Buck and Aikman have been broadcast partners for 25 years, proving themselves to be the best duo in the NFL. Unfortunately, their relationship has deteriorated over the past few months due to their respective contract situations. ESPN has already signed Buck to a six-year extension worth around $108 million. Aikman, on the other hand, is waiting for a new deal and expects to hit free agency in the offseason.

Ryan Glasspiegel of Front Office Sports reported that Buck and Aikman had an argument prior to the Bills-Rams game earlier this month.

“You are not going to f—— talk to me?” Buck allegedly told Aikman during their dispute. “I’m not the reason you don’t have a contract.”

Andrew Marchand of The Athletic reported that Aikman replied: “I just never thought you’d do it to me.”

Although it’s possible Buck and Aikman settle their differences between now and Super Bowl LXI, fans are starting to doubt they’ll be able to cover the biggest game of the year if they’re not on good terms.

“I know Buck and Aikman are both professionals, but this is why I asked Aikman a couple of weeks ago if he’d have any problem finishing out the season. They still have 4 months together,” media insider Jimmy Traina wrote on X.

“I feel like Troy Aikman is trying to get fired by ESPN,” Jason Smith of Fox Sports Radio said. You’re not making these headlines if you care about broadcasting the rest of the year and Super Bowl. He wants out. ESPN isn’t going to keep putting up with it & they’ll replace him on MNF in the next few weeks.”

“Aikman won’t last the season unless they come to some kind of truce. Looked like Troy wanted to kill joe on Monday,” a fan commented.

“If yall gone tell us Joe Buck and Troy Aikman relationship in the gutter this early in the season, just break them up now,” another fan said.

“I never thought you’d do it to me”

The Joe Buck-Troy Aikman divorce … and ESPN has chosen Buck.

Details ….https://t.co/uwhZXkimHh

— Andrew Marchand (@AndrewMarchand) October 30, 2026

What’s next for ESPN?

According to The Athletic, the early belief is that FOX broadcaster Greg Olsen is the “favorite” to replace Aikman at ESPN. He was the No. 1 analyst for FOX before Tom Brady signed a long-term deal with the network.

Eli Manning, Jason Kelce and Kirk Herbstreit have also been mentioned as potential options for “Monday Night Football,” but all signs point to Olsen landing the job. Of course, things could change between now and next season.

Time will tell if ESPN finds a worthy replacement for Aikman.

Jacobs started the 2026 season on the NFL’s commissioner exempt list for being arrested on misdemeanor battery and misdemeanor destruction of property charges. The initial complaint stated that a woman, who identified as Jacobs’ girlfriend at the time, noticed he was talking to other women. After she allegedly threw his phone, the Pro Bowl running back grabbed her arm and went through her own phone. She accused him of striking her in the head while she was trying to leave his garage.

Not only did the police say they “observed redness to [her] face and neck and was able to feel that she had a bump on the back of her head,” they said there was surveillance footage of this incident.

Jacobs, who returned to action last weekend, made headlines Thursday night for a questionable touchdown celebration. Although he said it was inspired by a gospel song, it seemed as if he was mimicking himself in handcuffs.

“They didn’t even get the whole celebration,” Jacobs said, via Pro Football Talk. “S—, it was f—–’ one second that they just showed me. But anyways, me and Savion came up with the celebration, if they would have seen the whole celebration. Basically, last week, we said the first celebration, when I score, I was gonna thank God, that’s what I did last week. Second was going to be ‘Break Every Chain.’ It’s a gospel song. That was gonna be the next celebration. It’s a correlation. The media is gonna run with it. They’re gonna make it something that it wasn’t. But it is what it is.”

Despite this denial from Jacobs, the reality is he put himself in an awful situation by performing this touchdown celebration. While his teammates may have no issue with his antics, it’s very clear that NFL fans are done supporting him. Even those who were willing to give him a second chance have pulled the plug.

“I couldn’t play for a team if this garbage was in my locker room. Absolutely trash,” one fan declared.

“He was so dumb, knowing he’s on national tv in a prime time slot doing that,” a second fan commented.

“I hope they suspend for conduct detrimental. They’d have grounds to do so,” another fan said.

“Why is the nfl allowing this guy to do this? It’s disgusting behavior, and no one but packers fans want him out there,” another fan wrote.

Josh Jacobs is catching a ton of heat for this celebration which appeared to be mocking “handcuffs” …

In the postgame Jacobs was really ticked off and said if you watched the entire celebration, it was coordinated and in reference to “Break(ing) the Chains”, it’s a gospel song. pic.twitter.com/Z3ZYx32v2m

— uSTADIUM (@uSTADIUM) October 30, 2026

Josh Jacobs could face discipline from the league.

Even though Jacobs was removed from the NFL’s commissioner exempt list, the league’s investigation remains active.

It’s been reported that there’s surveillance footage from the garage where some of Jacobs’ alleged altercation with his then-girlfriend took place. According to Danielle Lerner of USA Today, the Wisconsin police are “temporarily withholding” a video that could help the league’s investigation.

If the NFL chooses to suspend Jacobs, the six games he missed at the start of the season would be credited towards it.

Speaking to the media on Friday in his first press conference as a member of the team after yesterday’s blockbuster trade, Simmons addressed how he previously called Williams “Painted Nails” in an old interview. Simmons said that it was just him talking a little smack about any opponent and that he’s always been a fan of the Bears QB. He said that he’s looking forward to being teammates with him now.

“I’ve been a fan of Caleb,” Simmons said. “Of course, being on the other side and having to play against him, I’m not going to tell him that. I’m going to talk as much smack as I can.

“But now he’s on my team. Any teammate you ask about me, man, I have my teammate’s back, no matter if he’s on the other side of the ball or not. I’m going to talk the most smack to you when you’ve got a different color jersey on, but when we’re on the same team on Sundays, I go to war for any of my guys in the locker room. I hope Caleb would know that.

“The comments a couple years ago about the nails is all part of my game, with the smack talk,” Simmons said. “I don’t know if you guys have heard, but I’m probably one of the best smack talkers. I talk a lot of smack when I’m on the field. I’m looking forward to being his teammate. We all know what type of player he is.”

“Those comments a couple years about about [Caleb’s] nails and what not, that what just part of my game as well which is smack talk. I’m one of the best smack talkers.”🤣

Adds “I’m excited to be his teammate. We all know what kind of player he is.”

Jeffery Simmons on QB Caleb… pic.twitter.com/F2fXmE3Jax

— CHGO Bears (@CHGO_Bears) October 30, 2026

The Big Trade

Chicago made a pretty hefty investment into Simmons. The Bears have sent the Titans two first-round draft picks (2027 and 2028) and a 2027 fourth-round pick in exchange for Simmons and a 2028 fifth-round pick.

The trade marks the first time in modern NFL history that a team has traded multiple first-round picks in exchange for a defensive tackle.

That said, the Bears are still getting one of the league’s better defensive tackles. Since 2021, Simmons has made four Pro Bowls and three All-Pro selections, including a First-Team All-Pro selection last year.

In eight seasons, Simmons has appeared in 106 games and recorded 46.5 sacks, 31 passes defended, nine forced fumbles, six fumble recoveries, 414 tackles, 72 tackles for loss and 96 QB hits.

Simmons may not be John Randle or Deacon Jones, but he’s widely regarded as one of the best defensive tackles in the league right now. He now goes from a Titans defense that has been average at best to a team that currently ranks in the top-10.

In order to get this deal over the finish line, Chicago traded two first-round picks and a fourth-round pick to Tennessee. That might seem like a steep price to pay, but Simmons has proven to be a true difference-maker. Since turning pro in 2019, Simmons has racked up 414 tackles, 96 QB hits, 46.5 sacks and nine forced fumbles.

According to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, the initial news left Simmons heartbroken. Although he was traded to a true Super Bowl contender, he wasn’t exactly eager to leave Nashville.

“The news still wasn’t public. The circle remained tight, and Simmons told Borgonzi and Saleh he was a bit heartbroken and didn’t want to leave,” Breer wrote. “The Titans’ coach and GM then told Simmons this wasn’t the organization turning its back on him, and that he’d always have a home there and would be back to be honored as one of the franchise’s all-time greats.”

Breer also reported that Titans players were “stunned” when they learned about Simmons being traded.

On Friday, Simmons released a statement that’ll certainly have Titans fans feeling quite blue.

“The love I have for the city of Nashville is unmatched. For 8 years I have poured everything in me into Nashville and the Titans organization. Nashville became home. A place where I grew as a player, man, father, and a LEADER. I always pictured myself finishing what I started here, bringing winning football back to Nashville, and continuing to build something special with the Titans,” Simmons wrote. “The relationships I’ve built in that building will forever mean more to me than any sack, tackle, or individual accomplishment. And to Titans Nation… THANK YOU FROM THE BOTTOM OF MY HEART! Since being drafted in 2019, you stood by me through it all. You embraced my family, supported my foundation, and allowed me to make an impact beyond football. That’s something I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life. My love for this city will never change, no matter what jersey I have on.”

Simmons has adjusted his expectations for 2026.

Now that Simmons is on the Bears, he knows anything short of a championship this season will be viewed as a disappointment.

“My game, my passion, my energy, my leadership, I can only help this team even more than what it’s got,” Simmons said, via NFL.com. “This is a great locker room from quarterback all the way down. My job is not trying to come in here and be nothing than but myself. I’m excited to be able to help this team compete for a championship. That’s every team in the NFL’s goal. I think right now with the way this team has been competing — I’ve been watching these guys from afar — it’s a great team, great locker room and I’m excited to do my part to help this team get to its goal.”

The Bears are 5-2 heading into their Monday night showdown with the Seahawks. It’ll be interesting to see what kind of role Simmons has during his Chicago debut.

Cousins, who signed a two-year deal with the Raiders, has looked sharp in Klint Kubiak’s offense. He’s completing 62.6% of his passes this season for 1,877 yards with 16 touchdowns. The veteran signal-caller has played well enough that No. 1 pick Fernando Mendoza has been sitting on the bench.

Although a trade isn’t imminent at this time, NFL insider Tom Pelissero said a deal involving Cousins is possible if the Raiders continue to stumble.

Pelissero also pointed out that Cousins isn’t expected to be on the Raiders’ roster next season. Moving him before the deadline would at least give them additional ammo for the 2027 draft.

“Half the league runs a derivative of the offense he plays in. He’s playing at a really high level and he has a $10 million roster bonus next March,” said Pelissero. “The Raiders might have an opportunity to offload that money, get a pick for a guy they’ll probably cut in March and play the No. 1 pick.”

Where could Kirk Cousins end up?

If the Raiders move on from Cousins before the deadline, Pelissero believes the Philadelphia Eagles would be an intriguing option.

“The Eagles have his former backup quarterback, Sean Mannion, as their offensive coordinator. They could bring in Kirk and play that offense. … I would not take that off the table until we get to Nov. 10.”

Tanner McKee is currently starting for the Eagles during Jalen Hurts’ absence. He’s thrown for 426 yards, two touchdowns and an interception in his last two starts.

If the Eagles acquire Cousins, that would help their chances of competing in the NFC East.

On Friday’s edition of his show on FOX, Cowherd did yet another comparison between Jackson and Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen. He referenced a 2025 report that accused Jackson of falling asleep in meetings and staying up late playing video games then suggested that Jackson is “a more talented Kyler Murray.”

“Is he a more talented Kyler Murray? Lamar gets banged up a lot. That’s part of who he is. He’s about 62%, 65% of Josh Allen,” Cowherd said.

Here is the segment where @colincowherd says Lamar Jackson “is a more talented Kyler Murray” https://t.co/MlxvnY0XsY pic.twitter.com/FZmSew3GzK

— Matt King (@yapmatt) October 30, 2026

The backlash was fierce.

NFL fans everywhere – even some that claim to like Cowherd – agreed that Cowherd’s remark was messed up. Some were so offended that they were ready to defend Jackson’s honor with violence.

“I’m honestly swinging on Colin if I ever see him dude…” one user on X threatened.

“Colin has never gotten over how wrong he was on Lamar back in 2018 during his rookie year. Every season there’s a new narrative about Lamar in the most negative way possible. Cowherd already sold his stock months ago, even though he had none to begin with,” wrote another.

“Like Colin but this is Nasty, Nasty work,” a third wrote.

At the end of the day, Cowherd doesn’t really firmly believe anything other than his ability to get people talking about him. Whether it’s getting people to agree or disagree, he wins either way.

It’s why FOX pays him the big bucks.

Rivera, a Chicago native, signed a multiyear agreement with ESPN Deportes this past May. The network was eager to sign her due to her bilingual reporting and years of experience as a TV anchor. She had stints with NBC5 Chicago, Telemundo Chicago and NBC Sports Chicago during the early stages of her career.

In addition to working with NBC Sports Chicago, Rivera was a sports anchor and reporter for CBS Miami. She covered the Miami Heat and Miami Hurricanes during her time in South Beach.

View this post on Instagram

As you’d imagine, Rivera was more than happy to sign a deal with ESPN.

“To be part of such an iconic brand like ESPN is an honor I don’t take lightly. The opportunity to work across English- and Spanish-language shows at the mecca of sports television is a dream turned reality, one I’ll forever be grateful for,” Rivera said. “I can’t wait to hit the ground running in Bristol.”

Rivera has been hosting “NFL Blitz” for ESPN Deportes this season. She shared a photo from the show’s set that racked up over 620,000 views and 10,000 likes in just over 24 hours.

“Just a happy gal talkin’ ball,” Rivera wrote for her caption.

Just a happy gal talkin’ ball🏈📺 #NFL pic.twitter.com/q7QXWD2lAf

— Samantha Rivera (@JSamanthaRivera) October 29, 2026

She’s a rising star for ESPN.

Rivera was on the sideline for the Eagles-Bears game on “Monday Night Football” in September. She was more than happy to cover her hometown team.

It’s unclear if ESPN will utilize Rivera as a sideline host later this season.

For now, NFL fans can catch Rivera on ESPN Deportes every week.

According to The Athletic’s Andrew Marchand via Awful Announcing, FOX’s No. 2 color commentator Greg Olsen is believed to be the frontrunner to replace Aikman on Monday Night Football.

Olsen has been with FOX since 2021 and is widely regarded as one of the best analysts in football today.

It wouldn’t be the first time that Olsen has replaced Aikman either. After Aikman first left FOX to take the ESPN job, Olsen spent two years working alongside Kevin Burkhardt, receiving widespread critical acclaim in the process. But the signing of Tom Brady to the No. 1 color commentator role saw Olsen relegated to No. 2 in the FOX pecking order.

Greg Olsen reportedly seen as favorite to replace Troy Aikman at ESPN despite brief history with network brass https://t.co/ZLVO22D1ZB

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) October 30, 2026

Fans love the idea.

Olsen has been a fan favorite for years now so the idea of having him in the leading role is practically a dream come true to some:

“Good. Greg Olsen is the best in the game,” one user on X declared.

“That would be a phenomenal duo, and well-deserved he was #1 until Brady showed up…” wrote another.

“I certainly hope this is true! #GregOlsen knows 🏈 like no body else can…as far as I’m concerned. Let’s go!” a third wrote.

“How it always should’ve been. The right answer is sometimes the easiest. Take the layup ESPN.”

Prior to joining FOX in 2021, Olsen was a star tight end for 14 years split between the Chicago Bears, Carolina Panthers and Seattle Seahawks. He was a three-time Pro Bowler and a two-time All-Pro selection. He retired with 742 receptions for 8,683 yards and 60 touchdowns.

Prior to the 2026 season, Hall signed a three-year, $45.75 million deal with the Jets. He kicked off his campaign with 102 rushing yards and a touchdown in a win over the Titans. Unfortunately for the Jets, he went down in Week 3 with a quad injury. Although he wasn’t placed on injured reserve, he’s missed the past four games.

Luckily for the Jets, Braelon Allen has shined during Hall’s absence. The Wisconsin product has 418 rushing yards, 75 receiving yards and two touchdowns this season.

Even though Hall was expected to return this Sunday against the Raiders, he’s now questionable to suit up.

While it’s possible Hall suffered a setback, fans are starting to wonder if he’ll be traded before the Nov. 10 deadline.

“Are they trying to trade him or is he legit injured?” one fan asked.

“Trade Breece Hall… get it done,” a second fan wrote on X.

“I wonder if the Jets are thinking about flipping Breece Hall?” another fan commented. “Hall missed four games with a quad injury and has been limited in practice since late last week. Braelon Allen has done a good job in Hall’s absence.”

The other New York team could use a RB like Breece Hall.

According to SNY’s Connor Hughes, the Giants are expected to pursue a running back before the trade deadline.

If the Giants don’t want to swing for the fences and acquire Jonathan Taylor, maybe they’ll give the Jets a call to see what their asking price is for Hall.

Trading Hall’s contract would leave the Jets with $8.45 million in dead money for the 2026 season. We’ll see if that factors into their decision-making over the next two weeks.

Speaking to the media after the Packers’ 27-19 win over the Panthers, Watson detailed what he recalled from the experience. He recalled coming down on his elbow and being unable to breathe at first. He thought the wind had been knocked out of him then realized he might have been spitting up blood. The team doctor suggested he get a CT scan, but he was reluctant.

“I think I just came down on the ball or my elbow or something,” Watson said. “I couldn’t breathe on the field. I got the wind knocked out of me. I got back to the sideline, and I was kind of spitting up some blood or something like that. So the doctor said I had to go get a CT. I was trying to beg them to not make me do that.”

From Lambeau Field to St. Vincent hospital and back in less than a hour.

On Christian Watson’s wild night that included coughing up blood, a broken rib, two ambulance rides, a WWE entrance and 113 yards receiving yards: https://t.co/UQQTnApb4M

— Rob Demovsky (@RobDemovsky) October 30, 2026

His dramatic return

In a scene that many have joked looked like it was straight out of WWE, Watson was later seen exiting the ambulance before it could leave Lambeau Field and returning to the sidelines.

Watson admitted after the game that it felt like that to him as well.

“It was super dramatic,” Watson said. “I used to watch WWE as a kid. I felt like I was watching WWE SmackDown vs. Raw or something, seeing the cameras on me when I was coming out of the ambulance. That was a little crazy. It was a surreal experience, no doubt, just to go through that and have the fans cheering for me being back out there was definitely exciting.”

Watson returned to the game and caught several more passes, including a critical seven-yard reception on 3rd-and-2 that helped ice the game.

There was already a ton of hype surrounding the Chiefs-Bills game on Thanksgiving Night. The atmosphere at Highmark Stadium should be outstanding, especially since Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen have produced so many classics over the past six years.

As if the hype surrounding this game wasn’t good enough yet, the Bills announced Friday that the Goo Goo Dolls will headline their Thanksgiving halftime show.

The Goo Goo Dolls started their journey in Buffalo, New York, so Bills fans have a ton of admiration for their work, which includes hit songs such as “Iris” and “Name.”

With that being said, NFL fans can’t wait to hear the Goo Goo Dolls perform at the new Highmark Stadium.

“Thanksgiving is going to be a good time. Chiefs are playing good football. The game could be for the 1 seed. Goo Goo Dolls at halftime,” Bills analyst Ajay Cybulski said.

“The Goo Goo Dolls are officially performing the halftime show for Bills-Chiefs on Thanksgiving,” one person replied. “BETTER DAYS!”

“Can’t get a more Buffalo Thanksgiving than this,” a fan commented.

“The Bills could be up three touchdowns and Iris would still have half the stadium texting their ex by the second chorus,” another fan wrote.

“That’s going to be awesome,” another fan declared.

The most Buffalo halftime show is happening at Highmark Stadium on Thanksgiving. 🤩

See you on November 26, @googoodolls!

📰: https://t.co/8fvzhWEfBn | @MandT_Bank pic.twitter.com/A2Bi5z0HpE

— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) October 30, 2026

Thanksgiving could determine the top seed in the AFC.

As of this Friday, the Bills and Chiefs are tied for the best record in the AFC (5-1). The winner of their Thanksgiving showdown might be in the driver’s seat to have home-field advantage through the playoffs.

In the meantime, the Bills will host the Ravens this Sunday in a pivotal AFC showdown.

The Chiefs, on the other hand, will travel to the Mile High City for a rivalry game against the Broncos.

Back in March, the Ravens agreed to trade a pair of first-round picks to the Raiders for Crosby. After nixing the deal, the Ravens instead made a much cheaper deal to land Trey Hendrickson.

According to longtime NFL insider Jason La Canfora, the Raiders won’t settle for anything less than what the Ravens were willing to give them in March. That’s what one active NFL general manager reportedly told him, as he wrote on Casino.org.

“They set the price already, really, didn’t they? They had two ones from (Ravens GM Eric) DeCosta. So you can’t really act like he’s not available now,” the GM told La Canfora. “I don’t think they take less than that. I’m not sure someone offers that; that was a reach by Baltimore… But he’s still a dominant player. The knee isn’t holding him back.

So what should the #Raiders do with Maxx Crosby now? NFL execs have some strong thoughts :https://t.co/3mxo6oMWc1

— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) October 30, 2026

Another NFL executive told him that there’s no issues with his medicals right now and that the Raiders will happily move him if the price is right. Whether they get an offer that they like is a different issue though.

“He’s the same guy he’s always been on film. No issues with the medicals,” the executive said. “If they can get two ones for him, they have to take it. I would… But I kind of doubt they get that.”

Raiders on the Ascent?

At 3-4 on the season, the Las Vegas have already matched their win total from last season – and they haven’t forced 2026 No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza to take his licks yet. The team is determined to build him up properly without putting him onto the field before they feel he’s ready.

But the team could still use some extra pieces to build around Mendoza in 2027 and beyond. One of the only ways they can do that is by trading for future assets.

Crosby may be a great player, but even at his best there are limits to what he can contribute.

Will the Raiders find a trade partner?

After suffering a 27-19 loss to the Green Bay Packers on Thursday night, the Panthers fired defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero. Additionally, the team dismissed defensive passing game coordinator Jonathan Cooley. As of now, the plan is for defensive line coach Todd Wash to call plays.

The Panthers have really struggled on defense over the past few weeks. In Week 7, they gave up 258 rushing yards in a 43-13 loss to the Buccaneers. While the run defense was better against the Packers, the secondary let Jordan Love throw for 288 yards and three touchdowns.

Now that Evero and Cooley have been let go, there’s pressure on Canales to turn this season around. If not, fans are convinced he could be next.

“Dave Canales seat is hot…. He’s next,” one fan said.

“Long overdue. 20% of his games allowing 200+ rush yards is unacceptable. The more interesting part of this to me is that there is real pressure on Dave Canales for the first time in his Carolina tenure. Things need to turn around quickly for him this season,” a second fan wrote on X.

“Oh I know Canales seat is hot man he gonna have to have a good couple coming weeks, wonder if this makes us more aggressive for trading for some dbs,o line or edge,” a third fan commented.

“Dave Canales, your seat is officially hot,” another Panthers fan said.

The heat is on Dave Canales.

Canales has been the head coach of the Panthers for the past three years. After going 5-12 in 2024, he led the team to an 8-9 record and playoff appearance in 2025.

The good news for Canales right now is the NFC South is an absolute mess. At 3-4, they’re tied for first place in the division.

The bad news for Canales is that Carolina’s secondary and offensive line are plagued with injuries right now. Bryce Young, meanwhile, seems to be nursing a knee injury.

It’ll be interesting to see how the Panthers respond next Sunday against the Broncos.

According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Panthers are letting go of defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero. He’s been the team’s defensive coordinator since the 2023 season. The plan is for defensive line coach Todd Walsh to be their interim defensive play-caller.

NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo added that Panthers defensive passing game coordinator Jonathan Cooley has also been fired this Friday morning.

It’s a bit shocking that Evero has been fired, especially since he was interviewing for the Las Vegas Raiders’ head-coaching vacancy last offseason.

At the end of the day though, Carolina felt like its defense seriously regressed under Evero’s leadership.

Carolina’s defense hasn’t been good.

Last season, Evero’s defense ranked No. 16 in yards and No. 15 in points allowed. His unit came into Thursday’s game fresh off a 43-13 loss. Instead of bouncing back on primetime, his secondary gave up 288 passing yards and three touchdowns to Jordan Love.

Of course, it doesn’t help that Carolina has lost Jaycee Horn and Will Lee III in the secondary due to injuries.

Despite losing back-to-back games, the Panthers are tied for first place in the NFC South.

The Panthers will take on the Denver Broncos next Sunday at home. We’ll see if their revamped staff leads them to a win in Week 9.

Earlier this month, Michaels and Herbstreit received backlash for glossing over Deshaun Watson’s past during the Steelers-Browns game. One week ago, Herbstreit was called out for comparing Bears quarterback Caleb Williams to a “bucking bronco.”

“When he first got here, Caleb Williams was like a bucking bronco,” Herbstreit said. “He needed to be trained and needed to be taught how to play within structure. The one thing about Caleb Williams when he got here was that he’s a dynamic player, but he was a little reckless. Now in his second year under Ben Johnson, he’s much more refined with how he plays the position.”

As for this week’s Panthers-Packers game, NFL fans just had an issue with the lack of energy from Prime Video’s broadcast booth. In fact, some NFL fans are begging Prime Video to make a personnel change.

“It pains me to post this because he is one of my favorite broadcasters of all time but Al Michaels is completely cooked. Incredibly late calls,” one person said. “Doesn’t know what down it is. Just horrible. Herbstreit also adds nothing of substance. I would rather Amazon just give us nat sound from the crowd.”

“Kirk Herbstreit is SO BAD at calling NFL Football,” a second person wrote on X. “Amazon really needs to change out ‘Here’s my Dog’ Herbstreit and Al Michaels out next season.”

“NFL needs to force out Al Michaels and Kirk Herbstreit. They are so egregiously bad at their job it hurts to listen to,” a fan declared.

“Kirk Herbstreit and Al Michaels genuinely have to be the worst commentary duo of any sport. Just not excitement from them at all,” another fan said.

Kirk Herbstreit: “I’m with you. I don’t think, personally, it’s worth the risk. But with the world that you’ve created with analytics…”

Al Michaels: “That I’ve created? Get out of town, clown.” 🏈🎙️ pic.twitter.com/aKdN4EOUbW

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) October 30, 2026

Don’t expect any changes.

Andrew Marchand of The Athletic previously reported that Prime Video signed Herbstreit to a lucrative contract extension for the 2027 season.

“After Amazon initially inked Michaels to a three-year deal, the legendary play-by-play caller has agreed to year-to-year contracts,” Marchand wrote. “Michaels, 81, has repeatedly said he will know when it is time to retire. Herbstreit’s new contract, which includes the aforementioned outs for Amazon, is for multiple seasons and for more than eight figures per year, the sources said.”

Unless Rams coach Sean McVay comes walking through that door, Prime Video plans on running back the same broadcast crew for next fall.

During the early stages of the 2026 season, ESPN signed Buck to a six-year extension worth around $108 million. Aikman, on the other hand, hasn’t received a new deal. Their contract situations sparked an argument prior to a “Monday Night Football” broadcast, per Ryan Glasspiegel of Front Office Sports.

“On Monday night, before the Rams took on the Bills at SoFi Stadium, the site of this season’s Super Bowl, Buck “broke the ice” on this unspoken tension, and he and Aikman had an argument, a source said. It ultimately de-escalated, and the two had a broadcast in which viewers never would have been able to decipher that something was amiss,” Glasspiegel.

Fast forward to late October, and the NFL world received an update on Buck and Aikman’s rift.

According to Andrew Marchand of The Athletic, Aikman’s camp believes Buck is a “master of manipulating” and used that skill to land his extension with ESPN. Buck’s side, meanwhile, has accused Aikman of “barking orders for replays he desired.”

“You are not going to f—— talk to me?” Buck allegedly told Aikman during their dispute. “I’m not the reason you don’t have a contract.”

When Aikman allegedly complained about ESPN’s constant personnel turnover, Buck apparently replied: “They got rid of them because you were screaming at them.”

What’s next for Troy Aikman?

While at a book signing for Peter King this week, Aikman said “there’s a 50-50 chance” he won’t be on TV next year.

If Aikman doesn’t land a broadcasting gig, he could end up working for Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys.

“I would have lunch, breakfast, or dinner with Jerry any time he wants it. And it wouldn’t necessarily have to be because it’s a job interview.
Just because, you know, we go back a long way. . . . I came in, I was 22 years old. I was his very first draft pick. There’s a lot within that relationship, both from the beginning, when he began as the owner, when I began my NFL career as a quarterback for 12 years of my life, playing for him, and then, even in the years that have followed, you know, we’ve been through a lot. We’ve been through the highest of highs, we’ve been through some pretty tough moments as well. Our relationship is complicated. I think he would agree with that, but it is one that’s built, I believe, on respect. 
This week, he said some really kind things, which meant a lot to me, quite honestly. So, yeah, I would welcome any conversation with Jerry, and quite honestly I don’t know if there would be, or if there ever would be an opportunity. But if Jerry came to me and felt that, in his heart, I could lend some services that would help make them better, I would — I’d have a hard time not taking a good look at that.”

For now, Aikman is expected to finish this season as ESPN’s lead color commentator.

During the first half of Thursday’s game against the Carolina Panthers, the Pro Bowl running back scored a touchdown and immediately put his hands behind his back. Fans thought he was mimicking himself in handcuffs.

Jacobs was on the commissioner exempt list earlier this year after being arrested in Wisconsin on five charges, including felony strangulation, a misdemeanor count of assault and intimidation of a victim. Although the charges were reduced to two misdemeanors, he was accused of striking his then girlfriend in the head while she was trying to leave his garage. According to Danielle Lerner of USA Today, the Wisconsin police are “temporarily withholding” a video of Jacobs that could help the league’s investigation.

With all that being said, NFL fans were understandably disgusted by Jacobs’ behavior Thursday night. Some are even calling for the league to suspend him.

“Josh Jacobs is a disgusting human being,” one fan declared. “Acting like he was getting handcuffs put on him after he was literally arrested for domestic violence is disgusting. Just the worst celebration possible man.”

“Suspend him again he really don’t care and has no remorse,” one person said. “Great league Goodell you might as well just put out a press release that the NFL hates women.”

“I’m automatically cheering for any team playing the Packers right now, sorry, idk about y’all,” another fan wrote.

“Mens sports always get ruined by guys like this and it’s so hard to be a female fan in these leagues,” another fan commented.

“Jacobs should catch another suspension for making fun of his legal issues in a game,” a social media user added.

“I know he’s extremely remorseful, and I do believe he’s a good person.”

– Matt LaFleur on Josh Jacobs pic.twitter.com/ZUhJ6stxWu

— Sarah🐻⬇️ (@thechicagosares) October 30, 2026

Josh Jacobs explains his celebration.

Following the Packers’ 27-19 win over the Panthers, Jacobs told reporters that his touchdown celebration was inspired by a gospel song.

“They didn’t even get the whole celebration,” Jacobs said, via Pro Football Talk. “S—, it was f—–’ one second that they just showed me. But anyways, me and Savion came up with the celebration, if they would have seen the whole celebration. Basically, last week, we said the first celebration, when I score, I was gonna thank God, that’s what I did last week. Second was going to be ‘Break Every Chain.’ It’s a gospel song. That was gonna be the next celebration. It’s a correlation. The media is gonna run with it. They’re gonna make it something that it wasn’t. But it is what it is.”

Unsurprisingly, NFL fans aren’t buying that excuse from Jacobs. We’ll see if the league issues some form of discipline in the coming days.

Nearly 2 million NFL fans tuned into the telecast during a 2021 “Monday Night Football” game between the Green Bay Packers and Kansas City Chiefs. It was a record high in TV viewership for the alt-cast.

But, in 2026, the alt-cast TV ratings numbers continue to fall, as they’ve been hitting new lows.

The Peyton and Eli Manning broadcast for this past Monday’s Cowboys vs. Eagles game had around 500,000 viewers, according to Andrew Marchand of The Athletic. The official total was listed at 517,000 viewers.

It’s been a tough slide in viewership for the Mannings.

The NFL has added a Next Gen Stats broadcast to NFL Network, which is likely drawing away viewers. In Week 7, 499,000 people tuned in – a bit less than the Manning broadcast, but not by much.

But perhaps there are other factors.

NFL fans argue that the ManningCast needs to make changes

Peyton and Eli Manning are entertaining, but some fans are annoyed by the number of guests that they’ll feature on the show. They’ll bring in A-list celebrities, including former athletes, actors, musicians, etc.

But do fans want that?

“The ESPN alt casts do not bring in viewers who would otherwise not watch the game. It simply pulls viewers away from the primary broadcast. Most people want to just watch the game. Once the guests arrive for the ManningCast, it becomes a podcast with a football game playing in the background,” NFL reporter Mike Florio argued.

NFL fans seem to agree, too.

“Yeah, we don’t wanna listen to guests. We wanna listen to the Mannings talk football,” one fan argued on X.

“The guests have become too much of the show and not usually very entertaining or informative,” another fan wrote on X.

Peyton Manning could have a new role at ESPN next year…

Former NFL quarterback Chris Simms believes that Peyton Manning will ultimately be the man to replace Troy Aikman on “Monday Night Football.”

“My Spidey Senses tell me that they’re gonna hire Peyton Manning to announce games next to Joe Buck next year,” Simms said about ESPN’s future during a ProFootballTalk show with Mike Florio this week.

Ultimately, if that happens, the ManningCast will likely go away, unless Eli Manning decides to push forward with it. He could always bring his dad or brother, Cooper Manning, into the mix.

During the second quarter of action, Jordan Love completed a 53-yard pass downfield to Watson. Unfortunately, the standout wideout suffered an injury on the play. Panthers cornerback Will Lee III also went down on that play and needed help getting off the field.

That being said, NFL fans are mainly concerned for Watson right now.

According to Prime Video sideline reporter Kaylee Hartung, the Packers are rushing Watson to the hospital for further tests. The initial diagnosis is that he’s dealing with a chest injury.

“Christian Watson headed to the hospital due to chest injury now .. Prayers to Watson,” one fan wrote on X.

“Oh man this is terrible. Hoping it’s nothing too serious, and that this is just for further test purposes. Prayers up to Christian Watson,” another fan said.

Brutal blow for the Packers.

Watson has enjoyed an incredible start to the 2026 season. He came into tonight with 595 receiving yards and six touchdowns.

Prior to suffering this chest injury, Watson was on track to have a career night. In fact, he left the game with six catches for 100 yards.

With Watson sidelined for the remainder of the game, the Packers will need to run their offense through Josh Jacobs and Tucker Kraft.

On Thursday, the Bears and the Titans agreed to a blockbuster trade for star defensive tackle Jeff Simmons. The Bears are sending multiple draft picks, including some first rounders, to Tennessee in exchange for the talented defensive lineman.

“The Bears are sending two first-round picks and a fourth-rounder to the Titans for Jeff Simmons. A monster deal,” Tom Pelissero confirmed.

Simmons is a standout defensive tackle, from his ranks at the position:

• 98.9 PFN DT Impact grade (1st)
• 4.0 sacks (T-1st)
• 38 tackles (1st)
• 17.4 disruption EPA (1st)

The Bears are getting a great one.

What the Bears are getting in 29-year-old Jeffery Simmons:

🏈3x All-Pro
🏈4x Pro-Bowl selection
🏈44.5 sacks
🏈8 forced fumbles
🏈6 fumble recoveries
🏈30 pass deflections pic.twitter.com/3fOGEYklnS

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 29, 2026

The Bears, 5-2 on the season, haven’t won a Super Bowl since the 1980s. But they’re making a strong push for one this year.

Chicago fans, NFL fans praising Ben Johnson’s team for going ‘all in’

When you have a team capable of making a deep run, you want management to go all in and give the team the best chance possible.

The Bears are doing that.

“I think it’s the price you pay when you aquire one of the best defensive players in the game. Big gamble but Chicago has the QB, HC, and the talent on offense Bears are all in. I love it,” one NFL fan wrote on X.

“I get 2 first rounders is a lot but Jeffery Simmons is a dominant defensive player that anchors your entire Unit. You pray one of those firsts becomes half as good as Jeffery Simmons. Bears are going all in and I love it,” Barstool’s Big Cat shared on X.

“Good for the Titans getting all those picks in return and the Bears needed a DT in the worst way…. but man that’s a lot to give up! Hope it works out for both teams,” one fan added on X.

“You were not getting a defensive player half as good as Jeffery Simmons where the Bears will pick in the next two drafts. Well worth it. Poles had been trying to land a big time defensive player all off-season. He finally lands his guy,” another fan wrote on X.

Lions fans appear to be jealous, too.

“The #Bears, going all in to win a Super Bowl. Bring me a true bonafide CB1, Brad. The time is now. The year is now. Make this team relevant again in January. The clock continues to tick,” one fan added on X.

What do you make of Chicago’s all-in move?

In late August of 2025, the Green Bay Packers sent defensive lineman Kenny Clark, a 2026 first-round pick and a 2027 first-round pick to Dallas in exchange for Parsons. They immediately rewarded Parsons with a four-year, $188 million extension.

Even though Dallas got a respectable return for Parsons at the time, the market for defensive linemen has only gotten stronger. On Wednesday, the Chicago Bears traded their next two first-round picks and a 2027 fourth-round pick to the Tennessee Titans for All-Pro defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons.

Shortly after the Bears acquired Simmons in this blockbuster deal, Parsons’ brother posted a not-so-subtle message on social media.

“Mannn that Micah parsons trade just looks better and better… no way the cowboys don’t get 3 first and or 2 firsts and 2nd round for a 26 year old pass rusher in his prime,” Terrence Parsons Jr. wrote on X.

Where do Parsons and the Cowboys stand right now?

Parsons is still recovering from the torn ACL he suffered in December 2025. The Packers have games against the Panthers, Patriots and Vikings before their Week 11 bye.

It’s possible the Packers wait until Week 12 to unleash Parsons. A final decision hasn’t been made at this time.

As for the Cowboys, they’re still on the hunt for help at pass rusher. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, there are rumblings that “America’s Team” could pursue outside linebacker Josh Sweat of the Arizona Cardinals.

“The problem with the Cowboys is they don’t have a lot of draft picks, but they’re always looking for help,” Fowler said. “I checked in with a few league execs who believe Dallas and Josh Sweat would be perfect profile fit.”

Brown was listed as limited in Patriots practice on Wednesday with ankle and knee injuries. But on Thursday, reports out of Patriots practice indicated that he was not working out at all.

Per NFL insider Ian Rapoport, the knee injury is giving Brown real problems and his status for Sunday is “up in the air.”

“#Patriots WR AJ Brown, not spotted at practice today, is not practicing because of a knee issue that has flared up, sources say. Brown also was listed on yesterday’s injury report with an ankle. Knee was added, as well, and his status for Sunday is up in the air,” Rapoport wrote on X.

#Patriots WR AJ Brown, not spotted at practice today, is not practicing because of a knee issue that has flared up, sources say.

Brown also was listed on yesterday’s injury report with an ankle. Knee was added, as well, and his status for Sunday is up in the air. pic.twitter.com/WvVJl6S6J6

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 29, 2026

Brown on the Patriots

Assuming Brown rests against the Miami Dolphins this Sunday, he will have played in only two-and-a-half games since joining the Patriots in a blockbuster trade with the Philadelphia Eagles earlier this year.

In his Patriots debut against the Seahawks before sustaining his injury, he had three receptions for 26 yards. Brown returned to action in Week 6 against the New York Jets and had nearly identical numbers, posting three receptions for 27 yards.

Four days later, Brown recorded three receptions for a season-high 48 yards in a loss to the Chicago Bears.

With four games missed this season, Brown has already tied his own personal mark for most games missed in a season. One more game will be a new record for him, which is not the kind of history the Patriots were hoping he’d make when they pulled the trigger on that deal.

Since 2019, Brown has finished all but one season with at least 1,000 yards and seven touchdowns. That run might end this year unless he gets very healthy, very quickly.

The Patriots are 4-3 on the season and have already matched their regular-season loss total from all of last season.

Last Sunday, the Pittsburgh Steelers defeated the New Orleans Saints in the first-ever Paris game. Rodgers had 212 passing yards and a touchdown at Stade de France, delighting the French crowd with his late-game heroics.

While discussing the NFL’s global brand, Rodgers suggested the NFL should schedule a full week of international games.

“There was talk about doing a week — an international week — where you had games in 16 different places and you just added an extra bye week. So you play 16 regular-season [weeks], you have two bye weeks — one of those weeks would’ve been an international week,” Rodgers said, via ESPN.

“I think it would’ve been phenomenal for the game. Now, the owners wanted to push for 17 games for the extra revenue and because they care so much about player safety, but it would’ve been nice.”

According to Front Office Sports, NFL management and team owners don’t support Rodgers’ proposal.

“You’d be competing against yourself,” a source told Front Office Sports. “It’s a nonsensical concept.”

The NFL will continue to expand its international brand.

A week ago, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said game in Tokyo is firmly on the league’s radar.

“Listen, Tokyo is clearly on our list,” Goodell said, via NFL.com. “It’s coming at some point in the near future. We’re going to continue to focus on our priority markets, which a lot of them they’ve been in, but there are other cities; this year, we went to Rio rather than São Paulo.”

In Week 9, the Bengals and Falcons will square off in Madrid. In Week 10, the Patriots and Lions will meet in Munich.

This year’s international schedule will wrap up with the Vikings and 49ers in Mexico City.

June Jones, a longtime college football head coach and NFL head coach, has passed away, his foundation announced.

Run & Shoot Certification, the coaching clinic account built around the renowned offense he created, announced his death.

“We mourn the passing of the legendary June Jones,” the post read. “June’s greatest legacy wasn’t the records, championships, or the offense. It was the people he believed in, the opportunities he gave, and the lives he forever changed.”

Jones’ cause of death has not been announced.

Jones was the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons from 1994-96. He previously served as the offensive coordinator of the Falcons for three seasons.

Jones was best known for his time in college football, leading the Hawaii program from 1997 until 2007, and the SMU program from 2008 until 2014.

We are saddened to hear the passing of legendary #HawaiiFB Coach June Jones today.

He is UH’s winningest head coach with 76 wins, the master in the Run and Shoot Offense and a great mentor and teacher of the game.

Coach Jones was 73 years old. Rest in Aloha. pic.twitter.com/rNfnbvks9Y

— Warrior All Access (@WarriorAccess) October 29, 2026

NFL fans saddened by his passing

Fans are saddened by his passing.

“Mahalo Coach for all the wonderful memories during the glory days of UH football,” one fan wrote.

“Rest in aloha, June Jones,” one fan added on X.

“One of the pioneers of the run-and-shoot offense. I remember he started coaching Hawaii the same year I moved there. Put Hawaii football on the national map. Introduced the nation to Timmy Chang and Colt Brennan. RIP June Jones 🕊️🙏🏾🤙🏾🤙🏾🤙🏾,” one fan added.

“Rest in peace, June Jones. A pioneer of Offensive Football. The Run & Shoot fundamentally changed the way the Pass Game is taught. It gave QB’s & WR’s the freedom to adjust routes and find space. I’ll never forget staying up until 2am EST watching his Hawaii teams score 60+ Legend,” another shared on X.

Our thoughts are with his friends and family members.

May he rest in peace.

Taking to X in the aftermath of the trade, which saw the Bears send two future first-round picks to the Tennessee Titans for Simmons, NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported that he has spoken to multiple team executives and now believes that the period leading to the November 10 trade deadline “will be even crazier than anticipated.” Schultz explained that Chicago’s “all-in move” is expected to have a domino effect that encourages other teams to make bold moves in response.

“After talking to several NFL teams and GMs over the last hour, my expectation is the trade deadline will be even crazier than anticipated. Chicago’s all-in move will cause other teams to react and try to be bold as well,” Schultz wrote. “In the words of one source: ‘All hell is going to break loose over the next week and a half. Get your popcorn ready.’”

After talking to several NFL teams and GMs over the last hour, my expectation is the trade deadline will be even crazier than anticipated. Chicago’s all-in move will cause other teams to react and try to be bold as well.

In the words of one source: “All hell is going to break… https://t.co/BaoltuBFUt

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) October 29, 2026

Are there any more moves to make?

That may sound nice as a text message, but it’s hard to find other players that are believed to be available that are likely to offer the kind of big impact that trades for guys like Simmons, Quenton Nelson and DeForest Buckner will.

The name on everyone’s board is Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor. The three-time Pro Bowler and former NFL rushing champion is the last remaining superstar on a Colts team that has been engaged in a fire sale this week. Nelson and Buckner were moved as the team retools for an upcoming rebuild with a new regime this offseason. Taylor could be the final piece to the puzzle for a team that has a weak rushing attack.

But Taylor might be the only one.

Few, if any, of the other defenders on the market are big-impact stars that people would see as game-changing. And the only other offensive players are wide receivers, who are always hit-or-miss.

Nobody is going to trade a quarterback if he’s any good.

Then again, there’s usually one player who nobody projected as a trade target who comes out of nowhere and gets dealt. Most of the time he’s average, but sometimes he’s great.

Are we really going to need to “get the popcorn ready” for the trade deadline?

Earlier this NFL season there were reports of a pregame “blowup” between the two NFL broadcasters and a deteriorating relationship between them. Fans have struggled to find any hint of such friction between them as they call the games, but a new report insists that things are getting rocky.

According to Dylan Byers of Puck via Awful Announcing, a source described the situation between the two broadcasters as “not a tension-free zone.” This comes amid ongoing dialogue with ESPN leadership to try and calm the waters between them.

Nevertheless, Aikman is currently believed to be nearly guaranteed to go elsewhere next season, if not to an ESPN competitor, then off to do his own thing.

Joe Buck, Troy Aikman tension reportedly persists behind the scenes https://t.co/X1gGCQ2Ruz

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) October 29, 2026

Aikman vs. Buck

The reported friction between Buck and Aikman this NFL season stems from their differing contract situations at ESPN.

In September, Buck reportedly agreed to a six-year, $108 million extension, while Aikman, whose five-year contract pays him $18 million annually, had not received a formal extension offer.

Aikman said he had expected his contract to be resolved before the season and later acknowledged that he would become a free agent after ESPN’s Super Bowl broadcast in February 2027.

The tension reportedly became an open confrontation before ESPN’s October 13 broadcast of the Buffalo Bills–Los Angeles Rams game. Front Office Sports initially reported that the pair argued, while a subsequent investigation by Puck offered more detail, claiming Aikman felt blindsided because Buck’s deal had been negotiated months earlier without informing him.

According to that report, Buck eventually apologized to the production team for losing his temper, but Aikman did not offer a reciprocal apology. Neither man has publicly detailed the argument, and ESPN has declined to comment on their contract negotiations.

Halloween weekend is one of the most popular “going out” weekends of the year for college students and young adults. Men and women will dress up in costumes, hit the bars and have a good time.

However, Halloween can also be a dangerous time for people, especially women, given the dangers of going out.

Gia Duddy, the ex-girlfriend of former NFL Draft pick Will Levis, is warning women to stay safe this weekend.

“my mom told me I should share this trick I do. stay safe, love you🫶🏼,” she posted on her TikTok page.

Duddy shared that she’ll cover a drink with a wet napkin, putting a straw through the napkin, to prevent her drink from getting spiked.

Fans are appreciative of the tip

“I’m a bartender and ppl get confused sometimes why i do this when they walk away from their drinks so hopefully this gives them some clarity,” one fan wrote in her TikTok comment section.

“Sad world we live in🫣 stay safe,” another fan wrote on TikTok.

“That’s so smart,” another fan shared.

Duddy, who is dating a member of the Cincinnati Bengals, is going to have a busy weekend.

The Bengals, 4-2 on the season, will be taking on the Tennessee Titans on Sunday afternoon. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. E.T.

Apple Music and the NFL confirmed this week that Jay-Z will headline the halftime show on Feb. 14, 2027. There were rumors about Justin Bieber or Miley Cyrus potentially performing at SoFi Stadium, but the iconic rapper responsible for its such as “99 Problems” and “Run This Town” will have the honor of anchoring the halftime show.

“For several years, we’ve had the privilege of working closely with Jay-Z and Roc Nation, and I’ve seen the extraordinary impact he has had on the Super Bowl Halftime Show,” said NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. “When we first reached an agreement with Roc Nation to produce the show, I had just one request: that Jay-Z take the stage himself one day, whenever the moment felt right to him. I couldn’t be more excited for fans around the world to experience the artistry, creativity and cultural impact he will bring to the Super Bowl stage.”

Some NFL fans have voiced their displeasure over this decision. They claim Jay-Z is past his prime and no longer relevant in the music industry.

Earlier this week, Jemele Hill fired back at anyone questioning the league’s decision to go with Jay-Z for the Super Bowl halftime show.

“So now y’all trying to act like Jay-Z — who most people consider to be the greatest rapper EVER — isn’t relevant enough to be the Super Bowl halftime performer? And is a nepotism hire?” Hill wrote on X. “Respectfully, that’s just stupid. Also: When Roger Goodell partnered with Roc Nation, he said then he hoped one day he’d be the Super Bowl halftime performer.”

Don’t doubt Jay-Z.

Jay-Z has helped shape the halftime shows for the Super Bowl since August of 2019. There’s no question he knows what works on the big stage.

Over the past few years, Bad Bunny, Kendrick Lamar and Jennifer Lopez have gone viral for their performances on Super Bowl Sunday.

We have no doubt Jay-Z will put together a great show that’ll include some celebrity guests.

Taking to Instagram this week, Lauren Bailey posted a tribute to her late husband and shared that the entire family is still “devastated” by his passing on October 20.

“I still can’t even say the words out loud,” Lauren wrote, via the New York Post. “Thank you for all of the messages, calls, flowers, thoughts, prayers, food, hugs, wiped tears, memories, love and support that’s been shared. We are all devastated. My husband was widely loved and will be missed by EVERYONE.

“He is the most incredible man I have ever met. My person. He made me believe in soulmates. I am so grateful I got to experience such an everlasting passionate love.

“This is going to always be a sting in my heart and a punch to the gut. But I will never question the power of our maker. I love you so very much Allen. My Bailey. My Shooby. My Hulk.

“The peace of Jesus Christ is the only way I’ve been able to endure this pain.”

Allen Bailey’s ‘devastated’ wife makes emotional first comments since NFL husband’s death https://t.co/kEKUTsYqWA pic.twitter.com/9Rp0nVvnk2

— New York Post (@nypost) October 29, 2026

Tributes

Bailey played 10 NFL seasons, the first eight of which were with the Chiefs, who drafted him in the 3rd round of the 2011 NFL Draft, and the final two with the Atlanta Falcons. Both teams have since released statements offering their condolences.

“Allen Bailey was an excellent teammate, generous man, and kind soul,” the Chiefs said in their post on X. “We’re deeply saddened to hear of his passing, and our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.”

“Rest in peace, Allen Bailey. We send our deepest condolences to his family and friends,” the Falcons wrote a short time later.

Bailey played in 133 games, starting 70, and finished his career with 22.0 sacks, four forced fumbles, six passes defended, 248 tackles, 40 tackles for loss and 40 QB hits.

Our hearts go out to Bailey’s family and loved ones.

According to one general manager of an NFC team, it absolutely did.

Following reports of the trade, NFL insider Jordan Schultz shared a message he received from an anonymous general manager, offering “respect” to the Bears for the move. The GM then declared that the Simmons acquisition makes them “a Super Bowl roster for this year and for years to come.”

“Respect to the Bears for doing that. That offense with this defense now makes them a Super Bowl roster for this year and for years to come without a doubt,” the GM said.

Text from an NFC GM:

“Respect to the Bears for doing that. That offense with this defense now makes them a Super Bowl roster for this year and for years to come without a doubt.” https://t.co/BaoltuCdK1

— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) October 29, 2026

The Deal

Chicago made a pretty hefty investment into Simmons. The Bears have sent the Titans two first-round draft picks (2027 and 2028) and a 2027 fourth-round pick in exchange for Simmons and a 2028 fifth-round pick.

The trade marks the first time in modern NFL history that a team has traded multiple first-round picks in exchange for a defensive tackle.

That said, the Bears are still getting one of the league’s better defensive tackles. Since 2021, Simmons has made four Pro Bowls and three All-Pro selections, including a First-Team All-Pro selection last year.

In eight seasons, Simmons has appeared in 106 games and recorded 46.5 sacks, 31 passes defended, nine forced fumbles, seven fumble recoveries, 414 tackles, 72 tackles for loss and 96 QB hits.

Simmons may not be John Randle or Deacon Jones, but he’s widely regarded as one of the best defensive tackles in the league right now. He now goes from a Titans defense that has been average at best to a team that currently ranks in the top-10.

In a recent article for The Sports Geek, writer Finn Archer ranked AT&T Stadium as No. 1 on a list of the “The 10 Most Haunted Sports Stadiums in the US and Canada.”

Archer revealed that AT&T Stadium received “the highest possible score for published ghost stories” and is the subject of multiple “unsettling accounts” from former employees.

The Dallas Cowboys finally lead the nation in something: ghosts.

🔗 https://t.co/p4hGk92IvC pic.twitter.com/TMmUJ3IOwS

— Dallas Observer (@dallas_observer) October 28, 2026

Is AT&T Stadium haunted?

First there is the case of former stadium employee Selena Sixtos, who for years has maintained that she once heard someone moving inside a restroom stall late at night, only to find that the stall was empty.

Then there are accounts that staff members have seen “mysterious shadows,” “unexplained voices” and “approaching footsteps.”

One employee claims to have seen dishes in the stadium kitchen rise into the air and then crash to the floor, which reportedly frightened some workers into quitting on the spot.

There’s also the curious case of the Tom Landry cold spot. The Hall of Fame coach, who team owner Jerry Jones fired in one of his first acts, has a room named in his honor that staffers have reportedly said has an “unexplained cold spot” and has some believing that his spirit haunts the place.

It certainly doesn’t help that AT&T Stadium was built less than half a mile from the Keystone Cemetery.

Lastly, there is the unfortunate death that took place at AT&T Stadium during its construction. Electrician Timothy Mackinnon accidentally touched a power line while performing an electrical test, and died 11 months before the stadium was completed. However, even Archer noted that there has been no connection noticed between Mackinnon’s passing and the alleged hauntings of the stadium.

Do you think AT&T Stadium is haunted?

The Super Bowl-winning head coach is suing the National Football League for his ousting from his job with the Las Vegas Raiders, stemming from leaked emails in which Gruden took shots at Roger Goodell and others.

The case, which has been ongoing for years, was moving forward in August. However, the judge presiding over the case criticized Gruden and his attorneys for a “lack of compliance with the rules.”

Now, according to a transcript of a recent hearing obtained by Michael McCann of Sportico, the judge appears to believe that Gruden could be hiding evidence.

The main focal point of the recent hearing is a BlackBerry phone. It previously existed, but now, apparently it does not.

“So did your client lie to you about a BlackBerry?” Judge Hardy said at one point.

“It’s not a lie, Your Honor, it’s a mistake,” Gruden’s attorney, Adam Hosmer-Henner, responded. “And what [Gruden] told me is that he had an old BlackBerry that he couldn’t turn on.”

The judge appears to be growing frustrated with Gruden

The judge presiding over the case appears to be growing frustrated with Gruden and his legal team.

“Did anybody from your office ever check to see if there was an actual BlackBerry?” Judge Hardy asked Hosmer-Henner.

“Mr. Gruden resides in Florida,” Hosmer-Henner said. “We did not send an individual to rummage around his house to look for a BlackBerry. And what we did do is promptly respond to interrogatory responses providing all this information. With regard to the forensic collection, Mr. Gruden was at an event at the White House last week. He flew back that night in order to allow the forensic examiners selected by the NFL to go through his electronic devices and —”

“So let me interject there, too, because if you can’t tell, this process is frustrating,” Judge Hardy said. “And you, on behalf of your client, keep saying things that seem to indicate, well, Mr. Gruden is super important and super special. And, you know, we should accommodate his schedule. For example, you just mentioned, well, he was at an event at the White House.”

The judge sent a clear message to Gruden and his team.

“We have no reason to trust representations by Mr. Gruden.”

ProFootballTalk’s Mike Florio didn’t hold back on Gruden.

“So, no, it’s not going well for Gruden. And it’s his own fault. At best, he has failed to honor the duty to comply with the rules of the legal process he initiated. At worst — and as the judge undoubtedly suspects — Gruden possibly is trying to hide a device that may contain communications that could hurt, if not kill, his entire case,” he wrote.

Gruden is seeking millions from the NFL in his lawsuit, but if he ends up losing his case, he could be the one who ends up having to pay big.

Simmons has been outstanding for the Titans, racking up 414 tackles, 46.5 sacks and nine forced fumbles since going pro in 2019. In order to acquire this type of talent, the Bears had to part ways with serious draft assets.

According to NFL insider Tom Pelissero, the Bears are sending two first-round picks and a fourth-round pick to the Titans in exchange for Simmons.

Simmons was asked about his future prior to Thursday’s trade. He had a very mature response about his situation in Tennessee.

“Each and every day I wake up, my goal is just to be where my feet are at. Never looking ahead, just be in the moment,” Simmons told reporters. “Each and every day, from game day, my goal is never changing. I don’t worry about the things that I can’t control. Those type of things are also a distraction. That’s a lot of fans and outside media. I haven’t heard anything from my agent. I haven’t heard anything from this organization. As far as I know, I’m gonna be here. I could be that type of guy to say, ‘I want out,’ or I could be the type of guy to stay here in my leadership and everything to help turn things back around.”

Serious arms race in the NFC.

On Tuesday, the Seattle Seahawks acquired eight-time Pro Bowl guard Quenton Nelson from the Indianapolis Colts in exchange for a 2027 third-round pick and a 2028 fifth-round pick.

The San Francisco 49ers, meanwhile, sent a 2027 fourth-round pick to the Colts for three-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle DeForest Buckner.

Now that Simmons is on the Bears, it’s safe to say the NFC playoffs will be an all-out war.

During the latest episode of “The Edge” podcast, Parsons addressed the Kansas City Chiefs’ blowout loss to the Seattle Seahawks. He didn’t hold back on the Chiefs and their lackluster offense, which had just 213 total yards and a turnover in Week 7.

Even though Parsons has respect for Patrick Mahomes, he said Kansas City’s offense doesn’t scare him at all.

“The Chiefs don’t scare me,” Parson said. “Watching that game, I was not scared. They need someone who’s able to take the top off [the defense].”

Unsurprisingly, Parsons received a lot of criticism for these remarks. While fans don’t necessarily disagree with his take, they find it a bit odd that he’s making these statements without even playing a single snap this season.

“Retirement looks good on Micah,” one fan said.

“I genuinely forgot he’s saying this from a place of being an active player on an opposing team,” a second person replied.

“Current players doing podcasts talking about other teams will never sit right with me, I hate this era of players. Shut up and rush the passer,” another person commented.

“How can you say this when you haven’t played a game in over a year,” another fan wrote.

“The Chiefs don’t scare me.”

Micah Parsons thinks Kansas City is missing something 👀

Full episode: https://t.co/liBdCEsqa1 pic.twitter.com/j9o68rH6V4

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) October 28, 2026

The Chiefs are looking to bounce back.

Mahomes is well aware that his performance against the Seahawks (165 yards and an interception) isn’t going to fly on a weekly basis. He’ll need to be much better this Sunday against the Denver Broncos.

“You got your tail kicked,” Mahomes said, via SB Nation. “Didn’t execute offensively, especially around that midfield area. Kept us away from a lot of points, or at least enough points to be competitive. But it’s stuff you’ve got to learn from. That’s obviously a really good defense, and we didn’t execute at a high enough level to have success.”

If the Chiefs want to maintain their division lead over the Broncos, they’ll need to take care of business in the Mile High City this weekend.

Rivers, 44, shocked NFL fans last year when he came out of retirement to play for the Indianapolis Colts. The eight-time Pro Bowler proved he could still sling it at a respectable level, but he chose to retire a second time so he can resume his career as a coach. He even interviewed with the Buffalo Bills for their head coaching vacancy.

Although a deal isn’t imminent at this time, Rivers has emerged as a candidate for NC State’s coaching job. His alma mater fired Dave Doeren after a 3-4 start to the 2026 season.

On Thursday morning, college football analyst Danny Kanell urged NC State to hire Rivers as its next football coach.

“I know Philip Rivers hasn’t coached in college. But I think he makes a ton of sense for NC State. He has built up a winning program in high school. He would wake up potential donors. It insures you keep his son there and could build on for multiple years. The dude is a winner,” Kanell said. “Not to mention he would bring a ton of eyeballs to NC State on TV which matters in the ACC.”

Former NC State quarterback Mike Glennon would also like to see Rivers coach the Wolfpack next season.

“I didn’t grow up an NC State fan, but when I got to campus, I quickly learned there’s a Mount Rushmore of NC State, and it’d probably be Jim Valvano and a few others. Definitely on there, is Philip Rivers, and he may be number one,” Glennon said on Sirius XM, via On3. “Like the people around Raleigh and NC State, he is on a pedestal that I don’t even know if Jimmy V is on. That they love this guy, and to raise money, I don’t think there is another person in the country right now that could raise money for NC State fans like what Philip Rivers would do.”

Philip Rivers would be an intriguing option for NC State.

Rivers had a great career with the Wolfpack, throwing for 13,484 yards and 95 touchdowns from 2000-2003. Although he doesn’t have experience coaching at the collegiate level, he’s been leading St. Michael Catholic High School’s football team since 2021.

It’s worth noting that Rivers’ son, Gunner, is currently committed to NC State for the 2027 season.

Maybe, just maybe, the father-son duo of Phillip and Gunner will make NC State’s football team respectable again.

The legendary NFL quarterback and the iconic Victoria’s Secret model have been dating since June, reports confirmed this week. US Weekly first reported that Brady, 49, and Swanepoel, 38, had been seeing each other a lot. TMZ confirmed that the couple has been dating for five months.

“Sources familiar with the situation tell TMZ … it’s an open secret in the Miami scene that Tom and Candice have been seeing each other since June — when several FIFA World Cup matches were played in the Sunshine State,” TMZ reported.

“Our sources say the two haven’t been gallivanting around South Beach or Wynwood restaurants — places where they’d no doubt be photographed. Instead, we’re told they’re sticking to low-profile joints near Indian Creek … a neighborhood about 30 minutes from South Beach where the rich and famous love to hang out — and where the pair can basically go incognito so they’re not bothered.”

But while the couple appears to be happy, there’s apparently already some “tension” brewing.

Page Six reported this week that Swanepoel’s former close friend of 15 years, Joan Smalls, previously “hooked up” with Brady. The report claims that while Brady was with Smalls, Swanepoel “gave her a hard time” and “repeatedly” encouraged her to break up with him.

Brady and Swanepoel are now together.

The Daily Mail reports that there’s now some “tension” in the relationship, which isn’t great just a couple of weeks in.

Brady, Swanepoel had been comfortable being single

Brady and Swanepoel had been comfortable being single.

“I don’t have much time for a personal life or much time for myself, but I love working, and I love my kids,” Brady told People in January. “I like to be busy and try to really stay fulfilled in the things I’m doing, so I’m working on some really cool projects and I’m involved with some great teams of people that are doing some really positive things.”

“My oldest [son] is 18. But seeing him thrive and grow, and there’s nothing greater for a parent when you’re seeing your kids do well. I’m so blessed in so many parts of my life.”

Swanepoel, meanwhile, said similar things.

“Life is a constant search for balance, for me at least, and yes I do sometimes feel overwhelmed, but I’m very in tune with my children’s needs, then my own personal needs, which are also important,” she told V magazine in 2023. “Sometimes it’s easy to forget. I’ve realized to be a better mother, I know I need to also take care of myself, whether that be about my [physical] health or mental health or being able to excel in my career and business because it brings me joy and so my children have begun to understand that too.”

She added, “I think it’s very healthy and important for them to see everything I do. One of my most vivid memories as a child was seeing my father wake up at 4 a.m. to take care of our farm and his dedication and drive is something that is now part of me and something I hope they will learn from me.”

The couple appears to be happy together now, though every relationship will have its ups and downs.

Front Office Sports reported on Wednesday that the NFL owner made $1.56 million in donations to President Trump and other Republican campaigns.

“Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, a longtime Republican donor, gave $1 million to Trump’s MAGA Inc., and another half million in Texas races, including $250,000 to a PAC supporting Paxton in a tight Senate race against Democrat James Talarico,” they reported.

Jerry’s son, Stephen, also made some donations.

“Jones’s son Jerry Jones Jr. gave $50,000 to Paxton’s primary opponent, Cornyn, and $100,000 to Sen. Ten Cruz’s political action committee. The younger Jones gave more than $300,000 in total to Republicans, both in Texas and nationally,” they reported.

Jones has made serious donations in the past, too.

Earlier this month, the three-time Super Bowl-winning owner made a $10 million donation to the Clinton Foundation.

“Jones announced the donation during an appearance with Clinton at the Little Rock Touchdown Club, a football club in their home state of Arkansas that meets weekly,” Forbes reported.

“The donation will be put toward modernization efforts at the Clinton Presidential Center and benefit the Clinton School of Public Service, both of which are in Little Rock, Arkansas, according to a statement from the Clinton Foundation.”

Jones is still optimistic about the Cowboys this season, too

Jones said on 103.5 The Fan this week that he would love to make another deal, after trading for Steelers star Joey Porter Jr.

However, while Jones is all-in, he feels a trade is unlikely.

“If we could do it where we sit right now, I would add to it,” Jones said, per DallasCowboys.com. “But the adding to it is a big statement. It’s unlikely we’ll get the opportunity from outside coming in. But if it’s there, I’ll do it.”

The Cowboys will take on the Cardinals at 1 p.m. E.T. on Sunday.

Speaking to the media on Wednesday, Willis dismissed the idea that getting their first win of the season was something worth celebrating throughout the week. He said that the goal has to be to get better and start stacking wins.

“We’re 1-5, so it’s not like we won the Super Bowl,” Willis said. “We’ve got to continue to get better, continue to work. We want to stack more of those, and to do that we’ve got to continue to get better from what we put on tape this past week and the weeks before that. That’s what’s important, keeping the focus on let’s try to go 1-0 this week. That’s what it’s about now.

“Just continue to focus, 24 hours after the game, you’ve got to focus on the next week. We’ve got another game coming this week, and if we’re stuck worrying about that, we won’t get any better. We lost five games in a row and we continued to get better, so after we win a game we have to try to get better.”

🎥 Malik Willis on not over celebrating following the first win of the season: “We’re 1-5. It’s not like we won the Super Bowl, we got to continue to get better and continue to work.” (@MiamiDolphins) #PhinsUp pic.twitter.com/W8u4raAYCj

— FinsXtra (@FinsXtra) October 28, 2026

Was there any celebrating after the win?

That isn’t to say that the Dolphins were all somber and filled with frowns after beating the Jets and ending their winless run. Willis said that the team celebrated in the locker room after the win, but indicated that the celebrations didn’t extend beyond that.

“We did a good job celebrating as a team in the locker room after the game,” Willis said. “That’s when you have the most excitement, the most joy from putting it out there, putting it on the line for 60 minutes. All the guys celebrated and we had a good time.”

Unfortunately, the Dolphins might find wins few and far between moving forward. They play the Patriots on Sunday, then the Lions before a winnable game against the Colts.

After that it’s Bills, Jets, Broncos, Bears, Packers, Chargers, Bills again and finally the Patriots again.

That looks to be about three or four winnable games and they’re not even guaranteed to win all of those games regardless.

Will Sunday’s win wind up being their last of the season?

Even though Tucker made 89.1% of his field goal attempts with the Baltimore Ravens, he’s been unsigned since the end of the 2024 season due to allegations of misconduct during massage sessions. The Baltimore Banner reported that 16 massage therapists accused him of sexual misconduct that allegedly took place between 2012-2016.

During this Wednesday’s press conference, a reporter asked Mahomes about his rift with Tucker prior to the AFC Championship Game in January 2024. He confirmed that he has no beef with his new teammate.

“We haven’t had a lot of conversations because he’s obviously on the Ravens and I was on the Chiefs,” Mahomes said, via A to Z Sports. “But it wasn’t like we ever had any beef or anything like that. I think at that moment it was just competitors being competitors. It was a big moment for everybody’s career, and you’re playing the AFC Championship Game. And he’s been a big, big-time kicker for a long time. Me and Trav were obviously competing, and we wanted to go out there and win. And that stuff happened. But then you move on from that. I mean, at the end of the day, we’re just playing a game, and you want to compete, and you want to win. But it wasn’t like we had some like long-standing beef that kind of carried over after the game. It’s kind of we won that game, and then I was on to the Super Bowl. So there’s nothing hostile, I guess you would say, moving forward from that.”

As for the signing, Mahomes did a good job of avoiding any controversial statements.

“I try not to get too high or too low on anything, but I know (Brett) Veach and them do a great job of bringing great players in,” Mahomes said. “But for me, it was about the Denver Broncos, and moving on, and continuing to get better. We have a lot of stuff that we have to clean up, and I think that’s the the biggest thing for us is trying to clean up for this big game that we have.”

Kansas City needs better kicking.

The Chiefs are hoping Tucker can provide a spark, especially since Harrison Butker has made just 11 of 16 field goal attempts this season.

That being said, Chiefs coach Andy Reid isn’t interested in answering questions about Tucker’s off-field situation.

“I’m not going to get into all of that,” Reid said. “To bring him in here, I did some homework. He’s here and he’s on the practice squad, so we roll with it.”

We’ll see if Tucker gets called up to the active roster for this Sunday’s game against the Broncos.

Speaking to the media on Wednesday, Ravens head coach Jesse Minter said that Jackson was able to “get some work in” but would have a better update near the end of the day. He said that Jackson’s increasing work gives him extra optimism.

“He was able to get some work in, but I think that’ll come out around 4 [p.m.],” Minter said.

“I think the more you’re able to do and respond from and feel from, certainly raises your optimism. But again, we’ll kind of see how it goes throughout the week.”

“He was able to get some work in.” Coach Minter on QB Lamar Jackson pic.twitter.com/sTdfrwcKNm

— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) October 28, 2026

The Ravens without Jackson

After Jackson left at halftime of the Titans game, backup Tyler Huntley finished the game and kept the team in front for the win. He didn’t need to do much, only throwing nine passes in the 24-18 win.

The following week Huntley was able to lead the Ravens to an overtime win over the Atlanta Falcons, completing 24 of 32 passes for 201 yards and two touchdowns while adding 20 rushing yards and another touchdown in a 30-23 win.

Unfortunately, the Ravens offense took major steps back in the two games that followed. The team mustered only 10 points in a Week 6 loss to the Cleveland Browns and were blown out 35-13 in Sunday’s loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.

In those two losses, Huntley has mustered only one touchdown each and a total of 463 yards in that span.

The Ravens will need more over the next two weeks though. They play the Buffalo Bills on the road this Sunday and follow that up with a game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Thursday.

The Ravens will probably feel a lot better having Jackson for those games.

Wilson has been productive for the Jets this season, hauling in 37 passes for 444 yards and three touchdowns. However, he only had three targets in Sunday’s 28-25 loss to the Dolphins.

Over the past 48 hours, fans have been speculating about Wilson’s future with the Jets. Some people, including former Seahawks star Russell Wilson, urged him to force a trade to the Chiefs or 49ers.

“If I’m Garrett Wilson, I’m going to the Kansas City Chiefs,” the former Pro Bowl quarterback said. “As you saw on Sunday Night Football, they were struggling to catch the football. You don’t see Patrick Mahomes getting frustrated too often. They need a big receiver, and Garrett Wilson is that guy.”

Wilson was asked on Wednesday if he’s asked for a trade. Although he tried to defuse the rumors, he acknowledged that he can’t control the narrative outside of the team’s facility.

“No,” Wilson said. “I see the stuff on social media as well. I’m big on controlling what I can control. We saw it last year – we’ve seen it through the history of time. I try to control what I can control – go out and run good routes, catch the ball when it’s thrown my way, have a good impact on my teammates.”

The Jets shouldn’t be in a hurry to trade Garrett Wilson.

The Jets signed Wilson to a $130 million contract that runs through the 2030 season. They shouldn’t feel any pressure to make a move before the Nov. 10 deadline.

If the Jets receive an offer they can’t refuse, like they did with Sauce Gardner last year, maybe a blockbuster trade could materialize.

For now though, Wilson sounds committed to the Jets despite their 2-5 start to the season.

Tucker, 37, played for the Baltimore Ravens from 2012-2024, making 417 of 468 field goal attempts. He was widely regarded as the best kicker of the 2010s, but he was released after The Baltimore Banner reported that 16 massage therapists accused him of sexual misconduct.

According to The Baltimore Banner, the alleged misconduct involving Tucker took place between 2012-2016. Tucker has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing.

“I did not act inappropriately at any point before, during, or after a professional bodywork treatment session, nor have I ever been told I am unwelcome at any massage therapy provider,” Tucker told OutKick. “I absolutely respect the massage therapy profession and more so the individuals who work as massage therapists.”

Despite that denial from Tucker, he doesn’t have a ton of support from the NFL world. Even Fox Sports personality and Chiefs fan Nick Wright is against him playing this season.

“Going on the record that I hope Justin Tucker never plays a snap for the Chiefs,” Wright wrote on X. “For those wondering, I feel the same way about Tyreek. If you want to hear my deeper thoughts about a potential Tyreek signing (many apply to Tucker), I did them 2 weeks ago, and here they are.”

Going on the record that I hope Justin Tucker never plays a snap for the Chiefs.

For those wondering, I feel the same way about Tyreek.

If you want to hear my deeper thoughts about a potential Tyreek signing (many apply to Tucker), I did them 2 weeks ago, and here they are.…

— nick wright (@getnickwright) October 28, 2026

Andy Reid was asked about Tucker’s situation off the field.

During this Wednesday’s media availability, Chiefs coach Andy Reid reminded the public that Tucker served a 10-game suspension for violating the league’s personal conduct policy.

While there are plenty of people questioning this signing, Reid isn’t interested in getting into all the allegations surrounding Tucker.

“I’m not going to get into all of that,” Reid said. “To bring him in here, I did some homework. He’s here and he’s on the practice squad, so we roll with it.”

The Chiefs have not yet announced if Tucker will play this Sunday against the Broncos.

On Tuesday, Prime Movies released a new 37-second trailer for the movie, which features Cage as Madden doing a classic play breakdown using the Telestrator alongside longtime partner Pat Summerall (played by Joel Murray).

But as most fans who saw the clip noted, Cage barely looked like Madden at all and didn’t even seem to make an effort in trying to imitate his signature voice.

And football commentary was never the same. #MaddenMovie. November 18. pic.twitter.com/ywUVTnYtkf

— Prime Movies (@primemovies) October 27, 2026

Complaints and Jokes Pour In

The post has over 7.3 million views on X in the last 24 hours and nearly all of the thousands of responses range from mockery to complaining:

“I mean this is basically a desecration of Madden’s legacy. Astoundingly bad,” one user on X wrote.

“That’s a really bad impersonation job of John Madden. How did this get greenlit?” wrote another.

“The Norm Macdonald School of putting no effort into an impersonation,” a third wrote.

“I’ve never pushed for a movie to not be released… but John Madden deserves better. This is an embarrassment to his legacy.”

“Might actually be the worst impression ever.”

There were serious questions about the casting choices as soon as it was announced that Cage would be playing the Hall of Fame coach and color commentator.

Even with a pretty solid supporting cast that includes the likes of Christian Bale, Kathryn Hahn and comedian Shane Gillis, the movie is likely to be dead on arrival if the title character doesn’t resonate with the audience.

It might wind up being a good thing that the movie is getting only a limited theater release before Prime Video starts streaming it because the numbers could wind up looking rough.

Players from the team, along with their significant others, dressed up in costumes. 49ers star pass rusher Nick Bosa and his girlfriend, model Ella Ailiff, stunned in a cartoon-themed costume pairing.

The couple was dressed as Crimson Chin and his sidekick, Cleft the Boy Chin Wonder, from the Nickelodeon hit cartoon show “Fairly OddParents.”

The girlfriend of the 49ers star shared some behind-the-scenes footage from the costume on TikTok.

“You either get me or you don’t,” she captioned one of the videos.

NFL fans loved the costumes

NFL fans loved the costumes, taking to social media to weigh in on their Halloween outfits, with some fans begging Bosa’s girlfriend to get him back on the field.

“can you tell Bosa to pls play football again? we miss him. thank you pretty please!” one fan commented.

“So stunning!” one fan added.

The 49ers are hoping to get Bosa back

49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan said last week that Bosa will hopefully return within a few weeks. He has been out since a calf injury suffered at practice in Week 3.

“I just think he was a bit too optimistic especially for Bosa cause he’s pretty accurate, he doesn’t say stuff like that unless it’s accurate and I just think it surprised him,” Shanahan said last week. “He worked out after he said that to you guys, and the next day he was sore, which surprised all of us, and that was not a great sign especially playing on turf, I just think he was too optimistic.”

John Lynch said this week that Bosa is on the right track.

“He has got to go through the week of practice. He is tracking well to be back,” Lynch said. “The goal is to have him back and keep him back because he is a difference maker when he’s on the field.”

The 49ers are 6-1 on the year.

Despite signing Joe Buck to a six-year extension worth around $108 million, ESPN hasn’t show any urgency when it comes to signing Aikman to a new deal. According to Ryan Glasspiegel of Front Office Sports, there’s tension brewing between Buck and Aikman due to their respective contract situations.

“There’s probably a time and a place for all that. I don’t know if now is the time. I don’t know if it’s hard to figure out kind of what happened,” Aikman said when asked about his contract situation. “I’ll broadcast through this season and I’ll be a free agent at the end of the year and kind of see what happens. I’m looking forward to whatever the rest of this season does hold and the Super Bowl and all that and where my next landing spot may be.”

During this Wednesday’s episode of “PFT Live,” Mike Florio predicted that Greg Olsen will replace Aikman as ESPN’s lead color commentator for “Monday Night Football.”

Chris Simms, meanwhile, believes Peyton Manning will join ESPN’s broadcast booth in 2027.

“My spidey senses tell me they’re going to hire Peyton Manning to replace Troy Aikman next year,” Simms said. “I’d imagine they’ve got their guy lined up.”

What about Troy Aikman?

Even though Aikman has been a broadcaster for decades, there’s no guarantee he’ll move onto another TV gig.

For what it’s worth, Aikman has expressed interest in working for Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys.

“I would have lunch, breakfast, or dinner with Jerry any time he wants it. And it wouldn’t necessarily have to be because it’s a job interview.
Just because, you know, we go back a long way. . . . I came in, I was 22 years old. I was his very first draft pick. There’s a lot within that relationship, both from the beginning, when he began as the owner, when I began my NFL career as a quarterback for 12 years of my life, playing for him, and then, even in the years that have followed, you know, we’ve been through a lot. We’ve been through the highest of highs, we’ve been through some pretty tough moments as well. Our relationship is complicated. I think he would agree with that, but it is one that’s built, I believe, on respect. 
This week, he said some really kind things, which meant a lot to me, quite honestly. So, yeah, I would welcome any conversation with Jerry, and quite honestly I don’t know if there would be, or if there ever would be an opportunity. But if Jerry came to me and felt that, in his heart, I could lend some services that would help make them better, I would — I’d have a hard time not taking a good look at that.”

Jones has already referred to Aikman as someone who is “very capable.” We’ll see if he hires him in some capacity next offseason.

As of October 2026, the most substantial updates involve the Current’s expanding sports and media footprint, Mahomes’ recognition for women’s leadership, and a series of personal updates involving her health, family and public appearances.

Why Is Brittany Mahomes In The News?

Mahomes is in the news because several parts of her public career are moving at once. She remains a co-owner of the Kansas City Current, appeared on the February 2026 digital cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, and received the inaugural Champion for Change Award from United WE in May 2026.

The award recognized her work as an entrepreneur, investor and advocate for women’s professional sports. United WE also noted her appointment to the NWSL Advisory Board and her induction into the University of Texas at Tyler Athletics Hall of Fame in 2026.

Her sports profile grew again in July and August, when the Current opened KC Current Studios at Current Landing. The club describes the facility as a home for original programming, podcasts, interviews, broadcasts and community education tied to women’s sports.

What Businesses Does Brittany Mahomes Run?

Mahomes’ independent business background began in fitness. The Kansas City Current identifies her as a certified personal trainer and fitness entrepreneur who launched an online training program in 2019.

That path followed a sports career of her own. She played collegiate soccer at the University of Texas at Tyler, earned a degree in kinesiology and competed professionally in Iceland for one year, according to her official profile with the Kansas City Current.

Her fitness work gives context to the way she presents herself publicly. Exercise, recovery, motherhood and confidence remain recurring subjects across her social channels and lifestyle coverage. The business is part of her identity, rather than a detail attached only to her marriage.

The broader commercial profile includes media and fashion work. Sports Illustrated Swimsuit lists her 2026 digital cover from a Fort Myers, Florida, shoot, following her 2024 debut in Belize.

What Sports Teams Does Brittany Mahomes Own?

Mahomes is a co-owner and founding member of the Kansas City Current, the National Women’s Soccer League club awarded to Kansas City in December 2020. The team’s official ownership page lists Angie Long and Chris Long as owners, with Brittany Mahomes and Patrick Mahomes as co-owners.

Her connection to the Current predates Patrick Mahomes’ involvement. The club’s account describes Brittany as an advocate who had long wanted to bring NWSL soccer back to Kansas City, linking the investment to her playing background and interest in women’s sports.

The ownership has also become part of a larger sports-business project. CPKC Stadium was built specifically for a women’s professional sports team, while KC Current Studios adds production, broadcast and educational infrastructure around the club. The studio opened in August 2026 with plans for workshops and boot camps intended to support women pursuing sports-media careers.

The Current’s October 25, 2026, One Current event showed how the organization is being positioned as a wider Kansas City sports and entertainment destination. The club paired a home match with Current Landing programming, a podcast taping and a watch party for a Kansas City Chiefs game.

What Is Brittany Mahomes’ Latest Personal Update?

The latest personal coverage centers on family life, fashion and health disclosures rather than a single confirmed crisis. Brittany and Patrick Mahomes have three children: Sterling, Bronze and Golden, who was born in January 2025, according to ABC News.

Lifestyle coverage in 2026 has included family travel, birthday posts, Chiefs-related appearances and fashion features. Sports Illustrated Swimsuit described her as a two-time model for the publication and highlighted her 31st birthday on August 31, 2026.

Health-related searches require more careful wording. In March 2024, Mahomes publicly disclosed a fractured back and connected her message to pelvic-floor care after pregnancy. In May 2026, she also shared that she had been dealing with De Quervain’s tenosynovitis, commonly called mother’s wrist, for about a year.

Those are documented health updates. Search phrases such as “Brittany Mahomes bad news” or “what is Brittany Mahomes unfortunate news” can blur older disclosures with newer click-driven headlines, so the date and original statement matter. The verified material reviewed here does not establish a new emergency, fatality or unspecified catastrophe.

Her recovery updates have also remained connected to fitness. Coverage in early 2026 described her returning to heavier lifting after the earlier back injury, while the later wrist disclosure showed that motherhood and training continue to shape the subjects she discusses publicly.

Tucker’s signing understandably raised a few eyebrows — not only because of what it might mean for 10-year veteran Harrison Butker, but also because of the baggage that comes with the polarizing kicker.

Tucker didn’t play at all in 2025 after being released by the Baltimore Ravens. And now the Chiefs and their head coach are left to answer some uncomfortable questions about their latest acquisition.

Andy Reid on Justin Tucker: ‘[We] talked to a lot of people to make sure things are OK’

Tucker was accused of sexual misconduct by 16 massage therapists in the Baltimore area, according to a 2025 report by The Baltimore Banner, with all of the alleged misconduct reportedly occurring between 2012 and 2016.

The seven-time Pro Bowler and previous Super Bowl champion has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing and called the allegations “unequivocally false.”

Speaking to the media on Wednesday, Andy Reid faced five straight minutes of questions regarding the 37-year-old kicker, including what message it potentially sends to Kansas City’s female fans.

“He’s done his suspension. Took care of that business there. I’ll leave it at that for you,” Reid said (via Ari Meirov). “Listen, we try to do our homework the best way we possibly can and talked to a lot of people to make sure things are OK. … He served a suspension, there’s been time involved with it… that’s how I [evaluate] it.”

#Chiefs HC Andy Reid faced five straight minutes of questions about Justin Tucker today, including what message his signing sends to female fans of the team.

“He’s done his suspension. Took care of his business there. I’ll leave it at that.”

Full back-and-forth exchange below: https://t.co/Kl32rrq5Sx pic.twitter.com/QeOJOkWQ8r

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) October 28, 2026

The Chiefs have taken chances on numerous players with off-field concerns in the past — some successful and some not. Tucker struggled quite a bit in his final season in Baltimore before the reports came out. But at his peak, he was easily the best kicker in football.

There have been countless games impacted by questionable officiating this fall, including this past Sunday’s showdown between the Lions and Packers. There was an incredibly questionable roughing the passer call that hurt Green Bay’s defense. Additionally, there was an unnecessary roughness penalty on Devontae Wyatt that had no business being called.

“It’s annoying even talking about it because these are critical drives throughout the game, and we might have a drive where we’re getting stops but you’re calling penalties and it’s like, this is not a penalty,” Packers safety Xavier McKinney said postgame. “To me, it just don’t really make any sense, and it’s killing our momentum, it’s killing our drives, and it’s kind of f—ing up the games, if I’m being honest.”

During the latest episode of the “SVPod,” Van Pelt put the NFL’s refs on blast for being inconsistent.

“The problem is the amount of conversation about how games are adjudicated and the amount of times that you’re throwing flags … I think it’s b——-,” Van Pelt said, via Awful Announcing. “I think the officiating, it’s inconsistent. The only consistent thing seems to be third-down flags. That just can’t be what they want.”

So how does the NFL solve this problem? Van Pelt believes the league needs to overhaul its officiating system.

“I think that there’s a fix if you’re willing to look at it in totality and say, ‘How can we take technology, use it as an aid to take an imperfect thing … and create more consistency with it, something. Because I feel like the volume on the chatter, and I’m adding to it at this point, is just not what the league would want. Because you’ve got the product that’s the most popular product that we have. And I don’t just mean in sports, I mean at all. And too often I think through seven weeks, there’s been, ‘Look how many flags,’ look at when they’re thrown. How do you just tighten it up? That’s all.”

NFL officiating has to be better.

Hall of Fame wide receiver Cris Carter also called out the NFL for its lopsided officiating in the Packers-Lions game.

“We’re at an all-time high as far as flags. So, before the game, man, these refs, they’re throwing flags at an all-time high. But also, guess what the refs are watching before this game? The refs are watching the Green Bay Packers, not only their stats as a team, but I think more penalties than anybody in the league,” Carter said, via PFSN.

Hopefully, the league will listen to these complains and consider making changes ahead of Week 8.

Even though Kirk Cousins has played well for the Raiders (1,877 passing yards and 16 touchdowns) this season, Klint Kubiak flirted with the idea of starting the No. 1 pick from the 2026 draft in Week 8.

“I think at this point, we’re thinking about everything to fix our problems, how to fix our issues in the red zone, in the third quarter, personnel [and] scheme. We’ve got to talk about all of it,” Kubiak said after the Raiders lost 35-21 to the Rams.

Despite all the hype surrounding Mendoza, he’s not going to start this weekend. At least that’s what ESPN insider Dan Graziano reported this Wednesday.

“The Raiders did not have any serious discussions this week about sitting veteran starting QB Kirk Cousins for rookie Fernando Mendoza, whom they think is coming along very well but still isn’t as ready as they’d like him to be when they make him their starter,” Graziano wrote. “The plan all along has been to sit Mendoza as long as possible, and I personally would be surprised to see him start any of the Raiders’ next five games at least.”

When will we see Mendoza?

It’s possible the Raiders wait until after their bye week to start Mendoza. That would put him in line to start on Dec. 13 against the Chargers.

While fans are a bit frustrated that Mendoza hasn’t started a regular-season game yet, there’s no reason to panic about his development.

“I’m very pleased with where he’s at, and none of us really know until he goes and plays. But he’s doing everything that we’re asking him to do,” Kubiak said, via Pro Football Talk. “Really, he’s doing more than asked, and that’s just his character.”

If the Raiders lose to the Jets this weekend, the calls for Mendoza to start will only get louder.

According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Colts starting wide receiver Josh Downs – their current leader in receiving yards this season – has requested a trade. Downs is averaging a career-high 11.8 yards per catch this season and has 224 receptions for 2,447 yards and 11 touchdowns since making his NFL debut in 2023.

“Sources: Colts WR Josh Downs is requesting a trade from Indianapolis,” Fowler wrote on X.

“Downs has garnered trade interest from multiple teams but a deal hasn’t materialized yet, and with the Colts’ clear rebuilding efforts, Downs wants to be moved, which is known in the building.”

Sources: Colts WR Josh Downs is requesting a trade from Indianapolis. pic.twitter.com/rwGaVGMTFf

— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) October 28, 2026

What is Downs’ future?

NFL fans already have plenty of ideas for where he could go, ranging from contenders like the Chiefs or Rams to teams hoping to improve like the Raiders or the Jets:

“Have a feeling he’s getting traded to the Chiefs,” one user on X replied.

“To the Los Angeles Rams,” another predicted.

“IDK if it’d work but he’d be a cool Panther, brings a skillset T-Mac and Coker don’t have,” Benjamin Solak suggested.

The Colts have lost three straight games to fall to 2-5 on the season. They’ve already fired longtime general manager Chris Ballard and head coach Shane Steichen is expected to be close behind.

The more pressing issue that the Colts face is that they won’t even get the big reward for tanking the season in the form of a high draft pick since they traded their 2027 first-round pick to the Jets last season. As a result, the team basically needs to replace quality with quantity if they hope to make the job appealing to top general manager candidates at the end of this season.

Will Downs be the next Colt to suit up for a different team this week?