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

Chances for Texas, Oklahoma to make CFP in 2024 increase with realignment news

Texas and Oklahoma aren't expected to join the SEC in 2024, a development that could be the best thing for both programs in what will be the first year of the expanded College Football Playoff.

Ticket prices skyrocket as LeBron James approaches all-time scoring record

LeBron James is on track to pass Kareem Abdul Jabbar for basketball's all-time scoring record next Tuesday, and ticket prices are soaring.

ESPN plans to celebrate 'Michael Jordan Day' on February 3

ESPN has declared February 3, 2023 "Michael Jordan Day," and the network will air "content and highlights" of Jordan's career throughout the day.

Jerry Jones makes ludicrous claim about Eagles when defending Cowboys

As Jerry Jones tells it, the reason the Cowboys haven't won a Super Bowl in nearly 30 years is that Jones is concerned about the big picture.

Deion Sanders shares video of tour of Colorado locker room with Lil Wayne

Colorado is leveling up its football program, and Deion Sanders is leading the charge. He gave rapper Lil Wayne a tour of the team's facilities, including a stop at the locker room. Lil Wayne's reaction was great.

Saints appear ready to move on from Jameis Winston

Jameis Winston signed a two-year deal to remain in New Orleans last offseason, but he may not be around for the final year of the deal.

Don't count on this mythical Tom Brady-led powerhouse going undefeated

The 33rd Team wondered if an offense built around Brady's best talent in New England and Tampa Bay would go 20-0, seemingly regardless of the defensive talent on the mythical team.

With Tom Brady's retirement, QB questions dominate dreadful NFC South

Tom Brady retired Wednesday after spending the past three seasons in Tampa Bay. With his departure, each team in the dreadful division now has questions at QB. 

Greg Olsen could be the hottest offseason acquisition

Two Sundays from now, Greg Olsen will call the Super Bowl on Fox alongside Kevin Burkhardt. While all eyes will be on the field, the story unfolding in the broadcasting booth is compelling in its own right.

Remembering Tom Brady's worst play in the NFL

When it comes to throwing a football, there aren't many quarterbacks who did it better than Brady. When it comes to anything else on the field, whether it be attempting to catch a pass or block for a teammate, it's hard to find anyone worse.

DeMeco Ryans is the perfect hire to help change the Texans' image

The Houston Texans have one less problem after making a home-run hire at head coach with DeMeco Ryans.

Senior Bowl flush with talent at running back

Need a running back? Look no further than Saturday's Reese's Senior Bowl. The running back group at the Senior Bowl includes five players who had more than 1,000 scrimmage yards in 2022.

Sean Payton is right choice for Broncos if they want Russell Wilson to cook again

Denver is operating under the assumption that Wilson is still a Super Bowl-caliber QB and not the subpar version of himself we saw in 2022.

49ers are back to square one at QB

Brock Purdy's injury to his throwing arm may require Tommy John surgery, adding another wrinkle to San Francisco's quandary at QB.

QB Stetson Bennett's stock could take hit following arrest

Bennett did almost everything right in leading Georgia to back-to-back national championships. He's starting off on the wrong foot as he attempts to make it to the NFL.

Bengals bungle championship game and their reputation

Excessive trash talk, which ultimately wasn't backed up, cost the Bengals more than just the AFC Championship Game. 

Sean Payton provides status update on potential coaching return

The Sean Payton sweepstakes could reach its conclusion this week, if we're lucky. "I think in the next week we're going to know a lot more," Payton said.

Novak Djokovic on track for men's tennis Grand Slam record after straight-set Aussie Open win

Novak Djokovic is on track to set the record for most men's Grand Slam titles this year after cruising in straight sets in the Australian Open final.

Greg Olsen doesn't mince words about Tom Brady

Brady briefly retired during the last offseason and signed a 10-year, $375 million contract to join Fox Sports. He reconsidered and announced his decision to return to Tampa Bay in 2022.

Potential Panthers free-agent targets include an NFC East QB

The Carolina Panthers have their new head coach, and now turn their attention to rebuilding the roster. One NFC East quarterback is among their top free agent targets.

QB among potential free-agent additions for Bucs

The story of the Bucs' offseason will be dominated by the future of Tom Brady, putting the quarterback position in the spotlight as the team looks to improve on a mediocre season.

Commanders standout among potential free-agent additions for Falcons

One of theneedsfor the Atlanta Falcons is help on the interior defensive line. The Washington Commanders have a player the team should look into signing in free agency.

Former NFL coach Bill Parcells shares thoughts on Cowboys

According to legendary NFL head coach Bill Parcells, the Dallas Cowboys biggest problem isn't at the quarterback position.

NBA legend Pat Riley weighs in on G.O.A.T debate

Wishy-washy Riley has weighed in again on the G.O.A.T debate, which typically includes players such as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, LeBron James and Michael Jordan.