Latest news with #Gopher
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Pet of the Day: Go for the golden Gopher!
BURLINGTON, N.C. (WGHP) — Meet Gopher, our FOX8 Pet of the Day! If you're interested in adopting this pet or any other pets at Burlington Animal Services, please call (336) 578-0343 or visit the . Burlington Animal Services is located at 221 Stone Quarry Road in Burlington. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Multiple Insiders Still See Kirk Cousins Landing Back in Minnesota
It has become clear over the last couple months that the Minnesota Vikings intend to roll with 2024 1st round draft pick J.J. McCarthy as their 2025 starting quarterback. This, after his opportunity to compete for the same role in 2024 was stripped away by to a season-ending meniscus tear during his first NFL preseason game. On the QB depth chart, behind McCarthy, you'll find a bunch of unproven sub-28-year-olds. The vet in the room is Brett Rypien (4 starts – 28 y/o). Competing with him for Minnesota's QB2 job is newly acquired Sam Howell (18 starts – 24 y/o). They also signed one-and-done Gopher, Max Brosmer. Sam Darnold signed with the Seattle Seahawks and Daniel Jones went to the Indianapolis Colts. Advertisement The acquisition of former Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell seemingly shored up the backup spot. Aaron Rodgers, as much as he wants to play for Minnesota, isn't coming to sit on the bench. A few insiders still aren't sold that Kirk Cousins wouldn't be best suited to hold McCarthy's clipboard though. Minnesota Vikings still tabbed as trade partner for Kirk Cousins Credit: Matt Krohn-Imagn Images It's beyond obvious that Kirk Cousins wants out of Atlanta. He signed with the Falcons last offseason after again chasing a payday. The franchise then drafted his replacement with their first round pick and things have gone downhill since. It would behoove the Falcons to move Cousins elsewhere, but they need a willing trade partner. Advertisement ESPN Insider Dan Graziano remains convinced that the Minnesota Vikings are the best fit for Cousins, if he is willing to accept a backup role at a soft landing spot with his former team, in order to escape Atlanta. Falcons get: 2026 fifth-round pick, 2027 seventh-round pick and cash considerations Vikings get: Kirk Cousins Well, it makes sense for all three sides, really, counting Cousins himself. He wants a chance to start and could use his no-trade clause to nix a deal to any place he doesn't want to go. But if he has to be a backup, we know he liked living in Minnesota and playing for the Vikings. Plus, J.J. McCarthy is still an unknown after his major knee injury, so maybe this could turn into more than just a QB2 destination. In this scenario, the Vikings would agree to pay $10 million of the guaranteed money on Cousins' contract for 2025. Dan Graziano – ESPN After the MN Vikings missed out on their preferred veteran free agent QB options — Sam Darnold signed with Seattle and Daniel Jones inked a deal in Indy — O'Connell and GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah doubled down on their commitment to JJ, focusing on bolstering everything around the quarterback room, instead of building reliable depth within it. Related: Justin Jefferson Reveals Why He Attended Minnesota Vikings OTAs In the backfield, they added Jordan Mason as the perfect tag-team partner for Aaron Jones. Most importantly, they beefed up the interior of the offensive line, signing veteran Colts center Ryan Kelly, who then helped them ink young stud guard, Will Fries, to place on his right side. Second ESPN insider likes Minnesota Vikings + Kirk Cousins too… After that, they put the cherry on top by selecting Donovan Jackson with the No. 23 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. But are all of these offensive improvements enough to keep the Minnesota Vikings afloat, should JJ McCarthy injure himself yet again? Graziano's ESPN colleague, Seth Wilder, believes (yet again) that Kirk Cousins is the remedy KOC & Co. need. Falcons get: QB Sam Howell, cash considerations Vikings get: Kirk Cousins The key to the compensation for a Cousins deal is how much of his guaranteed money the acquiring team will take on. I'll raise Dan's offer and say the Vikings pay $12 million of it. This would allow Atlanta to save a little face and get out of the situation with a different backup quarterback. For Minnesota, the upgrade at backup QB is more important because of the McCarthy situation. Cousins will have to accept a lesser role with his old team, but at least he'd be reunited with coach Kevin O'Connell. Seth Walder – ESPN Advertisement Realistically, the Minnesota Vikings hold all the cards here. They don't need to pay the freight it would currently take to rescue Kirk Cousins from the money he chased in Atlanta. We've seen Kevin O'Connell work his magic with QB's much worse than Sam Howell and Brett Rypien. Sure, Kirk Cousins would put the Vikings' quarterback room in another stratosphere, but there are plenty of downsides to consider too. Most notably, he could also become an unnecessary distraction for McCarthy and his QB development. Are these insiders fortelling us something…? Despite playing just 14 games last season, Cousins' 16 interceptions led the NFL. Nonetheless, his 66.9% completion rate was among the league's best. He also racked up 3,508 yards and 18 touchdowns. Even at 37 years old, few doubt that Kirk still has the capability to be a more than competent QB. Advertisement But therein lies the problem for the Vikings. Having Kirk available to take over, in case of an unfortunate event, would be ideal. On the other hand, what if McCarthy remains healthy… is Cousins too good and too proven to be his backup? Related: Minnesota Vikings Legend Jim Marshall Passes Away Do we want JJ looking over his shoulder at Kirk Cousins, any time he trips up or has a bad game? This kid represents both the present and future for this organizaiton. If there is any concern that Kirk's presence would put his development in danger, the the Minnesota Vikings need to tread lightly. At this point, a trade for Cousins would be pretty shocking.. Of course, that's mostly due to what it would cost to get him and pay him. Should the Atlanta Falcons decide to lower their ask and take on more money to cut him loose, then the conversation could change quickly. Advertisement Related Headlines
Yahoo
06-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Minnesota Gophers Legend Signs Another Early Contract Extension with Ravens
They are much fewer and further between than back in the Minnesota Gophers glory days of football yesteryear, when Dinkytown developed NFL Hall of Famers like Bronko Nagurski (1927-29), Carl Eller (1961-63), Bobby Bell (1960-62) and the campus GOAT, Bud Grant (1946-49) — who lettered in three sports at the U of M before he graduated in 1950 and drafted by both the Eagles (NFL – No. 14 overall) and Lakers (NBA – No. 47 overall). But the Minnesota Gophers football program has still rolled out some impressive NFL players over the past 50 years, some eras more than others. Since PJ Fleck took over in 2017, the path from Dinkytown to the league has been busier than any other time in modern program history (20 drafted players). Advertisement But just like the athletic facilities at the University of Minnesota, the professional pipeline project on campus started with PJ's predecessors, Jerry Kill and Tracy Claeys, who were hired on in 2011 and sent eight players to the NFL via the draft, from 2014-2016. That's 28 players drafted to the NFL in 11 years (2014-25). Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images For context, the Minnesota Gophers had just 14 guys drafted to the NFL, in the 11 years prior from 2002-2013. In that tumultuous time, Glen Mason was fired (after 2006), Tim Brewster was hired (2007) and fired (2010), before Kill came along. Some of the most notable names drafted over the last decade include (DB) Antoine Winfield Jr., (C) John Michael Schmitz, (T) Daniel Faalele, (EDGE) Boye Mafe, (LB) Blake Cashman and (WR) Rashod Bateman — who caught 147 passes for 2,395 yards and 19 touchdowns in 31 games as a Gopher from 2018-2020 — including one season that only lasted five games, due to a shortened season and opt-out controversies. Baltimore Ravens lock up Minnesota Gophers legend, Rashod Bateman Rashod Bateman entered the 2020 NFL Draft, where he was selected No. 27 overall by the Baltimore Ravens, becoming the only 1st round pick out of Minnesota since Laurence Maroney was drafted No. 21 overall in 2006 and just the 18th Gopher ever picked in the first round of the NFL Draft. Advertisement After a successful start to his NFL career, the Ravens ripped up Rashod's rookie contract two years early, when they signed the Minnesota Gophers legend to a $12.8 million extension last offseason, good through 2026. Now, just one year later, Bateman has agreed to another contract extension in Baltimore, this time worth three years, $36.75 million ($20M guaranteed), according to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo. While everyone was focused on what Derrick Henry did for the 2024 Ravens offense, last year, it was Rashod Bateman who gave Jackson a reliable touchdown target through the air, something he has struggled to find in a wide receiver, throughout his MVP career. Advertisement Related: Minnesota Gophers Add Talented Big Ten Lineman to Defense In total, Bateman has played 51 games for Baltimore, piling up 1,923 yards and 13 touchdowns on 138 receptions. Last season, the Tifton, GA native posted a career-high 756 receiving yards on 45 receptions. He also exploded for NINE touchdowns. Bateman and the Ravens visit the Minnesota Vikings in Week 10. The former Minnesota Gophers standout will have a homecoming of sorts on November 9 at U.S. Bank Stadium. Bateman's 1,219 yards and 20.3 yards per reception in 2019 as a sophomore with Minnesota both led the Big Ten. Related Headlines
New York Post
21-05-2025
- Sport
- New York Post
Runner who died in Brooklyn Half Marathon revealed to be former University of Minnesota football player
The runner who died during the Brooklyn Half Marathon on Saturday was revealed to be a former college football player. Charles Rogers, 31, started his college football career as a defensive back at Iowa State in 2012 and later transferred to Minnesota in 2015. After injuries cut his 2015 season short and took him out for the following year, Rogers transferred to Lindenwood University in Missouri before retiring from the sport. Advertisement 3 Charles Rogers died on Saturday after going into cardiac arrest and collapsing. Charles Rogers/Facebook 'Our hearts are broken as former Gopher Charles Rogers tragically passed over the weekend while running the Brooklyn Marathon,' the Minnesota football team wrote on Instagram. 'Our thoughts are with the Rogers family and all of his loved ones.' Lindenwood football also posted a heartfelt message for their former player. Advertisement 3 Charles Rogers played college football at various schools before becoming an avid runner. NYRR 'The Lindenwood Football family mourns the loss of Ace Rogers,' the team wrote on social media on Sunday. 'Our thoughts & prayers go out to his wife Sydney, his parents Teresa Jordan & Charles Rogers, and the rest of his family.' Rogers reportedly went into cardiac arrest and collapsed at Ocean Parkway and 18th Avenue around 8:11 a.m. Saturday, officials said. 3 Charles Rogers and his wife, Sydney Rogers. Charles Rogers/Facebook Advertisement He was around mile 8 of the course. His wife, Sydney Rogers, spoke with The Post after the tragic incident. 'Charles put everything he had into everything he did,' she said. 'While he leaves behind a wife and family that already miss him terribly, he loved being competitive and left us being 100% himself.'
Yahoo
14-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Border Patrol K-9 recovering after being airlifted for rattlesnake bite
LA MESA, Calif. (FOX 5/KUSI) — A U.S. Border Patrol K-9 is in stable condition and under observation after a venomous bite from a rattlesnake nearly ended his watch—until emergency vets in La Mesa stepped in. 'It was a very serious situation,' said San Diego Sector Border Patrol agent Esteffany Solano. New cellphone video shows a dramatic scene as Border Patrol canine Boo was airlifted to Pet Emergency & Specialty Center last Friday. Traffic was brought to a halt as the helicopter landed near Grossmont Boulevard and Jackson Drive. Agents are then seen carrying Boo while running to meet veterinary staff. 'Luckily his handler was able to identify his behavior was acting different. He noticed a rattlesnake,' Solano said. The two-year-old German Shepherd was bit while working in the Otay Mountain Wilderness area. Solana explained the canine has been with the agency for two months and is trained in the detection of narcotics and illegal immigrants. Quickly getting treatment from Dr. Jennifer Willey and her team saved Boo's life. While timing is crucial, Dr. Willey, Medical Director at Pet Emergency & Specialty Center, said, 'you can still give antivenom after 24 hours, it just becomes less effective.' Bruce Ireland relocates snakes back to the wild for a living through his business, The Snake Wranglers. With the warmer months here, he's getting up to 20 calls a day from homeowners all over San Diego County, mostly about rattlesnakes. His service has received double the number of calls this year compared to the same time last year. 'They come above ground and they're looking for a mate, they're looking for food, and they're looking for water,' said Ireland, founder of The Snake Wranglers. If it's a nonvenomous species, such as a Gopher snake, Ireland encourages homeowners to let them stick around, as they are good with rodent mitigation. Ireland advised that keeping dogs on a leash is key while hiking since nature is unpredictable. 'I'd say 50/50 whether they ever rattle or not. Some of them just never choose to rattle,' Ireland said. Snakebites aren't limited to hiking trails. 'We've also noticed a lot of these happen in owner's own backyards,' Dr. Willey said. In extreme cases, treatment for pets can cost tens of thousands of dollars. However, it's that critical care that's helping Boo recover. 'We're hoping to see him back here soon working with us,' Solano said. Experts advise leaving rattlesnakes alone if spotted them in the wild. You can keep them away from your home by getting rid of sources of food, including anything that may attract rodents which snakes feed on. Also, eliminate debris and hiding spots, and install rattlesnake-proof fencing. 'None of the chemicals work. Sprays, powders, tablets. It's all just to get your money,' Ireland said. He also encourages pet owners to look into Rattlesnake Aversion Training. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
