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Exciting changes could be on the horizon for Jackson State University football. Mississippi Representative Robert L. Johnson III (D-District 94) has introduced a groundbreaking bill that seeks to allocate $40 million for the construction of a cutting-edge multipurpose athletic facility for JSU. This initiative not only aims to revamp the Tigers’ athletic infrastructure but also addresses the space constraints of the neighboring University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC).
Jackson State enters this pivotal moment in its program’s history with an impressive 11-2 record on the year, underscoring the team’s continued dominance and growing need for upgraded facilities to match their on-field success.
For over five decades, Jackson State football has played at Mississippi Veterans Memorial Stadium, a venue steeped in history since its construction in 1950. Despite its historical significance, the stadium has increasingly been viewed as outdated, with multiple failed attempts to replace it. Its prime location on North State Street, adjacent to UMMC, has made it a focal point for redevelopment discussions, primarily to support the medical center’s expansion.
Representative Johnson’s proposal for 2025 could finally breathe life into these long-delayed plans. If approved, construction on the new facility might commence as early as July 1. However, the proposal leaves several critical questions unanswered, including where the new stadium will be built and what will happen to the existing stadium.
Jackson State football holds a prestigious place in college athletics, boasting a legacy of producing NFL legends like Walter Payton and drawing some of the largest crowds in the FCS. A modern stadium would not only enhance the fan experience but also solidify JSU’s standing as a dominant force in collegiate football.
This proposed development presents a potential win-win scenario: it could provide JSU with a much-needed upgrade while offering UMMC room to expand. As the Mississippi Legislature reviews this bill, Jackson State supporters remain optimistic that this initiative will pave the way for a bold new chapter in the program’s rich history.
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Lakers Insider Provides Update on LA’s Pursuit of $87 Million Frontcourt Duo
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Report: Vancouver Canucks Emerge as Contender for Top Remaining NHL Free Agent and Former Winnipeg Jet
A report from NHL insider Frank Seravalli reveals that the top remaining NHL free agent and former Winnipeg Jet, Jack Roslovic, is linked to the Canucks. The clock is ticking for former Winnipeg Jet Jack Roslovic to choose where he will play next year. The 28-year-old winger, coming off a 22-goal, 39-point season with the Carolina Hurricanes, is generally considered the best forward remaining on the free agent market. NHL insider Frank Seravalli has listed the Vancouver Canucks as a team to watch in the Jack Roslovic sweepstakes. Re Jack Roslovic: 'What about the Vancouver Canucks? That would make a lot of sense for Jack Roslovic as well.' - Frank Seravalli The alignment is natural, as Vancouver might require another middle-six forward, and Roslovic's flexibility allows him to slide in as a second or third-line center. He could find himself playing with newcomers like Evander Kane or Jake DeBrusk, or with Conor Garland, Nils Höglander, or Kiefer Sherwood. The Canucks Will Need to Free up a bit of Salary to Sign Roslovic The Canucks have $3.2 million of cap space, and that could potentially be too little to fit Roslovic in. However, his last contract carried an average annual value of $4 million, so Vancouver could need to cut some space depending on his price. A nine-year NHL veteran, Roslovic has played 526 games during his career with 102 goals, 158 assists, and 260 points. He has three goals and 14 assists in 45 playoff games. With training camps around the corner, interest in Roslovic's skills is about to heat up. The rumor mill as to where he's headed is about to unfold, and Vancouver appears to be highly in the mix.
Packers Destroy Touted Colts Offensive Line in Joint Practice
Sometimes, you’re the hammer. Other times, you’re the nail. Mixing up the analogy, sometimes, you’re the cheese. Other times, you’re the cheese grater. By all accounts, the Green Bay Packers’ defensive line shredded the Indianapolis Colts’ offense during Thursday’s joint practice. The Colts’ offensive line isn’t some 1,500-pound weakling. Left tackle Bernhard Raimann received a four-year, $100 million contract extension at the start of training camp. Right tackle Braden Smith was playing under a four-year, $70 million contract extension. Left guard Quenton Nelson in his first seven seasons was a seven-time Pro Bowler and a five-time first- or second-team All-Pro. The new starting center, Wisconsin native Tanor Bortolini, was a fourth-round pick last year. The new starting right guard, Matt Goncalves, was a third-round pick last year. In its preseason rankings, Pro Football Focus deemed the Colts as possessing the fifth-best offensive line in the NFL. 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The Colts’ No. 1 unit, led by Anthony Richardson, scored on a 2-minute drill to end practice, though Van Ness thought he had a sack on a play before the touchdown. Green Bay’s defense won the backups’ 2-minute, though, as Isaiah Simmons picked off Daniel Jones. “We just got to keep stacking,” Van Ness said. “As good as it was, I look at the bad things. I think we got to close out practice better. That’s something to look forward to and improve and be better for moving forward.” Linebacker Edgerrin Cooper had the same thought. “No matter how good you play the whole game, you’ve got to finish it out the whole way,” he said. The Packers didn’t make many big changes on defense this offseason to add a more consistent impact to their pass rush. Sorrell, a fourth-round pick, was the earliest draft pick. Fifth-round pick Collin Oliver has missed all of training camp. Really, the most noteworthy change was the coach, with DeMarcus Covington replacing Jason Rebrovich. “I really enjoy working with this group,” Covington said this week. “It’s a hard-working group. They attack each day very, very hard with an open mind. These dudes work relentlessly, whether it’s early-morning pre-practice, after practice, whether it’s in the classroom. “I think they all have a beginner mindset daily. They don’t act like they know it all. They want to learn it all, they’re hungry for knowledge, they’re hungry to get better. Whether it’s KC [Kenny Clark] for being 10 years in the league, whether it’s RG [Rashan Gary] for being seven years, whether it’s from the top to the bottom, all of them try to work to improve themselves from a daily basis.” Van Ness likes what Covington has brought to the table. “D.C.’s awesome. I think he’s been a really great addition to this room,” he said. “I feel like we all speak the same language. He’s done a really good job of bringing us together and playing for each other and playing as a group and really building that brotherhood. I think that’s something we lacked in the past. “The defensive rush unit, the strongest units I’ve ever seen are guys who play together. They play hard, fast. I think we lacked that in the past and I think he’s kind of unlocked a strong connection between us that we can go out and trust each other and know that we’re going to put the hard work in. Obviously, come out and make plays on Sunday or today in practice.” It wasn’t nearly as good on the other side of the ball. Injuries are just an excuse in a next-man-up league but they’re also a reason. The Packers lined up without quarterback Jordan Love and receivers Romeo Doubs, Jayden Reed, Dontayvion Wicks, Christian Watson and Savion Williams. Tight end Tucker Kraft said the No. 1 offense “left some meat on the bone.” It won’t be any easier in Saturday’s preseason game against the Colts. It will be Malik Willis at quarterback and the same young receivers, but Kraft and running back Josh Jacobs are among the players who won’t participate. “I would say from the standpoint of, you get these young guys in a situation where they might not be as confident in themselves as far as the textbook goes,” Kraft said. “So, they might not be surging off the rock, working edges, angles in the route game to the best of their ability. “We got some time for them to make some corrections and then moving forward in the game, they got another shot with these guys. So, we'll just have to see how they do in Part 2.”
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