Sure — when your NFL Team is ninety-two years old, like a lifetime full of tons of happy memories and some that you’d probably rather forget — it’s often hard to believe that one moment defines you.
And of course — from a franchise that stopped Emmitt Smith on 4th and 1 in 1995, threw a 46-yard dagger into the Chiefs’ secondary in the second half of Super Bowl LIX to end the competitive phase of the contest, and pulled off not one but three Miracles in the Meadowlands — it’s hard to pick just one moment. But it certainly helps when ESPN’s SportsCenter 30 for 30 has produced a film about one of those moments.
Eight years ago this weekend , the Eagles won Super Bowl LII. That brought home the first-ever Lombardi Trophy for the franchise, even without quarterback Carson Wentz, Jason Peters, Darren Sproles, or Jordan Hicks, by defeating the New England Patriots, perhaps the best quarterback-coach combination in NFL history.
Right before halftime with the Eagles up 15–12 — Philadelphia running back Cory Clement took a swing pass 55 yards from Nick Foles. Three plays later, Philadelphia had a 4th-and-goal from the one-yard line.
One aspect that defined the Eagles’ 2017–2018 season was their boldness in keeping the offense on the field on fourth down. Right before halftime and nursing a three-point advantage, this was no exception for Doug Pederson. Calling timeout — Pederson wildly scanned his playsheet. When Foles ran over to the sideline, and their eyes met , he immediately asked for Philly, Philly . This play had been included in the Eagles’ Install Package two weeks earlier for the NFC Championship Game against Minnesota. Moments later , Cory Clement took the snap, flipped it to Trey Burton, who threw the ball to Nick Foles for a touchdown to put the Eagles up by ten.
The irony was that earlier in the game, the Patriots tried to run a similar halfback pass to Tom Brady, who dropped the ball.
Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
The Philly Special was not the play that won the Super Bowl. The Eagles would need some 4th-quarter magic on both offense and defense to win 41–33, and even trailed 33–32 in the final period.
But what the Philly Special did was to symbolize the fearlessness of the 2017-2018 Philadelphia Eagles. Not only the confidence to go for it on fourth down, but to run a play that they had never called before.
That same boldness and fearlessness wasn’t just a perfect fit for the Eagles.
It was a perfect reflection of the city that they have called home since 1933.
One whose unyielding resolve had never waivered in its support — each season waiting for another championship celebration — the first since 1960.
One year ago, thousands of fans who enjoyed a 55–23 rout of the Washington Commanders at the Linc — passed a bronze statue capturing that decisive moment when Foles and Pederson decided on a play to stun the opposing team completely. It will forever live as the most remembered play from a storied franchise nearly as old as the NFL itself — a play known now to the ages with just two words:
Washingtonians are remembering the life and legacy of legendary quarterback Sonny Jurgensen. The Hall-of-Famer died Friday at the age of 91.
FILE – Washington quarterback Sonny Jurgensen looks to pass against the New York Giants during an NFL football game in 1974. (AP Photo/File)
FILE – Washington quarterback Sonny Jurgensen looks to pass against the New York Giants during an NFL football game in 1974. (AP Photo/File)
Washingtonians are remembering the life and legacy of legendary quarterback Sonny Jurgensen.
The Hall-of-Famer died Friday at the age of 91.
“I was shocked today when I heard the news,” said Frank Herzog, former WTOP broadcaster who shared broadcasting duties with Jurgensen and the late Sam Huff, calling radio play-by-play during Washington football games.
“I expected Sonny to live to 100,” Herzog said. “He was tough. He was ornery. He could do it. I was sure of it. You see, I was a big fan.”
During his 11 seasons with Washington’s football team, Jurgensen led the league in passing yards three times (1966, 1967, 1969), led in touchdown passes in 1967 and posted the NFL’s best completion percentage in 1970. He was also selected to the NFL’s All-Decade Team for the 1960s.
By the time he retired in 1974, Jurgensen had amassed 2,433 completions, 32,224 passing yards, 255 touchdown passes and five 3,000-yard seasons.
“Sonny, Sam and Frank,” said legendary Washington cornerback Hall-of-Famer Darrell Green, referring to how the trio was identified during their broadcasts. “You’re not one of us until those guys crown you as one us.”
“Sonny Jurgensen was always just a great gentleman,” Green said. “That’s what I’ll remember about Sonny Jurgensen. And, of course, the greatest quarterback in our history.”
In a statement issued by the Commanders organization, the team said, “Sonny Jurgensen is, and always will be, one of the defining legends of Washington football. He was a giant of the game, and a beloved part of our team’s identity. Our hearts and prayers are with Sonny’s family, friends and everyone who loved him.”
Born in Wilmington, North Carolina, Jurgensen chose to remain close to home for college, enrolling at Duke University. He earned first-team All-ACC honors twice and helped lead Duke to multiple conference championships and a victory in the 1955 Orange Bowl.
“He’s going to be well-missed. We loved him. Everybody loved him,” Green said. “What the man did and who the man is, second to none.”
Jurgensen retired at age 40, remaining active in the organization through broadcasting for 38 consecutive seasons.
“I think Sonny did think he could still play if he could play out of the shotgun and if he didn’t have to use his knees,” Herzog joked. “He didn’t mind being in front of the public on television and as a player, but he kind of squirmed being with the public, because people so much adored him, they wouldn’t leave him alone. And it got very uncomfortable for him.”
Jurgensen was traded to Washington by the Philadelphia Eagles in 1964 and made a quick impact in D.C. He was selected to the Pro Bowl and named second team all pro in his first season.
“All I ask of my blockers is four seconds,” Jurgensen once said. “I try to stay on my feet and not be forced out of the pocket … I beat people by throwing, not running. I won’t let them intimidate me into doing something which is not the best thing I can do.”
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Ok, full disclosure. Aside from the fact that we are in the midst of a frightful Philly January weekend — with nearly a foot of snow for most of us and no meaningful Eagles football scheduled until next September — I really have no reason for all of us to re-live the Eagles and Commanders NFC Championship Game from a year ago.
Let’s do it, anyway.
The #2 seeded Eagles were in the NFC Playoffs after beating the Packers 22–10 in the Wildcard Round and the #4 seeded Rams 28–22 when they drew the #6 seed Commanders in the Championship Game in South Philly — who had throttled the top-seeded Lions in Detroit 45–21. The last time that the Eagles had faced a Division opponent in the NFC Championship was in 1981 —when they advanced to the first ever Super Bowl in franchise history by beating the Cowboys 20–7.
Now — it would be the Eagles who would put on offensive show.
Jayden Daniels and the Commanders would open the scoring with a field goal on the first possession. Then — Cooper DeJean forced a Washington fumble after a hit on Dyami Brown and Reid Blankenship recovered. Saquon Barkley then scooted off the right side and into the end zone for a 14–3 Eagles advantage. Washington then rattled off nine straight points to cut Philadelphia’s lead to 14–12.
After a pass interference penalty against the Washington secondary — preventing DeVonta Smith from catching a touchdown — Jalen Hurts plowed into the end zone from the one for a 20–12 advantage while Washington defensive backs Lattimore and Sainristil and A.J. Brown had a shoving match in the corner of the end zone. On the ensuing kickoff and a Jeremy McNichols fumble — the Eagles were on offense again and scored again thanks to a four-yard Jalen Hurts to A.J. Brown connection.
In the third quarter — the Eagles padded the total by taking a 34–15 lead after a nine-yard Jalen Hurts touchdown run. Washington took momentum again and cut the lead to 34–23 with a Jayden Daniels touchdown run and a successful two-point conversion.
The Eagles stopped the Commanders comeback when Oren Burks stripped Austin Ekeler and Philadelphia recovered. Saquon Barkley then got tripped on the two yard-line to setup perhaps the most bizarre sequence of the game. The Eagles would run six Tush-Push plays with Washington jumping offsides a total of four times. The Commanders were advised by the referees that a touchdown could be awarded if the behavior continued — and subsequently Jalen Hurts scored on the sixth attempt for a 41–23 lead.
Saquon then added a four-yard touchdown run after a Washington turnover on downs. On the next possession — Quinyon Mitchell would intercept Daniels in the endzone. Eagles rookie running back Will Shipley would then run eighty yards on the next drive to put the Eagles in front 55–23.
Former Eagle Zach Ertz would haul in a total of eleven receptions for 104 yards for the Commanders. The Eagles would force four Washington turnovers before the game was over. And if you thought that this performance was impressive — the masterpiece of the Eagle’s season would be two weeks later — in Super Bowl LIX.
The old home of the Washington Commanders, D.C.’s RFK Stadium, is nearly fully demolished to make way for a new NFL stadium scheduled for opening in 2030.
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RFK stadium is almost completely demolished
The skyline along east Capital Street in the District has changed dramatically, as crews have nearly finished tearing town the old RFK stadium after months of hard work.
The rusted out eyesore on the banks of the Anacostia River is no more, for the most part. There are still a few concrete structures standing, but gone is the hulking metal monster that has sat largely empty since D.C. United played their last game there in 2017.
On Jan. 6, 2025, then-President Joe Biden signed the paperwork giving D.C. the authority to develop the long-neglected site. Later in the year, city officials approved a $3.7 billion plan to build the Washington Commanders a new stadium on the site surrounded by residential and commercial development.
The new, 65,000-seat stadium, will have a roof, allowing the venue to host concerts and special events year-round.
The project, which includes a $1.1 billion investment of city taxpayer funds, is expected to be completed in time for the Commanders home opener in 2030.
Construction workers told WTOP that if the weather cooperates, they should have the site cleared in a couple months. What was once a massive stadium has been reduced to a giant hole in the ground. Virtually all the metal has been removed.
The famous bust of Robert F. Kennedy that stood just outside the main entrance at the ticket booth remains on the site, outside the construction fence on the west side of the construction zone along 22nd Street.
The site of the old RFK Stadium on Jan. 9, 2026, as demolition nears completion.
(WTOP/Alan Etter)
WTOP/Alan Etter
The site of the old RFK Stadium on Jan. 9, 2026, as demolition nears completion.
(WTOP/Alan Etter)
WTOP/Alan Etter
The site of the old RFK Stadium on Jan. 9, 2026, as demolition nears completion.
(WTOP/Alan Etter)
WTOP/Alan Etter
The site of the old RFK Stadium on Jan. 9, 2026, as demolition nears completion.
(WTOP/Alan Etter)
WTOP/Alan Etter
The famous bust of Robert F. Kennedy stands outside the old RFK Stadium in D.C. on Jan. 9, 2026, as demolition of the structure nears completion.
(WTOP/Alan Etter)
WTOP/Alan Etter
The site of the old RFK Stadium on Jan. 9, 2026, as demolition nears completion.
(WTOP/Alan Etter)
The Minnesota Vikings now know the teams they’ll be playing during the 2026 regular season.
The National Football League announced each team’s complete list of opponents on Monday, one day after the Vikings defeated the Green Bay Packers 16-3. Minnesota finished the 2025 season third in the NFC North with a 9-8 record.
The Vikings will battle all teams from the AFC East and NFC South, the Indianapolis Colts, Washington Commanders and San Francisco 49ers, along with their six divisional games against the NFC North.
Here’s a look at the team’s home and road opponents.
Home opponents:
Chicago Bears
Detroit Lions
Green Bay Packers
Atlanta Falcons
Carolina Panthers
Buffalo Bills
Miami Dolphins
Washington Commanders
Indianapolis Colts
Road opponents:
Chicago Bears
Detroit Lions
Green Bay Packers
New Orleans Saints
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
New England Patriots
New York Jets
San Francisco 49ers
The team’s full schedule, including playing dates and times, will be released in the spring, the NFL said.
Next season will mark Kevin O’Connell’s fifth as head coach for the Vikings. He’s compiled a 43-25 record in 68 games with the team.
Minnesota will have the 18th overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, which is scheduled to take place April 23-25 in Pittsburgh. The Vikings said they’ve selected from that spot three times in franchise history, selecting defensive back Dewayne Washington in 1994, defensive end Erasmus James in 2005 and center Garrett Bradbury in 2019.
NOTE: The attached video first aired on Dec. 18, 2025.
Scheduling 16 Division matchups for the final week of the regular season continues to fight the league. With only TWO of the fourteen playoff positions up for grabs which will be decided between the Ravens/Steelers Sunday night game as well as Panthers/Buccaneers (with some help from Atlanta) Sunday afternoon.
The Eagles will come into Sunday almost locked into the 3 Seed, but with a little bit of scoreboard help happening at the same time they play Washington could see them leap into the 2 Seed. A Lions win over the Bears would give the Eagles a need to compete against the Commanders, a team out for revenge from just two weeks ago.
A Vengeful Rematch
The decision to go for 2 points, putting the Eagles up 19 points late into the 4th quarter was the right decision. The Eagles had already missed two field goals, taking 6 points off the board of what ended as a 29-18 game.
The ever so clueless Dan Quinn, who hasn’t learned from his time in Atlanta. Part of the comical 28-3 Falcons Super Bowl loss. Or multiple years as the Cowboys defensive coordinator, giving up 48 points to a 7th seed Packers team in his last game on the sideline for “Americas team.”
Upset over the Eagles decision to go for 2, Quinn stated “If that’s how they want to get down, we’ll see them again in two weeks.” Feels very threatening for a Week 18 division opponent matchup. Which leads to the question.
Did Dan Quinn forget that the Eagles clinched the NFC East title with their Week 16 victory at Northwest Stadium?
The Commanders season was realistically over by their Bye Week(if not earlier) Sitting at 3-8, losing their franchise QB for weeks at a time, rushing him back from numerous injuries just to be sidelined again feels like something a desperate team would do.
Add in injuries to Tyler Biadasz, Marcus Mariota, Laremy Tunsil, Sam Cosmi, Trey Amos, amongst plenty of players like Zach Ertz, Marshon Lattimore and Austin Ekeler. The #1 thing the Commanders should be playing for on Sunday is draft position.
7th overall is a great place to be for a team that was only 22 points from punching their ticket to a Super Bowl less than 12 months ago.
If 17th year Josh Johnson is able to lead the Commanders to a nothingburger victory against Tanner McKee and what we should expect to be most of the Eagles backup & reserve players. Then I guess we can give Dan Quinn & Co. Their flowers of “only beating an Eagles backup QB” 2 years running.
Quarterback Dak Prescott completed 19 of 37 passes for 307 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions.
Here’s everything he said to the media after the game:
On his game play
“Yeah, definitely not my sharpest. Got to go back, look at film; know a couple of them. They did a good job, I was putting the top on it, wanted to be greedy early, in honesty. I had some of my shots, missed them. Had one early to [wide receiver] CeeDee [Lamb] and just underthrew him. Honestly, I tried not to overthrow him, I was disappointed in myself when the ball was halfway in the air. Yeah, just missed some throws. There was one late in the third quarter that was over to CeeDee as well that I left it behind him that you want back. Then there was that third down, right, back-to-back plays to see that he made the right play, made the right read. I’ve just got to give him the ball, simple as that. We were able to get a win, though. That’s the most important part of it. Did take some hits, but came out clean. Blessed to play on Christmas.”
🏈 More coverage of Cowboys-Commanders:
On if he wants to play next week
“For sure. I love this game. I love any opportunity that I get to play it. So, with that being said, if I get to go out there, I’m going to give it my best. I’m going to prepare the same way, and be the same player that you guys know. I understand the reasons why maybe not, and if that’s the approach with that, I’ll handle that then.”
On if a decision has been made about him playing next week
“I mean, in my mind, any conversations I’ve had to Schotty [head coach Brian Schottenheimer] or anybody about it would be that I’m playing.”
On if he knows what his longest passes are other than the 86-yard pass to KaVontae Turpin today
“Yep, to [former Dallas wide receiver] Amari [Cooper] against Washington. Then to CeeDee on the screen against, what, 49ers or Steelers [actually Detroit Lions]. Oh yeah, that was to CeeDee.”
On the 86-yard pass to Turpin
“Yeah actually, we were going to try to push the ball down the field on that play with double moves outside, and Turp taking the middle. Great play calling knowing that they’re going to a Cover 2 or some kind of tricky 2. The key to that one was they actually jumped offsides and we pulled the ball faster. So, the guys didn’t even have to … it ended up turning into the same play: Three guys just going vertical right now. I think with the jump offsides, and those guys trying to panic and get back, Turp did a good job of getting over the top and I saw it. With a guy like that, you just want to put it down the middle and give him a chance, and he went and did the rest.”
On his confidence of Turpin not getting caught from behind
“Oh very confident. Especially when he caught it and turned back left. I’m like, ‘All right, thank you’. I knew that that was right to deceive the guy behind him and he was going. Yeah, he definitely wouldn’t get caught.”
On the difference of an 8-8-1 record vs. a 7-9-1 record
“Big difference. A lot of pride. I think that’s another reason, right. To the point, I want to play. Any season of me being out there, I’ve never had, in all my life career, a season under .500. So that tie is going to come into play really well. It’s a huge difference. It’s one of those things that, I mean yeah, it’s just pride. It’s pride honestly.”
“Yeah, I mean, you guys know how big of a fan I am of Malik. I know I said, when he first got his opportunity, he’s went in, and he’s continued to just build off of that, honestly. In this game, right here was another example of that, his number was called, and he went out there and was physical. He didn’t know it, but I went and checked the stats in the game. I saw he had 90 yards and I told him he could go get 10 more and finish this game. ‘You can go get that 100.’ I actually don’t normally check that, I just looked up and saw we had almost 200 yards rushing and said, ‘Dang, Malik must be close,’ and I wanted to get that for him, and I’m glad he went and got it. He’s deserving of it. He’s a hell of a player, and he’s only going to get better. It’s the way that he approaches the game. It’s his mindset in life, and we’re thankful to have him.”
On Davis’ swollen eye during the conversation about reaching 100 yards
“No I don’t think it was swollen yet. I think I told him that, and then it got swollen and I’m like, ‘Ah, I think you need 5 more [yards].’ But I asked him when I saw him, he was like, ‘I think I got hit in the eye,’ I was like, ‘Yeah, you definitely did. Go to the sideline.’ He’ll be OK thankfully, but his eye was ugly.”
On what snapping a three-game losing streak means even after being eliminated from the playoffs
“Winning is fun. Winning is great, especially when you get to do it on Christmas, you get to do it to end a three-game losing streak. And you get a division game on top of that. It’s all fun. Winning is fun. It’s what you do it for. We had wanted to end that losing streak and wanted to make sure that we can finish this game and next week on a high note. Getting wins and just taking good momentum into the offseason. So, this was important.”
On if he gets to keep the red jacket he was gifted for winning
“Yeah, definitely get to keep it. I thought about wearing it in here. It’s just hot. I’ll probably be in it all weekend, to be honest with you. Just hanging around the house.”
On the leadership of defensive end Jadeveon Clowney
“Yeah, he’s the man. We’re fortunate to have him. He’s one of those guys that we’ve got to figure out a way to keep. I know Jadeveon being older, being the vet he is, has a lot of say, so hopefully we had the great impression, and he’s enjoyed this year because he’s a guy that we can benefit having for a full offseason. Just growing into next year with his leadership and just the way that he approaches the game and the way he teaches the young guys so that they can learn from him. You said it, he’s done it since he showed up and has gotten better week in and week out. Just to see this game tonight and make the play, him chase down [Commanders wide receiver] Deebo [Samuel] on the long play and then dang near get the sack fumble, or get the sack but almost a fumble a couple plays later. Then it’s just plays, plays, plays, after another. He’s a guy that loves the game, you can feel it with any conversation you have with him. He’s a great teammate.”
On how he is going to celebrate the holidays
“I’m sure the kids are going to be asleep when I get home, but hanging out with the fiancé, doing our gift exchange, then we will have Christmas in the morning. Super thankful. I’ve said before, this game has given me a lot. It’s going to be the reason this is going to be a great Christmas. Super thankful to get the win and play this game today.”
On if he talked to CeeDee Lamb after some of them missed throws
“Most of them were kind of right after another. One or two of them I had a little note for him, others I just told him, ‘My fault, brother. I missed you.’ Simple as that. That was on me. Wasn’t a great play, wasn’t great feel, whatever it was that led to the miss. But there were one or two that was more communication. Not necessarily verbal, but just body language and just something we will keep working to get better at. We have such high standards, both of us do. You’re talking about the best receiver in this organization, maybe ever in CeeDee Lamb. He wants to catch every ball that comes his way, and that’s what we believe can happen. So when it’s not, there’s frustration there, but that frustration only allows us to go back to work and get better.”
On what was working on fourth down after finishing game 6-for-6
“Yeah, it was big. I think just, one, going into this game knowing that these short yardage, talking to Schotty, we were going to be going for it. A few of these third downs he told me we got two downs here. That allows you to set up the third down and feel confident about it. Obviously we got to make throws and execute, but he did a great job with all those fourth downs and the play calls. I don’t think we missed any of them except maybe to Tae [KaVonte Turpin]. Honestly I could have taken the QB sneak there, that was the only dicey one, but to be able to go 6-for-6 was huge in this win.”
On how important it was to have the 21-3 lead to start
“Yeah, it was huge. We knew going into this game, guess you can say not playing for anything, you wanna get on top and not give them any hope. So it’s important to get that lead to make them play from behind, but we got to do a better job of finishing. This game could have stayed lopsided. We got to do a better job on offense to get it like that.”
On if Washington did anything different after the fast start
“You got to give credit to the guys. This is NFL football. Those guys are professionals over there. They are getting paid and have a job to do. They stepped up and just played better in the second half. I wouldn’t say it was anything different that they were doing, we just didn’t execute as cleanly, and they were playing harder in the second half, which led to some punts and field goals. Ultimately us not finishing the way that we wanted, but at the end of the day, we had the ball with two minutes and we needed a first down, and we did that and got the win.”
On the grit and determination of the running back room
“Yeah, those are some resilient guys. Whatever you ask them to do, they are going to do it. That’s just the way that they practice, that’s the way that they play. They’ve got such a good group where they complement each other. When one person is tired, the next one is ready to go in there and get it, whether it be Hunter [Luepke] or Malik [Davis]. It takes some off Javonte [Williams], then Javonte is just a dog. Even with the shoulder [injury], he is a guy that never wants to come out. I actually saw his shoulder come out a couple of plays before he left the game, and he still getting the ball running two plays later. That just shows the grit, the resilience, trying to do anything and everything they can to help the team.”
On how difficult he will make it if they ask him to not play next week
“I’ll have some fight back. Again, it depends on what’s the purpose, what’s the reason? You know, obviously I understand being approached about it. The conversations that we have already had about it is for me to play. The season being where it is, trying to make sure we finish 8-8-1. That’s important to me, a lot of pride in that. So I want to go out there and win. I feel like me starting gives us the best chance, so I want to play.”
On how they can build momentum into next year
“Even though there is turnover, there is a lot of fundamental pieces that are going to stay the same. Especially on this offensive side of the ball, me, myself, CeeDee. Find a way to keep a guy like [wide receiver] George [Pickens], find a way to keep a guy like Javonte. A lot of the guys up front are going to be the same. Confident taking that momentum into the offseason, and making sure that we finish strong. So we can get into the offseason with a happy feeling, but knowing that we got things to clean up and get better at. Nobody’s ever perfect, and we damn sure weren’t this year, even though we were pretty good. So yeah, that’s where the momentum comes from. Obviously there’s going to be the same on the other side of the ball. Winning helps everything, so we just got to finish the season off with two wins, would be great.”
Game schedule dates, times, locations
Dec. 22 at New Orleans, 7 p.m., KFAA, MavsTV
Dec. 23 vs. Denver, 7 p.m., NBC
Dec. 25 at Golden State, 4 p.m., ABC, ESPN
Dec. 27 at Sacramento, 4 p.m., KFAA, MavsTV
Dec. 29 at Portland, 9:30 p.m., NBC
Dec. 29 vs. Jackson State, 7 p.m., ESPN+
Jan. 3 vs. Baylor, 1 p.m., TNT
Jan. 6 at Kansas, 8 p.m., ESPN or ESPN2
Jan. 10 vs. Arizona, 3 p.m., ESPN or ESPN2
Jan. 14 at BYU, 10 p.m., ESPN2
Dec. 31 at BYU, 8 p.m., ESPN+
Jan. 3 at Utah, 8 p.m., ESPN+
Jan. 7 vs. Oklahoma State, 6:30 p.m., ESPN+
Jan. 11 vs. Arizona State, 4 p.m., ESPN+
Jan. 14 at West Virginia, 6 p.m., ESPN+
Dec. 23 at Detroit, 5:30 p.m., TNT, truTV, Victory+
Dec. 27 vs. Chicago, 7 p.m., Victory+
Dec. 31 vs. Buffalo, 7 p.m., Victory+
Jan. 1 at Chicago, 7:30 p.m., Victory+
Jan. 4 vs. Montreal, 1 p.m., Victory+
Alamo Bowl
Dec. 30 vs. USC (at San Antonio), 8 p.m., ESPN
New Mexico Bowl
Dec. 27 vs. San Diego State (at Albuquerque, N.M.), 4:45 p.m., ESPN
Jan. 3 or 4 at N.Y. Giants, TBD
End of season
May 1 NASCAR Truck Series: SpeedyCash.com 250
May 2 NASCAR O’Reilly Auto Parts Series: Andy’s Frozen Custard 340
May 3 NASCAR Cup Series: Wurth 400
This story was originally published December 25, 2025 at 8:44 PM.
Jim Barnes is the Star-Telegram’s sports editor. A Fort Worth native and graduate of Castleberry High School, he returned to Texas after 13 years at the Las Vegas Review-Journal. He previously was sports editor of the Waco Tribune-Herald and a freelance high school sports reporter for The Dallas Morning News.
Amazon Prime Video is the exclusive home for the NFL’s Thursday Night Football games, including this week’s game. On top of Amazon Prime Video, an Amazon Prime subscription includes free shipping, exclusive deals, access to the Prime Day sales events, Amazon Music, a year of free GrubHub+ and more.
A standard Amazon Prime subscription is $15 monthly or $139 annually, but discounts are available for students and those on qualified government assistance. You can try Amazon Prime free for 30 days. You can also just subscribe directly to Prime Video and forego all the other Prime Benefits. A Prime Video subscription costs $9 monthly.
Week 17 of the NFL starts on Christmas Day, and Thursday Night Football is going to be a whole day of football.
The Holiday games are set to feature big guest stars throughout the day, including Kelly Clarkson, Snoop Dogg, Lainey Wilson, the voices of Netflix‘s KPOP Demon Hunters, and more.
What time will the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Washington Commanders start on Christmas Day?
The first NFL game on Christmas Day will be the Dallas Cowboys (6-8-1) vs. the Washington Commanders (4-11) at Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland. The game will begin at 1 p.m. ET / 10 a.m. PT and stream on Netflix.
Kelly Clarkson will be the show opener and the Army will perform the anthem. Ian Eagle is doing the play-by-play, Matt Ryan and Nate Burleson will analyze the game, and Melanie Collins and Sara Walsh will be sideline reporters. Comedians Bert Kreischer and Tom Segura are set to guest star.
What time will the game between the Detroit Lions and the Minnesota Vikings start on Christmas Day?
The second game of the day will be between the Detroit Lions (8-7) and the Minnesota Vikings (7-8) from U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The game is scheduled to start at 4:30 p.m. ET / 1:30 p.m. PT and stream on Netflix.
Kelly Clarkson is set to open the show with SZN4 performing the anthem. Snoop Dogg will perform during the Holiday Halftime Party and feature the singing voices of Netflix’s KPOP Demon Hunters, as well as country music star Lainey Wilson. Noah Eagle will do the play-by-play, Drew Brees will analyze the game, and AJ Ross and Dianna Russini will be featured as sideline reporters. Seth Rollins is set to guest star.
What time will the game between the Denver Broncos and the Kansas City Chiefs start on Christmas Day?
The primetime NFL game of Thursday Night Football between the Denver Broncos (12-3) and the Kansas City Chiefs (6-9) will be played at Geha Field at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, Missouri. The game is set to start at 8:15 p.m. ET and 5:15 p.m. PT, streaming on Prime Video.
How to stream all Christmas Day games on mobile devices?
Netflix and Prime Video are the streaming services NFL fans will need to be subscribed to to livestream the games on mobile devices. However, if you’re not a subscriber to any of those services, the NFL offers the NFL+ streaming service, which lets users live stream all games on their mobile devices. NFL+ provides fans with access to stream all NFL games on their phones or tablets for $6.99 a month.
Amazon Prime Video is the exclusive home for the NFL’s Thursday Night Football games, including this week’s game. On top of Amazon Prime Video, an Amazon Prime subscription includes free shipping, exclusive deals, access to the Prime Day sales events, Amazon Music, a year of free GrubHub+ and more.
A standard Amazon Prime subscription is $15 monthly or $139 annually, but discounts are available for students and those on qualified government assistance. You can try Amazon Prime free for 30 days. You can also just subscribe directly to Prime Video and forego all the other Prime Benefits. A Prime Video subscription costs $9 monthly.
Demonstrators rally in support of federal workers outside of the Department of Health and Human Services, Friday, Feb. 14, 2025, in D.C.
(AP Photo/Mark Schiefelbein)
#1: Federal layoffs and job cuts
Back in January, President Donald Trump tapped billionaire Elon Musk to lead what was called the Department of Government Efficiency, or DOGE. The stated goal was to cut fraud, waste and abuse by downsizing the federal workforce.
DOGE’s efforts led hundreds of thousands of federal workers to leave their jobs through layoffs, firings or the “deferred resignation” program.
“When we look January to June, there’s been a huge drop in federal employment in the region. It’s down 4.5%,” said Tracy Hadden Loh, a fellow with the Brookings Institution.
Loh and Terry Clower, the director of the Schar School’s Center for Regional Analysis at George Mason University, said there are still a lot of unknowns since detailed local third quarter labor data likely won’t be released until next month.
“The DOGE cuts and the actions of the Trump administration have hit the region very quickly,” Clower said.
WTOP’s Kate Ryan reports on the impact DOGE has had on the local economy.
Rescue and salvage crews pull up airplane wreckage of an American Airlines jet in the Potomac River from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, Feb. 3, 2025, in Arlington, Va.
(AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana, File)
#2: Midair crash near DCA
The midair collision near Reagan National Airport on Jan. 29 involving an American Airlines passenger jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter killed all 64 aboard the jet, and the three-person chopper crew.
The National Transportation Safety Board concluded the crash was caused by a combination of altitude misreporting, the D.C. area’s congested airspace and communication failures. The chopper’s altimeter was underreporting the helicopter’s altitude, so the crew believed they were flying at the appropriate level, which put the chopper directly in the approach path of the jet.
The FAA permanently banned nonessential helicopter flights in critical DCA airspace, with exceptions only for medevac, law enforcement, presidential or urgent missions.
WTOP’s Neal Augenstein reports on how the crash changed D.C.’s airspace.
Read the full story here on Tuesday.
3/5
A sign that reads “Closed due to federal government shutdown,” is seen outside of the National Gallery of Art on the 6th day of the government shutdown, in Washington, Monday, Oct. 6, 2025.
(AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana)
#3: Federal government shutdown
There have been a growing number of government shutdowns in recent years, but none has lasted longer than the one that dragged on for 43 days in the fall of 2025.
The shutdown had a major impact, causing more than a million federal employees to work without pay, millions of Americans to lose their food assistance when SNAP benefits ran out and widespread disruptions in air travel.
The U.S. House was also out of session during the duration of the shutdown, bringing all legislative action to a halt.
The government shutdown, while decried by Republicans and Democrats, was used by both parties to try to achieve their policy goals — a method that usually fails.
Democrats pressed to get subsidies extended for the Affordable Care Act that would prevent insurance premiums from soaring for millions of Americans in January.
Ultimately, Senate Majority Leader and South Dakota Sen. John Thune agreed to a vote on extending the subsidies, which failed in the Senate.
The subsidies are set to expire on Dec. 31, and Congress potentially faces another shutdown showdown when federal funds run out on Jan. 30.
WTOP’s Mitchell Miller reports on how the 2025 federal government shutdown opened the doors for potentially more in the future.
Read the full story on Wednesday.
4/5
Washington Commanders controlling owner Josh Harris, from left, signs a helmet along with D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after an announcement about a new home for the NFL football team on the site of the old RFK Stadium, Monday, April 28, 2025, at the National Press Club in D.C.
(AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)
#4: Washington Commanders stadium deal
D.C. scored big this year. After months of tense negotiations, the D.C. Council voted to bring the Washington Commanders back home with a new stadium at the former RFK Stadium site.
The first vote in August passed 9-3, and after some last-minute drama, the final vote in September sealed the deal.
“Washington, D.C., residents are winning,” said Council member Kenyan McDuffie.
Demolition of the old RFK Stadium is already underway, and the site will be cleared for construction by fall 2026. The new roofed stadium is expected to open in 2030, marking the largest private investment in city history.
WTOP’s Mike Murillo reports on what to expect with the development of a new sports stadium in the nation’s capital.
Read the full story here on Thursday.
5/5
District of Columbia National Guard members park near the Washington Monument Tuesday, Aug. 12, 2025, in D.C.
(Kyle Cooper/WTOP News via AP)
#5: Federal law enforcement surge in DC
President Donald Trump activated hundreds of National Guard members and described a plan for federal oversight of D.C.’s police department on Aug. 11.
While city leaders touted significant drops in violent crime before the effort, Trump said the plan would, in part, be “getting rid of the slums.” He also criticized the maintenance of city streets and parks, highlighting graffiti and potholes.
The crime emergency ended after 30 days, after Congress declined to extend it. White House data described drops in violent crime categories.
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser signed an executive order outlining the city’s path for federal collaboration after the emergency declaration ended in the fall, but signs of the surge remain. As of early December, there were over 2,700 National Guard troops assigned to patrol the city, according to data from the Joint Task Force.
During the week of Thanksgiving, West Virginia National Guard members Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe and Specialist Sarah Beckstrom were shot near Farragut Square. Beckstrom died in the shooting, and Wolfe was critically injured. In the days after, D.C. police teamed up with Guard members to patrol city streets.
There’s an ongoing court battle over whether the military presence in D.C. is legal, and whether the deployment can continue. Guard members are reportedly expected to remain in D.C. through at least February.
WTOP’s Scott Gelman reports on the August federal law enforcement surge and how the takeover of the District’s police force still echoes months later.
Read the full story here on Friday.
WTOP’s Ciara Wells, Kate Ryan, Neal Augenstein, Mitchell Miller, Mike Murillo and Scott Gelman contributed to this report.
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The last time that Josh Johnson has faced the Eagles was in the 2023 NFC Championship Game after a torn UCL injury suffered by 49ers starting quarterback Brock Purdy at Lincoln Financial Field. The struggles that he had in relief of Purdy in that game surfaced again when he was called into action after to face the Eagles once again on Saturday when Nolan Smith ran over Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota and forced him out of the game with a hand injury.
Saturday’s late afternoon matchup in Landover, Maryland between the Eagles and the Commanders had a little something for everyone. Punishing, late game runs by Saquon Barkley reminiscent of last season’s dominance on the ground. Jake Elliott missing three first half field goal attempts (one that he got a second chance on due to a Commanders off-sides penalty.) A massive brawl after a two-point conversion by the Eagles late in the 4th quarter that was in and of itself a strange call. And Big Dom DiSandro at mid-field making certain that the Eagles players left the game without the contest turning into a five-round UFC Fight, and an uncharacteristic opening-game fumble.
On Saturday evening — the Eagles became the first team to win the NFC East in Back-to-back seasons since they themselves did it twenty-one years ago. Philadelphia has now won the NFC East for the second time in the last three seasons.
The 180th meeting between the Commanders and the Eagles started with a fumble on the opening kickoff. Down 3–0 in the first quarter — Hurts found Devonta Smith for a six-yard touchdown pass. In the third quarter — the Eagles took the lead on a fifteen-yard strike to Dallas Goedert. In the 4th quarter — the Eagles and Saquon Barkley took over. After a twelve-yard touchdown run — he ripped off a 48-yard run capped by a 22-yard Tank Bisby scamper. Barkley then converted a two-point conversion.
After the two-point play was successful and Barkley was slammed to the ground — Darius Cooper and Commanders Defensive Back Will Harris got into a shoving match which then escalated. Washington had two players ejected (Javon Kinlaw and Quan Martin) as well as Steen in the 29–18 Eagles win.
Saquon Barkley eclipsed 1,000 yards for the second consecutive year as an Eagle finishing the game with 132 yards on 21 carries.
With 3 weeks to go in the regular season, playoff spots are starting to be snatched up. With the Broncos, Seahawks and Rams being the first teams to clinch a playoff spot, many more will soon follow.
Including the Eagles, whose magic number jumped from 3 all the way to 1 on Sunday following a Raiders blowout and a Cowboys season that’s nearly over, courtesy of “Nine” and the Minnesota Vikings.
And the Eagles first opportunity to punch their ticket into the postseason comes a day earlier this week. With a Saturday night game against the Washington Commanders
The Last Match
January 26th 2025 was the last time these teams saw each other. In an NFC Championship Game division matchup. To end a conversation:
What would happen if Jalen Hurts played all 4 quarters of the Week 16 loss?
A game that saw the Eagles take a quick 14-0 lead that saw Hurts exit due to a concussion just 5 minutes into the game. The final score ended 36-33 after the Eagles defense couldn’t get a stop, and the offense led by Kenny Pickett could barely pick up a first down.
To open the NFC championship game, the Commanders led an 18 play, 54 yard drive that included two 4th down conversions and finished with 3 points. The Eagles answer to that drive? This Saquon Barkley60 yard TD on the Eagles opening play of the game.
What followed was an absolute rout. The Eagles saw a 12 point lead at halftime, before they took things personally and finished the game with a 21 point 4th quarter after forcing two turnovers by the Commanders.
Now, things will look a little different.
Saturday Night
Jayden Daniels has since been shut down for the season. With multiple injuries sidelining him for weeks at a time. Instead, the Eagles will play against their former backup QB Marcus Mariota who has lead his current team to a 1-3 record.
Having been eliminated from playoff contention weeks ago, the Commanders will have nothing to play for but draft position, and attempting to foil the Eagles playoff/seeding hopes.
However with a laundry list of injuries ranging from Laremy Tunsil, and Colson Yankoff listed Out for this week. With names like Trey Amos, Luke McCaffrey, Zach Ertz, Marshon Lattimore and Dorance Armstrong already on injured reserve, the Commanders will be thin at numerous positions. Hoping the Eagles can take advantage of a depleted team that thought they could repeat a 12-5 Cinderella run from only a year ago.
Philadelphia’s organized sports — dating as far back as our own Civil War — have frequently been intertwined with American history.
Our first professional ballpark (Recreation Field) was an outpost for Union Cavalry in the 1860s.
On March 11th of 2020 , the Sixers beat the Pistons at the Wells Fargo Center 124–106, including a 30-point, 14-rebound performance by Joel Embiid just hours before Philly joined the rest of the world in a pandemic shutdown that would bring Philadelphia sports to a halt for the first time since those same 1860s.
And on the day that an event propelled our nation into the Second World War eighty-four years ago , it was no different.
On December 7th, 1941, the Eagles were in Washington for a Divisional Game at Griffith Stadium in front of over 27,000 fans. Washington was 5–5 coming into the game — the Eagles were 2–7.
On this day, it actually wasn’t the sequence of football events themselves during the last regular season game of 1941 that was so memorable. In fact, it’s what happened off the field that made this game so forgettable. During the first quarter, the stadium announcer began paging official Washington personnel to return to their offices. An ominous feeling spread across the stands. Pearl Harbor had been attacked , and America’s involvement in World War II would soon follow.
Credit: WikiCommons
World War II was a historic event for both our Eagles and for our nation. After winning seven games in both 1944 and 1945, the Eagles were ready to make a run for the Championship in 1947. After beating the Steelers in the playoffs, the Eagles rallied against the Chicago Cardinals but came up just short, losing 28–21. The following year — in a Philadelphia nor’easter — the Eagles would beat those Chicago Cardinals 7–0 to win their first NFL Championship. They would repeat in Los Angeles the following year, in 1949.
That night, after the 20–14 win for the home team, Washington players marched in front of the Japanese Embassy in DC. America would remember December 7th, 1941, forever.
Karina Pasian was tapped to sing “The Star-Spangled Banner” before the NFL’s first-ever regular-season game in Madrid, Spain, between the Miami Dolphins and Washington Commanders.
Pasian came out to the field in a black mini dress with thigh-high stockings and garters to sing the national anthem. While her performance went well, fans were upset with her outfit as she was singing.
Karina Pasian sings the U.S. national anthem before an NFL football game between the Washington Commanders and the Miami Dolphins in Madrid, Spain, Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025.(AP Photo/Manu Fernandez)
Many NFL fans got caught up in a frenzied debate on social media.
Regardless, Pasian ignored the critics and wrote on Instagram about how proud she was to have the opportunity to sing the anthem in front of thousands of people in Spain.
Karina Pasian sings the United States national anthem during the 2025 NFL Madrid Game at Santiago Bernabeu Stadium on Nov. 16, 2025.(Kirby Lee/Imagn Images)
“Thank you so much @nfl for this amazing opportunity! It was an honor to sing the national anthem at the first ever NFL game in Spain!!” she wrote as the caption for a collage of photos.
Pasian has been in the music industry for quite a while. Her R&B album, “First Love,” reached No. 11 on the U.S. R&B charts and No. 57 on the overall U.S. charts when it debuted in August 2008.
Karina Pasian sings the national anthem prior to the NFL 2025 game between Washington Commanders and Miami Dolphins at Estadio Santiago Bernabeu on Nov. 16, 2025 in Madrid, Spain.(Florencia Tan Jun/Getty Images)
The Atlanta Falcons came into Sunday‘s game against the Carolina Panthers ( now 6-5 overall) three games under .500, quite a distance from first-place Tampa Bay, whom the Falcons had already lost to in week one, and on a four-game losing streak. Believe it or not, things have gotten worse.
The Falcons, now 3-7 overall, managed to score just six points in the fourth quarter against the Panthers, resulting in a 30-27 loss. Three of these points came courtesy of a clutch 52-yard field goal by Zane Gonzalez late in regulation.
This season, Atlanta is averaging 5.3 points per game during the 10 fourth quarters they have played. With the exception of the 10 points Atlanta scored against the Minnesota Vikings in week two, they haven’t reached the double-figure mark in a fourth quarter this season. Let’s get into the numbers:
The Falcons scored seven points against Tampa in a week-one loss, no points in the fourth quarter at Carolina in a 30-point loss in week three, and just three points against the Washington Commanders in a 34-27 victory at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Atlanta was ahead 31-16 after three quarters and only managed a field goal the rest of the way.
In a week six win over the Buffalo Bills, the Falcons scored only three points in the fourth quarter, marking the last game they would win for the next five weeks. Atlanta did not score in the fourth quarter of their 20-10 loss at San Francisco in week seven.
The fourth-quarter scoring picked up a bit when the Falcons scored nine points against New England in a one-point loss on the road, and eight points in an overtime loss to the Indianapolis Colts in Berlin, Germany, last week.
The Atlanta Falcons are averaging 5.3 points per game in the fourth quarter this season. Photo by Donnell Suggs/The Atlanta Voice
The first game of the two meetings with the New Orleans Saints, the last-place team in the NFC South and one of the worst in the National Football League, will take place in two weeks on Nov. 23 at the Caesars Superdome (4:25 p.m. kickoff). Fourth-quarter scoring might not be needed to defeat the struggling Saints (2-8 overall),
The team’s saving grace this season, despite the play on the opening drives to start the game and to start the second half on Sunday, has been the Falcons’ defense. On Carolina’s second drive of the game, the Falcons forced a punt following a sack by rookie corner Billy Bowman, Jr. That sack almost knocked Young out of the game as he was slow to get back on his feet afterward. Young had started nine of the Panthers’ 10 games this season.
This team should be able to score more points in the fourth quarter. Falcons receiver Drake London went over 100 yards receiving with his fifth reception of the first half on Sunday. Bijan Robinson had over 90 yards rushing at halftime of the loss to Carolina. It has been the second half of games that have been the issue this season.
The Saints game is followed by a trip to New Jersey to play the New York Jets on Sunday, Nov. 30. The opportunity for the Falcons to make the playoffs might be dwindling, but getting back to .500 is a realistic possibility. That, however, will start with scoring in the fourth quarter.
After the Eagles barely made it out with a victory in Green Bay Monday Night. It was time to start preparing for another PrimeTime spotlight against the Eagles 3rd NFC North opponent of the year.
The Detroit Lions
Sundays match against Detroit will be the 2nd time the Sirianni/Hurts led Eagles will play the Campbell/Goff Lions. Previously, the Eagles won both matchups that took place at Ford Field. Winning 44-6 in 2021, and 38-35 in 2023.
And while this matchup won’t have nearly as much excitement as the NFC Championship Game that could have been last year. The winner and loser of this game could see a huge impact on playoff seeding within the next 5-6 Weeks.
The Cluttered NFC Race
Luckily for the Eagles. The NFC East is the only division that isn’t filled with multiple contenders, or teams just outside the wildcard bubble. Like the 49ers(6-4), Panthers(5-5) & Vikings(4-5). However, with two games left against NFC North opponents. The Eagles will be able to pull ahead in the division, and from the rest of the NFC.
Already having victories against the Rams(7-2), Buccaneers(6-3) and Packers(5-3-1) currently gives the Eagles the head to head tiebreaker against the current 5th, 4th and 7th seed in the NFC playoff race. While the odds of the Eagles dropping into a wildcard spot are low with a 4 game lead on the NFC East race. It has happened before. Being able to chain together wins during the toughest stretches of the schedule will help the Eagles lock up the division race as fast as possible, while still being in the thick of it for the Bye Week, or as much home field advantage as possible in the playoffs.
Schedule Down The Stretch
Following the Lions this weekend, the Eagles will see a total of three more teams in the current playoff picture, including:
6-3 Bears (Week 13)
7-3 Chargers (Week 15)
6-3 Bills (Week 17)
There will also be a gutsy game against the 3-5-1 Cowboys, who for some reason decided to be buyers at the deadline. Acquiring Quinnen Williams and Logan Wilson.
With some more breathing room between playoff opponents, the Eagles will also see the following teams who’s season is approaching an ugly finish:
2-7 Raiders (Week 15)
3-7 Commanders (Week 16 & 18)
Both teams will most likely be playing for a top 5-10 pick come December. The wins might not matter that late for the Eagles depending how the rest of this “gauntlet” unfolds.
With an impressive 7-2 run to start the season. How many wins will it take to clinch the NFC East?
Detroit Lions star Amon-Ra St. Brown apologized to anyone who was “offended” by his tribute to President Donald Trump during his team’s victory over the Washington Commanders on Sunday.
St. Brown performed Trump’s signature dance after scoring a touchdown, and then pointed to the president, who was in attendance at Northwest Stadium.
The wide receiver addressed the incident and public response during an episode of his podcast on Wednesday.
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown celebrates after scoring against the Washington Commanders on Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025, in Landover, Maryland.(Stephanie Scarbrough/AP Photo)
“If I offended anyone, I do apologize. I did not mean to offend anyone. It was just, we’re having fun,” he said. “If any president was at that game, if they had a dance, I would have done it. It had nothing to do with who the president was.”
Trump became the first sitting U.S. president to attend a regular season NFL game since Jimmy Carter in 1978.
For St. Brown, it was a special occasion.
“Even after the game, someone tells me ‘That’s the first game that a president has been to in over 40 years,’ first regular season game, which is crazy,” St. Brown said. “We were just having fun doing the dance, it was nothing more, nothing less.”
Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Jourdan Lewis appeared to call out St. Brown for the dance in a since-deleted social media post.
Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown celebrates a touchdown against the Washington Commanders at Northwest Stadium on Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025.(Junfu Han/USA Today Network via Imagn Images)
“The truth comes to light,” he wrote on Monday night before adding separately, “You do that in one of the blackest cities in America?”
Lewis, who is from Detroit and played college at Michigan, deleted the latter post.
St. Brown’s Lions went on to beat Washington 44-22, as he finished with five catches for 58 yards and the touchdown.
Trump has attended plenty of sporting events over the last 13 months. In addition to the Pittsburgh Steelers game last season and the Super Bowl, he’s been at UFC fights, the Daytona 500, U.S. Open and Ryder Cup.
Some Commanders fans at Sunday’s game were the subject of controversy after they booed Trump as he read the names of those enlisting in the U.S. military over the team’s public address system. The new members of the military were at Northwest Stadium as part of the NFL’s “Salute to Service” festivities ahead of Veterans Day.
The boos came at a time when the view of Trump in the Washington, D.C., area was impacted by the recent government shutdown. Days before the game, ESPN reported that Trump wants the Commanders’ new $3.7 billion stadium project to be named after him.
The White House did not confirm the report, but in a previous statement, press secretary Karoline Leavitt said, “That would surely be a beautiful name, as it was President Trump who made the rebuilding of the new stadium possible.”
Jackson Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital. He previously worked for ESPN and Business Insider. Jackson has covered the Super Bowl and NBA Finals, and has interviewed iconic figures Usain Bolt, Rob Gronkowski, Jerry Rice, Troy Aikman, Mike Trout, David Ortiz and Roger Clemens.
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Carson Wentz arrived in Philadelphia with big expectations, giving the Eagles fans hope.
Unfortunately, then came the injuries and setbacks that stole the momentum.
It’s a story that feels more human than headline-glamour, and Philly still has mixed feelings.
The Promising Rise
Drafted as the second overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft, Wentz showed promise. But it was in 2017 that things really kicked into gear, and by the time he got hurt near season’s end, he’d thrown for 3,296 yards with 33 touchdowns and only 7 interceptions in just 13 games. His passer rating was 101.9 in that stretch. He also rushed for 299 yards that season.
Credit: NFL Network-Facebook
That stretch had everyone talking. He had the kind of spark that made fans believe he could be special. And when you look at what defines the greats, like steady leadership and the ability to make a team feel, it’s easy to see why some thought Wentz might join top NFL quarterbacks of all time. For a brief stretch, he looked like he was heading straight there.
…And Then The Fall
One play in Los Angeles changed everything. An awkward step, an ACL tear, and suddenly his season was done. Nick Foles took over. They won the Super Bowl, and Wentz had to watch the celebration from the sideline.
Injuries have followed him ever since. Back, knee, head. All at different times. He played only 11 games in 2018, and the numbers were fine, but the rhythm was gone, as was the explosiveness.
In 2019, he posted more than 4,000 yards and 27 touchdowns, but still, it simply wasn’t the same as he was pressing. By 2020, the confidence had cracked. The throws that once looked automatic were suddenly forced or late.
He bounced from Philadelphia to Indianapolis to Washington. Each stop brought the same story: flashes of talent, followed by inconsistency.
NFL executives started using a brutal word – “broken.”
They said he looked fine in practice, but when the games started, everything had to be perfect around him. If it wasn’t, his mechanics unraveled. He’d freeze up, double-clutch, miss the open read. He wasn’t the same athlete anymore, either, with the pocket becoming a cage.
The Verdict
By late 2023, the league had made up its mind, and analysts compared his situation to Sam Bradford, who was talented, got paid well, but was out of the league before 35.
And yet, people who’ve worked with him still like him. They describe him as earnest, coachable, and even kind. He tried to fix things, tried to make it work. But sometimes, football doesn’t give you another shot.
Why It Unraveled
The physical damage was part of it. But the mental toll might’ve been worse. Wentz never seemed to fully trust his body again. That led to hesitation. Hesitation led to mistakes. And mistakes, in the NFL, cost you your job.
The Eagles moved on. The Colts moved on. Washington did too.
More recently (2025), he signed with the Minnesota Vikings, seeing action after younger QBs were injured and revealing that he’s now more of a stopgap option than a long-term franchise leader.
Why Philly Fans Still Feel Something
If you’re a Philadelphia fan, you saw Wentz do something rare. He gave hope and made big throws. He helped the team earn an 11-2 record in games he started in that 2017 run, then got hurt, and the team won the Super Bowl with the backup. A lot of complicated feelings: gratitude, frustration… and sadness for what might have been.
The human side matters. Wentz wasn’t perfect; he made bad throws and had games where he struggled. But he also overcame injuries, came back, and tried to lead. Loved his team. The “could’ve-been” element resonates.
Ideally, What Could He Have Been?
Had Wentz stayed healthy, kept improving, and maybe adapted his game, he might have joined the ranks of the top-tier quarterbacks – those are QBs who remain elite 8-10 years, evolve when defenses evolve, maintain leadership.
The missing piece in Wentz’s story is the “sustained” part. One season isn’t enough. Injuries interrupted the rhythm. Changes in team staff, receivers, and the offensive line all added turbulence.
The Takeaway
So here’s what I came away with: Wentz achieved a level that gave hope. But he didn’t stay there. That doesn’t mean he failed. He still had a good career, made plays, and was a starting QB for many years. But he didn’t reach the “special” level that the very best QBs show.
And for Philly fans, it’s okay to feel both pride and disappointment. He gave you the thrill of imagining a franchise quarterback. You bought into that. Then reality hit. And life moved on.
In a world where so many QBs never even get close to what Wentz did in 2017, his story is one of both promise and caution. A reminder that in the NFL, being very good isn’t enough if you want to be legendary. Being durable, being consistent, being the guy on the late-night drives in January, that’s where the legends live. Wentz almost got there. He had that moment. But he didn’t live there.
And maybe that’s okay. Because sometimes the most human quarterback stories aren’t about records or Hall-of-Fame résumés. They’re about the rise, the fall, the “what if,” and how fans remember it.
