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The 2025 Rocket Classic is ready to tee off this Thursday, June 26, at Detroit Golf Club, promising another exciting stop in the PGA Tour season.
With a $9.6 million purse and a $1.728 million winner’s check up for grabs, the Motor City event continues to be a golden chance for rising stars and seasoned pros alike to make a statement.
And just days before the action begins, the field got a fresh boost from the Monday Qualifier at Fieldstone Golf Club. Four players earned their way in with clutch performances over 18 holes.
Evan Brown and Andi Xu led the way, both carding impressive 6-under 66s to grab the first two spots. Otto Black and Brett White joined them after shooting 5-under 67s, with both securing their spots in a playoff from a three-way tie.
Christian Jalomo, who also finished at 67, narrowly missed out in the playoff.
These qualifiers now have a golden opportunity to showcase their talent on one of the season’s bigger stages. For many, it’s a career-defining shot in front of a national audience and with major FedExCup points on the line.
Open qualifiers for the Rocket Classic:
— PGA TOUR Communications (@PGATOURComms) June 24, 2025
Otto Black
Evan Brown
Brett White
Andi Xu
Meanwhile, the field has seen a handful of notable withdrawals leading up to Thursday’s start. Eric Cole, Kevin Yu, Tim Widing, and Christiaan Bezuidenhout have all pulled out, paving the way for new additions like Harrison Endycott and Anders Albertson (in on their own number), along with Brandon Matthews via a DPWT/KFT/Q-School exemption. Sponsor exemptions also went to Joe Hooks and James Piot.
Rocket Classic field update:
— PGA TOUR Communications (@PGATOURComms) June 23, 2025
Brandon Matthews WD
David Ford IN
With some big names missing and new faces eager to make a splash, the Rocket Classic can be full of surprises and maybe a breakout star or two.
More must-reads:
- Bryson DeChambeau divulges Scottie Scheffler's biggest advantage
- Storylines for the BMW Championship: Ryder Cup rosters shaping up
- The '2023 NFL AP second-team All-Pro' quiz
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Other golfers could learn from admirable Tommy Fleetwood
Tommy Fleetwood did nothing at the FedEx St. Jude Championship to dispel his reputation as a Sunday choker, but he proved once again he's a classy professional even in defeat. Other players on the PGA Tour (*cough cough* Rory McIlroy) could learn a thing or two from his admirable Ryder Cup teammate. Immediately after going 1-over in his final three holes to blow another back-nine lead at TPC Southwind, Fleetwood didn't shy away from the criticisms. Instead, he politely agreed to an on-camera interview with NBC's Damon Hack while his emotions were still running high. "Did a lot of good things today, really," Fleetwood said. "Obviously, right at the end again. I’m getting close. I think that’s the good side of it. I think I’m getting really close. Again, on that back nine, managed to get myself ahead. Played some really good golf, putted really well. Obviously, Justin [Rose] and J.J. [Spaun] have done great there, and I just didn’t quite do enough. You get to those last three holes. It’s the Par 5 16th and the bogey on 17. I don’t know, I’m obviously disappointed. Again, when you reflect, look at the positives. I was right in there with a chance. It’s hard, right? It's hard to win. There are so many good players. I was next to somebody who was playing some really great golf there. Yeah, just didn’t get it done." After pouring his heart out on national television, Fleetwood made his way over to the fans and signed autographs with a big smile on his face. He understands that this could be the best experience of these kids' lives, and he wants to make it special for them, even if he has just endured one of the most disappointing moments of his career. For all the fans and media pundits who poked fun at Fleetwood for squandering another Sunday lead, there were just as many commending him for facing the music afterward. Fleetwood's conduct after the loss was a stark contrast to McIlroy's recent behavior with the media. After losing to Bryson DeChambeau at the 2024 U.S. Open, McIlroy breezed past reporters and peeled out of the parking lot as fast as he could. At the 2025 PGA Championship, he refused to speak to the media after all four of his tournament rounds. He even doubled down on these decisions at the 2025 U.S. Open. "I feel like I've earned the right to do whatever I want to do," McIlroy told reporters at Oakmont Country Club in June. Losing with dignity is a skill not every professional golfer has. Even though Fleetwood is still searching for his first win on the PGA Tour, he hasn't lost his character.
Cleveland Browns' Dillon Gabriel Stats From Joint Practice With Philadelphia Eagles
Cleveland Browns quarterback Dillon Gabriel received the most passing attempts in a joint practice with the reigning Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles ahead of a preseason game between the two teams. The former Oregon Ducks star has been battling a hamstring injury and missed the preseason opener against the Carolina Panthers. However, after an injury to fellow rookie quarterback Shedeur Sanders, it appears Gabriel is the likely starter for the Browns' preseason game two. Dillon Gabriel Stats From Joint Practice With Eagles Gabriel didn't have his best practice of the Browns' training camp in the joint practice with the Eagles. Here’s the stats for all four of the Browns quarterbacks that participated, per ESPN Cleveland. Joe Flacco: 6/13, zero touchdowns, zero interceptions Kenny Pickett: 5/6, zero touchdowns, zero interceptions Dillon Gabriel: 6/19, two touchdowns, zero interceptions Tyler Huntley: 3/4, zero touchdowns, zero interceptions Shedeur Sanders did not practice after suffering an oblique injury early in practice. Which Quarterback Will Start Vs. Eagles? Gabriel told reporters that his hamstring feels better, indicating that he could likely start on Saturday. Cleveland.com reporter Mary Kay Cabot says the former Oregon Ducks star is a "good bet" to be the Browns' starting quarterback vs. the Eagles. Gabriel spoke to the opportunity, after the joint practice. "I think for many people in any situation, you either look at things as a threat or an opportunity, and an emotionally healthy mind always sees it as an opportunity. For me, I just continue to try and be in that mental mindset and headspace, and every day is an opportunity," Gabriel said. "When you wake up, you can get better or just coast, and for me, I'm always trying to get better, mental reps, whatever it may be, even in the training room, or in the weight room, there's things that you can get better at, so... That's what I'm focused on," Gabriel continued. Oregon fans are not surprised to see Gabriel maintain his poise amid one of the most talked about NFL storylines this season. Sanders' NFL Draft fall to the fifth round certainly brought more attention to the quarterbacks competition as Gabriel transitions to the NFL. Dillon Gabriel, Kenny Pickett Back From Injury Dillon Gabriel and Kenny Pickett each missed the Browns first preseason game against the Carolina Panthers with hamstring injuries. Against the Panthers, the Browns only played two quarterbacks; Shedeur Sanders and Tyler Huntley. Shedeur Sanders wow'd in his first NFL actions. Sanders went 14/23 passing with two touchdowns and zero interceptions in the Browns 30-10 win. Huntley saw limited time and went 6/8 for 51 yards and a touchdown. Pickett is still nursing his hamstring injury so it appears that Gabriel could get the starting nod and make his NFL debut. Cleveland Browns Preseason Schedule The NFL preseason is a huge opportunity for Gabriel to show why the Browns drafted the Heisman Trophy in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Ducks fans can't wait to cheer him on in his first NFL action. Cleveland plays on the road vs. the Philadelphia Eagles on Saturday, Aug 16 at 1 p.m. ET. The Browns' third preseason game is vs. the Los Angeles Rams on Saturday, Aug. 23 at 1 p.m. ET.
Three teams that should take a flier on Odell Beckham Jr. for the 2025 season
Former New York Giants superstar and current free-agent wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. emerged in the headlines on Tuesday afternoon. The 32-year-old took to X (formerly Twitter) to shut down a fake report that he was retiring from the NFL. Beckham spent the 2024 season with the Miami Dolphins in a very limited role, recording just nine receptions for 55 yards in nine games. However, he was a solid contributor as a Baltimore Raven the year prior, showing that he can still provide some production at this point in his career. Given that OBJ has no interest in calling it quits just yet, let’s look at three teams that should take a shot on the three-time Pro Bowler to see how much juice he’s got left in him. New York Giants How about a reunion in the Big Apple? It would only be fitting for Beckham to finish his career in the place where it all started. Superstar wide receiver Malik Nabers runs the show on offense, but after that, there are plenty of question marks. Wide receivers Wan'Dale Robinson and Darius Slayton slot in as solid options behind Nabers, but it would not hurt to add a veteran like Beckham into the mix. He knows what it's like playing in such a big market and could mentor the Giants' young offensive weapons while providing some depth production when called upon. Las Vegas Raiders There may not be a team with more of a need at the wide receiver position than the Las Vegas Raiders. The targets are understandably funneled to superstar tight end Brock Bowers and wide receiver Jakobi Meyers, but they need help beyond those two. Third-year wide receiver Tre Tucker and rookie wideouts Jack Bech and Dont'e Thornton Jr. are next in line. While those three may play big roles right from the start, the Raiders could certainly use another experienced pass-catcher, and Beckham is a nice option to fill that role. Perhaps he even shows himself to be worthy of the WR2 spot. Buffalo Bills The third team that could be in play for Beckham is the Buffalo Bills. With Josh Allen in his prime, they need to continue putting weapons around him whenever possible. Second-year wide receiver Keon Coleman and free-agent signing Joshua Palmer are atop the depth chart in Buffalo, while reliable wideout Khalil Shakir is nicked up with an ankle injury. Longtime Carolina Panthers receiver Curtis Samuel also remains in the mix but is dealing with a hamstring ailment and has had injury woes in the past. Outside of Shakir, it's hard to know what you're going to get from the rest of the position group. Beckham will likely want to join a contender or somewhere he can play more of a factor than he did with the Dolphins in 2024-25, so keep an eye on the Bills.
Packers HC Matt LaFleur makes a telling comment about Jordan Love
The Green Bay Packers always had a vision for Jordan Love. That's why they shocked the world by taking him in the first round, even if that meant infuriating Aaron Rodgers. Fast forward to today, and Love has proved to be up to the task of being a starter, and he's even looked like a potential star at times. That's why, despite some inconsistencies and questionable decision-making, head coach Matt LaFleur still has the utmost confidence in him. "I’d hate to put a ceiling on him because I think he can be one of the elites in this league," LaFleur told The Athletic. Love took some pages out of Rodgers' book. He's been great at making the most of free plays, and his sidearm throws are just too similar to No. 12. What he didn't get from his mentor, however, was the consistency and the ability to take care of the football. Even so, Love knows he has what it takes to be among the best of the best. "What those guys do at such a high level is just consistency with everything," Love said. "I know I’m just as good as those guys and can be even better, so I think it comes down to going out there and making those plays on Sunday." Love is currently out with an injury that will most likely keep him sidelined until Week 1. The Packers wide receiver corps has been the most decimated in the league, and with sky-high expectations for the season, all eyes will be on Love in 2025.
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