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USA Today
2 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
81 days until the Texans' 2025 season opener: Who has worn No. 81?
81 days until the Texans' 2025 season opener: Who has worn No. 81? Jayden Higgins or Owen Daniels? Which player comes out on top? The Houston Texans are less than 100 days away from kicking off the 2025 season in Los Angeles against the Rams at SoFi Stadium and we're counting down the days until a victory ensues on the west coast. Texans Wire will each day tell you which player has worn the number of the day leading up to kickoff and pick the player who ensured the number best during their time at NRG Stadium. As for today, let's take a look at who has won No. 81 since the inaugural season in 2002. Texans players to wear No. 81 No. 81 currently belongs to wide receiver and second-round pick Jayden Higgins, whom the Texans believe can be a quality starting vertical option after two promising years at Iowa State. The 6-foot-4 pass-catcher is an explosive athlete who makes up for his overall route-running skills with strength after contact and solid hands. He's also been consistent, hauling in at least six touchdown receptions over his two years in Ames. In 2024, Higgins took over games, guiding the Cyclones to their first 11-win season in program history. Not only did he average over 16 yards per reception, but his 1,183 receiving yards ranked top five among Big 12 targets. Jaylin Noel, the Texans' third-round pick, finished with 1,194 yards. Higgins very well could be the greatest player in franchise history to don the number down the line, but there's a right answer entering the summer. It's been the only answer since he left the team in 2013. WR Jayden Higgins (2025) TE Eric Saubert (2023) TE Khale Warring (2019-2020) TE Anthony Denham (2014) TE Owen Daniels (2006-2013) TE Matt Murphy (2004-2005) TE Atnaf Harris (2002) Best Player: Owen Daniels Of course the greatest tight end in franchise history was listed as the top name. After being drafted out of Wisconsin in the fourth round, few players were as consistent as Daniels in the Gary Kubiak era on offense. Daniels was more than a quality receiver. He was a physical blocker in the run game and offered upside on special teams. In the passing game, Daniels added more of his fair share of numbers to keep the chains moving. In 2008, he posted a career-high 862 receiving yards and 70 catches, earning a Pro Bowl nod for his efforts. In 2012, Daniels made the Pro Bowl once more after posting six touchdowns and 716 receiving yards. While he won't go down as the greatest Texans' pass-catcher, Daniels will be remembered as an influential target in helping the franchise complete the revival and punch their ticket to the postseason for the first time in 2009. A loyal follower of Kubiak, Daniels joined the former Texans head coach in Baltimore (2014) and later Denver (2015), helping the Broncos win Super Bowl 50 over the Carolina Panthers before calling it a career. Houston history will remember Daniels well. Entering the 2025 season, he ranks third all-time in receptions (479), targets (602), receiving yards (4617), and touchdowns (29) while ranking seventh in yards per reception (12.0).
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Vernon Davis elected to 2025 Gridiron Greats Hall of Fame class
DENVER (KDVR) — A familiar face to Broncos Country will be enshrined into the Gridiron Greats Hall of Fame next week. Vernon Davis, former Denver Broncos tight end and Super Bowl 50 champion, was elected to the 2025 Gridiron Greats Hall of Fame class, which recognizes retired professional football players for their achievements both on and off the field. Advertisement Douglas County School District announces 2025 Summer Lunch Program Gridiron Greats is a non-profit 501 C3 organization founded in 2007 by Green Bay Packers great Jerry Kramer that professes to provide help to retired NFL players and their families in the event they are going through distress, post-football life. Davis, who will be officially enshrined during the 14th annual Mike Ditka's Hall of Fame Gala in Chicago on May 30, called Gridiron Greats an 'incredible organization' that continues to help so many former NFL players who are paying the price physically, mentally and emotionally as a result of their time on the field.' 'It is a privilege to lend my hand to these men who helped build, shape and mold the NFL into what it is today, and an absolute honor to be recognized for those efforts,' Davis said in a statement. Philanthropic efforts Davis, who caught passes from Peyton Manning and Brock Osweiler during his tenure with the Broncos during the latter part of the 2015 season, notably co-founded the Vontae Davis Family Foundation in 2011. Advertisement Rockies nearing worst 50-game start in MLB history The foundation, which Davis co-founded with his brother, aims to enhance the lives of children and young adults in underserved communities through initiatives in art, education, scholarships and essential resources. Other inductees into the 2025 Gridiron Greats Hall of Fame class include: Two-time Super Bowl champion defensive lineman Leonard Marshall Two-time Super Bowl champion cornerback Marc Collins Six-time pro bowl center Olin Kreutz 10-time Canadian Football League all-star and Hall of Famer Garney Henley On the field Davis retired from the NFL following the 2019 season following 14 years in the league, most of which was spent with the San Francisco 49ers, who drafted him with the 6th overall pick out of the University of Maryland in the 2006 NFL Draft. The star tight end finished his career with 583 receptions, 7,562 receiving yards and 63 receiving touchdowns in 198 games played. Davis earned two Pro Bowl selections in his career, during the 2009 and 2013 seasons — both during his time with the 49ers. Advertisement Davis only Super Bowl championship came during his short tenure with the Broncos. While he didn't earn a catch during the game, he notably provided a key downfield block to help extend a long second-quarter run by running back C.J. Anderson. Davis became eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame this year and is currently nominated for the Class of 2025. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Panthers' Bryce Young, Jaycee Horn get into jawing match at Tuesday's mandatory minicamp
It's kinda starting to feel like 2015 over in Charlotte, N.C. On Tuesday, the Carolina Panthers took the practice field for the first of three mandatory minicamp sessions. The outing featured some lively 7-on-7 action, including a jawing match between starting quarterback Bryce Young and Pro Bowl cornerback Jaycee Horn. Advertisement Head coach Dave Canales spoke about the competitiveness of Young afterwards. "Honestly, he gets really animated," Canales told reporters. "Particularly if you're talking about sports, he loves talking about NBA basketball, college sports during the season when we're going, when we're out here on the field. He just has a defiance to him, and that's just kinda his way of competing. "He's not super animated with it, but he definitely thrives off of that, feeds off that energy. He takes his chances when he can because Jaycee is trying to bait him into throwing the ball over there." That energy may remind Panthers fans of the infamous Cam Newton-Josh Norman fight at training camp 10 years ago. The two got physical after Norman picked off and stiff-armed Newton in the face, prompting quite a scuffle and—in what's become franchise lore—the team's run to Super Bowl 50. Advertisement Horn also spoke about Young's chatter following practice. "He talkin' trash every day," Horn said with a smile. "It's getting fun." Between that battle between their quarterback and cornerback and their season opener in Jacksonville, the Panthers can now draw two pretty crazy similarities to that magical 2015 season. Follow @ThePanthersWire on Twitter/X for more Panthers content. This article originally appeared on Panthers Wire: Panthers QB Bryce Young jaws with CB Jaycee Horn at mandatory minicamp
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Former Panther Joins Bills in NFL Move That Feels Familiar
Former Panther Joins Bills in NFL Move That Feels Familiar originally appeared on Athlon Sports. For a decade, Shaq Thompson was the heartbeat of the Carolina Panthers' defense. He was a steady force, a leader in the locker room, and a fan favorite. Now, in a move that both stings and intrigues, the longtime linebacker is heading north to join the Buffalo Bills. Advertisement Thompson, 31, signed with Buffalo this week, officially closing the chapter on his 10-year career in Carolina, where he was a 2015 first-round draft pick and grew into the franchise's defensive captain. While the parting may be painful for Panthers fans, Thompson's new journey is deeply rooted in familiar soil. 'Man… got released from Carolina—that's the first step,' Thompson said with a grin during his first press conference as a Bill. 'But just stayed in connection with McDermott, with Beane, with Al Holcomb… we had that bond back in 2015.' That trio, Sean McDermott, Brandon Beane, and Al Holcomb was part of Thompson's early development in Carolina. Now all integral members of the Bills' leadership, they've built what many in the league jokingly call 'Carolina North,' a moniker for the pipeline that has delivered a steady stream of ex-Panthers to Orchard Park. Thompson joins a long list of former Panthers who've made the leap: Josh Norman, Star Lotulelei, Mario Addison, and A.J. Klein, among others. The connection runs deep, and apparently, so does the conversation. Advertisement 'Oh yeah, for sure,' Thompson laughed when asked about the 'Carolina North' running joke. 'Guys talk. You want to know what the other locker room is like, what's different, what's better, how they win.' For Panthers fans, Thompson's departure is bittersweet. He was more than just a linebacker, he was a cornerstone. With 818 career tackles, 12 sacks, and 4 interceptions across 119 starts, he embodied toughness and longevity in a franchise that's struggled with continuity. Carolina Panthers outside linebacker Adarius Taylor (57) and outside linebacker Jeremy Chinn (21) and outside linebacker Shaq Thompson (54) huddle before a game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium.© Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images But it wasn't just the stats. Thompson was there for the highs and the lows. From Super Bowl 50 to multiple coaching changes and rebuilds, he stayed, he led, and he gave everything to the city of Charlotte. Advertisement And now, he'll get a chance to prove he's still got plenty left in the tank, just wearing a different shade of blue. The football gods have a sense of humor, though. Panthers fans won't have to wait long to see their old friend again. In Week 8, Thompson returns to Bank of America Stadium as the Bills face the Panthers in a matchup already circled on every Carolina calendar. For a player who gave everything to one team for a decade, Thompson's journey continues with purpose, and maybe a little unfinished business. Related: Cam Newton Launches New BET Show, 106 & Sports Related: Could Panthers Land Hometown Hero Jaire Alexander This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 12, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Broncos' Aqib Talib Against College Football HOF Snub
Broncos' Aqib Talib Against College Football HOF Snub originally appeared on Athlon Sports. On Monday, the National Football Foundation announced its list of former college football players and coaches nominated for enshrinement in the College Football Hall of Fame in 2026. The ballot included six former Denver Broncos, most notably defensive lineman Elvis Dumervil and tight end Vernon Davis. Advertisement But among the players affiliated with the Broncos who did not earn a nomination was Aqib Talib, who spent four seasons with the team (2014-2017). Talib took to social media upon hearing the news, offering some choice words to the NFF. He posted about his displeasure with the decision on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Wednesday. "Y'all tell me. Am I College football Hall of Fame? Go check the numbers (Offense & Defense) and accolades and let me know!" Talib wrote in the post. "Im just saying NFF! This was on my mind this morning." Retired American football player Aqib Talib during the second quarter between the Atlanta Falcons against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile Chenoy-Imagn Images Talib appeared in 34 games between 2005 and 2007 at Kansas, where he played at both cornerback and wide receiver. As a wideout, he caught nine passes for 224 yards and five touchdowns; as a cornerback, he made 162 tackles and caught 13 interceptions that he returned for 322 combined yards. Talib made the All-Big 12 First Team twice, in addition to being a consensus All-American and the winner of the Jack Tatum Trophy (given to the top defensive back in college football) in 2007. Advertisement Talib went on to have a 12-year career in the NFL with five different teams: the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New England Patriots, Broncos, Los Angeles Rams and Miami Dolphins. He won Super Bowl 50 with the Broncos, made five Pro Bowl rosters, earned one nod to the All-Pro First Team. Overall, Talib is credited with 462 tackles, 35 interceptions (resulting in 752 return yards and 10 touchdowns), 125 passes defended and one sack as a professional. Related: Sean Payton Reveals Positional Plan for Broncos' 2025 First-Rounder This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 7, 2025, where it first appeared.
