Yardbarker

Mike Santa Barbara

Mike Santa Barbara is a Wilmington, Delaware native (Yes, it's a real place) with over a decade of sports writing experience. A diehard Philadelphia sports fan, he has two dogs named after Flyers and cried real tears when the Eagles won Super Bowl LII. You can follow him on Twitter at @mike__sb.

Eagles star responds to fan backlash after poorly received joke

Eagles fans can be rowdy, but they can also be surprisingly sensitive.

Insider reveals Alabama's timeframe for naming successor to Nick Saban

The program must find a successor in what's likely to be a quick yet thorough search.

Top landing spots for RB Saquon Barkley

Should the New York Giants let Saquon Barkley walk this offseason, just where might he walk to?

Watch: Flyers HC destroys reporter over false rumor surrounding Cutter Gauthier trade

John Tortorella has a reputation for flying off the handle, but he was probably in the right this time. 

Spurs veteran trolls Victor Wembanyama after rookie's historic triple-double

First-year sensation Victor Wembanyama has taken the NBA by storm, but he's still a rookie. 

Pat McAfee backpedals, hopes Aaron Rodgers will appear on show

Fans of the "Pat McAfee Show" looking forward to an Aaron Rodgers-free experience rejoiced after the former punter turned sports media mogul announced that the outspoken Jets quarterback wouldn't appear on the program moving forward. 

Football world reacts to Alabama HC Nick Saban's stunning decision to retire

Saban's decision to finally step away from the sidelines at 72 years old offered many a chance to show appreciation.  

Falcons act quickly, fire HC Arthur Smith as the clock strikes midnight on regular season

The Falcons wasted little time making a change at head coach, sending Arthur Smith packing shortly after midnight Sunday on the east coast.  

Takeaways from Bills' comeback win vs. Dolphins, clinching AFC's No. 2 seed

Rocking a pedestrian 6-6 record not too long ago, the Buffalo Bills aren't only going to the postseason, they're the No. 2 seed in the AFC.

Watch: Bills' Deonte Harty returns punt 95 yards, shattering franchise record

Sometimes, even seemingly unbreakable records meet their demise. 

Week 18 NFL winners: Teams clinch playoff berths with backs against the wall

Parting is such sweet sorrow, but all good things must come to an end. With the final week of the NFL regular season mostly in the books, here's a look at the winners from Week 18.

Historic finish earns AFC North title of NFL's toughest division

The AFC North achieved something this season that hadn't been matched in almost a century.

Watch: Eagles QB Jalen Hurts suffers gruesome dislocated finger vs. Giants

The Eagles sustained a significant scare in Week 18 when quarterback Jalen Hurts went down with a gruesome injury to a finger on his throwing hand against the Giants. 

Watch: Brutal field conditions revealed at Allegiant Stadium ahead of Super Bowl LVIII

Roughly a month away from Super Bowl LVIII, the NFL might have a problem.  

Takeaways from the Texans' dramatic postseason-clinching win over Colts

The Texans pulled out a thrilling 23-19 win over the Colts, punching a ticket to the playoffs. Here are three takeaways from the Texans' dramatic win.

Watch: Texans QB C.J. Stroud connects on 75-yard TD to WR Nico Collins on first play

Facing a must-win situation in Week 18 against the Colts, the Texans offense, led by quarterback C.J. Stroud, wasted little time announcing its presence. 

Watch: Jadeveon Clowney hilariously celebrates bonus-gaining sack vs. Steelers

Baltimore Ravens edge-rusher Jadeveon Clowney was pretty stoked to earn his sack bonus.

Quick reinstatement of Draymond Green could come back to haunt NBA

Apparently, after 22 days of counseling, the Warriors' much-maligned forward Draymond Green is a changed man.

One rule from new professional women's league the NHL should adopt

Along with tweaks to shootouts and how teams gain points in the standings, there's one change from the PWHL that the NHL should consider adopting. 

Warriors HC Steve Kerr offers tone-deaf response to pleas for playing time

Golden State HC Steve Kerr isn't backing down from his approach to Jonathan Kuminga, even as the former No. 7 overall pick might be veering in the direction of disgruntled.

Watch: Blackhawks rookie sensation Connor Bedard exits game vs. Devils after taking heavy hit

Chicago Blackhawks rookie star Connor Bedard exited after being laid low by a big hit. The extent of his injury is not yet known.

Vikings RB could make dubious franchise history in Week 18

Alexander Mattison has one more outing left to avoid making dubious franchise history.

Watch: Team USA sings national anthem after winning gold at World Junior Championship

Team USA took gold at the IIHF World Junior Championship, then let the patriotic spirit take hold.

Rangers star explains why he backed out of NHL All-Star Game, urges fans to vote for teammates

New York Rangers star Artemi Panarin will be skipping the NHL All-Star Game for good reason.

Giannis Antetokounmpo shares thoughts on Victor Wembanyama after first head-to-head meeting

Add two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo to the list of established stars who've come away impressed by dynamic San Antonio Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama.