Yardbarker

Eric Smithling

Eric Smithling is a writer based in New Orleans, LA, whose byline also appears on Athlon Sports. He has been with Yardbarker since September 2022, primarily covering the NFL and college football, but also the NBA, WNBA, men’s and women’s college basketball, NHL, tennis and golf. He holds a film studies degree from the University of New Orleans. You can find him on Twitter/X and Threads at @ericsmithling and at Bluesky at @ericsmithling.bsky.social.

EXPERTISE:

NFL, College Football, NBA, Men's and Women's College Basketball, NHL

Rookies make major impact for Chiefs during Super Bowl run

The Chiefs' 2022 draft class made impacts all over the field for the team during its run to a Super Bowl LVII championship. 

Mikal Bridges' career night has Brooklyn's future looking bright

He had a career-high 45 points on 17-of-24 shooting and added eight rebounds, five assists, two steals and two blocks.

Five spring pro football league rules the NFL must consider

After the Super Bowl, football fans can barely catch their breath before the XFL kicks off Saturday.

Saints begin push to get under salary cap by restructuring defender's contract

Saints general manager Mickey Loomis has started his yearly quest to finagle the team's salary cap situation so it can make necessary upgrades.

Duke HC Jon Scheyer accomplishes an ACC-first with Mike Krzyzewski

Duke is off to an unsteady start under Scheyer, but that didn't stop Duke's head coach from setting a new benchmark for first-year head coaches to reach. 

Saints star defensive lineman Cam Jordan begins making push for Derek Carr

Saints defensive end Cam Jordan took to social media on Valentine's Day to profess his desire to team up with free agent QB Derek Carr next season in New Orleans.

Ex-starting QB headlines potential Falcons cuts

If the Falcons play their cards right, they can get a head-start on the rest of the NFC South in building the division's next consistent winner.

Former first-round RB headlines potential cuts by Buccaneers

Restructuring or extending contracts would lay the groundwork for the Bucs to make a run at a free-agent QB following Tom Brady's retirement. Here are potential cut candidates.

With head coach in place, the Colts need a QB

Indianapolis announced Shane Steichen will be the team's new head coach. The news allows the Colts to focus on what's most important: finding a franchise QB. 

Star WR could be among Panthers gone in 2023

The Panthers are under new management but don't expect wholesale changes from new head coach Frank Reich.

Could NFL ban hugely successful Eagles play in 2023?

The Eagles and their fans lament a gut-wrenching Super Bowl loss. Could the NFL pile on?

Why Oklahoma State was the biggest loser of Super Bowl LVII

With the turf being the worst aspect of an otherwise high-quality game, Oklahoma State might be wishing it missed out on the Super Bowl entirely.

Why cheeseburger aficionado Andy Reid turned to 'Corn Dog' in the Super Bowl

 Andy Reid may like to celebrate big wins with a cheeseburger, but he has "Corn Dog" to thank for Kansas City's comeback victory in Super Bowl LVII.

Eagles cornerback James Bradberry discusses decisive holding penalty in Super Bowl loss

Super Bowl LVII ended not with a bang but with a whistle. While fans were quick to blast officials for a late defensive penalty against Philadelphia cornerback James Bradberry, the seven-year veteran defensive back took a different approach when talking about the decisive play after the game.

Watch: Rihanna delivers career-spanning medley at Super Bowl, reveals pregnancy

Rihanna's halftime performance at Super Bowl LVII was full of hits. But what Rihanna didn't say drew perhaps the biggest response online.

Watch: Nick Bolton returns Jalen Hurts fumble for TD in second quarter

Patrick Mahomes doesn't need much help, but his defense gave him some anyway. Chiefs linebacker Nick Bolton scored a 36-yard touchdown on a fumble recovery in the second quarter of Super Bowl LVII against the Eagles.

Eagles fans boo Walter Payton Man of the Year Dak Prescott before Super Bowl

One of the most prestigious awards in the NFL is the Walter Payton Man of the Year award, which honors an NFL player's contributions away from the football field. 

Donna Kelce shows support for both sons ahead of Super Bowl

One of the biggest subplots of Super Bowl LVII is Jason and Travis Kelce becoming the first brothers to play against each other in a Super Bowl. Their mom, Donna Kelce, threw her support behind both the Eagles and Chiefs in an unorthodox way.

Report: Sean Payton interviews current ESPN analyst for Broncos' DC position

The Broncos and new head coach Sean Payton landed in the news on Super Bowl Sunday.

Nets super team flop brings to mind 2011 Eagles

Kevin Durant's trade to Phoenix marked the end of one of the most disappointing super teams in NBA history. But the Brooklyn Nets aren't the only organization to put together a roster that looked a lot better on paper than it did in reality.

In pursuit of Derek Carr, Saints must jettison players

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, New Orleans is the frontrunner to land Raiders QB Derek Carr. Linebacker Demario Davis told reporters he'd welcome the "game-changing quarterback" to the team's locker room.

What to know about Rob Gronkowski's 'Kick of Destiny'

Rob Gronkowski is known for getting his kicks off the field. On Sunday at the Super Bowl, the retired NFL tight end hopes to get his kicks on the field.  Well, at least one kick.

Robin Lopez offers amusing take on Brooklyn's surprise trade

The ramifications of Kevin Durant's trade to Phoenix will be discussed at length over the next 24 hours, but center Robin Lopez offered the hard-hitting analysis basketball fans crave early Thursday.

Timberwolves are the only loser of the massive three-team deal

The Lakers and Jazz both won their three-team trade that also featured the Timberwolves on Wednesday. Minnesota is the only one that looks like a loser.

Roger Goodell takes surprising stance on state of NFL officiating

Ask an average NFL fan about the biggest problem with today's game and chances are officiating would be high on the list. But when asked about the state of league officiating Wednesday, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell offered a different sentiment.