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

Tony Dungy responds to Sean Payton's violation of coaches 'code'

Former NFL coach Tony Dungy spoke out about Denver HC Sean Payton's recent shredding of New York Jets OC Nathaniel Hackett.

Chiefs' Jerick McKinnon opens up about famous Super Bowl slide

Kansas City Chiefs running back Jerick McKinnon insists he was simply doing his job when he completed a selfless play to keep the clock running late in what became a 38-35 win over the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LVII. 

Patriots' Bill Belichick expecting 'big strides' from Mac Jones?

It sounds like New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick believes quarterback Mac Jones should take significant steps in the right direction this season.

Patriots QB Mac Jones reveals what he worked on this offseason

New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones revealed Wednesday he focused on improving his leadership qualities this offseason. 

Falcons QB Desmond Ridder responds to support from team

Atlanta Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder feels wanted after receiving votes of confidence from team owner Arthur Blank and general manager Terry Fontenot. 

Aaron Boone explains Yankees' quiet trade deadline

Manager Aaron Boone attempted to explain Wednesday why the New York Yankees made no major moves ahead of Tuesday's MLB trade deadline. 

WR Quez Watkins makes bold prediction about Eagles future

Wide receiver Quez Watkins believes he'll prove to be more than just a third option at the position for the Philadelphia Eagles this season.

Aaron Judge responds to Yankees' lackluster trade deadline

New York Yankees captain Aaron Judge remains committed to pursuing a playoff berth this fall after general manager Brian Cashman failed to deliver a major splash ahead of Tuesday's trade deadline. 

Dolphins' Tua Tagovailoa opens up about trying to stay healthy this season

Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has again addressed how he's attempting to avoid the types of injury setbacks that prematurely ended his 2022 season.

How Jacob deGrom convinced Max Scherzer to accept trade to Rangers

It turns out Jacob deGrom helped close the trade that resulted in the New York Mets sending Max Scherzer to the Texas Rangers ahead of Tuesday's deadline for such transactions. 

Francisco Lindor reacts to Mets' trade deadline fire sale

Star shortstop Francisco Lindor sounds committed to still pursuing a World Series title with the New York Mets following the club's fire sale ahead of the summer trade deadline.  "It’s a repositioning of players and assets to the organization," Lindor said hours before Tuesday's series opener at the Kansas City Royals, per John Flanigan of SNY.

Broncos' Sean Payton shares Russell Wilson update after controversial comments

Current Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton sounds happy with where quarterback Russell Wilson is today compared with what Wilson produced under former coach Nathaniel Hackett.

Stephen A. Smith again blasts Dolphins, Mike McDaniel over handling of Tua Tagovailoa

Outspoken ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith is still upset with Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel regarding the handling of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa last season.

Cowboys' Jerry Jones sends warning to other NFC East teams

Jerry Jones thinks the Eagles, Giants and Commanders had better watch out for the Cowboys.

Giants' Rakeem Nunez-Roches compares car accident to practice

New York Giants defensive tackle Rakeem Nunez-Roches kept things in perspective while speaking Tuesday about his recent car accident.

Aaron Rodgers explains commitment to Jets past 2023 season

Quarterback Aaron Rodgers recently accepted a massive pay cut to pursue a Super Bowl title with the New York Jets and suggested Tuesday he's committed to the franchise well beyond the 2023 season. 

Falcons owner Arthur Blank sounds all-in on Desmond Ridder

Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank expects second-year quarterback Desmond Ridder to make a big leap this season now that he's the team's starter during training camp.

LB discusses how Sean Payton improved Broncos culture despite controversy

Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton continues to generate headlines due to recent controversial comments but remains a hit inside his own locker room. 

JuJu Smith-Schuster shares what's surprised him about Bill Belichick

Perhaps New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick is showing more of a soft side following his 71st birthday that he celebrated this past April.

Seahawks GM reveals when Geno Smith took control of offense

Seattle Seahawks general manager John Schneider saw quarterback Geno Smith cement himself as a legitimate replacement for Russell Wilson even before the 2022 season got underway. 

Buccaneers motivated by lack of respect after Tom Brady departure

Logic suggests neither free-agency signing Baker Mayfield nor 2021 second-round draft pick Kyle Trask will guide this year's Buccaneers to a Super Bowl title as did Brady during his first campaign with the organization. Nevertheless, players such as wide receiver Mike Evans insist Tampa Bay isn't rebuilding without TB12 handling training-camp practice sessions. 

Jets' Allen Lazard addresses comments from Broncos' Sean Payton

It's clear that Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton will have to answer for his recent comments about current New York Jets offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett beyond this month.  "Hackett is the best teacher I’ve ever had in my life," Jets wide receiver Allen Lazard said on Monday, as shared by Antwan Staley of the New York Daily News.

Giants' Daniel Jones disrespected in rankings by league insiders?

New York Giants legend Tiki Barber believes Daniel Jones can become the NFC East's best overall quarterback and a top-10 NFL signal-caller. 

Watch: Buccaneers' Shaquil Barrett addresses playing after daughter’s death

Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Shaquil Barrett spoke publicly with reporters Monday for the first time since his two-year-old daughter tragically passed away earlier this spring.

Bills' Damar Hamlin 'a little scared' in return to padded practice

Bills safety Damar Hamlin didn't hide his true emotions after he practiced wearing pads on Monday for the first time since he famously went into cardiac arrest on Jan. 2.