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

Saints hosting five-time Pro Bowl offensive lineman

The New Orleans Saints are looking at a homegrown talent who has earned five Pro Bowl selections to fortify their offensive line.

Brian Harman captures first major with ease at The Open Championship

Even the rain couldn't stop the sun from shining on Brian Harman. He closed out The Open Championship with ease on Sunday, securing his first major title. 

Aaron Rodgers gifted custom diamond chain by Jets All-Pro cornerback

New York Jets All-Pro CB Sauce Gardner had some special jewelry made for his quarterback.

Jon Rahm surges up leaderboard with 8-under 63 at Open Championship

From struggling to make the cut to surging up the leaderboard, Jon Rahm used moving day at The Open Championship to put himself into contention for a third major championship.

Natterjack toad temporarily halts play at The Open

A tiny toad found itself on the big stage at The Open Championship on Saturday. Per NationalClubGolfer.com, the Natterjack toad is a rare species that breeds in a few select locations in the UK, with Hoylake, the home of this year's Open, being one of those places. 

Brian Harman’s great second round capped by eagle at No. 18

Brian Harman closed out a great second round at the Open Championship with his first eagle at the tournament since 2014.

Vikings receive troubling news on 2023 first-round draft pick

Vikings rookie wide receiver Jordan Addison was issued a citation early Thursday morning for speeding and reckless driving.

Tennessee HC Josh Heupel declares 'there's only one real UT' ahead of Texas joining SEC

So much for Southern hospitality. Josh Heupel isn't leaving a welcome mat out for Texas ahead of its move to the SEC next season, which is unsurprising given he won a national title as the starting QB for Oklahoma.

Indianapolis Colts unveil 'Indiana Nights' jersey and helmet

Anthony Richardson's first dance with the Colts will feature a fresh look in Week 7. The team revealed its alternate "Indiana Nights" uniform with a social media post on Thursday.

Bears QB Justin Fields makes bold prediction for team's offense

The Bears have never had a 4,000-yard passer but Justin Fields believes that's about to change.

Amateur Christo Lamprecht ends first round as clubhouse leader at Open Championship

Teeing off hours before the world's best golfers, amateur Christo Lamprecht set a high bar for the field.

Former Jets second-round pick expected to be cut or traded during training camp

According to Jets beat reporter Brian Costello, the New York Jets are planning on releasing or trading 2020 second-round pick Denzel Mims.

NFC South training camp watch: Biggest surprise, hottest seat, more

With training camps about to start, it's time to preview the biggest storylines throughout the NFL. Here's what to watch for in the NFC South.

Report: Cowboys All-Pro OL Zack Martin threatens to skip training camp

Zack Martin is the best guard in football but isn't paid like it. That dichotomy could lead to a standoff between the All-Pro guard and the Dallas Cowboys.

Surprising NFC team emerges as most popular bet at sportsbooks

The franchise last reached the postseason in 2016 and has yet to advance past the wild-card round since 1991, when it lost in the NFC Championship Game, but bettors seem to believe this is the year.

Aaron Donald makes history with 'Madden 24' rating

Aaron Donald is a member of the 99 Club in the "Madden" video game franchise for a record seventh time, EA Sports announced on Tuesday.

Jimbo Fisher discusses what Bobby Petrino's hiring means for Texas A&M offense

The Jimbo Fisher-Bobby Petrino partnership is one of the most fascinating coaching storylines of the 2023 season. While anything will be an improvement for the Aggies from their trainwreck 2022, how Fisher and Petrino coexist is something plenty are waiting to see.

Brian Kelly explains why LSU isn't on the level of SEC rivals Alabama, Georgia

Brian Kelly's only been in the SEC for a year but already knows the conference runs through Athens and Tuscaloosa, not Baton Rouge. At least not yet.

Vikings' Justin Jefferson reacts to receiving perfect Madden rating

On Monday, Justin Jefferson lived out a childhood dream when Madden revealed he received a perfect 99 grade in "Madden 24." Jefferson's widely hailed as the best receiver in football and the Madden rating only confirms what we already knew.

DeAndre Hopkins signing creates more questions than answers for Titans

The Titans were the least intriguing landing spot for DeAndre Hopkins among the teams he was reportedly choosing between. The signing doesn’t move the needle in the AFC but instead raises doubts about Tennessee’s team-building ethos.

Carlos Alcaraz wins epic men's Wimbledon final

Carlos Alcaraz's time has come. The Spanish tennis phenom outlasted Novak Djokovic in an epic, five-set men's final at Wimbledon.

Marketa Vondrousova completes improbable Wimbledon championship

Marketa Vondrousova became the first unseeded woman to win at Wimbledon, defeating Ons Jabeur in straight sets, 6-4, 6-4 in the finals on Saturday. Voundrousova is the third unseeded player to win the tournament and the first since Goran Ivanisevic in 2001.

Buzz growing around Jaguars' Trevor Lawrence heading into Year 3

The hype surrounding Jacksonville quarterback Trevor Lawrence is growing ahead of the team's start of training camp on July 26.

Former Seahawks great emerges as potential Shannon Sharpe replacement on 'Undisputed'

Richard Sherman shut down a lot of great receivers during his playing day but for his next role, he might be shutting down Skip Bayless instead.  On Thursday,

Best of the NFC South: QB, draft pick, fans and more

As we speed toward the start of the 2023 season, let's examine who enters the season as the best of the NFC South.