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

Three-time DPOY blasts media over early criticisms of rookies

Retired NFL superstar J.J. Watt doesn't want to hear criticisms about rookie players before training camps even open.  "'Rookie has rough practice in his first week of OTAs,'" Watt said in a video he shared on social media, per Justin Terranova of the New York Post.

Tom Brady addresses Aaron Rodgers going from Packers to Jets

It seems Tom Brady believes quarterback Aaron Rodgers can achieve big things with the New York Jets as soon as this season. 

Insider predicts 49ers' Week 1 starting quarterback at Steelers

Lynch repeated this week a healthy Purdy is his "leader in the clubhouse" to start for the 2023 49ers over Darnold and Lance. Perhaps that will be the case.

Cardinals HC Jonathan Gannon addresses release of DeAndre Hopkins

While Gannon likely wishes the organization could've located a trade partner regarding the veteran receiver who turns 31 years old next week, the coach seems to understand the 2023 Cardinals are probably better off without a disgruntled Hopkins. 

Tom Brady addresses return to Gillette Stadium for Patriots opener

Quarterback Tom Brady sounds committed to returning to Gillette Stadium when the New England Patriots host the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 1 on Sept. 10.

Mets' Edwin Diaz offers update on if he could pitch in 2023

New York Mets All-Star closer Edwin Diaz updated his progress in returning from a knee injury and discussed the possibility of pitching in 2023.

Tom Brady expands on commitment to staying retired

Quarterback Tom Brady is now telling anybody who will listen that he's truly retired from playing "for good."

Senior NFL writer offers bold Russell Wilson, Jarrett Stidham prediction

Another noteworthy member of the NFL community believes Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton could sit quarterback Russell Wilson in favor of backup Jarrett Stidham this fall. 

GMs address possibility of Guardians trading former Cy Young winner

The right-hander, who turned 28 years old Wednesday, has gone 4-3 with a 3.72 ERA across 12 starts and 75 innings of work this spring.

Senior NFL writer offers bold Aaron Rodgers, media prediction

Rodgers surely will encounter a question he doesn't want to answer, and how he responds to that moment could go a long way in proving Conor Orr right or wrong.

Insider updates if Angels could trade Shohei Ohtani this summer

Individuals within MLB think Los Angeles Angels two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani won't be available before this fall at the earliest. 

Lions' Dan Campbell addresses DeAndre Hopkins links

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell declined to comment on if his club could pursue former Arizona Cardinals and Houston Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins.

Lionel Messi's Paris Saint-Germain decision confirmed

The seven-time Ballon d'Or winner has repeatedly been linked with a move to Saudi Pro League club Al-Hilal, rivals of the Al-Nassr side that employs Cristiano Ronaldo.

Jets' Breece Hall addresses relationship with QB Aaron Rodgers

New York Jets running back Breece Hall is already building solid chemistry with new starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers. 

Titans HC Mike Vrabel addresses possible DeAndre Hopkins pursuit

Titans head coach Mike Vrabel declined to confirm or deny on Wednesday his club could pursue former Cardinals and Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins. 

Why Brock Purdy is 'leader in the clubhouse' to be 49ers starting QB

San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch again backed 2022 rookie sensation Brock Purdy as the team's 'starter in the clubhouse.'

Insider refutes Lionel Messi rumor involving Inter Miami, Barcelona

One well-known insider believes Paris Saint-Germain superstar Lionel Messi won't use Major League Soccer club Inter Miami to return to Barcelona this summer. 

49ers' Trey Lance leading Sam Darnold in potential QB competition?

San Francisco 49ers quarterback Trey Lance seems to be ahead of free-agency signing Sam Darnold early into an offseason competition between the two. 

Patriots' Mac Jones happy for 'normal' offense under Bill O’Brien

New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones sounds happy he's working under new offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien rather than assistant coaches Matt Patricia and Joe Judge this spring. 

Rob Gronkowski addresses Tom Brady, Raiders rumors

Retired tight end Rob Gronkowski sounds convinced quarterback Tom Brady won't play for the Las Vegas Raiders at any point. 

Beat reporter addresses Jets possibly pursuing DeAndre Hopkins

Beat reporter Brian Costello of the New York Post believes the New York Jets aren't a realistic landing spot for former Arizona Cardinals and Houston Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins.

Tottenham's Harry Kane wants to become NFL kicker

Tottenham Hotspur striker and England men's national team captain Harry Kane wants to one day exchange his international football boots for a chance to kick in NFL games. 

Reporter throws cold water on Giants signing three-time All-Pro WR

The Giants had a need at receiver last year, leading many to believe they could pursue a recently released star WR, but New York also addressed its pass-catching need already this offseason.

Inter Miami, Barcelona could prevent Lionel Messi move to Saudi Arabia

Paris Saint-Germain forward Lionel Messi may return to Barcelona this summer with some help from Major League Soccer club Inter Miami.

Saints' Jameis Winston insists he's a starting NFL QB

New Orleans Saints quarterback Jameis Winston insisted Tuesday he's capable of starting for a contending team.