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

Voters, writers react to Giants legend Eli Manning not making 2025 HOF class

Numerous members of the NFL community were shocked to learn on Thursday night that Manning was not elected as a first-ballot Pro Football Hall of Fame member this year.

Vikings HC shares huge Sam Darnold update amid J.J. McCarthy's recovery

The Vikings' QB decision may depend on whether or not Kevin O'Connell believes J.J. McCarthy can match Sam Darnold's accomplishments after spending his debut season as an injured spectator. 

How Mets' Steve Cohen believes Pete Alonso will respond to facing another contract year

Mets owner Steve Cohen recently spoke about how Pete Alonso will handle the pressure of facing another "prove it" season. 

Travis Kelce expands on reasoning for retirement decision ahead of Super Bowl

Kelce previously admitted that he had thought about retirement "more than anyone could ever imagine."

Browns' David Njoku makes passionate plea to Myles Garrett after trade request

Njoku shared his message to his All-Pro teammate amid the latter's trade request.

Drake Maye echoes how Mike Vrabel will bring Patriots what Jerod Mayo didn't

A Patriots roster that lacked talent on both sides of the ball finished Week 18 with a record of 4-13 before owner Robert Kraft showed Mayo the door.

Steelers insider makes bold Mike Tomlin prediction for 2026

Tomlin's future in Pittsburgh became a point of speculation as the team's playoff win drought was extended another year.

Chiefs' Travis Kelce shares how he's grown under Andy Reid

Travis Kelce detailed how he's grown under Andy Reid from where the future Hall of Famer was a few seasons into his career. 

Buccaneers' Rachaad White makes bold claim about Baker Mayfield, Tom Brady

Buccaneers running back Rachaad White had some interesting things to say regarding the quarterbacks he's played with during his career.

What Tom Brady told Patrick Mahomes about possible Chiefs three-peat

Surprisingly, the ultra-competitive Tom Brady supports Patrick Mahomes making NFL history.

What Falcons' Kirk Cousins told Michael Penix Jr. before QB change

Penix revealed the advice he received from Cousins ahead of the rookie's first regular-season start. 

Chad Johnson makes huge George Pickens promise to Steelers, Art Rooney II

Since early December, HC Mike Tomlin and Rooney have publicly discussed how Pickens needs to grow/grow up ahead of his fourth pro season. 

Giants' Malik Nabers opens up about Cam Ward, Shedeur Sanders

The Giants could possibly grab either Ward or Sanders via the third overall pick of the 2025 draft. 

Steelers insider refutes controversial Russell Wilson, Arthur Smith report

Not everyone is buying the report of discord between quarterback Russell Wilson and offensive coordinator Arthur Smith.

Why Mets aren't worried about Pete Alonso relationship after 'exhausting' contract saga

The fan favorite now has a second chance to produce a career season in a potential walk year while serving as the lineup protection for All-Star outfielder Juan Soto.

NFLPA hints what it will want to agree to 18-game NFL regular season

While many assume it's only a matter of time before NFL owners get the 18-game regular-season format they've desired for years, it's worth noting that the NFL Players Association must consent to such a proposal per the terms of the collective bargaining agreement that expires after the 2030 campaign.

Would Steelers' Mike Tomlin let Arthur Smith make QB decision?

Retired linebacker and current NFL analyst Bart Scott hinted that Russell Wilson and Arthur Smith may be unable to work together again. 

What Giants' Jalin Hyatt wants in a new starting quarterback

Giants wide receiver Jalin Hyatt shared what he's looking for in a new QB1. 

Patriots insider names major concern about HC Mike Vrabel

Patriots fans are understandably excited that Patriots Hall of Famer and former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel became New England's new head coach, but as one insider has pointed out, he doesn't come without some concerns. 

Broadcasting veterans share Super Bowl LIX advice for Tom Brady

Some of Tom Brady's peers shared broadcasting pointers as he prepares to call Super Bowl LIX.

Why Titans' Will Levis is confident he can win competition for starting job

Levis was benched in December due to his inconsistent play.

Analysts share final predictions for Josh Allen, Lamar Jackson MVP debate

ESPN's Courtney Cronin spoke with 13 analysts about their final MVP votes before Thursday's NFL Honors.

Giants players discuss Saquon Barkley helping Eagles make Super Bowl

Saquon Barkley's former teammates are feeling mixed emotions as he and the Eagles prepare to face the Chiefs in the Super Bowl this Sunday.

Insider addresses why Browns' Myles Garrett went public with trade request

The reigning Defensive Player of the Year could have a new football home by the time the 2025 draft gets underway on April 24.

Insider predicts how Steelers will handle George Pickens amid trade rumors

Pickens has had his share of difficult moments in Pittsburgh which have helped spur speculation about his future.