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

Dolphins' Tyreek Hill vows to be 'better as a leader'

After a drama-filled end to the 2024 campaign, Hill is saying all the right things ahead of a pivotal season for the Dolphins.

Cameron Heyward reacts to Steelers paying T.J. Watt before training camp

Longtime Pittsburgh Steelers defensive lineman and team captain Cameron Heyward addressed the team finally ending its contract standoff with star defender T.J. Watt.

Brian Schottenheimer shares big admission about getting Cowboys' HC job

Schottenheimer served as a consultant (2022) and, later, as offensive coordinator (2023-24) with the Dallas Cowboys before he was promoted to the role of head coach after the club parted ways with Mike McCarthy this past January.

Insider shares huge update on how long contract standoff between Cowboys, Micah Parsons may last

Dallas Cowboys star pass-rusher Micah Parsons reported for training camp on Monday even though he remains in the final year of his rookie deal. Is a resolution in sight?

Buccaneers' Todd Bowles addresses if Chris Godwin could play in Week 1

Godwin is working his way back from a significant injury. Could he be ready by Week 1?

Insiders hint how Browns will handle Dillon Gabriel, Shedeur Sanders during training camp

Browns insider Tony Grossi strongly suggested the only way Dillon Gabriel or Shedeur Sanders will see in-game action before Cleveland's Week 9 bye is if disaster strikes the club.

Evan Hull details how Aaron Rodgers impressed new Steelers teammates

Steelers RB Evan Hull discussed his early interactions with Aaron Rodgers. 

Insiders explain why Bengals' Trey Hendrickson made major decision amid contract standoff

NFL insiders Jordan Schultz and Tom Pelissero offered more information on the Trey Hendrickson-Bengals standoff.

Mets' Francisco Alvarez addresses how minor-league demotion 'changed' him 

The New York Mets recalled catcher Francisco Alvarez from Triple-A Syracuse in an attempt to give their lineup a spark.

Insider thinks Russell Wilson 'may not make it' to early part of Giants season as starter

There is currently no sign that New York Giants head coach Brian Daboll is having second thoughts about naming veteran Russell Wilson the club's starting quarterback. But could his time atop the depth chart be short-lived?

Colts principal owner discusses 'sense of urgency' regarding QB Anthony Richardson

Third-year pro Anthony Richardson may find himself battling for more than just the Indianapolis Colts' starting quarterback job this summer.

Cowboys' Dak Prescott addresses criticisms over lack of playoff success

Prescott's playoff record has left something to be desired, and the quarterback addressed that issue ahead of training camp.

J.J. Watt, NFL insider address mindset of T.J. Watt after agreeing to contract extension

Where is Watt mentally after finally getting his extension?

Is Commanders' Terry McLaurin willing to request a trade to receive desired contract extension?

Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin generated headlines when he said last week that he has "been pretty frustrated" over the fact that he hasn't received a big-money contract extension ahead of training camp. 

Is Giants' Joe Schoen already having second thoughts about Jaxson Dart, Shedeur Sanders decision?

The New York Giants were routinely linked with quarterback Shedeur Sanders leading up to the 2025 NFL Draft, but ultimately traded back into the first round to select Ole Miss signal-caller Jaxson Dart.

Are Colts' Chris Ballard, Shane Steichen on hot seat after ownership change?

The death of Indianapolis Colts owner and CEO Jim Irsay this past May resulted in his three daughters assuming control of the franchise. Understandably, some have wondered what this change could mean regarding the futures of Ballard and Steichen.

NFL Films exec reacts to Bills' strong feelings about being featured 'Hard Knocks: Training Camp' team

During a recent chat with Tim Graham of The Athletic, NFL Films vice president and executive producer Ken Rodgers addressed the Bills' feelings about being part of a show they clearly want nothing to do with ahead of the upcoming season.

Rams' Kobie Turner shares warning for Eagles after playoff loss

The Philadelphia Eagles defeated the Los Angeles Rams during the 2024 regular season and in the divisional round of the playoffs en route to winning Super Bowl LIX.  Those two teams will meet at Philadelphia's Lincoln Financial Field in Week 3 of the upcoming campaign.

Insider reveals who has 'slight edge' in Browns' QB competition ahead of training camp

Who leads the pack regarding the QB competition in Cleveland?

Mets' Pete Alonso shares promising update about right hand contusion

New York Mets fans were understandably concerned when they learned ahead of the club's series finale versus the Cincinnati Reds on Sunday that Mets first baseman Pete Alonso was out of the starting lineup due to a right hand contusion.

What Vikings' Kevin O'Connell learned about J.J. McCarthy amid lost rookie season

During a recent chat with Kevin Seifert of ESPN, O'Connell touched upon how his experiences with McCarthy throughout the 2024 campaign helped Minnesota determine that the 22-year-old will be ready to serve as Sam Darnold's full-time replacement this September.

David Montgomery discusses Super Bowl goal for 2025 Lions

No team has notched more regular-season wins since Week 1 of the 2023 campaign than the Detroit Lions, but they don't have a Super Bowl appearance to show for all that success. 

Cowboys' Tyler Smith makes Super Bowl goal clear ahead of 2025 season

A disappointing 2024 season and a coaching change haven't altered Smith's goals for the Cowboys in 2025.

Steelers insider addresses persistent Mike Tomlin hot-seat chatter

Questions about whether or not Pittsburgh could part ways with Tomlin if he fails to guide the 2025 Steelers to at least one playoff win continue to hover over the organization as players prepare to report to training camp on Wednesday. 

Analyst warns Commanders about possibly paying WR Terry McLaurin

The Washington Post's Neil Greenberg explained why the Commanders may want to think twice about showing Terry McLaurin the money before the season begins.