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

Last-place Yankees ignoring haters, doubters amid playoff push

Members of the New York Yankees understand many want to see MLB's former "Evil Empire" fail as the club begins the first full weekend of August sitting in last place in the American League East standings. 

Giants OC addresses links to Northwestern head-coaching job

New York Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka isn't yet ready to say if he'd leave the NFL to become head coach of the Northwestern Wildcats following the school's dismissal of Pat Fitzgerald.

Domingo German Yankees incident reportedly worse than first thought

It appears the midweek incident involving troubled New York Yankees pitcher Domingo German was worse than first thought. 

Justin Verlander reveals Mets' mindset after trade to Astros

Justin Verlander echoed former New York Mets teammate Max Scherzer regarding why the former agreed to waive his no-trade clause.

49ers' Kyle Shanahan addresses health, readiness of Brock Purdy

The coach sounds confident his QB1 will be ready when it matters most.

Eagles' Nick Sirianni shares Jalen Hurts warning for rest of NFL

Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni is warning the rest of the NFL about quarterback Jalen Hurts.

Giants GM talks Saquon Barkley relationship after contract dispute

New York Giants general manager Joe Schoen insists he and star running back Saquon Barkley have no lingering issues following months of intense contract negotiations. 

Patriots' Mac Jones wants to 'have fun' after rough 2022 season

Quarterback Mac Jones understands he's entering the most important season, to date, of his young career but also wants those inside the New England Patriots' locker room to enjoy their jobs. 

Troubling update on Yankees' Domingo German revealed

Yankees general manager Brian Cashman confirmed Wednesday that German will not return to the club's active roster this season.

Commanders' Ron Rivera shares interesting Sam Howell, Jacoby Brissett update

Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera likes where young quarterback Sam Howell is during training camp but isn't ready to make free-agency signing Jacoby Brissett the club's backup quite yet.

Cowboys' Dak Prescott offers bold response for critics

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott hears what critics have to say this summer and has a strong message for them ahead of the upcoming NFL season. 

Cowboys star Micah Parsons' unorthodox season preparation included pickleball, meditation

Dallas Cowboys star pass-rusher Micah Parsons feels ready for the 2023 NFL season thanks in part to a pair of off-the-field activities. 

How Jets' Robert Saleh is handling Super Bowl expectations

Head coach Robert Saleh understands people expect his New York Jets to compete for a Super Bowl berth this season and has a two-word phrase for how players should deal with that reality: Now what?

Bills GM shares information about Stefon Diggs trade talks

Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane never came close to trading Stefon Diggs amid an interesting offseason involving the star wide receiver.

Mets' Brandon Nimmo dealt with insomnia amid fire sale

New York Mets outfielder Brandon Nimmo lost more than a handful of teammates during the club's recent fire sale.  

Jets' Aaron Rodgers hopes Zach Wilson will improve as backup

Aaron Rodgers believes his arrival can help Zach Wilson ultimately become the quarterback the New York Jets dreamed Wilson would be.

JuJu Smith-Schuster reveals surprising reason he signed with Patriots

Smith-Schuster and the Patriots agreed to a three-year contract in March.

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.