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The NFL’s first couple is Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce and pop star Taylor Swift. The country’s most famous singer has brought a Hall of Fame tight end from national acclaim to international superstardom – and the league has taken notice.
It’s not an accident that the league showcases the two whenever possible, celebrating Swift and the onslaught of fans that come with her. She’s undoubtedly good for the game, but it has made Kelce the butt of a few more jokes in the process.
He didn’t make life any easier for himself when recent photos surfaced of Kelce after a swim, exposing his exceptionally hairy back.
The photo went viral, reaching every corner of the football world, including Atlanta Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins.
"God bless Taylor Swift for being good with that," Kirk told E! News. "That's awesome. Good for her."
Cousins has long had a good sense of humor, although his mild-mannered nature makes him a surprise contributor to the Kelce conversation. He quipped that it was a matter of genetics. Given the athleticism that has made him a future Hall of Famer and the durability that has kept him among the league’s elite as he enters his age-36 season, bad back hair may be the shortest stick he drew.
Cousins doesn’t have elite (or even average) athleticism, nor is he quite as accomplished as Kelce. He doesn’t, however, have to deal with that coat of fur.
"Thankfully, I don't have to deal with that, but I'm in a locker room a lot," he said. "That's just a part of life. It is what it is."
Both Cousins and Kelce are entering what could be their final NFL seasons. Kelce has seen a decline in production and has accomplished more than enough to retire happily. A multi-million-dollar media deal and his relationship with Swift only add to the reasons to retire.
Cousins, meanwhile, was benched for first-round rookie Michael Penix Jr. in 2024. For now, he remains a second-string quarterback and a first-team mentor as he awaits a potential trade or release just a season into his four-year deal.
More must-reads:
- Bears GM speaks out after superstar goes down with injury
- Aaron Rodgers responds to criticism from Steelers legend Terry Bradshaw
- The 'Single-season sack leaders by NFL team' quiz
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Quinn Ewers’ Camp Performance Forces Dolphins Into Tough QB Decision
Being the backup quarterback isn't necessarily the most exciting role for anyone, but for a team like the Miami Dolphins, where starter Tua Tagovailoa has suffered four concussions since entering the NFL in 2020, it could be vital. As of now, a clear battle for that spot has formed between rookie seventh-round pick Quinn Ewers and veteran former first-round selection Zach Wilson as they go head-to-head. Of course, training camp is where these kinds of questions can be solved, and so far, it appears that Ewers has done a good job in putting his best foot forward. On Friday, David Furones of the Sun Sentinel gave a very positive update on the young quarterback, stating, "Dolphins rookie QB Quinn Ewers had a strong third practice of training camp. Made several impressive, big-time throws." The update sparked conversations among many fans, both supporting Ewers and a serious showing that there's interest in seeing who comes out on top. "Show ‘em, Quinn," said one comment. "He just does a lot of things (anticipatory throws, timing throws, MOTF accuracy, etc.) that fit this system much better than what Wilson does. I think with refinement and development we could have a backup in Miami that can operate the offense efficiently…finally," said another. "Love to hear it!" a third added. A fourth stated, "I'd be surprised if he's not the backup.." "I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, Quinn Ewers has the physical tools to stick at the next level. It’s just a matter of shaping the rest," a fifth continued. "That’s QB2 potential QB1 in the future Glad we drafted Ewers," said another. Another big test for both Ewers and Wilson will be during the Dolphins' three preseason games, as the coaching staff will get a much better look at how these two perform during live matchups. Luckily for both, though, being the backup is all they're truly fighting for, as Kyle Crabbs of A to Z Sports predicts that each will make the final 53-man roster, with cuts needing to be made by Aug. 27.
All signs point to Yankees moving on from Anthony Volpe
With the trade for Ryan McMahon now complete, it would seem New York Yankees’ general manager Brian Cashman has fulfilled one of his three priorities. He can now cross third base off the list, which leaves the rotation and bullpen as his remaining priorities. However, according to one Yankees writer, Cashman might not be done with the infield. Chris Kirschner of The Athletic reported this after the McMahon trade: “The Yankees may not be done adding to their infield. A team source said the Yankees are interested in adding a right-handed hitter who could play the infield.” Kirschner adds that the Yankees have had interest in Willi Castro and Amed Rosario. But the question now is, how would another player fit in the Yankees’ infield? Needless to say, Paul Goldschmidt and Jazz Chisholm Jr. aren’t going anywhere, and McMahon is just getting there. That leaves the low-hanging fruit. Anthony Volpe has been at the center of controversy all this season. His 13 errors, many of which had come at make-or-break moments, amount to the second-highest total in the game. In addition, his bat has not been able to compensate, hitting .214/.286/.407 with 14 home runs. There was always a lot to like about Volpe. He won a Gold Glove in his rookie year, his power has always been promising and his speed is nothing to scoff at. Unfortunately, his glove has become a liability and his speed has also produced very few results. Volpe has swiped just 10 bags in 17 attempts. His power is the one thing that still has some upside, but it hasn’t been enough to justify a spot in the lineup. Both Castro and Rosario have been far more productive at the plate this season than Volpe. Kirschner doesn’t clarify how serious the Yankees are in their pursuit of another infielder, but that most likely isn’t available information. Having just turned 24, Volpe could still become the type of player that was expected from him as a top prospect. However, his recent performance has weighed heavily on his team’s efforts and it may be buying him a ticket out of the Bronx — or at least a spot on the bench.
Seattle Mariners Make Intriguing Decision Ahead of Game Against Los Angeles Angels
The Seattle Mariners made one of the biggest early splashes of the trade deadline season when they acquired first baseman Josh Naylor from the Arizona Diamondbacks on Thursday. Following the news of the Mariners acquiring Naylor, it was reported that the team was still looking to acquire Diamondbacks third baseman Eugenio Suarez and that the team made Gold Glove utility infielder Dylan Moore available. On the heels of the trade and the various reports and rumors that followed, Seattle made an interesting lineup decision ahead of Game 3 against the Los Angeles Angels on Saturday. The Mariners had Naylor in the lineup to face left-handed Angels pitcher Tyler Anderson, his first start against a lefty with his new club. But it was who the M's had slotted in right field that was the most interesting. Seattle had Dominic Canzone playing right field batting eighth. This is a departure from how the Mariners have handled the position against southpaws this season. In previous games against lefties this season, Seattle has had Moore start in right. His recent struggles and the rumor he's on the trade block might mean his time in the starting lineup could be coming to an end. Canzone is slashing .292/.328/.513 with six home runs and 13 RBIs in 37 games this year. Moore is slashing .201/.264/.374 with nine home runs and 19 RBIs in 76 games this season. It's also interesting to see Canzone, a left-handed hitter, get the nod in right field over another lefty, Luke Raley. Raley entered the season as the team's starting first baseman against right-handed pitching, but has played the outfield most of his career and suited up in right field in 26 games this season. Raley is slashing .220/.343/.348 with four home runs and 18 RBIs in 49 games. He spent nearly two months on the injured list from April 30-June 20 with a right oblique strain. Canzone starting Saturday could indicate the team views him in better standing at the moment over Raley and Moore, it could mean the Mariners want to give him an opportunity against left-handed pitching, or it could mean that the team is keeping Raley and Moore out of the lineup while trade conversations are going. Or some combination of all the above.
Tigers' needs even more apparent after loss to Blue Jays
If the Detroit Tigers had to go on a slump, they arguably picked the best time. Because days before the July 31 trade deadline, their needs have never been more apparent. The Tigers (60-46) dropped their sixth consecutive game in a 6-1 loss to the AL-leading Toronto Blue Jays (63-42). Since July 9, Detroit is 1-12, the league's worst record. During that span, the offense has scored 33 runs (2.5 runs per game) with two shutouts. Batters are hitting .200 (84-of-421). On Saturday, the Tigers were 2-of-29 at the plate, with catcher Jake Rogers the only player to record a hit. The offense squandered another strong start from ace Tarik Skubal, who pitched six shutout innings, allowed five hits and three walks with seven strikeouts. Detroit's extended slump has demonstrated the team's glaring need for a quality bat in its lineup. But as awful as the offense has been, a more pressing concern might be adding arms to one of the league's worst bullpens. Per Baseball Reference, the Tigers are fourth-worst in relief pitching wins above replacement (WAR) at negative-3.5. In Saturday's loss, Will Vest and Chase Lee allowed all six of the Blue Jays' runs over the final two innings. Over the course of the team's prolonged skid, Tigers relievers have a ghastly 7.72 earned run average (ERA). Detroit was, at one point this month, 25 games above .500 and holding a staggering 14-game lead in the AL Central. The Tigers still have a sizable eight-game lead in the division with the Cleveland Guardians (51-52), Kansas City Royals (51-53) and Minnesota Twins (50-53) committed to mediocrity, but for a team that once looked like the AL's crown jewel, the past two-plus weeks have been a sobering wake-up call. The front office must get busy over the next couple of days to fortify the roster. Otherwise, Detroit's strong start could turn into a mirage.
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