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

Mets to celebrate playoff berth even if they don't win NL East

The New York Mets (93-55) endured quite the roller-coaster week that featured being swept by the 62-84 Chicago Cubs before the Amazins defeated the last-place Pittsburgh Pirates (55-92) in four consecutive contests.

Ticket stubs for Michael Jordan's debut could sell for $300K via auction

One of the tickets has the phrase "Michael Jordan's first game" written on the front, while the other has "Michael Jordan's first game" inscribed on the back.

Jets QB Joe Flacco: 'Winning in the NFL is like a drug'

Shortly after the result that improved "Gang Green" to 1-1, the Super Bowl XLVII Most Valuable Player spoke with the New York Post about his elation over his first win as a Jets quarterback. 

Steelers' Mitch Trubisky addresses chants for rookie Kenny Pickett

Frustrated Pittsburgh Steelers fans chanted the name of rookie quarterback and first-round draft selection Kenny Pickett during Sunday's 17-14 loss to to the New England Patriots.

Rams' Jalen Ramsey says Bills game wasn't his worst

In Week 1, Allen targeted Ramsey seven times and completed six of those passes for 124 yards, two touchdowns and a perfect passer rating of 158.3.

Was Broncos' Russell Wilson 'tipping pitches' vs. Seahawks?

Tyler Lockett was mic'd up and can be heard telling teammates that Russell Wilson was utilizing hand signals similar to those he used during his Seattle tenure. 

Analyst predicts Panthers' Christian McCaffrey will have bounce-back game vs. Giants

ESPN's David Newton predicted McCaffrey will look more like his All-Pro self against the Big Blue defense. 

Analyst: No Super Bowl for 2022 Patriots because 'times have changed'

NFL Media's Marc Ross added his name to the growing list of individuals who believe there's little chance Belichick will hoist the Vince Lombardi Trophy this coming February. 

Hall of Fame QB Dan Marino considered chasing Super Bowl ring away from Dolphins

Say the phrase "greatest quarterback to never win a Super Bowl" out loud, and the name of Dan Marino will be on the short list of responses from diehard NFL fans.  Marino only played in a Super Bowl once during his 17-year career with the Miami Dolphins--through little fault of his own--as his teams simply weren't good enough.

49ers GM John Lynch responds to big-name Trey Lance critics

In a Week 1 loss in Chicago to the Bears, San Francisco 49ers quarterback Trey Lance struggled in monsoon-like conditions.

Former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson using cannabis in fight against opiates

As Jacquelynn Powers Maurice noted for the New York Post last November, former heavyweight boxing champion and once, "Baddest Man on the Planet" Mike Tyson has openly discussed his previous drug use and other outside-the-ring issues.

Chiefs rookie Jaylen Watson: 'I woke up knowing I was going to get a pick' vs. Chargers

Watson's pick-six is the longest go-ahead fourth-quarter touchdown by a rookie in league history.

Report: Mets still have 'several unvaccinated players' headed into postseason stretch

It was hardly a secret as far back as April 2021 that members of the New York Mets showed, "hesitation," toward receiving one of the safe and available COVID-19 vaccines at that time.

Fox's Erin Andrews had terrifying Week 1 ordeal: 'This is not the way I want to die'

Somehow, she managed to keep her cool during what quickly could've become a life-changing situation. 

Did Giants DC Wink Martindale call fans out before home opener vs. Panthers?

The Giants haven't given fans a winning record or playoff team to cheer about since the 2016 season. Their fans should be hyped for Sunday's encounter.

Francisco Lindor cares more about winning World Series than setting Mets records

Lindor broke the franchise's single-season record for most homers by a shortstop previously held by Asdrubal Cabrera.

Buccaneers' Tom Brady, reporters tiptoe around Gisele Bündchen, retirement rumors

One report from this week directly said that Brady "knows he needs to retire after this year 'if he wants to stay married.'"

LeSean McCoy: 'It's over' for Bill Belichick, Patriots without Tom Brady

McCoy also insisted that Brady, not Belichick, "is the greatest of all time."

Giants' Saquon Barkley ranked No. 1 RB after Week 1 of season

The stock associated with New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley seemingly hasn't been this high since the fall of 2019.

Ben Roethlisberger: Steelers' Alex Highsmith will 'rise to the occasion' with T.J. Watt out

Highsmith tallied six sacks across 16 starts last season. He will need to build on that with Watt out.

Cooper Rush: Cowboys 'ready to roll' vs. Bengals with Dak Prescott out

Rush will try to keep the Cowboys in contention until Prescott can return.

Jets OC explains why Joe Flacco is starting over Mike White

White, who became a cult hero among Jets fans, apparently will not be replacing Flacco under center.

Richard Sherman still confident 49ers will win Super Bowl LVII

Sherman is still confident in his prediction despite a disappointing Week 1 showing from the 49ers.