The Moment in Time When Nick Sirianni’s Eagles Were Changed Forever.
Shortly after you absorb that euphoric feeling of your team winning a Super Bowl — you immediately want to feel it again.
Not fifteen minutes after Tom Brady’s final Hail Mary Pass in Super Bowl LII fell short in the end zone — the priority shifted from celebration to preservation.
What would it take for the Eagles to return to claim another Lombardi Trophy?
The wait for another shot at NFL immortality wasn’t as quick as initially wished for, but it wasn’t as long as it could have been.
Just two years after the Eagles hired 39-year-old coach Nick Sirianni and committed to 23-year-old quarterback Jalen Hurts — the Eagles whose seemed like its bold offense could never be stopped from scoring — were back in the Super Bowl once again.
When the Eagles advanced to Super Bowl LVII and powered their way to a 24–14 lead through two quarters — it looked as though not even a short halftime to regroup could save Andy Reid’s Chiefs and a hobbled Patrick Mahomes.
PHOTO: Denny Medley/Imagn Images
During that fifteen-minute window — with Rhianna crescendoing her greatest hits on a stage at the 50-yard line — something happened to the Eagles. Perhaps it was arrogance, overconfidence, or inexperience. Perhaps it was a feeling that they were better than the game itself. Perhaps it was a combination of all of these.
What happened during the next 30 minutes was that a Head Coach—once skewered in Philadelphia for nearly fourteen years for not being able to make in-game adjustments—flipped the script on the Eagles. He gave his injured quarterback quick throws, attacked the Eagles’ defense in different ways, and contained Philly’s devastating offensive attack.
The team that wins the second half wins the game. That is exactly what happened.
Nick Sirianni’s Eagles never recovered from that moment. Even when the Eagles were eking out wins at 10–1 last season, something didn’t look right. When they went 1–6 the rest of the way, something certainly didn’t.
Many people didn’t want Nick Sirianni back this season. But making a convincing argument to stay — he did. At an early bye week, the Eagles are 2–2. They return from Tampa after yet another shellacking to a team that doesn’t have a talent level equal to Philadelphia.
Since 2016, the Eagles have spent too much time purging themselves of coaches and players who utilize arrogance as a defining quality. The last coach and franchise quarterback to try to plow forward, driven by this sense, left the Eagles in an eventual rebuild.
For the Eagles to return to the euphoric feeling of the NFC Championship Game win against the 49ers in 2023, it will take an adjustment of this team back to good fundamental football and a new approach for one of the NFL’s most dynamic offenses.
In the last week, Kendrick Lamar and Lil Wayne have been at the center of conversations surrounding the 2025 Super Bowl Halftime show. Fans, celebrities, and even Tunechi have shared their disappointment with Wayne not being the headliner of the New Orleans gig. Jay-Z’s name and role with the NFL have also been a part of the conversation. Now, the halftime show’s producer, Jesse Collins, has publicly supported Jay’s decision-making.
Super Bowl Halftime Show Producer Backs Jay-Z & Kendrick Lamar
In a profile piece released on Monday (Sept. 16) by Variety, Jesse Collins opened up about the halftime show reactions. He notably mentioned Jay-Z and Kendrick, showing them love for a show he predicts will be a hit.
According to the outlet, Collins has been an executive producer of the SB show since 2021. He joined the spectacle’s production team nearly two years after Jay and Roc Nation signed on to consult on the league’s halftime headliners in August 2019. Jesse confirmed that Jay-Z calls the plays, and he supports them, including K. Dot’s upcoming performance.
“It’s a decision that Jay makes,” Collins told Variety. “Since we’ve been on board with that show, he’s made it every year, and it’s been amazing. He’s always picked right!”
Additionally, Jesse Collins addressed Wayne and his fans’ disappointment in the headliner pick. He asserted that there’s no agenda against the ‘Lollipop’ superstar and that Kendrick will eat the stage up!
“We love Wayne,” Collins reportedly said. “There’s always Vegas odds on who’s going to get to perform it. But I think we’re going to do an amazing show with Kendrick, and I think everybody’s going to love the halftime show. I know Kendrick is going to work exceptionally hard to deliver an amazing show.”
Meanwhile, Nicki Minaj seemed to find a kii in Jeese’s comments to Variety. The ‘Pink Friday 2’ artist dropped a laughing emoji in reaction to an X post featuring what Collins said.
Rundown Of The Mixed Reactions To Super Bowl Show Headliner
As suggested, folks have been divided on the selected headliner for the 2025 gig for over a week. Some, like Master P and Nas, have celebrated Kendrick and anticipated his performance. Meanwhile, others, like Nicki Minaj, Birdman, and Wayne’s manager, have taken Wayne’s lack of inclusion in the show as a dismissal of his legacy. As mentioned, even Wayne expressed his disappointment with not receiving the opportunity.
The NOLA native said not being chosen as the headliner “hurt a whole lot.” Furthermore, he blamed himself for not being “mentally prepared” to be let down. However, Lil Wayne didn’t directly name-drop Kendrick in his message.
“I thought that nothing was better than that spot, and that stage and that platform in my city. So that hurt, hurt a whole lot. But y’all are f***ing amazing. It made me feel like sh*t not getting this opportunity, and when I felt like sh*t, you guys reminded me that I ain’t sh*t without y’all.”
Kendrick Lamar has yet to openly comment on the mixed reactions to his secured gig. His fanbase seems to think he’s still focused on pressing his foot into Drake’s neck. Last week, he released an untitled track, expressing disgust with the state of the culture and music and affirming his refusal to reconcile.
Something strange happened during the lead-up to Noche UFC, the promotion’s second annual celebration of Mexican Independence Day. For the first time since becoming interested in MMA during the McGregor era and falling in love with the sport during the pandemic, I skipped all of my UFC fight week traditions. I hadn’t tuned in to a single episode of Embedded, nor did I watch the press conference on Thursday or the ceremonial weigh-ins on Friday. And I certainly didn’t have my usual “one more sleep” jitters heading into Saturday. What’s clear to me now is my lack of enthusiasm was the result of the sort of uncertainty that leads to reservation rather than curiosity.
Almost everything about Saturday night’s card left me and other fans scratching our heads going into it, starting with its hodgepodge of a name: UFC 306: Riyadh Season Noche UFC. And then there was the star of the promotional buildup. No, not the homegrown, hype-machine-manufactured Sean O’Malley, and not even Mexico’s own Alexa Grasso, but rather The Sphere (or simply “Sphere,” as it was referred to throughout the broadcast). A Mexican-inspired Fight Night that somehow became a numbered pay-per-view presented by a Saudi Arabian festival series, boasting an arena as its main attraction, left me with questions that couldn’t be answered by the sights and sounds of a typical fight week. Instead, those questions were answered by the standard brilliance of the most production-savvy combat sports promotion this side of WWE.
When it was initially reported the cheapest seat in the house would cost over $2,000, I wondered if more impassioned Mexican and Mexican-American fight fans would be priced out in favor of casuals with cushy salaries and corporate credit cards. That concern was quieted once I heard the crowd pop for Raúl Rosas Jr. as he walked toward the octagon ahead of the night’s first prelim. I did my best Irish accent and asked who da fook is dat guy when I found out four fighters I’d never heard of were opening the main card. Lo and behold, those were the two most entertaining bouts of the evening, with Esteban Ribovics and Daniel Zellhuber earning Fight of the Night bonuses that could have just as easily gone to Ronaldo Rodríguez and Ode’ Osbourne. And, as Sean O’Malley took issue with himself at one point, I noted with interest, which soon soured into ambivalence, that the event’s venue was being promoted more heavily than the then-bantamweight champion at the top of its billing. I don’t know about him, but I understood why that was by the end of the night, as the suspense surrounding what a sporting event at The Sphere might look like paid off more abundantly than the one-way drubbing most educated fans correctly predicted he’d receive in the main event.
But above all, the main question I had before last night was why did the UFC’s first and potentially only appearance at The Sphere need to be on Mexican Independence Day? As Noche UFC neared, my thinking was that, presumably, an event headlined by the eventual return of either Conor McGregor or Jon Jones would have made for a greater pop cultural spectacle, International Fight Week would have led to less complicated branding, and UFC 300, which fans and pundits also made the mistake of underestimating, would have allowed for a deeper card. Again, the event itself convinced me of its merits in a way that no moment on Embedded or confrontation at a press conference could have prepared me for.
No alternative I had in mind for a more appropriate Sphere card would have resulted in the breathtaking storytelling of Noche UFC. The six interstitials produced by Oscar-winning filmmaker Carlos López Estrada’s Antigravity Academy made perfect use of The Sphere’s immersive capabilities, transporting audiences throughout Mexican history with images that inspired awe even through a TV screen. Ancient civilizations, heroic freedom fighters, spiritual traditions, iconic combat athletes, and the virtues of Mexican culture were all honored with Lucasesque light and magic. Eight first- and second-generation Mexican Octagon Girls strutted between rounds wearing stunning costumes inspired by their shared heritage.
The main event notwithstanding, the fights themselves lived up the pageantry of the night in ways only the drama of high-level MMA could, especially when booked in celebration of a culture’s fighting spirit. Minutes after a short film told the story of Indigenous warriors, the earliest people to fight for the land now known as Mexico, Mexican flyweight Ronaldo Rodriguez escaped two near-completed submissions and persevered his way to a unanimous decision over Ode’ Osbourne. Right after that, Mexico City-born Daniel Zellhuber battled Argentina’s Esteban Ribovics with the breakneck pace of a Street Fighter button-mashing, losing on the cards but winning over fans like me who were watching him compete for the first time. And despite a lackluster performance from former Women’s Flyweight Champion Alexa Grasso, I found myself on the edge of my seat seemingly once per round, attempting to will a tap from Valentina Shevchenko into existence.
Similar to 300 before it, there are images from UFC 306 that’ll be etched in my brain for the rest of my fandom; thrilling moments I would have never predicted when comparing the names on the card to the hyperbolic hype that preceded it.
I don’t know if Noche UFC turned out to be “the greatest sporting event of all time,” as UFC CEO Dana White promised in July. In his post-fight press availability, White admitted himself it’d be up to the public to decide if the night lived up to that claim. In general, I’m a bit allergic to making statements that grand. But what I will confess is Noche UFC was the most impressively produced televised sporting event I’ve seen with my own two eyes–better than any Super Bowl, NBA Finals, or WrestleMania I’ve ever watched.
It was a spectacle I couldn’t quite convince myself to anticipate, but one that I’ll never forget. If you’re still with me, scroll or click through the following photos for a look at what made the night so memorable.
Lil Wayne, a longtime champion and emblem of New Orleans, has released a video sharing his disappointment at being passed over, for Kendrick Lamar, to perform at the city’s 2025 Super Bowl halftime show. “That hurt, it hurt a lot,” Wayne said in an Instagram video. “I thought there was nothing better that spot, on that stage, on that platform. It broke me, but I’m just trying to put myself back together.”
As New Orleans’ host year approaches, Wayne has repeatedly expressed his wish to play the halftime show. “I will not lie to you,” he said in February. “I have not got a call or nothing. We praying. We keeping our fingers crossed. I’m working hard. I’m’a make sure this next album and everything I do is killer.” He said last December, too, that, if he got the gig, he would not bring out any guests. “I earned that moment, so I’m not bringing anyone”—short of Beyoncé, Taylor Swift, or a “New Orleans jazz great,” he said.
Since Lamar’s announcement as halftime headliner, several artists have sympathized with Wayne, including New Orleans greats Birdman and Master P. None was more vocal than Wayne’s onetime protégé Nicki Minaj, who seemingly took aim at Jay-Z because his Roc Nation company oversees Super Bowl entertainment. “Denying a young black man what he rightfully put into this game for no other reason but your ego,” Minaj posted. “Your hatred for BIRDMAN, Drake & Nicki got you punishing Lil Wayne?”
In announcing his selection last week, Jay-Z said, “Kendrick Lamar is truly a once-in-a-generation artist and performer. His deep love for hip-hop and culture informs his artistic vision. He has an unparalleled ability to define and influence culture globally. Kendrick’s work transcends music, and his impact will be felt for years to come.”
The game is set to take place at Caesars Stadium on February 9.
Kendrick Lamar will perform the halftime show at Super Bowl LIX, in New Orleans, on Sunday, February 9, 2025. Watch him make the announcement in the promotional video below.
Super Bowl LIX takes place at New Orleans’ Caesars Superdome. Apple Music is the halftime show’s presenting sponsor, so the 2025 event is formally known as the Apple Music Super Bowl LIX Halftime Show.
In a press statement, Lamar said, “Rap music is still the most impactful genre to date. And I’ll be there to remind the world why. They got the right one.”
Lamar’s company with Dave Free, pgLang, is handling the creative direction for the performance. Diversified Production Services is producing the halftime show telecast with Jay-Z’s Roc Nation and Jesse Collins as executive producers, Hamish Hamilton as director, and Roc Nation also serving “as the strategic entertainment advisor of the live performance.”
“Kendrick Lamar is truly a once-in-a-generation artist and performer,” Jay-Z stated. “His deep love for hip-hop and culture informs his artistic vision. He has an unparalleled ability to define and influence culture globally. Kendrick’s work transcends music, and his impact will be felt for years to come.”
Lamar was among the performers at the star-studded, hip-hop-forward Super Bowl LVI halftime show. The 2022 performance, at SoFi Stadium, in Inglewood, California, also featured Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige, 50 Cent, and Anderson .Paak.
This past February, in Nevada, Usher headlined the Super Bowl halftime show; he brought out Alicia Keys, Ludacris, Lil Jon, H.E.R., and Jermaine Dupri during his hit-filled set.
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At long last, fall has finally made its return — bringing with it cooler temperatures, pumpkin spice beverages, and a brand-new season of thrilling football action.
ICYMI: the 2024-2025 NFL season is set to kick off on Thursday, Sept. 5 when the reigning Super Bowl Champions, the Kansas City Chiefs, face off against the Baltimore Ravens. Whether you’re a longtime football fan or a new viewer brought to the game by way of a certain blonde pop star, now’s the perfect time to get your game day wardrobe prepped for the upcoming season — that way you can cheer on your favorite team (or player) in style.
Unlike NBA and WNBA games, figuring out what to wear to a football game can be a complicated task. Since many NFL stadiums have open roofs, you’ll need to take the weather into account; if you’re attending in the fall, the right transitional outfit will ensure you don’t get too warm or too cold, whereas winter games will call for heavier layers and insulated clothes (especially if there’s snow in the forecast).
While football outfits tend to center around team gear or NFL merchandise, there are plenty of ways to style your game day outfit so that it’s on theme and still versatile enough for day-to-night wear. Luckily for us (and our wardrobes), celebrities like Taylor Swift, Simone Biles, and Olivia Culpo provide plenty of inspiration for football game outfit ideas, along with other stylish WAGs (wives and girlfriends) — like Kristen Juszczyk or Brittany Mahomes.
From pairing a cozy crewneck with Halara’s famous Taylor Swift skirt for a high school-inspired look to teaming a varsity jacket with faux-leather leggings for an ensemble that can take you from game day to date night, we’ve curated a guide to the best football game outfits for women.
Our favorite selects include a logo baby tee from Abercrombie’s NFL collection, cozy joggers, and a themed bracelet set from BaubleBar. Keep reading to shop our full guide.
This is uncharted territory for Lions fans – to see the Lions on the cover of Sports Illustrated and reading Detroit Lions Super Bowl pick. How do you handle expectations as a fan here in Detroit? Are we getting jinxed by the cover and talk of having a real chance to win it all? Or should we just enjoy the ride and believe?
Think about where we were when Dan Campbell took over. The mistrust in the Lions runs deep over the years (and with good reason), so we go from Matt Patricia (bad hire) to an untested guy who looks more like a dude ready to get in a fight outside Joe Louis. Then he gets up there in front of the media and talks about biting off kneecaps and shows real emotion towards the city and this team.
ALLEN PARK, MICHIGAN – JULY 27: Dan Campbell, head coach of the Detroit Lions during the Detroit Lions Training Camp on July 27, 2022 in Allen Park, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
We didn’t believe.
You know the rest if you’re a Lions fan, the initial struggles and coaching decisions – the unwavering faith he had not only in himself but the direction of the team. Sports Illustrated did a wonderful job capturing that energy and the creation (can’t say “rebirth” because other than 1991…what do we have in the Super Bowl era?).
But here we are – Detroit Lions Super Bowl. It’s okay to say it, to believe in it. The passion in this team isn’t diminished after last season and the heartbreaking loss in the NFC Championship game – as so beautifully captured in the article:
The end of The Season That Changed Everything is still painful. Campbell will never forget the date of the NFC championship game— Jan. 28, 2024—let alone the ending. That afternoon unfolded like a five-act play: i) ideal start; ii) 24–7 halftime lead over the 49ers; iii) Super Bowl prayers raised to the football gods; iv) historic collapse cemented with a 34–31 San Francisco triumph; and v) season of great promise ends, poof.
(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Campbell says that what’s burned in his memory is “them trying to get us off the field, so they can roll out everything—NFC champions, you know—and they’re just in a mad scramble. Here comes the ribbon. You guys go get … Those are the things I don’t forget. Just one of those small motivators. Personally, I don’t need [many of those and] neither does our team.”
In June, Goff is asked if the battered-but-still-standing quarterback and insane-but-still-brilliant coach shared a moment in the immediate aftermath of that postseason loss. Goff might as well have been told that Eminem doesn’t rank among history’s best rap artists. His face said what his mouth made far more diplomatic. Face said: Worst question in world history. Mouth said: No, because we didn’t win.
Goff is pressed for a deeper explanation. Why stew instead of celebrate? Couldn’t most teams only dream of that kind of season? Well, not exactly.
Here they were, the best story in pro football, forgettable losers turned lovable winners, the narrative as good as a team that never lost consecutive games last season. The never-quits, those fans who always rooted for the Lions, even if many of their membership retreated into the shadows, cheering out of public view, revealing their fandom only to those they could truly, absolutely, trust—they started marching back into the light. They followed the dawgs that Campbell promised, mimicking the swagger displayed by his players. (When’s the last time someone typed that sentence?) They were Detroiters. Which made them Lions fans.
Lions 2024 – Enjoy the Ride
How can you not love this team? They reflect back to us a version of this city (coaches, players, owners all on the same page and willing to fight for it) – again captured perfectly in the article from Sports Illlustrated. I’m going to enjoy the hell out of this season. And when it’s over just remember the parade route goes up Woodward and turn right towards Ford Field. GO LIONS!
Jim O’Brien is the Host of “Big Jim’s House” Morning Show at 94.7 WCSX in Detroit. Jim spent eight years in the U.S. Naval Submarine Service, has appeared on Shark Tank (Man Medals Season 5 Ep. 2), raised over two million dollars for local charities and is responsible for Glenn Frey Drive and Bob Seger Blvd in the Motor City. Jim’s relationship with Classic Rock includes considering Bob Seger, Phil Collen from Def Leppard, Wally Palmer of the Romantics and many others good friends. Jim writes about ‘80s movies, cars, weird food trends and “as seen on TikTok” content.
Brown sugar apple dip is only 3 simple ingredients and it’s the most addicting and creamy fruit dip. I seriously can’t stop eating it! Be sure you have plenty of apples in the house because you’re going to be dipping them until the dip is gone!
I served this brown sugar cream cheese apple dip last month at a baby shower and then forgot to ever post it. That’s kind of how life goes. I get so busy I suddenly realized I didn’t follow up on doing something. We served this dip with fresh apple slices and Cade seriously made sure that I left him his own personal serving at home.
Anyway, none of that really matters when you’ve got brown sugar apple dip staring you in the face. Man, I love me some brown sugar! Shhhh…I always take a pinch or two and eat it plain. Do you??
Sometimes it’s hard to think up something yummy for after school treats or something a little different to take to a party and I think this dip is the perfect thing.
Ingredients for Brown Sugar Apple Dip
There are only 3 simple ingredients needed and it all comes together in just 5 minutes. Here is your ingredients list:
Cream Cheese – the block style cream cheese is preferred, not the whipped spread, and it’s important that it’s at room temperature so it mixes easily with the sugar and vanilla
Brown Sugar – adds all the sweetness and balances the tanginess of the cream cheese
VanillaExtract – adds delicious flavor
The measurements for each of the ingredients can be found in the recipe card down below. You can’t beat the taste of this simple creamy mixture!
What Apples are Best for Dipping?
My favorite apple for dipping will forever and always be Honeycrisp apples. Braeburn, Envy, or Pink Lady apples are also super delicious. If you like your apples to be a little more tart, go for Granny Smith apples. They actually pair with the sweet brown sugar dip brilliantly.
Can I Use Low Fat Cream Cheese?
Yes, the low fat cream cheese works great, but I would avoid the fat free cream cheese.
How Long Will Apples Keep?
If stored properly, apples should keep for 2 months. Apples should be kept in the refrigerator.
Are Apples Healthy?
Apples are packed with antioxidants, flavonoids, and dietary fiber. The antioxidants in apples may help reduce the risk of developing cancer, hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease.
Apples do contain a fair amount of carbs. A 3″ diameter apple has about 25 carbs.
How to Keep Apple Slices from Turning Brown
Using sliced apples can be a little tricky because they brown so quickly, and then they are a little less appetizing. This is especially the case when you want to have sliced apples out at a party or gathering. I have a solution for you! Citric acid!
Before serving the sliced apples, soak them in a water and citric acid. Citric acid can be found in lemon juice, orange juice or pineapple juice. For every 1 cup of water you use, add 1 tablespoon of your citric acid source.
All of the apples should be covered with the water. Let them soak for about 5 minutes. Remove them from the water and let them drain. You can even pat them dry a little. This will help keep them looking fresh for at least a few hours.
What Can I Dip in Brown Sugar Apple Dip?
You don’t need to limit yourself to just apples! The apples are heaven in this dip, but there are all kinds of options. Here are some ideas:
Pretzels
Graham Crackers
Other Fruit (strawberries, bananas, pineapple, etc.)
Animal Crackers
Nilla Wafers
As long as we are talking about mixing things up, you can also mix in some toffee bits to add a little crunch and even more caramel flavor. P.S. Have you tried our peanut butter toffee apple dip recipe?? Come to momma!!
Storage Tips
Creamy apple dip should be stored in the fridge in an airtight container. It will keep for about a week. It unfortunately doesn’t freeze well so you’re just gonna have to eat it all!!
Whether you need a delicious recipe for an after school snack, game day, a baby/bridal shower, or a fun family gathering, this brown sugar apple dip is a great option! It’s a hit with kids and adults and loved by everyone!
More Fruit Dip Recipes:
Servings: 8-10 servings
Prep Time: 10 minutesmins
Total Time: 10 minutesmins
Description
It’s creamy and delicious which is exactly what a fruit dip should be.
Prevent your screen from going dark
Beat it all together with a hand mixer and continue to beat until fluffy!!
8 Ounces Cream Cheese, 1 Cup Brown Sugar, 1 Tablespoon Vanilla
Cover in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator.
It’s Been 30 Years Since the Eagles Dominated the World Champions at Candlestick Park.
Thirty years ago — in an early October meeting in 1994— two of the NFC’s most formidable teams faced off at Candlestick Park. Since the 1980s, Buddy Ryan’s Eagles and Bill Walsh’s 49ers had some truly memorable games.
Much like in 2024, the Eagles and 49ers were two of the most formidable teams in the NFC.
From the opening kickoff, the 2–2 49ers were out-hustled and outplayed by the 2–1 Eagles in almost all phases. With Randall Cunningham directing the opening drive, Charlie Garner sprinted for a one-yard touchdown run. After Eric Allen then intercepted Steve Young, Garner scampered 24 yards for the second score — a play that included a great block by Fred Barnett on Deion Sanders at the goal line.
By the time Randall Cunningham found Victor Bailey for a 32-yard score — the Eagles were up 23–8, and the rout was on. One highlight for Eagles fans came in the third quarter, with the Eagles up 33–8. In the middle of a Steve Young play call, backup quarterback Elvis Grbac raced onto the field and replaced Young — leading to a sideline tirade by Young with Coach Gary Kubiak.
Garner would end up with 111 yards on 16 carries and another 28 yards receiving.
As with most great Eagles moments in the 1990s, the victory was short-lived. George Seifert’s 49ers would go on to beat Stan Humphries and the San Diego Chargers in the Super Bowl that year, 49–26. The Eagles would squander at a 3–1 start and finish 7–9. New Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie would fire Rich Kotite at the end of the season and hired Ray Rhodes. One year later — in a bitter quarterback controversy with Rodney Peete- Randall Cunningham would play his last game as an Eagle in Dallas in 1995.
The Crimson Diamond is AVAILABLE NOW!! (Launch trailer)
Play it on: Steam Current goal: Solve an old-fashioned mystery
A few weeks ago, I mentioned how I was captivated by Unavowed, a point-and-click adventure from the folks at Wadjet Eye. Well, I’ve finished that one (it was great) just in time for a brand-new entry in the genre to come along. And while Wadjet Eye’s output is most reminiscent of ‘90s adventure games that offered full voice acting and elegant drag-and-drop interfaces, this new game, The Crimson Diamondfrom designer Julia Minamata, is influenced by an earlier era of adventures, ones that ran in EGA and had you typing in what you wanted your character to do. I can’t wait to explore its mysteries.
The Crimson Diamond is perhaps most reminiscent of Sierra adventures, especially the Clara Bow games which saw their plucky heroine tossed into murder mysteries during the roaring ‘20s. Itcasts you as Nancy Maple, a young woman investigating the discovery of an unusually large and valuable diamond in a town in northern Ontario, Canada. It’s clear from the trailer that her investigations will find her encountering people with motives of their own, some of them sinister, and land her in no small amount of peril. Sign me up!
People often talk about the evolution of adventure games from text parsers to purely graphical interfaces as a net good, as if text parsers were just a crutch, a relic from the genre’s early days that we no longer needed, but I’ve always thought of them as two fundamentally different approaches, each with their own strengths. I think there are ways in which the presence of a text parser can encourage creative thinking that a purely graphics-based interface doesn’t always allow for, and in addition to digging into the plot of The Crimson Diamond, I’m eager to see how it uses this design element that so rarely gets employed in modern games. All in all, it sounds like a perfect fit for a cozy weekend. —Carolyn Petit
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Austin Williams, Carolyn Petit, Moises Taveras, Kenneth Shepard, and Ethan Gach
TCL’s massive 115-inch QD-Mini LED TV is finally available to consumers, after being unveiled back in January. This is officially the world’s largest QD-Mini LED TV and can be purchased directly from TCL or via select retailers throughout the country.
The thing costs $20,000, which is around the price of 8,000 cups of coffee, but it does come with the option for some truly unique add-ons. Early buyers can choose from a selection of bonuses, which include a ticket to Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans.
There’s no airfare included, but Super Bowl tickets don’t come cheap. The promotion also provides just a single ticket, so there will be no loved ones to enjoy the experience with. On the plus side, you’ll get to hang out with a bunch of strangers who also spent $20,000 on a TV. TCL promises shared “unique experiences” with other financially irresponsible people who attend the championship game, but didn’t get into any details.
If football isn’t your bag, the company has a selection of other perks available. Purchasers can attend a movie premiere at the famous TCL Chinese Theatre (formerly Grauman’s Chinese Theatre) which includes two round-trip plane tickets and hotel accommodations. This also features a walk on the red carpet and a private opera box.
Other options include a concert at SoFi stadium and a trip to LA to visit Activision to see how the Call of Duty sausage gets made. Finally, there’s an all-expenses paid trip to Las Vegas to attend the Consumer Electronics Show (CES.) We head there every year and it’s a sweaty, anxiety-filled mess. Go for the Super Bowl or movie premiere if you have $20,000 to drop.
As for actual TV specs, the TCL 115QM89 boasts Quantum Dot technology, a 6.2.2 channel speaker system and an AIPQ ULTRA processor for high-quality and crisp images. It also features 20,000 dimming zones to help shadows and highlights appear more defined. For the math wizards out there, that amounts to $1 per dimming zone.
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The Philadelphia Eagles, with their passionate fan base and rich history, have created many memorable moments in the NFL.
From thrilling victories to unforgettable plays, the Eagles have a legacy that resonates with football enthusiasts.
Here, we explore the top 10 historical moments that have defined the Philadelphia Eagles.
1) Founding of the Philadelphia Eagles // 1933
The Philadelphia Eagles were established in 1933 when the Frankford Yellow Jackets went bankrupt. Bert Bell and Lud Wray purchased the franchise rights, birthing the Eagles. Despite early struggles, the foundation was laid for a team that would become an integral part of NFL history. The Eagles’ journey from these humble beginnings to a celebrated franchise is a testament to their resilience and determination.
2) First NFL Championship // 1948
In 1948, the Eagles won their first NFL Championship under head coach Earle “Greasy” Neale.The Eagles defeated the Chicago Cardinals 7-0 in a blizzard, showcasing their grit and determination. Steve Van Buren, one of the team’s legendary players, scored the only touchdown, securing the Eagles’ first title. This victory marked the beginning of a successful era for the franchise.
3) Back-to-Back Championships // 1949
PHOTO: Unsplash
The Eagles defended their title successfully in 1949, defeating the Los Angeles Rams 14-0 in the NFL Championship Game.
This back-to-back championship victory cemented the Eagles’ status as a dominant force in the league. The team’s defense, led by Hall of Famers Chuck Bednarik and Pete Pihos, was instrumental in their success, laying a strong foundation for future teams.
4) Chuck Bednarik’s Career // 1949-1962
Chuck Bednarik, known as “Concrete Charlie,” is one of the most iconic players in Eagles history. Playing both linebacker and center, Bednarik epitomized toughness and versatility. His career, spanning from 1949 to 1962, included numerous memorable moments, such as his game-saving tackle in the 1960 NFL Championship Game against the Green Bay Packers. Bednarik’s legacy is a cornerstone of the Eagles’ storied history.
5) 1960 NFL Championship Victory
The Eagles’ 1960 NFL Championship win against the Green Bay Packers remains a defining moment. Led by head coach Buck Shaw and quarterback Norm Van Brocklin, the Eagles triumphed 17-13. Chuck Bednarik’s famous tackle on Packers’ fullback Jim Taylor as time expired secured the victory.This game was significant as it was the only playoff loss for legendary Packers coach Vince Lombardi.
6) Miracle at the Meadowlands // 1978
One of the most famous plays in NFL history, the “Miracle at the Meadowlands,” occurred on November 19, 1978. With the New York Giants leading and attempting to run out the clock, a botched handoff resulted in a fumble recovery and touchdown by Eagles’ cornerback Herman Edwards. This improbable victory remains etched in the memory of Eagles fans and is a symbol of never giving up.
7) Reggie White’s Dominance // 1985-1992
Reggie White, known as the “Minister of Defense,” was a dominant force on the Eagles’ defensive line from 1985 to 1992. White’s extraordinary skill and relentless play made him one of the greatest defensive players in NFL history.He amassed 124 sacks with the Eagles, leaving an indelible mark on the franchise. White’s impact extended beyond his on-field performance, inspiring future generations of players.
8) Donovan McNabb Era // 1999-2009
Donovan McNabb’s tenure as the Eagles’ quarterback marked a period of sustained success. Selected second overall in the 1999 NFL Draft, McNabb led the Eagles to five NFC Championship Games and one Super Bowl appearance.His leadership and playmaking ability revitalized the franchise, making the Eagles perennial contenders. McNabb’s era is remembered for its highs and his significant contribution to the team’s legacy.
9) Super Bowl LII Victory // 2018
The Eagles’ victory in Super Bowl LII on February 4, 2018, is undoubtedly the pinnacle of the franchise’s history. Led by backup quarterback Nick Foles, the Eagles defeated the New England Patriots 41-33 in a thrilling game.The “Philly Special,” a trick play resulting in a touchdown pass to Foles, became an iconic moment. This victory ended a long championship drought and solidified the Eagles’ place in NFL lore.
10) Introduction of Jalen Hurts // 2020-Present
Drafted in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Jalen Hurts has quickly become the face of the Eagles’ future. Hurts’ dynamic play and leadership have injected new energy into the franchise. His ability to make plays with both his arm and legs has made him a dual-threat quarterback, drawing comparisons to the league’s elite.As Hurts continues to develop, the Eagles’ future looks bright, promising new historical moments.
Conclusion
The Philadelphia Eagles’ history is rich with unforgettable moments that have shaped the franchise and its passionate fan base.From their early championship victories to recent triumphs, the Eagles have consistently demonstrated resilience, excellence, and a deep connection to their supporters.
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If you are lucky in your lifetime, you’ll see your NFL Team play in a Super Bowl. If you are fortunate, you’ll see them win it.
If you are nearly overcome with the emotions of the mere mention of that thought, Roger Goodell and the NFL are here to help. This week, Goodell floated the idea that eliminating one prepreseasonL game combined with an eighteen-week NFL regular season schedule would allow the Super Bowl to be scheduled on President’s week, thus creating a long holiday weekend for many.
In short, the NFL PrePreseasonhedule is in a ton of trouble.
Three NFL teams in the modern era haven’t yet been to a Super Bowl — The Jacksonville Jaguars, Detroit Lions, and Houston Texans. The Lions were one onside kick away from making the list only two.
It had been 25 years since the Eagles first played the Patriots in 2005 and lost 27–24 in the fourth quarter of Super Bowl XXXIX. I remember fearing that I’d never see it again. I was two years old when the Eagles played the Raiders in the Super Bowl in 1981. My Dad would forever describe that particular game as one that Philly should have won. The Eagles and Raiders played earlier in the year, right before Thanksgiving, and the Eagles narrowly won 10–7.
When I attended a Super Bowl Party in 2005, I remember the excitement early in the day, with one question looming.
Do you have to work tomorrow?
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Already earlier in the week, Philadelphia and New England area businesses were taxed with workers trying to take the day off in the event that the euphoric feeling of a World Championship had overtaken your soul, making it nearly impossible to function at work the following day.
I still remember the excitement on my Dad’s face in 2018 when the Eagles won it all. I thought to myself, better enjoy this one, not sure it will happen again. And crap, I have to work tomorrow.
Dedicated in loving memory of my father Thomas J. Leibrandt — author, historian, Eagles fan, and a true Philadelphian.
Bottle service, VIP rooms, body glitter, Thirsty Thursdays – the perks of visiting the Valley’s many strip clubs don’t seem to dry up. There are dozens of topless and full nude clubs locally that are ready to receive patrons ranging from throngs of rowdy bachelors — or bachelorettes — to straight-laced business types to folks who are just in town for a special event…
From the sidelines – in sacking Russell Wilson — the Broncos and Denver lost not only a great QB, but very decent and genuine human beings, both he and his family. The fault lies not with Wilson but with Sean Payton and his inability to coach the talent he had at his disposal. And quality talent it was. They should have dumped Payton. The very best to Wilson and his family. Would it not be the height of irony if he lands with a team that knocks Denver out of Super Bowl competition?
Steven Turner, Aurora
Transition to renewables is more than fast enough
Re: “Colorado’s renewable energy transition too slow,” March 2 letter to the editor
I disagree with the letter writer’s opinion that Colorado’s clean energy transition is too slow. I don’t believe the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s data support his argument.
Yes, Iowa produces more wind power than Colorado. It also operates a fleet of coal plants. In November 2023, Iowa’s coal power consumption per capita equaled Colorado’s. In 2022, Iowa’s and Colorado’s power sectors produced roughly the same amount of CO2 emissions, but Colorado has twice the population.
Colorado’s coal plants are slated for shutdown within the next 7 years. Iowa’s are not. The accelerated closures are a direct result of climate policy led by Gov. Polis in 2019. If the letter writer feels that Colorado’s coal transition is “dangerously slow”, he should talk with folks in Moffat County where Craig Station will close within four years, eliminating half the county’s tax base and most of the good-paying jobs.
How about grid reliability? Colorado’s coal-powered generation ends within 7 years. Within that timeframe, our utilities must build and deploy new assets to replace the energy coal supplied, balance out intermittent renewables, reform the grid to handle new sources and connect all that new renewable generation. The letter writer should pitch his faster-faster theory to the utilities that keep our lights on and our EVs charged.
We need clean, reliable energy and healthy economies in rural Colorado. “Move fast and break things” may be a viable strategy for tech start-ups. It’s a dangerous strategy for state-wide energy transition and the economic disruption that can bring.
Determination, resilience, and love is on display throughout the 2023 Detroit Lions Mini Movie, released on Tuesday to highlight the team’s historic year.
The video begins with the Lions’ first game of the season, where the team beat the Kansas City Chiefs, the previous year’s Super Bowl champions. The epic game kicked off a great season for the team, resulting in the Lions’ first playoff game win in 30 years, and coming short just one win away from the 2024 Super Bowl.
At the forefront of the film is the team’s head coach Dan Campbell, hyping up the players and speaking about how far they’ve come and how much more the Lions still have to offer. “We’re gonna do something special, gentlemen,” Campbell says in the beginning of the film. “We will never forget this season, ever.”
That 100% became the truth, as this season brought back belief in the Lions to not only Detroit, but the entire country. During the playoffs, over half the country was rooting for the former underdogs, according to social media data.
While the Lions unfortunately lost to the San Francisco 49ers at the NFC Championship, Detroit’s season was unforgettable nonetheless. “We’re not perfect, we still got a lot of work to do, we understand that, we know that, we embrace it, but we’re not done yet,” Lions general manager Brad Holmes says at the end of the movie.
The energy displayed throughout the mini film shows that while this year may not have been the year for Detroit to win its first Super Bowl, without a doubt, our time is coming soon.
DENVER — Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson said he would love to come back to Denver and win a Super Bowl with the Broncos. Wilson appeared on the “I Am Athlete” podcast and YouTube show, hosted by former Broncos receiver Brandon Marshall. Marshall asked Wilson about his future and where he would like to play next season.
“I hope it’s in Denver. I want to finish there,” Wilson told him. “I committed there and I want to be there. I love the city and everything else. I’ve got amazing teammates. But for me, it’s about winning.”
Marshall asked Wilson if he could go back and play with coach Sean Payton again. Wilson responded with a yes. Marshall then asked Wilson about his home, and if it will be sold.
“My house ain’t for sale,” Wilson responded. “It’s not on the market. People think I’m out of there, and maybe I am, but I’d love to go back.”
The 35-year-old quarterback said he’s “got more fire than ever” and want to win two Super Bowls in the next five years. Wilson said he hasn’t thought about where else he would like to play, but he would want to go to a team that has a chance to win.
The Broncos are expected to release Wilson before March 17, when his $37 million salary for 2025 would become fully guaranteed. When they release him, the Broncos will be on the hook for about $85 million in dead money against the salary cap for the next two years.
Where is Wilson most likely to go if he hits the free agent market? Lionel and Troy break it down:
The Broncos will likely cut Russell Wilson. Where could he go next?
When commuting to work, I do a lot of people watching. Call me creepy, but in New York City, there’s not much else you can do besides be hyper-aware of your surroundings. And that includes taking note of the three main different types of commuters.
There’s the insufferable worker: has a classic novel folded as they lean against the subway rails, barely cognizant of the fact that they could be launched onto their neighbor at any moment. Yes, they’re waiting for someone to ask them if they truly enjoy the discourse of the Charles Dickens book they’re toting.
Then there’s the head down, hating-the-world commuter who just needs to get to their destination in one piece. Do not make eye contact, you’ll turn to stone.
…And then there’s me: the off-duty DJ. At any moment, I’m hoping someone stops and asks me what song I’m listening to for their TikTok’s. I’m bobbing my head, there’s a little skip to my step, and I’m rocking out at all times. I like to think of myself as the pedestrian version of Baby Driver.
Music gets me out of bed and helps me hype myself up for work. It’s the background noise as I get ready to go out each weekend. It’s also part of my job. I should have a black card Spotify membership at this point.
So, as we know, I spend the week gathering up all the new music that’s released every Friday and compiling a playlist that is so irresistible you’ll spend the weekend replaying it. If you’re looking for new music, well, you’ve come to the right place.
We’ve got another week filled with fresh tracks you won’t wanna miss. Without further ado, let’s get listening!
“Saturn” – SZA
GRAMMY award winner, SZA, is fresh off her SOS album: a thrilling sophomore addition to her no-skips, no-miss collection of music. She’s gearing up to release the deluxe reissue of the album titled, Lana, and “Saturn” is her first submission. It’s your classic, dreamy SZA sound with ethereal beats and longing vocals.
Singing about how she doesn’t belong on this planet, how life is better on Saturn – where none of this matters. It’s about the sheer feeling of escapism that overwhelms you from time to time…and it gets us excited for what comes next.
“Planet” – Aidan Bissett
Aidan Bissett has a unique way of combining rock and pop to create an earworm-worthy single. Alongside his EP, Supernova, Bissett releases “Planet” – a song about finding inspiration in the most unlikely places. Written after being ghosted, he touches on real-life experience to produce yet another banger in his already impressive discography.
Begging for someone to “come back down to this earth”, Bissett bursts into the chorus lamenting how he’s wasting his time and unable to understand his partner…so she must be from another planet. It’s a softer edge to Bissett that works just as well as his upbeat songs.
“Proud” – SERGIO
When interviewing SERGIO a while ago, you could tell he was someone who had two things figured out: his sound, and how he wants to stay true to making music he loves. You can see this reflected in his new song, “Proud”, which emphasizes all the hard work he has put in to get to where he is now.
SERGIO’s voice is smooth, clean-cut, and soothing, gently guiding you throughout the song filled with catchy pop sounds and passionate lyrics. “Proud” is a perfect example of how SERGIO can make a song both relatable and unique all in one.
“All I Want” – Simi
Simi is a star in her own right: an actress, a songwriter, a singer, and a performer. She owns her own label, Studio Brat, which is where she’s releasing her next single, “All I Want” – and it’s every bit as fulfilling as the rest. An upbeat, encouraging song that is dedicated to finding love, Simi makes it all feel possible with this new single.
“All I Want” is her follow up to last year’s ballad, “Stranger”, which is an exemplification of her vocal range and songwriting ability. It’s rare to have someone who can do it all, but Simi seemingly does it with ease.
“Believe” – USHER
Fresh off a Super Bowl Halftime performance, USHER has had himself a year. An extended Vegas residency that draws A-list crowds (my roommate sat next to the Kardashian’s table), and now new music as the cherry on top of it all. “Believe” is everything you love about USHER: his traditional R&B sound, littered with vocal runs and sensual sounds.
“Believe” is your reminder that USHER isn’t going anywhere, any time soon. He looks as good as he did when he was performing “Somebody To Love” with Justin Bieber, and he sounds even better.
Many professional athletes do not agree with the “dads, Brads and Chads” hating on Taylor Swift’s attendance at NFL games.
Swift has been a fixture at boyfriend Travis Kelce’s Kansas City Chiefs games since September 2023, with the NFL occasionally showing her on the Jumbotron and on the broadcast when Kelce has a big play. The coverage outraged some diehard football supporters, lamenting that Swift is prioritized onscreen over the actual game. Swift and Kelce, meanwhile, haven’t let the haters faze them (and reports have confirmed the league has toned down how often they show the pop star).
“I don’t know how they know what suite I’m in. There’s a camera, like, a half-mile away, and you don’t know where it is, and you have no idea when the camera is putting you in the broadcast, so I don’t know if I’m being shown 17 times or once,” Swift told TIME in a December 2023 profile. “I’m just there to support Travis. I have no awareness of if I’m being shown too much and pissing off a few dads, Brads and Chads.”
Kelce later marveled at how his “amazing” girlfriend handled the backlash. “I’ll say this, they showed Taylor at the game and you don’t see an entire home team fanbase go insane for somebody wearing the opposite team’s colors,” he said during an episode of his “New Heights” podcast that month. “Just shows you how amazing that girl is.”
Taylor Swift is sparking the interest of the NFL’s biggest stars — and we’re not just talking about Travis Kelce. New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers, for one, attended multiple dates of Swift’s Eras Tour when the show came through East Rutherford, NJ in May 2023. “I’m very proud of my dancing skills finally being […]
He added at the time, “They went absolutely insane when they showed Taylor on the screen. … Might have been a few Brads and Chads that were booing, but for the most part, everybody was f—king screaming at Taylor.”
Swift and Kelce, a tight end for the Chiefs since 2013, aren’t the only ones in favor of her game day attendance. Keep scrolling to see what the stars have said in defense of Swift joining Chiefs Kingdom:
Patrick Mahomes
Mahomes, the Chiefs starting quarterback, is a close friend of Kelce’s and doesn’t see Swift as a game day distraction.
“I don’t think it feels any different. People see the whole Taylor Swift and Travis [thing] and they make it a huge deal because it is a huge deal,” Mahomes said in an ESPN sit-down in November 2023. “I think it becomes a bigger deal to the fanbases than it does to the guys who are actually in the building. … I think you can understand why it’s not become a distraction or anything like that because everybody cares about being the best they can be every day.”
Jason Kelce
Travis’ older brother, who plays for the Philadelphia Eagles, is all-in on the NFL’s coverage of Swift since she’s an “unbelievable role model.”
“The attention’s there because the audience wants to see it. If people didn’t want to see it, they wouldn’t be showing it, I know that,” Jason quipped during an interview with Cincinnati’s ABC affiliate WCPO 9 in February 2024. “She’s a world star and the quintessential artist right now in the world.”
He continued: “[She’s] immensely talented, an unbelievable role model for young women across the globe, so I think that the NFL would probably be foolish not to show her and show her be a role model for all the young girls out there.”
Robert Griffin III
“Taylor Swift has done great things for the NFL this year just from who she’s bringing to watch the broadcast,” Griffin said in a February 2024 video via Twitter. “But I also believe that the NFL and Travis have done monumental things for Taylor Swift as well. I think it’s humanized her even more.”
Former quarterback and ESPN analyst pointed out that sporting events have brought out a different side of the singer. “Her fans love her, but I feel like chugging a beer on the jumbotron is not something you associate with the woman who’s singing ‘Sweeter Than Fiction,’ you know what I’m saying?” he explained. “But now you see that and you see her and Travis on the field together … she’s flying to the game, you know, hours from different countries just to be there for her boo. That’s support. I saw them on the field. From what I saw, as far as I can tell, that’s real love, man. I think it’s a great thing.”
Ezra Shaw/Getty Images
J.J. Watt
The retired football star confessed to Us Weeklythat he “can’t understand” why football fans have been “so upset” about Swift supporting Kelce’s career.
“I mean, they show celebrities at games all the time. Don’t act like we don’t show male celebrities at games all the time,” he exclusively told Us in January 2024. “I don’t really understand why it’s caused such an uproar. I mean, she’s literally there supporting her significant other, and that’s what you should do as a significant other.”
Shannon Sharpe
“They lose a game, [some will say] it’s because of her. And they win a game, [some will ask], ‘Why [are] the cameras on her?’ But I like it,” Sharpe, a retired tight end, exclusively told Us in January 2024. “I like it for him. I like her being at the game. She brings a different set of eyeballs to the game. There are a lot of young girls and women that are watching the NFL football that could care less about that. And so the NFL’s, like, ‘Hey, if we get new eyeballs, we get new customers, we’re onboard.’”
Taylor Swift’s romance with Travis Kelce has made her the talk of the NFL, but football players aren’t the only athletes to show the singer love. New York Yankees first baseman Anthony Rizzo changed his walk-up song to Swift’s Reputation hit “Ready for It?” during a July 2023 game, instantly reversing his batting slump. Rizzo […]
Dan Marino
The retired Miami Dolphins quarterback told Us in January 2024 that Swift “hasn’t affected any games” from her perch in the stadium crowd.
“She might as well have fun and enjoy it while she’s dating one of the stars in the NFL. And what’s wrong with that? Nothing,” Marino quipped.
Kirk Cousins
Minnesota Vikings QB Kirk Cousins also sees Swift’s presence as a “positive for the league” despite certain fans booing her whenever the Chiefs lost a game.
“I mean, fans are going to be fans [and] maybe they blame her,” Cousins told Us in January 2024. “I don’t know if the blame is well placed, but I think a lot of the games she’s attended, they played really well and they won.”
Megan Briggs/Getty Images
Charles Barkley
“If you’re screaming at Taylor Swift saying she ruined [football], you’re just a loser,” the retired NBA All Star quipped during a February 2024 episode of his King Charles show. “You’re just a loser or a jackass. You’re either A or B. You’re one of the two.”
Drue Tranquill
“They’ve got really, really something going and we enjoy having her at our games,” the Chiefs linebacker said on the “Zach Gelb Show” in January 2024. “It brings a lot of energy and a lot of fun to our fans. And so that’s good for business, good for football and good for the NFL.”
Taylor Swift has loved being the girl in the bleachers amid her blossoming romance with Travis Kelce. Swift made her first appearance at a Kansas City Chiefs game in September 2023, watching them defeat the Chicago Bears from the Kelce family’s private suite. After cheering alongside the tight end’s mom, Donna Kelce, she and Travis […]
Christian Okoye
The retired Chiefs running back stressed to TMZ Sports in December 2023 that Swift has “nothing to do” with the team’s game record.
“Taylor Swift is not on the field. Travis is playing like he always plays,” Okoye said. “Teams are just doubling up on him now knowing that our receivers are dropping the balls. When you’re doing bad, people have to find excuses and they have to point fingers. Especially those who don’t like the situation about Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce.”
Eli Manning
After news broke that Kelce was planning to spend his November 2023 bye week in Argentina to see Swift on her Eras Tour, the former Giants quarterback defended the vacation.
“I think the bye week is a great time to get away from football and I think that’s the idea,” Manning told Peopleat the time. “It is the time to rest the body, rest the mind a little bit, recharge yourself to get ready for that second half of the season.”
He continued, “I think for him to travel, there’s nothing wrong with traveling, going somewhere. Hey, if he wants to go and support his girlfriend and see her play a concert, I’ve got no problem with that.”
Carl Banks
The retired linebacker dismissed the backlash during a February 2024 interview with Page Six.
“I’m not down with the negative energy. I’m loving all of what they’re doing. I’m here for it,” Banks said. “[Their relationship] is one of the great moments of this NFL season and anybody that’s got a problem with it, they need to cope harder. If you can show my good friend Spike Lee at every Knicks game and every opponent’s game, then why not Taylor?”
Dale Moss
The Bachelorette alum, who was drafted as a wide receiver for the Green Bay Packers in 2012, opened up to Us in February 2024 about the NFL’s game-day coverage of Swift.
“There’s no getting away from the coverage that they have, but I will say, I think that they can balance it pretty well, maintain a little privacy but if Kelce gets the Super Bowl title, then she’s a really good, good luck charm for the Chiefs,” Moss quipped to Us at Rob Gronkowski’s pre-Super Bowl party.
Moss added, “[Their romance has] taken over sports, but also, people love love, so I think it’s a fun relationship. I don’t envy the amount of attention they have to deal with, but it’s a love story. People love it.”
Justin Ford/Getty Images
Stephen A. Smith
The sportscaster has become one of the most vocal members of Tayvis Nation (the fan-appointed nickname for Swift and Kelce’s supporters) — and frequently defends the Grammy winner’s game day outings.
“I have to take a moment to come to the defense of Taylor Swift,” Smith said during a January 2024 ESPN broadcast. “Everybody’s sitting up there and acting like she’s some kind of impediment. … She’s going to support her dude. To show up at a football game and the cameras are on her — that ain’t her fault! And excuse me, by the way, she went to the games after the concerts. It’s not like she used the games to bump up the concerts.”
Colin Cowherd
Cowherd went on an impassioned rant about the “really weird, lonely, insecure men” hating on Swift’s NFL presence during a January 2024 episode of his The Herd radio show.
“The fact that a pop star — the world’s biggest pop star — [is] dating a star tight end, who had one of his greatest games ever, and the network puts them on the air briefly, that bothers you. What does that say about your life?” Cowherd, a sportscaster, quipped. “Did you know, statistically, in a three-hour NFL broadcast … just 18 minutes are actual football, and we have the data, you don’t turn away. There’s coach cutaways, they show fans in Buffalo on fire, commercials, reviews. [It’s] 18 minutes of real football, [which] for the record [is] about the length of five Taylor Swift songs.”
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Elle Duncan
Duncan, an ESPN commentator, also called out the double standard during a December 2023 episode of her“Elle Duncan Show” podcast.
“It is not her fault. I am so tired of us doing this. And we do this to women,” Duncan lamented. “It’s Jessica Simpson’s fault [that] Tony Romo spit the bit. Remember Kim Kardashian and Miles Austin for a hot second? It’s her fault. It’s always the woman’s fault for ‘distracting.’ Nobody’s asking if Travis Kelce is distracting her from a world tour. No one’s saying that. And I don’t like that.”
PHOTO: Denny Medley/Imagn Images
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PHOTO: Unsplash
