Yardbarker

Zac Wassink

Zac Wassink is a longtime sports news writer and PFWA member who began his career in 2006 and has had his work featured on Yardbarker, MSN, Yahoo Sports and Bleacher Report. He is also a football and futbol aficionado who is probably yelling about Tottenham Hotspur at the moment and who chanted for Matt Harvey to start the ninth inning of Game 5 of the 2015 World Series at Citi Field. You can find him on X at @ZacWassink

EXPERTISE:

NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL, Premier League, MLS, US Soccer, UFC

Patriots teammates praise QB Drake Maye's growing maturity

New England Patriots QB Drake Maye is still just a kid who needs to earn the respect of his teammates.

Giants' Daniel Jones responds to controversial Malik Nabers comments

Malik Nabers raised eyebrows, but does he have a point? Jones weighs in.

Juan Soto sends message to Yankees fans before World Series, free agency

On Thursday, Juan Soto promised Yankees fans nothing but added that he is "really thankful for them and really happy that they’ve had my back the whole year." 

Giants' Josh Ezeudu responds to being ripped by Bill Belichick

Ezeudu reacted to Belichick's comment while speaking with Darryl Slater of NJ Advance Media for NJ.com on Thursday.

Cowboys' Dak Prescott gives honest assessment of play amid 3-3 start

During the Dallas Cowboys' Week 6 bye, former NFL linebacker and current analyst Bart Scott suggested that quarterback Dak Prescott was largely responsible

NFL community calls for rule change after Vikings face-mask controversy

A blatant missed face-mask penalty in the Rams' win over the Vikings on Thursday prompted multiple members of the NFL community to speak out.

Steelers' Cameron Heyward responds to fans booing Russell Wilson vs. Jets

Wilson heard some boos as he knocked the rust off in his first start of the season, and one of his prominent teammates has now addressed the situation.

Jets insider shares huge prediction about future of Aaron Rodgers

Quarterback Aaron Rodgers said this past summer he wanted to give the New York Jets "two great years" coming off the torn Achilles he suffered in September 2023. At least one insider doesn't see that happening.

Analyst shares worrisome take about Eagles' Jalen Hurts

Despite the Eagles' recent run, well-known NFL analyst Greg Cosell isn't convinced that Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia offense can win against top-tier opponents. 

What former Patriots OC would tell Jerod Mayo amid rumors

Former Patriots offensive coordinator Bill O'Brien is the latest to address rumors suggesting team owner Robert Kraft could show Jerod Mayo the door if the 1-6 club doesn't improve by Week 18. 

Yankees beat writer discusses if Juan Soto could take discount to reject Mets

It's widely believed that outfielder Juan Soto will either re-sign with the New York Yankees or join the New York Mets during his free-agency journey that

Teammates praise Eagles' Saquon Barkley for selfless act vs. Giants

During the Philadelphia Eagles' 28-3 win over the New York Giants in Week 7, star Philadelphia running back Saquon Barkley turned down a chance to set his single-game career-high in rushing yards so that "the young boys" on the roster could "eat."

Patriots players address Bill Belichick criticizing Jerod Mayo over 'soft' comment

On Wednesday, Mark Daniels of MassLive spoke with multiple New England players about Belichick standing up for individuals he previously coached.

Panthers players share advice they gave Bryce Young amid benching

As Bryce Young managed scout-team duties amid his benching after Week 2, multiple teammates offered him advice on handling a difficult situation for any young signal-caller.

Insiders address job security rumors about Patriots HC Jerod Mayo

For a mailbag published on Wednesday, Patriots/NFL insider Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated suggested "how locked in" New England players remain through Week 18 could determine if Patriots owner Robert Kraft makes another offseason coaching change. 

Jets' Davante Adams discusses fiery speech after blowout loss to Steelers

Davante Adams has already emerged as a leader for the Jets, even though he only officially joined the organization last week. 

Mets president stresses importance of impending free-agent Pete Alonso

New York Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns understands that Pete Alonso is ultimately going to do what's best for himself.

Patriots captain addresses Jerod Mayo 'soft' controversy

Longtime New England Patriots center and team captain David Andrews, who is out with injury, addressed his coaches controversial comments regarding the team after its latest loss.

How Patriots' Drake Maye has impressed two-time Super Bowl champion

New England Patriots rookie quarterback Drake Maye experienced understandable ups and downs across his first two regular-season starts after he replaced

Is Tom Brady using ownership as an excuse to skip broadcasting work?

Having Tom Brady as both a part-owner of an NFL franchise and a broadcaster is already raising a few questions.

Browns insider addresses persistent Myles Garrett trade rumors

The Cleveland Browns finally seemed to rise above being the Cleveland Browns several years back, but it appears they are still the Cleveland Browns.

Former Patriots star sends warning to Jerod Mayo amid rumors

Retired tight end Christian Fauria is the latest person associated with the Patriots to criticize Jerod Mayo.

Insider updates if Falcons could replace Kirk Cousins with Michael Penix Jr. in 2025

Could Cousins be on his way out of Atlanta after just one season?

Former Patriots DB addresses apparent rift between Bill Belichick, Jerod Mayo

Former Patriots DB and current NFL analyst Devin McCourty touched upon what seems to be a growing rift between Jerod Mayo and Bill Belichick amid New England's losing season.