Title: Wednesday’s Top 5 NFL News: Tyron Smith, Draft, and Friends
1. Tyron Smith’s Health Update
The health status of Dallas Cowboys’ star offensive tackle, Tyron Smith, has been a significant concern for the team and its fans. Smith, who missed 14 games last season due to a neck injury, is reportedly making significant strides in his recovery. The Cowboys’ executive vice president, Stephen Jones, recently confirmed that Smith is “feeling great” and is expected to be fully fit for the upcoming season. This news is a significant boost for the Cowboys, who struggled in Smith’s absence last year.
2. NFL Draft 2021
The NFL Draft 2021 is just around the corner and speculation is rife about who will be the top pick. The Jacksonville Jaguars have the first overall pick and are widely expected to select Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence. However, there are also rumors that the New York Jets, who hold the second overall pick, may trade down to accumulate more picks in later rounds. This year’s draft class is considered particularly strong in quarterbacks, with Zach Wilson, Justin Fields, and Mac Jones also expected to be selected in the first round.
3. NFL’s New Media Rights Deal
The NFL recently announced a new media rights deal worth over $100 billion, which will run through the 2033 season. The deal includes partnerships with CBS, Fox, NBC, ESPN/ABC, and Amazon, and will see more games than ever before broadcast on digital platforms. This move is seen as a significant step towards the future of sports broadcasting, with Amazon becoming the first streaming service to secure exclusive national broadcast rights for NFL games.
4. NFL’s Diversity Hiring Rule
In an effort to increase diversity within its ranks, the NFL has expanded its Rooney Rule. The rule now requires teams to interview at least two minority candidates for head coaching positions and at least one minority candidate for coordinator positions. The league has also introduced a new policy that will reward teams with draft pick compensations for developing minority candidates who are hired away for head coaching or general manager positions.
5. NFL Players and Friends
In lighter news, several NFL players have been showcasing their off-field friendships on social media. Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce were recently seen enjoying a round of golf together. Meanwhile, Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady posted a picture of himself and tight end Rob Gronkowski, celebrating their Super Bowl LV victory. These posts serve as a reminder that while football is a competitive sport, it also fosters strong bonds of friendship among its players.
In conclusion, this Wednesday’s top NFL news covers a wide range of topics, from player health updates to the upcoming draft, new media rights deals, diversity hiring rules, and the off-field camaraderie among players. As the offseason progresses, fans can expect more exciting news and updates from the world of NFL.