Latest news with #Quarterback
Yahoo
20 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Steelers Rookie QB Describes 'Good Vibe' with Aaron Rodgers
Steelers Rookie QB Describes 'Good Vibe' with Aaron Rodgers originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted Ohio State quarterback Will Howard in the sixth round of this year's NFL Draft without knowing what their ultimate fate with Aaron Rodgers would be. Advertisement Rodgers has now signed on for one season, and will be the team's starting quarterback next year, with Mason Rudolph and possibly Howard playing behind him. There's no quarterback competition, except maybe for who plays first if something happens to the 10-time Pro Bowler, but Howard says he's learned a lot from the 20-year veteran signal caller. 'He's been so awesome to me so far,' Howard said. 'Obviously we've only gotten to be together for about three days, but I got a really good feeling about him and about this whole QB room. I think we already in this past week meshed really well, hit it off. I think we got a good vibe, good group. Aaron has been so willing to help me. He's like, 'Literally, as much or as little as you want me to help you, I'll be there.' He's already given me tips, little things here and there — in the meeting room, on the field, in my drops, different little things. "Obviously I can't do the things that he can do mechanically, so I don't want to replicate that too much because that's pretty unique. But, for the most part, everything I can learn from that guy is invaluable. So I'm like as much as you want to pour into me.' Advertisement Rodgers enters his 21st season in the NFL in 2025. Howard was just three years old when the former Green Bay Packers quarterback was drafted, and there's no question that experience can mean a lot to a rookie quarterback. If Rodgers is willing to give it. Related: Ex Steelers LB 'Excited' Aaron Rodgers is in Pittsburgh Related: Analyst Thinks T.J. Watt Contract Issues Aren't Financial for Steelers This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 20, 2025, where it first appeared.

Business Insider
3 days ago
- Business
- Business Insider
Peyton Manning shares how he's winning in Hollywood by appealing to Middle America
Peyton Manning is becoming a Hollywood star, without becoming "Hollywood." When the Hall of Famer and two-time Super Bowl champion created Omaha Productions, making shows about sports was a given. But Manning's TV company is now diversifying its slate away from the field. "I like history. I love country music. I have great appreciation for the military," Manning said in a recent interview with Business Insider. "And so we've tried to do things that at least have some sort of authentic connection to that." Manning founded his TV production firm in 2020 with former Fox Sports executive Jamie Horowitz, and it's been a hit so far. Omaha was valued at over $750 million by an investment round this spring spearheaded by former Endeavor executive Patrick Whitesell. Manning's company has also secured a first-look deal with Disney's 20th Television after creating the buzzy "ManningCast" starring Peyton and his brother Eli, as well as a slew of sports docuseries for Netflix: "Quarterback," "Receiver," and "Starting Five." Manning told BI that there's no one-size-fits-all definition of an Omaha show. But there are a few common threads: shows that are "uplifting and unifying" and related to Manning's personal interests. Omaha produced the Country Music Awards last November and has also produced series for the History Channel, like "Beyond the Battlefield" and "The Mega-Brands That Built America." Manning said Omaha tries to make its slate family-friendly. Omaha's niche: Sports, history, country music Omaha is an apt name for Manning's production company. Football fans will recognize it as a callback to the callout signal Manning often gave as the quarterback of the Denver Broncos. But although Omaha isn't necessarily a reference to the Nebraska city, the company has strong Midwest sensibilities. The topics Manning has an affinity for — sports, business, country music, history, and the military — have clear appeal in Middle America. That said, the former Colts and Broncos star has always kept his personal politics to himself, and Omaha is trying to stay far away from politics and the culture wars. Omaha is also staying away from gritty subjects like crime, even though Manning said he personally loves "The Sopranos" and "Goodfellas." (Their military-themed show was about the history of the Marines and Army and how soldiers train, not an intense wartime drama like HBO's "Band of Brothers.") The Middle America appeal aligns with Manning's roots. He grew up in Louisiana, played college football at Tennessee, and spent most of his career in Indianapolis. Omaha isn't the only TV outfit finding success in this lane. Taylor Sheridan has made a slew of popular shows, kicked off by Paramount's "Yellowstone." Amazon Prime Video has also invested heavily in so-called "dad TV" with "Reacher" and "Jack Ryan," plus faith-based shows like "House of David," based on King David in the Bible. From signal caller to shot-caller While Omaha has momentum, Manning said starting a production company came with a steep learning curve — plus inevitable incompletions when pitching to streamers and networks. "We've heard 'no' plenty," Manning said. "It doesn't mean it's not a good idea. All it takes is one to like you." Manning said he's enjoyed being a producer even more than being in front of the camera. "I'm the offensive coordinator in the press box," Manning said. "I never really had been a part of anything like that, where I didn't sort of have to play quarterback." Manning said he's looking forward to the next season of "Quarterback," which debuts on Netflix in July and features the Cincinnati Bengals' Joe Burrow, the Detroit Lions' Jared Goff, and the Atlanta Falcons' Kirk Cousins. Manning noted that the first-look deal with 20th Television won't impact preexisting deals with streamers like Netflix. The Omaha project that Manning is anticipating the most is "Chad Powers," a coming Hulu show that stars Glen Powell as a former standout quarterback who tries to resurrect his career by going undercover as a walk-on. The idea for the show came from an Omaha Productions sketch that Eli Manning did back in 2022. "Eli's in a horrible wig, he's got a horrible accent, he talks about being homeschooled and coached by his mom, he has these little catchphrases," Manning said. "And next thing you know, maybe one of the biggest movie stars in the world is doing a show about that." The Apple TV+ show "Ted Lasso" also began as a skit and became a smash hit. Manning hopes "Chad Powers" follows suit.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
New York Jets' Justin Fields Receives Glowing Review, But One Major Factor Is Left Out
New York Jets' Justin Fields Receives Glowing Review, But One Major Factor Is Left Out originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The New York Jets signed quarterback Justin Fields to a two-year, $40 million prove-it deal this offseason. It was a great deal for New York, as if Fields lives up to the potential that got him drafted with the No. 11 overall selection, it's on a bargain contract, and they have their man for the future. Advertisement If Fields continues the struggles he showcased in Chicago, the contract is not going to tank the team. Fields has looked really impressive in OTAs, even getting a flowing review from NFL Network's Brian Baldinger. Baldinger was a guest at one of the Jets' recent practices of OTAs and noted Fields' great physical tools, notably, his speed. "He looked exceptionally fast," Baldinger said. "He was on the move quite a bit and threw well on the move. You saw him basically piercing the Jets' defense routinely. I thought he threw the ball well on the run. He took all the No. 1 repetitions with the starting offense. They used him in a variety of ways, but running the ball, he stood out." While Baldinger's review spoke highly of Fields, it didn't quite touch upon Fields' throwing ability. He did mention that Fields "threw the ball well on the run," but it didn't hit on the weaknesses Fields has shown in the NFL. Advertisement It's also important to note that OTAs often favor offenses, playing with no pads and no contact. Baldinger's review focused primarily on Fields' legs, which we know is a great strength of his game and the one thing he's done very well at the pro level. Fields' struggles come from him throwing the ball, particularly in the pocket with pressure collapsing. The truth is, if he can't get that part of the game down, he won't stick as a starter. Fields has an advantage with the Jets, as New York is deploying an offensive line that is expected to be among the NFL's best. Fields will have the reigns as the starting quarterback, with Tyrod Taylor acting as the failsafe. It's clear by the team's decision to offer Fields a two-year deal that they're not fully confident he can stick as the long-term starter. Related: Jets Among Biggest Winners of June 1 Cap Update Related: Jets Urged to Sign Pro Bowl Receiver This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 4, 2025, where it first appeared.

Washington Post
07-06-2025
- Sport
- Washington Post
What Aaron Rodgers's choice means for the Steelers — and others
Aaron Rodgers's free agent decision was long awaited but entirely predictable, as the Hall of Fame-bound quarterback finally did Thursday as practically everyone had expected and chose to spend the upcoming season with the Pittsburgh Steelers. But if the Rodgers resolution came as no surprise, it still has meaningful implications in Pittsburgh and beyond.


Washington Post
05-06-2025
- Sport
- Washington Post
Russell Wilson focused on being a leader for the Giants even with all eyes on rookie Jaxson Dart
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — Russell Wilson knows he's not the future. Not at this point in his career. The New York Giants hope that'll be Jaxson Dart. For now, though, Wilson is the No. 1 quarterback on the depth chart — and he fully expects to remain there when the season starts.