The Athletic

Netflix is a behemoth with about 270 million subscribers globally, and in a few days, all of us will witness a new chapter in the NFL and Netflix's ambitions when the streaming giant debuts its Christmas games. It represents a massive shift within the sports-media landscape. “This is about the next generation of power players in the media space, which unquestionably Netflix has become.” More on a massive marketing opportunity: https://bit.ly/4053TJt

Within the past year, Paige Bueckers has expanded the scope of what it means to be a college athlete. She played in a Final Four but also became an equity partner in Unrivaled, designed her own player-edition sneaker for Nike and appeared courtside throughout the country at various sporting events. In the new name, image and likeness age of college athletics, Bueckers has exerted unprecedented agency in her career and in building a brand for herself. What the budding superstar still can’t control is what comes next. But what she does have is leverage.

In one big moment, Ravens tight end Mark Andrews yelled at defenders, slammed his helmet, and flipped off a referee…in a training camp practice game. A July workout? Some wondered why. But his teammates knew it was because Andrews views every workout, no matter the circumstances, of equal importance. The way he cares, and the fire within him, is what his teammates say they rely on heavily throughout the year. “Everything he does, he has a (purpose) for why he does it,” Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely said. Ravens teammates told The Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec that Andrews’ accountability and standards he sets for himself have become contagious. To Andrews, it’s about reaching the goals he has for himself, and wanting others to do the same: “I’ve always wanted to become the best version of myself. I know how good I can be. I feel like I’m just scratching that. I’m always trying to get there and get better. And I want to win a Super Bowl.”

According to the wedding website The Knot, which surveyed nearly 10,000 couples last year, only 11 percent of weddings took place between December and February. The fall is most popular, with 42 percent of weddings landing between September and November. But baseball weddings operate on a different cycle, as players typically get engaged in one offseason and hurry to plan a wedding for the next. Here’s how players balance their professions with one of the most important personal days of their lives. Read: https://bit.ly/3P6Vgrb

Do you relate more to a Pete Carroll type of leader or an Andy Reid? A Mike Tomlin or a John Harbaugh? Read how four great longtime NFL coaches lead, and take our poll to vote on which leadership style you most relate to. The Adapter: Chiefs coach Andy Reid Do you find yourself adapting your ideas and visions to your team, rather than sticking to the plan? Constantly shifting how you approach situations? If so, you’re likely an Andy Reid. Someone who openly learns as they go, and succeeds in this style of leadership through experimentation and creativity. Reid harnesses his emotional intelligence to act as both a teacher and a learner, leading to the tight-knit and open-communication ethos Chiefs players talk about. Quarterback Patrick Mahomes: “The way he is able to navigate every team he has…He brings out the best in me because he lets me be me. He doesn't try to make me be anyone else.” The Energizer: former Seahawks coach Pete Carroll If you’re testing out crazy concepts and keeping the energy light with ice-breakers and pranks, you’re probably a Pete Carroll. Someone who makes a conscious effort to incorporate exercises and conversations that will force your team out of their comfort zones. Basketball shootouts before meetings, cartwheel entrances, mixing in bloopers during film sessions — all of it resulted in the excitement, unity and passion that led Carroll’s Seahawks to two Super Bowl appearances. Former linebacker Malcolm Smith: “He pays so much attention to the energy of rooms.” The Straight Shooter: Steelers coach Mike Tomlin If you’re anything like Mike Tomlin, you’re blunt, you say how it is, and you expect your team to reciprocate. Through reciting unique mantras and conducting one-on-one check ins, Tomlin is certain his players know where he stands with them. This honesty cultivates an environment that players want to be a part of, saying they never have to question themselves or what they need to be doing to get better. They know they are cared about. Former running back Rashard Mendenhall: “He has a good balance between being a good guy, being a bad guy, whatever’s needed. But you know it’s only to drive you to your highest performance and your greatest good.” The Modeler: Ravens coach John Harbaugh A leader by example, Harbaugh’s players have discussed the amount of film he watches, the notes he takes, his competitive nature and the way he has no tolerance for players who aren't as passionate about winning as he is. He’s a stickler for rules and expects his players to follow them. While some of his requests have been called old-fashioned, such as dress codes for practices and traveling, the structure and organization keeps his players on the same page. Former punter Sam Koch: “When he first came in, he wanted it done a certain way. If you didn't like it, you were going to have issues. I look back at it now and totally understand why he was the way he was.”

How to deal with pressure and failure: 3 former NFL star kickers weigh in 1. Fill your mind with confidence Stephen Gostkowski: “Your talent can only get you so far. It’s what’s in between your ears that makes you good. Good for a consistent period of time. Like having that unwavering self-confidence in yourself that you’ll be able to figure it out. The mentality that whatever you go through, you just have to believe in yourself that you can figure it out.” 2. Don’t dwell on your errors, and don’t take yourself too seriously Matt Stover: “Anybody has pressure. It’s part of life and life’s hard. And that’s why I’m talking about support, community, and the people around you.” 3. Stay with your focus Nick Lowery: “When you’re bored, when you’re exhausted, when you’re mad, whatever those emotions are that take you off your game, understand that is the precise millisecond when you get better and stronger.” 

The same two words are painted throughout the Utah Jazz’s facilities: in their weight room, outside their practice court, on a sign in an entryway. “Show love.” It’s what the team often says in unison after huddles, too. It’s seen everywhere, it’s heard everywhere, but recently, it’s been felt. Especially by players like Taylor Hendricks, who could use it while recovering from a season-ending leg injury. “I think seeing how the guys have rallied around Taylor, it reminds you that there’s a lot more to this than dribbling and shooting,” coach Will Hardy told The Athletic’s Jason Quick. Jazz players told Quick that Hendricks has continued to be included in social plans and bonding, and has now taken the extra time to study the game more, trying to use a perceived setback to his advantage. “We’re going to have to find the silver linings of all this,” Hardy said. “The guys reaching out to him and keeping him involved is important… He’s part of our messed up little family.”

Alabama returned to the practice field on Thursday knowing it would not end the season playing for a national championship. And the indication is that there will be zero opt-outs against Michigan. It resembles a repeat of the 2022 Sugar Bowl when players like Bryce Young and Will Anderson committed to the bowl game after missing the College Football Playoff. Crimson Tide quarterback Jalen Milroe is uncertain about his future in 2025 but committed to one more game for the 2024 season. With its core leadership fully invested in playing, bowl practice is off to a strong start. More on their thought process: https://bit.ly/3OTaTCx