar: "Hold my beer."
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49ers new starting QB Brock Purdy was the last pick in this year’s NFL Draft. And yes, as we explored in this piece for Sunday NFL Countdown, that is still something worth celebrating…
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As Tua continues to obliterate the critical narratives surrounding him, his success isn’t merely illustrated by superficial stats. We breakdown some of the more nuanced numbers that support his breakout season here:
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Chris Mortensen is the person I strived to be like when I was young. And after the friendship we developed, he remained the type of person I want to be as I grow older.
I am forever indebted to him for all the ways he inspired me -- both before and after I got the privilege to…
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While I realize many are assuming Flores’ departure is tied to Harbaugh’s potential availability, I can assure you that is not the case. The Dolphins are not targeting Jim Harbaugh, per sources. The decision to fire Flores is entirely independent.
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Candid conversations in massive moments are so rare because people like Brees are so rare. He knows how big of a deal he is. And he rolls with it in a humble but honest way. I was a 25-year-old rookie reporter, and he treated me like I was Peter King. I'll just never forget it.
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The fact that Tennessee locked up the top seed in the AFC with Derrick Henry on the shelf for half of the season is so impressive. Mike Vrabel for coach of the year.
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Chiefs coach Andy Reid: "Patrick had a nice day. I don't think (the Dolphins) anticipated us throwing the ball as much as we did. A lot of quarterbacks can't do that in this type of weather."
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I’ve covered the Dolphins — both as a local & national reporter — since 2005. This feels like the first off-season when the whole org committed to rediscovering a long-lost identity. Football should feel fast & fun in South Florida. It should feel electric. Now, it just might be.
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John Lynch is greeting every 49ers player and coach as they enter a solemn locker room. Quick, brief handshakes. Except for one.
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I’m told Dolphins coach Brian Flores just addressed his team regarding recent reports tying Miami to a possible trade for Deshaun Watson. Sources say he told players and staff that Tua Tagovailoa is “our quarterback” in a brief but poignant endorsement of the QB. (quick thread)
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My pops just set a fun (albeit slightly obscure) world record for 75-to-79 year-old men in the dead lift! He’s 76. Drove from St Pete to Gatlinburg to compete — and lifted 330 pounds. Proud of him for throwing his literal weight into a late-in-life hobby!
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1. A collaborative coach.
2. An underrated roster stocked with weapons on offense and a trending defense.
3. Warm weather.
4. Proximity to NYC.
The Bucs check the boxes.
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Find someone who loves you like Martellus Bennett loves Aaron Rodgers.
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The Chiefs will be putting final touches on their preparations today with a walk-through at the Raiders’ facility. They’ll also have final meetings and a team picture.
All I keep hearing… Mahomes looks even more dialed in than usual this week. If he plays like he practiced…
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We’ve been looking for this black grouper for 20 years. And Saturday afternoon, in the Dry Tortugas, 70 miles west of Key West, we found him. 91 pounds. The fish of a lifetime.
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I can’t even explain how impressed I’ve been by
@diannaESPN
’s strength these last nine months. At one point, she was doing live TV, covering the Super Bowl, while in her first trimester, sick as hell every day. And doing amazing through all of it. Like all moms… she amazes me.
Breaking: Michael Andrew is a Hall of Famer, and
@diannaESPN
is a mom, per sources.
Michael Andrew was born today at 4:13 pm; he measured in at 7 pounds, 9 ounces and 20 inches. Mom is expected to return this season.
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If you didn’t get to watch a wildly entertaining Bills-Dolphins game, Tua had a throw on 3rd and 22, down 3 points in the 4th qtr, that you should check out. If the Ravens game wasn’t enough, this is the moment Tua might’ve fully flipped the “can he be the guy” narrative.
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It didn't really look like the Patriots need Antonio Brown. But in the locker room after the game, they certainly sounded like they want him. From SportsCenter:
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I know it's so very secondary, but on a night when we're all just searching for words or thoughts or something to explain what we just saw, I'm very proud of my friends at ESPN for the stoic professionalism with which they've handled this unprecedented evening. Goodnight, all.
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This situation between Rodgers and the Packers, both publicly and privately, is feeling more like two sides trying to navigate the perceptions of a breakup rather than two sides trying to find a way to continue forward together. Very interesting two weeks ahead.
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