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

Vikings' Sam Darnold talks making first playoff start amid future uncertainty

Sam Darnold is on track to reach free agency in March and understands what's at stake regarding his short- and long-term futures. 

Former Patriots CB rips team for firing Jerod Mayo

Jerod Mayo's former Patriots teammates came to his defense in the wake of his surprising firing.

Giants players make alarming comments after Brian Daboll, Joe Schoen decisions

Some locker room members privately sang different tunes early into the offseason about the Giants' retention of Brian Daboll and Joe Schoen.

New York Giants icon offers advice to Pete Alonso amid Mets rumors

Tiki Barber offered advice to Pete Alonso as he remains a free agent.

Penn State's Drew Allar reacts to brutal performance in crushing loss to Notre Dame

Following Thursday's heartbreaking defeat, a tearful Allar addressed what could go down as a career-defining contest.

Why insider believes Bill Belichick could return to NFL amid Raiders' changes

Speculation continues regarding the future of Bill Belichick.

Trevor Lawrence reacts to Jaguars firing Doug Pederson

Trevor Lawrence spoke with media members on Thursday and hinted he and others in the locker room let Doug Pederson down.

What Texans' C.J. Stroud is looking to reclaim ahead of wild-card game

C.J. Stroud discussed his up-and-down sophomore campaign ahead of Houston's home wild-card playoff matchup against the Chargers. 

Report shares how Commanders' Kliff Kingsbury could approach head-coaching opportunities

Kingsbury has received widespread praise for helping quarterback Jayden Daniels become the uncrowned Offensive Rookie of the Year Award winner for the ongoing season. 

Do Jets players want Aaron Rodgers back for 2025 season?

There has been and will continue to be plenty of speculation over Rodgers' future. But what do his teammates want to see happen?

Insider addresses latest Tom Brady, Fox rumor amid Raiders speculation

Brady is completing the first season of a 10-year, $375M deal with Fox and seemingly hasn't yet gotten into any trouble related to calling games while serving as a minority owner of a franchise.

Could Lions' Ben Johnson reject Bears for this AFC club?

Is Johnson eyeing a position outside the NFC North?

Reports name 'heavy favorite' for Patriots' head-coaching job

Team owner Robert Kraft parted ways with first-year coach Jerod Mayo following this past regular season.

Reporter addresses uncertain future of Steelers' George Pickens amid trade rumors

Pickens has caused headaches for the Steelers throughout his first three seasons in the NFL and also hasn't yet developed into the star that individuals within the organization hoped he'd be.

Insider addresses wild Pete Alonso contract request report amid Mets rumors

It was reported earlier this week that agent Scott Boras had been using the nine-year, $214M deal that former slugger Prince Fielder received from the Tigers in 2012 as a comparison for what Alonso should get this offseason. 

Insiders suggest Cowboys' Jerry Jones has made Mike McCarthy decision

McCarthy guided the Cowboys to just one playoff win over five campaigns, but his teams went 12-5 each season from 2021-23 before a noteworthy injury crisis impacted the club this past fall. 

Mets legend offers advice to Pete Alonso amid ongoing free-agency journey

Alonso remains a free agent as spring inches closer, and one iconic member of the only organization Alonso has known so far in his career offered some advice.

Insider reveals seriousness of injury Jets' Aaron Rodgers dealt with during 2024 season

Numerous analysts and critics noted Rodgers spent much of the season playing like a veteran who didn't "want to get hit anymore" coming off the torn Achilles he suffered in September 2023.

Jason Kelce addresses Eagles keeping Saquon Barkley from chasing rushing record

During the latest edition of his "New Heights" podcast, Jason Kelce suggested that he would've let Saquon Barkley chase history.

Sports business insider expands on Tom Brady, Fox predictions amid Bill Belichick rumors

Whispers about Brady possibly leaving Fox as soon as this winter popped up even before he began the first season of his 10-year, $375M deal with the network.

Titans execs address status of HC Brian Callahan after firing of GM

The Tennessee Titans' firing of general manager Ran Carthon following the club's 3-14 season understandably left some wondering what's next for head coach Brian Callahan.

Travis Kelce addresses if Chiefs took a dive with Bengals in mind

The Bengals closed the campaign with five straight victories and could have featured the league's MVP winner for the regular season had they made the playoffs. 

Did Bill Belichick play a role in Jerod Mayo's failure as Patriots HC?

Jerod Mayo lasted just one season as head coach of the Patriots. Did Bill Belichick, Mayo's former coach and later boss, play a role in the failure? 

Commanders WR shares how Marcus Mariota has helped Jayden Daniels

Terry McLaurin noted how backup Marcus Mariota has been "the right kind of person" to share a quarterback room with Jayden Daniels.