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It’s not easy being the host of a TV show — unless you’re Joe Manganiello (above right, with contestant “Dr. Will” Kirby). “I didn’t have to try to have fun,” insists the actor and host of Deal or No Deal Island, adding that the enthusiasm he displays each week on the reality competition series, now in its second season, comes naturally and can be traced back to a childhood spent playing cards with adults, learning chess as a 6-year-old and winning poker tournaments at a young age.
Despite being best known to audiences as a werewolf on the popular HBO series True Blood and a bighearted stripper in Channing Tatum‘s Magic Mike films, it’s reality shows that are one of Manganiello’s true loves. “I know almost every episode of Survivor, ever,” he admits. “When I got offered this job, I was that close to asking my agents, ‘I kind of want to go shadow the directors on a Survivor season’ — just see how the sausage is made.”
Monty Brinton/NBC
Now he gets to see the reality-show process up close. “I think the first season was more like figuring out how the bike worked,” he says. “The second season is like, ‘Oh, great! Now I know this thing backward and forward!’ It’s second nature.”
Money — the largest prize in the show’s history — may be the endgame for the contestants, but for Manganiello, the thrill that drives him is more personal. “I love the social aspect of it,” he says. “I love reading people. You kind of wring your hands out watching people deal with the stress.” Take the March 18th penultimate episode, for example: In it, the final three players grapple with the consequences of their past choices during gameplay.
“I really do think that where we’re at right now is like a roller coaster coming down the hill,” Manganiello offers ahead of the season finale. “It’s just a run to the finish. The strategy, the drama, the tension levels, it’s at an all-time high. I thought it was impossible to do what happens at the end of this season. And I’ve got to say that it’s one of the most insane things I have ever seen happen in my entire life.”
Deal or No Deal Island, Tuesday, March 18, 9/8c, NBC
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Standout performances from Week 1 of NFL preseason: Rookie, backup QBs shine
The first week of the 2025 NFL preseason is officially in the books. Even though the games and results do not matter, there is still reason to pay attention to standout performances from around the league. Here are some of the best from this week's games. TreVeyon Henderson, RB, New England Patriots The Patriots need some game-changers on offense, and they may have found one in second-round pick TreVeyon Henderson. Henderson put on an immediate show in the Patriots' preseason opener, returning the opening kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown, rushing for 18 yards on his only carry and catching three passes. Skylar Thompson, QB, Pittsburgh Steelers Thompson is not likely to make the Steelers roster, but that doesn't mean he can't find a spot on another team. Especially if he puts together a strong preseason performance. He did exactly that on Saturday night against the Jacksonville Jaguars, completing 20-of-28 passes for 233 yards and three touchdowns. With Aaron Rodgers unlikely to play in the preseason and Will Howard injured, Thompson should get plenty of reps to audition for other teams. Tanner McKee, QB, Philadelphia Eagles Following the offseason trade of Kenny Pickett, McKee is now pretty much cemented in as the Eagles' backup, and he had to give them a lot of confidence in his ability following his preseason performance against the Bengals. McKee torched the Bengals defense to the tune of 20-of-25 passing for 252 yards, two touchdowns and zero interceptions. It is a nice continuation for McKee following his promising debut a year ago when he threw for 323 yards, four touchdowns and zero interceptions in his two appearances. Blake Corum, RB, Los Angeles Rams The Rams already have a starting running back in Kyren Williams, but there is nothing wrong with having a second productive player at the position. Corum didn't make the expected impact in his rookie season, but he had a promising preseason debut this year with two touchdowns in the first quarter against the Dallas Cowboys. Rookie quarterbacks Cleveland's Shedeur Sanders got the week off to a promising start by throwing two touchdowns against Carolina, taking a big step forward in his quest to win the team's starting quarterback job and to silence the critics following his slide in the draft. Jaxson Dart, one of the Giants' first-round picks, also had a strong showing by going 12-of-19 with 154 yards and a very impressive touchdown pass. Tennessee Titans rookie quarterback Cam Ward, the No. 1 overall pick in the draft, also had a strong debut by leading a touchdown drive and developing an instant connection with veteran wide receiver Calvin Ridley. Abdul Carter, DE, New York Giants Carter did not play a ton of snaps for the Giants, but he was a force when he did play. He recorded a quarterback pressure on all three of his pass-rush snaps and showed the type of quickness and speed that made him one of the best players in the 2025 NFL Draft class. Cam Little, K, Jacksonville Jaguars Look, when you kick a 70-yard field goal, you deserve to get some added recognition, whether it counts as an official league record or not. Little made all four field goal attempts, as well as an extra point, in the Jaguars' preseason debut.
Las Vegas Raiders finally find a solution to a problem that has emerged since the beginning of training camp
When training camp started for the Las Vegas Raiders, they had a ton of depth all around the roster. But, after one week, they did a scrimmage, and that depth instantly went down. During the scrimmage, backup safety Lonnie Johnson Jr. got hurt and suffered an injury that is bound to keep him out for a while. Now, he will be back at some point, because, as head coach Pete Carroll said, the Raiders want and need him. So, they finally made a move in replacing him. The Raiders signed a guy who can give them some experience in a pretty young position group. Raiders sign safety Terrell Edmunds Terrell Edmunds played college football at Virginia Tech from 2015 to 2017, leading to his selection by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft. Edmunds spent five seasons with the Steelers from 2018–2022, playing 79 games, starting 75, and racking up 410 tackles, 5 sacks, five interceptions, and 26 passes defended. His best year was 2019 with 105 tackles. After the Steelers declined his fifth-year option, he re-signed for 2022 but moved on in 2023, playing for the Philadelphia Eagles and Tennessee Titans. In 2024, he briefly joined the Jacksonville Jaguars. Now, he’s been jumping from practice squad to practice squad, but is looking to be a depth piece on the Raiders. Edmunds adds a veteran pretense to a room that has Chris Smith and Trey Taylor, two young guys who have never really played a full-time role in the defensive backfield. If Isaiah Pola-Mao and Jeremy Chinn went down, those two would be next in line, with little to no experience. So, the Raiders quickly got on the phone with Lonnie Johnson Jr. went down, but are finally making a change to the roster, bringing depth and experience. This is a very solid signing for the new regime.
Red Wings Announce Major Change for Their 100th Season and Fans Are Fired Up
The Red Wings have announced that they are bringing back their iconic 'Hockeytown' logo to center ice at Little Caesars Arena for their 100th year in the NHL. A somewhat familiar look is coming back to center ice at Little Caesars Arena, which has been the home of the Detroit Red Wings since 2017. A special fan polling has resulted in the announcement that the iconic former 'Hockeytown' logo from Joe Louis Arena, their former home, is coming back as part of a new special logo for the team's 100th year. Asia Gholston, Senior Vice President of Brand Marketing for Ilitch Sports + Entertainment, released the following statement. The center ice fan vote, launched in partnership with Meijer, was a great way to get fans involved in Red Wings Centennial right from the start. Through an incredible response to this vote, fans have made it clear they're fired up for what's to come in celebrating 100 years of Hockeytown, which is only possible due to their unwavering support for the Winged Wheel. The Red Wings featured the 'Hockeytown' logo at Joe Louis Arena in 1996, which remained until the building's closure in 2017. The Red Wings then used the same logo in their 1st year at Little Caesars Arena, but since then have just utilized a large team logo. The Red Wings celebrate their 100th year in the NHL The Red Wings were founded in 1926, but are in the midst of the longest drought of postseason hockey in their history. Considering that they've now been around for 100 years, that postseason absence is a surprising statistic. Red Wings GM Steve Yzerman has started to feel some heat for having not been able to get the team to the postseason in each of his first 6 years on the job.
Maxi Kleber Stuns Fans With Explosive Dunk Showcasing Elite Athleticism
Los Angeles Lakers big man Maxi Kleber hasn't been viewed favorably by the team's fan base this offseason. While a few loyal fans have shown support for him, he has primarily been perceived as a trade chip. This hasn't deterred the 33-year-old from working on himself. With the promise of a better performance in the upcoming season, Kleber posted a video of himself showcasing elite athleticism, providing a taste of what Lakers fans can look forward to. Given that Kleber only suited up for the Purple and Gold once, fans weren't sure what to expect. After viewing his explosive dunk and shredded physique in this latest video, however, the fans were in awe. With several fans sharing their reactions on social media, we check out some of the best ones from X. "This video can't be recent... if so, Jaxson, get ready to learn benchwarming buddy," joked one fan. One faithful user defended Kleber and said, "Don’t start hyping him up now after y'all wanted him traded." "He windmilling now?" added one fan, still in shock. "That contract year will have players acting different," responded another. "Bruh, I didn't know Kleber had bounce like this," stated one user. "I may be in the minority... I want to see Maxi stretch the floor," added one fan, presenting their strategies. Another faithful user shared, "Lakers better hold onto him." "He better do that s**t during the season," joked another fan. "Ain't no way what?" said another surprised fan. "I'm good with Maxi Kleber staying on the team," stated one user, convinced of the big man's abilities. Although Kleber hasn't had the opportunity to showcase the extent of his abilities with the Lakers, there's reason to believe that he could be a valuable contributor on the team. Given his experience of playing alongside Luka Doncic, the veteran big man already positions himself as a capable option with established chemistry with the Lakers' superstar. His athletic ability, along with his shooting skills, have kept defenses honest, creating gaps on the floor for his teammates to exploit. Apart from the tangible skills, Kleber is also presented as a high-IQ player, with Lakers head coach JJ Redick even raving about the big man's intelligence. This could also be a vital aspect of ensuring his place in the rotation. The only challenge for the 33-year-old is that he is simply a good player in a complex situation with the Lakers. The Purple and Gold have title aspirations, and to fulfill this, the team has made necessary moves to improve its roster strength. To continue with this process, the Lakers could make upgrades by leveraging their trade assets, and Kleber happens to be one of them. As an expiring contract worth $11.0 million, the Lakers could package Kleber along with some other pieces to acquire another key rotation player. While this may not favor the veteran, it is a move to satisfy the team's immediate roster needs. Regardless, it is apparent that Kleber has value. Should Los Angeles choose to retain him, they will have a solid contributor off the bench to shore up their big man rotation.
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