1 hr. ago
Ex-Dallas Cowboys TE Jason Witten to make college coaching debut as Oklahoma **** istant originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
NORMAN, Okla. -- Former Dallas Cowboys star Jason Witten will take another major step in his football journey on Friday night in his first game as Oklahoma's tight ends coach.
Witten played tight end for 17 years in the NFL, and the 11-time Pro Bowler ranks fourth all-time in league history with 1,228 receptions. He'll experience his first game as a college **** istant on Friday night when the Sooners host UTEP.
Oklahoma hired him in January, and he quickly made an impression on offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle.
"I mean, he's the ultimate teammate," Arbuckle said. "I made it really, really clear to him on multiple occasions like, 'Hey if you see something or maybe you disagree with someone, I'm not one to just let it sit back. Tell me about it. Let's talk about it.'"
#witten #Friday
NORMAN, Okla. -- Former Dallas Cowboys star Jason Witten will take another major step in his football journey on Friday night in his first game as Oklahoma's tight ends coach.
Witten played tight end for 17 years in the NFL, and the 11-time Pro Bowler ranks fourth all-time in league history with 1,228 receptions. He'll experience his first game as a college **** istant on Friday night when the Sooners host UTEP.
Oklahoma hired him in January, and he quickly made an impression on offensive coordinator Ben Arbuckle.
"I mean, he's the ultimate teammate," Arbuckle said. "I made it really, really clear to him on multiple occasions like, 'Hey if you see something or maybe you disagree with someone, I'm not one to just let it sit back. Tell me about it. Let's talk about it.'"
#witten #Friday
14 days ago
The Baltimore Ravens made a defensible decision when they extended Mark Andrews rather than building their future at tight end around Isaiah Likely. That does not mean Baltimore will never wonder what might have been. Likely's first training camp with the New York Giants has provided an early reminder of his potential. He caught six passes during live periods in Thursday's joint practice against the Miami Dolphins and has quickly developed chemistry with quarterback Jaxson Dart.
With Malik Nabers and Darius Slayton occupying attention on the outside, Likely should receive favorable opportunities in the middle of the field. An 85- or 90-catch season is not unreasonable if his early target volume continues. That possibility will naturally restart the debate in Baltimore. Andrews is the more accomplished player, but Likely is younger and offers more explosiveness after the catch.
The Ravens made their choice in December when they signed Andrews to a three-year, $39.3 million extension containing $26 million guaranteed. Likely subsequently received a three-year, $40 million contract from the Giants that could reach $47.5 million.
Keeping both was never a realistic option once the market valued Likely as one of the NFL's highest-paid tight ends.
Baltimore selected certainty. Andrews owns the franchise records for career receptions, receiving yards and touchdown catches. He finished the 2025 season with 484 receptions, 5,952 yards and 56 touchdowns over his career. Andrews became only the second tight end after Travis Kelce to hold his franchise's receiving triple crown. He also joined Kelce, Jason Witten, Antonio Gates and Ozzie Newsome as tight ends who became their organization's career leader in receiving yards.
#andrews #Career
With Malik Nabers and Darius Slayton occupying attention on the outside, Likely should receive favorable opportunities in the middle of the field. An 85- or 90-catch season is not unreasonable if his early target volume continues. That possibility will naturally restart the debate in Baltimore. Andrews is the more accomplished player, but Likely is younger and offers more explosiveness after the catch.
The Ravens made their choice in December when they signed Andrews to a three-year, $39.3 million extension containing $26 million guaranteed. Likely subsequently received a three-year, $40 million contract from the Giants that could reach $47.5 million.
Keeping both was never a realistic option once the market valued Likely as one of the NFL's highest-paid tight ends.
Baltimore selected certainty. Andrews owns the franchise records for career receptions, receiving yards and touchdown catches. He finished the 2025 season with 484 receptions, 5,952 yards and 56 touchdowns over his career. Andrews became only the second tight end after Travis Kelce to hold his franchise's receiving triple crown. He also joined Kelce, Jason Witten, Antonio Gates and Ozzie Newsome as tight ends who became their organization's career leader in receiving yards.
#andrews #Career
16 days ago
While the world learned of the death of actress Hayden Panettiere on Sunday, Aug. 16, the news hit harder for Chicago Cubs outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong. She was his babysitter.
"Hayden Panettiere babysat me. I had the biggest crush on her," Crow-Armstrong said in 2022 interview with Gordon Wittenmyer of NBC Chicago.
A Southern California native, Crow-Armstrong is the son of actress Ashley Crow, Panettiere's co-star in the NBC series "Heroes." His father, Matthew John Armstrong, starred in American Dreams, Turks, and American Horror Story.
MORE: Ketel Marte's former teammate: 'something serious is going on' with Dbacks star
These days, Crow-Armstrong is familiar to baseball fans for the MVP-caliber season he is putting together for the Chicago Cubs. On Monday, Aug. 17, he started and ended the Cubs' win over the Chicago White Sox with a home run, becoming the first player since 1957 to homer on the first and last pitch of the same game.
#hayden
"Hayden Panettiere babysat me. I had the biggest crush on her," Crow-Armstrong said in 2022 interview with Gordon Wittenmyer of NBC Chicago.
A Southern California native, Crow-Armstrong is the son of actress Ashley Crow, Panettiere's co-star in the NBC series "Heroes." His father, Matthew John Armstrong, starred in American Dreams, Turks, and American Horror Story.
MORE: Ketel Marte's former teammate: 'something serious is going on' with Dbacks star
These days, Crow-Armstrong is familiar to baseball fans for the MVP-caliber season he is putting together for the Chicago Cubs. On Monday, Aug. 17, he started and ended the Cubs' win over the Chicago White Sox with a home run, becoming the first player since 1957 to homer on the first and last pitch of the same game.
#hayden
17 days ago
The Oklahoma Sooners are in desperate need of fixing the running game this upcoming season. The Sooners ranked No. 113 in rushing offense last year at 118.5 yards per game, the second-worst among College Football Playoff teams.
So, Oklahoma has placed an emphasis on improving its rushing attack this offseason. Some of that is the addition of tight end coach Jason Witten and running back coach Deland McCullough. It's also due to what they return in the running back room and the new additions. Oklahoma returns its top two rushers at the running back position in Tory Blaylock and Xavier Robinson.
The Sooners also added Colorado State Rams transfer Lloyd Avant, who has received significant offseason buzz. But there is one guy that is stealing the show. Former Oklahoma All-American Teddy Lehman said he's been blown away by four-star freshman Jonathan Hatton Jr.
"Hatton is looking better and better and better," Lehman said on the 'Oklahoma Breakdown with Ikard and Lehman.' "I mean, had a really nice day out there at the scrimmage. He had a couple of big-time plays. You've got a 235-pound tailback that's one of the fastest guys on the team. So, we have a dude."
At 235 pounds, Hatton already has the size to handle the physical demands of SEC football. If Lehman's ***** sment of his speed and explosiveness is accurate, he could bring a combination that is difficult for defenses to account for.
#oklahoma
So, Oklahoma has placed an emphasis on improving its rushing attack this offseason. Some of that is the addition of tight end coach Jason Witten and running back coach Deland McCullough. It's also due to what they return in the running back room and the new additions. Oklahoma returns its top two rushers at the running back position in Tory Blaylock and Xavier Robinson.
The Sooners also added Colorado State Rams transfer Lloyd Avant, who has received significant offseason buzz. But there is one guy that is stealing the show. Former Oklahoma All-American Teddy Lehman said he's been blown away by four-star freshman Jonathan Hatton Jr.
"Hatton is looking better and better and better," Lehman said on the 'Oklahoma Breakdown with Ikard and Lehman.' "I mean, had a really nice day out there at the scrimmage. He had a couple of big-time plays. You've got a 235-pound tailback that's one of the fastest guys on the team. So, we have a dude."
At 235 pounds, Hatton already has the size to handle the physical demands of SEC football. If Lehman's ***** sment of his speed and explosiveness is accurate, he could bring a combination that is difficult for defenses to account for.
#oklahoma
18 days ago
Paula Creamer celebrated her 40th birthday in style. The 2010 U.S. Women's Open champion's surprise celebration was a sea of pink, her signature color. Even the Pink Panther mascot made an appearance.
Creamer got her nickname, the "Pink Panther," decades ago from Casey Wittenberg at the IMG Academy given her love of all things pink.
#creamer #even #wittenberg #celebrated
Creamer got her nickname, the "Pink Panther," decades ago from Casey Wittenberg at the IMG Academy given her love of all things pink.
#creamer #even #wittenberg #celebrated
19 days ago
It is Day 29 of our 100-day countdown to kickoff. We are looking back at the 100 most iconic games in Dallas Cowboys history. The countdown will leads us right up to the opening game of 2026. Our look back doesn't depend on just one criteria for our rankings. We take into consideration things like how big the game was for the organization, how memorable the game was, games that had unusual events take place, games that are a part of NFL lore, Cowboys firsts, and games where the Cowboys just plain dominated. Variety is the spice of life and we have all different kind of Cowboys games to review. At the bottom, we'll link each day of the countdown so you can go back and check out any you missed.
We got a big one for you on Day 29 of our 100-day countdown to kickoff, when we revisit one of the most remarkable comeback wins in Cowboys history. It was a game that should have ended in defeat. Tony Romo threw five interceptions, lost a fumble and watched the Bills return two interceptions for touchdowns. Yet with just 20 seconds remaining, Dallas somehow completed an unforgettable rally.
The Cowboys, who had started the game undefeated, appeared to be on track to become Super Bowl contenders. However, Buffalo had other plans. George Wilson returned Romo's first interception for a touchdown, and later Chris Kelsay scored another touchdown on a 103-yard interception return after Romo targeted Terrell Owens in the end zone. A Rian Lindell field goal added to the Bills' lead, making it 17-7. Despite this, Jason Witten caught a late touchdown to cut the deficit to 17-10 at halftime.
Dallas struggled to build momentum after the break. Nick Folk connected from 47 and 29 yards, but every time the Cowboys appeared to be climbing back into the game, Buffalo answered. Terrence McGee returned the ensuing kickoff 103 yards for a touchdown following Folk's second field goal, restoring an 11-point Bills advantage and leaving Dallas trailing 24-13 heading into the fourth quarter.
Despite the turnovers, Romo never stopped attacking. Folk added another field goal early in the final quarter to make it 24-16 before the Cowboys' defense came alive. Dallas forced consecutive punts and gave the offense one final opportunity with less than two minutes remaining.
#dallas #game #touchdown
We got a big one for you on Day 29 of our 100-day countdown to kickoff, when we revisit one of the most remarkable comeback wins in Cowboys history. It was a game that should have ended in defeat. Tony Romo threw five interceptions, lost a fumble and watched the Bills return two interceptions for touchdowns. Yet with just 20 seconds remaining, Dallas somehow completed an unforgettable rally.
The Cowboys, who had started the game undefeated, appeared to be on track to become Super Bowl contenders. However, Buffalo had other plans. George Wilson returned Romo's first interception for a touchdown, and later Chris Kelsay scored another touchdown on a 103-yard interception return after Romo targeted Terrell Owens in the end zone. A Rian Lindell field goal added to the Bills' lead, making it 17-7. Despite this, Jason Witten caught a late touchdown to cut the deficit to 17-10 at halftime.
Dallas struggled to build momentum after the break. Nick Folk connected from 47 and 29 yards, but every time the Cowboys appeared to be climbing back into the game, Buffalo answered. Terrence McGee returned the ensuing kickoff 103 yards for a touchdown following Folk's second field goal, restoring an 11-point Bills advantage and leaving Dallas trailing 24-13 heading into the fourth quarter.
Despite the turnovers, Romo never stopped attacking. Folk added another field goal early in the final quarter to make it 24-16 before the Cowboys' defense came alive. Dallas forced consecutive punts and gave the offense one final opportunity with less than two minutes remaining.
#dallas #game #touchdown
20 days ago
After leading the Bulldogs to their first state championship appearance, St. Ursula quarterback Penelope Bolinger has been named the 2026 Bengals Girls Flag Football Player of the Year.
The Cincinnati Bengals honored Bolinger in a ceremony during halftime of their preseason opener on Aug. 13, 2026. She was surprised with a personalized Bengals jersey to commemorate the accomplishment. Bolinger was joined by the rest of the Bulldogs flag football team to celebrate.
Bolinger, a 2026 St. Ursula graduate, was one of the top quarterbacks in the state last season. She finished the year ranked No. 1 in Ohio by MaxPreps with 312 completions for 3,394 passing yards and 61 touchdowns. St. Ursula's team captain was also named to the Enquirer's all-city first team. The Bulldogs finished as runners-up in the Cincinnati regional tournament at Paycor Stadium, earning a trip to the Ohio High School Athletic ***** ociation's first sanctioned tournament.
Bolinger was a dedicated multisport athlete and leader at St. Ursula. She helped the Bulldogs win the Division II state volleyball ***** le in 2024 and committed to continue her volleyball career at Wittenberg University. Bolinger volunteered over 25 hours at youth flag football camps, mentoring fifth through eighth grade athletes and helping grow the nascent sport. She also graduated with a 3.8 GPA.
After the award presentation, Bolinger took the field one final time as St. Ursula competed against Mount Notre Dame and Badin during halftime. The exhibitions are part of the Bengals commitment to growing the sport; the NFL franchise also provides local schools with equipment and training and hosts the annual regional tournament at Paycor Stadium.
#flag #first
The Cincinnati Bengals honored Bolinger in a ceremony during halftime of their preseason opener on Aug. 13, 2026. She was surprised with a personalized Bengals jersey to commemorate the accomplishment. Bolinger was joined by the rest of the Bulldogs flag football team to celebrate.
Bolinger, a 2026 St. Ursula graduate, was one of the top quarterbacks in the state last season. She finished the year ranked No. 1 in Ohio by MaxPreps with 312 completions for 3,394 passing yards and 61 touchdowns. St. Ursula's team captain was also named to the Enquirer's all-city first team. The Bulldogs finished as runners-up in the Cincinnati regional tournament at Paycor Stadium, earning a trip to the Ohio High School Athletic ***** ociation's first sanctioned tournament.
Bolinger was a dedicated multisport athlete and leader at St. Ursula. She helped the Bulldogs win the Division II state volleyball ***** le in 2024 and committed to continue her volleyball career at Wittenberg University. Bolinger volunteered over 25 hours at youth flag football camps, mentoring fifth through eighth grade athletes and helping grow the nascent sport. She also graduated with a 3.8 GPA.
After the award presentation, Bolinger took the field one final time as St. Ursula competed against Mount Notre Dame and Badin during halftime. The exhibitions are part of the Bengals commitment to growing the sport; the NFL franchise also provides local schools with equipment and training and hosts the annual regional tournament at Paycor Stadium.
#flag #first
23 days ago
The defending OHSAA girls basketball Division I state champions are seeking a new head coach for the 2026-27 season.
Jeremey Finn has stepped down from his position effective immediately.
Finn has accepted a position as an ******* istant coach with the Wittenberg women's basketball program, according to Fairmont athletic director Chris Weaver.
Finn had been the head coach at Fairmont for seven seasons and compiled a 124-42 overall record. He led Fairmont to its first undefeated season in school history during its 2025-26 campaign in which the Firebirds won the OHSAA Division I state championship. They beat Princeton 61-55 in overtime at UD Arena.
Finn won multiple OPSMA D-I Coach of the Year awards with Fairmont and coached several players that went on to play collegiately, including Ms. Basketball winner and McDonald's All-American Maddy Westbeld.
#state
Jeremey Finn has stepped down from his position effective immediately.
Finn has accepted a position as an ******* istant coach with the Wittenberg women's basketball program, according to Fairmont athletic director Chris Weaver.
Finn had been the head coach at Fairmont for seven seasons and compiled a 124-42 overall record. He led Fairmont to its first undefeated season in school history during its 2025-26 campaign in which the Firebirds won the OHSAA Division I state championship. They beat Princeton 61-55 in overtime at UD Arena.
Finn won multiple OPSMA D-I Coach of the Year awards with Fairmont and coached several players that went on to play collegiately, including Ms. Basketball winner and McDonald's All-American Maddy Westbeld.
#state
2 months ago
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce follows a life-changing moment over the weekend with a reminder that he's still one of the league's best players. The selection to the "NFL Top 100" program was again warranted given his unparalleled success at his position.
Chiefs fans are proud to continue witnessing Kelce play in the league and being ranked No. 79 on this year's list. The veteran tight end put an end to retirement rumors during the offseason after signing a new contract to stay in Kansas City. He continues to be a feared offensive option for Patrick Mahomes and a trusted locker-room leader.
Kelce finished last season with 78 catches for 851 yards and five touchdowns, earning his 11th Pro Bowl selection. He was also nominated for the Walter Payton Man of the Year award at NFL Honors. Kelce enters 2026 third all-time behind Tony Gonzalez and Jason Witten, and 2,126 yards behind Gonzalez for the most by a tight end in league history, with only 45 yards behind Witten in second place.
Produced by NFL Films and the X Original Series, the new season of NFL Top 100 features short-form episodes revealing the league's top players as voted on exclusively by current NFL players. Episodes debut on weekdays on X through Friday, September 4, and will air later on NFL+, as well as other NFL-owned-and-operated social media platforms.
This article originally appeared on Chiefs Wire: Chiefs TE Travis Kelce ranks 79th on the 2026 NFL Top 100 list
Chiefs fans are proud to continue witnessing Kelce play in the league and being ranked No. 79 on this year's list. The veteran tight end put an end to retirement rumors during the offseason after signing a new contract to stay in Kansas City. He continues to be a feared offensive option for Patrick Mahomes and a trusted locker-room leader.
Kelce finished last season with 78 catches for 851 yards and five touchdowns, earning his 11th Pro Bowl selection. He was also nominated for the Walter Payton Man of the Year award at NFL Honors. Kelce enters 2026 third all-time behind Tony Gonzalez and Jason Witten, and 2,126 yards behind Gonzalez for the most by a tight end in league history, with only 45 yards behind Witten in second place.
Produced by NFL Films and the X Original Series, the new season of NFL Top 100 features short-form episodes revealing the league's top players as voted on exclusively by current NFL players. Episodes debut on weekdays on X through Friday, September 4, and will air later on NFL+, as well as other NFL-owned-and-operated social media platforms.
This article originally appeared on Chiefs Wire: Chiefs TE Travis Kelce ranks 79th on the 2026 NFL Top 100 list
3 months ago
Cincinnati Country Day School announces the hiring of Jim Collins as head football coach and Kiana Allen as head girls basketball coach.
Jim Collins brings more than 35 years of collegiate coaching experience to CCDS. During his career, he has been named coach of the year five times and has led his teams to six NCAA playoff appearances, three conference championships, and five national rankings.
Collins began his head coaching career at the University of Dubuque, where he increased the roster size by 50 percent. He then moved to Capital University, transforming a last-place program into a nationally ranked Top 15 team. Collins went on to coach at Saginaw Valley State University, where he led the program to three straight Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athlete Conference North Division championships and earned two national rankings.
From 2019-2020, Collins served as the director of player personnel for the prestigious Army West Point football team. He then worked as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at the University of Dayton from 2020-2021 before returning to his alma mater, Wittenberg University, as head coach for five years.
“For more than 30 years, Jim has been a strong program builder and an outstanding leader of young men,” Head of School Rob Zimmerman said. “Jim is the ideal coach to carry forward the proud tradition of Country Day football: success on the field and character off it.”
Jim Collins brings more than 35 years of collegiate coaching experience to CCDS. During his career, he has been named coach of the year five times and has led his teams to six NCAA playoff appearances, three conference championships, and five national rankings.
Collins began his head coaching career at the University of Dubuque, where he increased the roster size by 50 percent. He then moved to Capital University, transforming a last-place program into a nationally ranked Top 15 team. Collins went on to coach at Saginaw Valley State University, where he led the program to three straight Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athlete Conference North Division championships and earned two national rankings.
From 2019-2020, Collins served as the director of player personnel for the prestigious Army West Point football team. He then worked as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at the University of Dayton from 2020-2021 before returning to his alma mater, Wittenberg University, as head coach for five years.
“For more than 30 years, Jim has been a strong program builder and an outstanding leader of young men,” Head of School Rob Zimmerman said. “Jim is the ideal coach to carry forward the proud tradition of Country Day football: success on the field and character off it.”
3 months ago
Cincinnati Country Day School announces the hiring of Jim Collins as head football coach and Kiana Allen as head girls basketball coach.
Jim Collins brings more than 35 years of collegiate coaching experience to CCDS. During his career, he has been named coach of the year five times and has led his teams to six NCAA playoff appearances, three conference championships, and five national rankings.
Collins began his head coaching career at the University of Dubuque, where he increased the roster size by 50 percent. He then moved to Capital University, transforming a last-place program into a nationally ranked Top 15 team. Collins went on to coach at Saginaw Valley State University, where he led the program to three straight Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athlete Conference North Division championships and earned two national rankings.
From 2019-2020, Collins served as the director of player personnel for the prestigious Army West Point football team. He then worked as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at the University of Dayton from 2020-2021 before returning to his alma mater, Wittenberg University, as head coach for five years.
“For more than 30 years, Jim has been a strong program builder and an outstanding leader of young men,” Head of School Rob Zimmerman said. “Jim is the ideal coach to carry forward the proud tradition of Country Day football: success on the field and character off it.”
Jim Collins brings more than 35 years of collegiate coaching experience to CCDS. During his career, he has been named coach of the year five times and has led his teams to six NCAA playoff appearances, three conference championships, and five national rankings.
Collins began his head coaching career at the University of Dubuque, where he increased the roster size by 50 percent. He then moved to Capital University, transforming a last-place program into a nationally ranked Top 15 team. Collins went on to coach at Saginaw Valley State University, where he led the program to three straight Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athlete Conference North Division championships and earned two national rankings.
From 2019-2020, Collins served as the director of player personnel for the prestigious Army West Point football team. He then worked as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at the University of Dayton from 2020-2021 before returning to his alma mater, Wittenberg University, as head coach for five years.
“For more than 30 years, Jim has been a strong program builder and an outstanding leader of young men,” Head of School Rob Zimmerman said. “Jim is the ideal coach to carry forward the proud tradition of Country Day football: success on the field and character off it.”
