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' Bill Belichick explains Malik Cunningham decision

New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick somewhat explained why he made undrafted rookie Malik Cunningham his primary backup quarterback behind starter Mac Jones for what became Sunday's 21-17 loss at the Las Vegas Raiders. 

Jets' Garrett Wilson rips MetLife Stadium turf after injury scare

New York Jets star wide receiver Garrett Wilson became the latest noteworthy individual to criticize the MetLife Stadium turf.

Insider shares interesting trade scenario for Vikings' Kirk Cousins

NBC Sports' Peter King suggested there's one scenario where Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins may waive his no-trade clause.

Jets' Robert Saleh reveals 'mission' of Aaron Rodgers

New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh continues to express optimism regarding quarterback Aaron Rodgers possibly making a remarkable return.

Insider shares alarming update on Browns QB Deshaun Watson

The Cleveland Browns may be without QB Deshaun Watson for an extended period of time due to a contusion of the rotator cuff.

Jets HC Robert Saleh sees one big change in Zach Wilson

New York Jets HC Robert Saleh has expressed confidence in QB Zach Wilson's ability to move past mistakes in recent weeks.

Hall of Famer throws shade toward 49ers QB Brock Purdy

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy leads the NFL among qualified players with a 123.1 passer rating and an 83.5 adjusted QBR heading into the weekend but has left Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe somewhat unimpressed. 

Reporter suggests possible career change for Patriots' Bill Belichick

New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick may not find himself unemployed for long if he and the organization part ways following what could be a rather disappointing season for all involved. 

Steve Young shares why Brock Purdy is perfect for 49ers

Hall of Fame quarterback Steve Young explained why Brock Purdy is the perfect signal-caller for the 2023 edition of the San Francisco 49ers even though

Browns' Kevin Stefanski talks if Deshaun Watson wants to play through injury

Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski insists quarterback Deshaun Watson wants to play through the rotator cuff contusion that will sideline Watson for a second consecutive game, this Sunday's home matchup versus the 5-0 San Francisco 49ers.

Former NFL QB defends Cowboys' Dak Prescott amid criticisms

Former NFL quarterback and current Auburn Sports Network analyst Jason Campbell suggested Dallas Cowboys starter Dak Prescott received too much blame after Prescott tossed three interceptions in last Sunday's 42-10 blowout loss at the San Francisco 49ers. 

Former Jets QB shares Zach Wilson, locker room concerns

Former New York Jets quarterback and current "The NFL Today" analyst Boomer Esiason suggested New York players could quickly lose faith in signal-caller Zach Wilson if this Sunday's game between the 2-3 Jets and 5-0 Philadelphia Eagles at MetLife Stadium goes poorly for the hosts. 

Leonard Williams wants Giants teammates to hold each other accountable

New York Giants veteran defensive lineman Leonard Williams is a team captain in his ninth NFL season and challenged teammates to demand more from each other following the club's disappointing 1-4 start to the season.

49ers' Brock Purdy quotes Tom Brady when speaking about improving

Intentionally or not, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy borrowed a line recently delivered by retired living legend Tom Brady as Purdy spoke about continuing to improve. 

Why Bills' Stefon Diggs appreciates Josh Allen ahead of Giants game

Stefon Diggs of the Buffalo Bills appreciates the public support he received from quarterback Josh Allen following the latest incident involving the star wide receiver. 

Report reveals why Patriots won't start Bailey Zappe over Mac Jones

Zappe went a combined seven-of-18 (38.9%) for 79 yards with no touchdowns or interceptions filling in for Jones.

Saquon Barkley again defends himself after video went viral of him yelling at fan

Giants players are having a rough time with their fans lately.

Raiders' Josh McDaniels praises Patriots' Mac Jones

A 2021 first-round draft pick, Jones earned a Pro Bowl nod as a rookie playing under McDaniels before the then-coordinator headed to Las Vegas.

Insider updates if Mets will trade, sign Pete Alonso this winter

It sounds like Pete Alonso won't have a new baseball home before the 2024 season begins, but that doesn't mean the All-Star first baseman is close to signing a contract extension with the New York Mets as the World Series approaches. 

Troy Aikman talks if Tom Brady will call NFL games for Fox

Add current ESPN personality and former Fox Sports NFL analyst Troy Aikman to the list of noteworthy people who believe retired quarterback Tom Brady will eventually call league games for Fox.

Browns OC defends Deshaun Watson amid shoulder controversy

Cleveland Browns offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt doesn't want to hear any hot takes about Deshaun Watson as the quarterback recovers from the rotator cuff contusion that kept him from playing in the Week 4 game against the Baltimore Ravens. 

Capitals' Alex Ovechkin chasing specific goal, not Wayne Gretzky

Washington Capitals superstar captain Alex Ovechkin understands many want to discuss his pursuit of the all-time NHL goals record of 894 held by Wayne Gretzky but has something else on his mind ahead of Friday's regular-season opener versus Sidney Crosby and the rival Pittsburgh Penguins. 

Lions GM rips 'lazy' Jared Goff narrative

Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes insists he never viewed Jared Goff as merely a temporary starting quarterback after the Lions acquired Goff in the trade that included Detroit sending Matthew Stafford to the Los Angeles Rams in March 2021. 

Jets' Nathaniel Hackett reflects on win over Broncos, Sean Payton

New York Jets offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett acknowledged on Thursday that receiving a game ball from head coach Robert Saleh after this past Sunday's 31-21 win at the Denver Broncos was special considering what Denver head coach Sean Payton said during the offseason.

Giants' Jason Pinnock anticipating reunion with Bills' Damar Hamlin

New York Giants safety Jason Pinnock can't wait to see Buffalo Bills safety and University of Pittsburgh teammate Damar Hamlin this coming Sunday evening for reasons that have little to do with football.