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 teammate shares Sam Darnold warning for rest of NFL

Teammates are warning the rest of the NFL ahead of Minnesota's regular-season opener at the New York Giants this Sunday to not take Darnold lightly.

Steve Young shares what he told Eminem during 49ers-Lions NFC title game

Steve Young recently explained how he and Eminem chatted when the Lions held what seemed to be a commanding 24-7 halftime lead over the 49ers in the NFC Championship Game.

Bills QB Josh Allen views 'overrated' criticisms as a 'term of endearment'

Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills hasn't been shy about responding to summer stories that labeled him as an "overrated" quarterback.

Rob Gronkowski discusses controversial Drake Maye, Jacoby Brissett decision

The Patriots legend has his own thoughts on the team's QB situation.

CBS' Jim Nantz defends Tony Romo over controversial Super Bowl call

Romo received quite a bit of criticism for the excitement he showed seconds after the Kansas City Chiefs scored a walk-off overtime game-winning touchdown in their Super Bowl LVIII victory over the San Francisco 49ers. 

Stefon Diggs makes bold C.J. Stroud statement ahead of Texans debut

Stefon Diggs indicated while speaking about Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud on Thursday that he's in a much better place than he was last season ahead of Houston's Week 1 game.

Why former QB is already 'worried' about Steelers' Russell Wilson

Former NFL signal-caller and current analyst Chase Daniel of The Athletic is among those who have suggested Pittsburgh should consider sitting Russell Wilson regardless of how the veteran feels ahead of kickoff. 

Why Jets' Aaron Rodgers has 'something on my shoulder' after injury

The Jets were advertised as Super Bowl contenders roughly one year ago, but their campaign ultimately fell apart after Rodgers went down with a torn Achilles four offensive snaps into New York's regular-season opener.

Giants icon, media legend share broadcasting advice for Tom Brady

The seven-time Super Bowl champion will make his announcing debut in this Sunday's game between the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns. 

Eagles HC Nick Sirianni defines role for QB Jalen Hurts amid uncertainty

Philadelphia Eagles QB Jalen Hurts is the key to his team's offense and HC Nick Sirianni knows that.

Patriots executive shares how Drake Maye will serve as backup

Patriots executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolf recently spoke about what's expected of Drake Maye heading into New England's regular-season opener.

Why Eagles' Saquon Barkley has 'different appreciation' for Nick Sirianni

Barkley was familiar with Sirianni as an opponent, but being around the head coach as a member of his team has changed the running back's view of his coach.

Browns' Deshaun Watson has new message for critics ahead of Week 1

Watson has played in just 12 regular-season games since the end of the 2020 campaign and is coming off what eventually became a season-ending shoulder injury after he first hurt that shoulder in Week 3 last September. 

NFL insiders share worrisome updates on Jets, Haason Reddick standoff

New York Jets and NFL insider Connor Hughes of SNY shared earlier this week that he believes the contract standoff involving the club and Pro Bowl pass-rusher

NFL analyst predicts whether Steelers will have 'quick hook' for Russell Wilson

How much time does Pittsburgh Steelers QB Russell Wilson have to ease into the season?

Giants legend names 'worst thing' Daniel Jones can do during pivotal season

An NFL analyst who knows a thing or two about playing quarterback for the Giants recently discussed how Daniel Jones should handle a season that comes with immense pressure as his future in New York is in doubt.

Jason Kelce makes big claim about leadership of Eagles' Jalen Hurts

Hurts is set to take on more responsibility as the Eagles begin a season full of expectations and scrutiny, and his former teammate thinks he's ready.

What Ravens' Lamar Jackson learned from AFC title game loss to Chiefs

Jackson turned just 27 years old weeks before the loss to Kansas City but received quite a bit of criticism this offseason due to his 2-4 career playoff record.

Why Kirk Cousins wants to get 'popped' in Falcons debut

This offseason, Cousins worked to recover from the torn Achilles he endured in late October of last year. 

Cowboys' Jerry Jones shares massive Dak Prescott contract claim

Prescott is expected to become the league's highest-paid player either as a member of the Cowboys or as a free agent in March 2025.

Why Jets' Aaron Rodgers is 'thankful' for injury-doomed 2023 season

Rodgers suffered a torn Achilles four offensive snaps into Week 1 of the 2023 campaign. 

Insider shuts down claim about Cowboys, Dak Prescott contract talks

Cowboys insider Jon Machota of The Athletic suggested contract talks between Dak Prescott and the Cowboys would end after kickoff of this Sunday's Week 1 game.

Report expands on Browns building offense around Deshaun Watson

Watson ultimately made only six total starts during the 2023 season before he was shut down.

How Tom Brady used 'gap year' to prepare for broadcast debut

Tom Brady has been working toward his broadcasting debut for a while.

Colts' Anthony Richardson focusing on himself amid outside noise

Richardson is facing a sophomore season that brings both expectations and legitimate questions. The signal-caller isn't worried about any of the outside noise, however.