U.S. Olympic hockey hero Jack Hughes is dating a famous pop star
Jack Hughes’ 2026 is certainly off to a rocking start.
The United States Olympic hockey hero Hughes is now exclusively dating pop star Tate McRae, according to a report on Wednesday by US Weekly. The report notes that the pair started casually seeing each other late last year after connecting when Hughes sent McRae a direct message on Instagram.
Hughes, 24, is a hot-ticket item right now after his heroics for the U.S. men’s hockey team during the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina, Italy. He scored the “golden goal” in the final against Canada to give the United States the gold medal (despite losing two of his teeth beforehand).
The former No. 1 overall pick Hughes also stars at the club level for the NHL’s New Jersey Devils. Playing as a center, Hughes is a three-time NHL All-Star and has tallied 41 total points (12 goals and 29 assists) for the Devils through 40 games so far this season.
As for McRae, 22, she is a Canadian singer who first entered the public eye as a contestant on the show “So You Think You Can Dance” back in 2016. McRae has since released three studio albums and is best known for such hit songs as “greedy” and “you broke me first.”
In the past, Hughes would mostly only make headlines for some of his bizarre mishaps. But now as a national hero who is dating one of the most popular music stars around, Hughes is definitely winning on and off the ice.
Kawhi Leonard is being linked to 1 new team in rumors
Kawhi Leonard could end up reuniting with his former co-star … Paul George.
The Philadelphia 76ers were looking to add the LA Clippers star forward Leonard at the trade deadline, Kevin O’Connor of Yahoo! Sports reported on Wednesday. O’Connor notes that 76ers president Daryl Morey was “star hunting” and “actively making calls” but that obviously nothing ever materialized on that front before the deadline.
Leonard, now 34 years old, is currently having a banner year for the Clippers. He is averaging a career-high 27.8 points per game on phenomenal 50/38/90 shooting splits and was just able to earn his seventh career NBA All-Star selection as a result.
But Leonard is facing a very uncertain situation heading into the summer. He is only under contract for one more season in 2026-27 (at $50.3 million), and the Clippers may be eyeing a rebuild after trading away James Harden and Ivica Zubac at last month’s deadline.
As for the 76ers, they are on the fringe of contention at 33-28 and have an aging roster that needs to win as quickly as possible. The connections are there as well with Leonard having co-starred with the 76ers forward George on the Clippers from 2019-24 and also having been coached by 76ers head coach Nick Nurse on the Toronto Raptors when they famously won the NBA title in 2019. On top of that, the 76ers and the Clippers have linked up on multiple trades in recent years, most notably the 2023 blockbuster deal that sent James Harden to Los Angeles.
When it comes to a renewed offseason pursuit of Leonard though, Philadelphia might not have a lot to realistically trade. George and (arguably) Joel Embiid are negative assets right now due to their bloated contracts, and young stars Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe are presumably untouchable for the 76ers. Additionally, there is a chance that Leonard could get his contract with the Clippers voided in the coming weeks due to the Aspiration scandal, which would immediately make him a free agent and pit one of these teams as a far likelier destination instead.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander gets away with the most blatant charge of season
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is probably not beating the allegations.
The Oklahoma City Thunder star Gilgeous-Alexander sparked backlash during Wednesday’s game against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden in New York, N.Y. During the first quarter of the contest, SGA was driving to the basket when Knicks counterpart Jalen Brunson stepped in to take the charge.
Gilgeous-Alexander barreled over Brunson, knocking him to the ground in a heap. However, the referees did not blow a whistle, and Gilgeous-Alexander completed the play by hitting an uncontested layup.
Knicks head coach Mike Brown was so incensed by the no-call that he picked up a technical foul for complaining to the refs. Here is the video of the sequence
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scores the layup over Jalen Brunson, who tried to take the charge. Mike Brown is absolutely furious, gets on the court and yells on the referee from blank range, eventually receiving a technical foul (with replays)
— MrBuckBuck (@MrBuckBuckNBA) March 5, 2026
It would have been SGA's 3rd foul in the… pic.twitter.com/3t6aRfM2ga
It certainly looked like Brunson got his feet set there and obviously did so well outside of the restricted area. Gilgeous-Alexander also had two fouls at the time, meaning that a third foul in the very first quarter could have changed the complexion of the game entirely.
Oklahoma City went on to beat New York by a narrow final score of 103-100 with SGA finishing with 26 points on 9/15 total shooting from the field. But Knicks fans will likely be crying foul that Gilgeous-Alexander seemingly got away with yet another favorable decision by the referees on the missed charge call (adding to what has become an absurd rap sheet at this point).
Athletics’ stance on a Kyler Murray reunion is revealed
The Athletics are leaving a key under the mat for Kyler Murray just in case.
Athletics general manager David Forst was interviewed this week by Martin Gallegos of MLB.com. During the interview, Forst spoke on the possibility of a reunion with the Arizona Cardinals quarterback Murray … and revealed that the Athletics were very open to it.
“Kyler is an elite NFL quarterback, and I’m sure there are plenty of opportunities for him to continue his football career,” Forst said. “That said, he and his baseball representatives know that we’re always open to him exploring a return to baseball with the A’s if that time ever comes.”
Now 28 years old, Murray was a standout amateur baseball player, being selected for the Under Armour All-America Baseball Game in high school before going on to play left field in college at Oklahoma. Murray’s talents were ultimately strong enough that the Athletics selected him with the No. 9 overall pick in the 2018 MLB Draft.
Murray even went on to sign a contract with the Athletics that included a roughly $4.7 million signing bonus. But he ultimately went pro in football after his Heisman Trophy-winning 2018 season and forfeited most of that big signing bonus as a result.
This week though, we learned that the Cardinals intend to release Murray within the coming days after seven total seasons with them. That has led to some fans and pundits urging Murray to pivot back to baseball instead.
The Athletics do still hold Murray’s rights if he ever decides to return to the diamond. But given how long Murray has been out of competitive baseball, it makes a lot more sense for him to just give it another go in the NFL instead (perhaps even with this recently-rumored team).
Harrison Barnes’ iron-man streak ended because of the weirdest injury
Harrison Barnes was apparently done in by the world’s most dangerous nap.
The San Antonio Spurs forward Barnes had to sit out Tuesday’s game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Xfinity Mobile Arena in Philadelphia, Pa. That ended a very impressive iron-man streak by Barnes of 364 consecutive games played.
It was later revealed by the Associated Press why Barnes was finally forced to sit. Apparently, the 33-year-old veteran woke up from a pregame nap on Tuesday with a sore right ankle. Barnes then proceeded to report his sore ankle to the medical staff upon awakening and was ruled out against the 76ers as a result (with the Spurs going on to win in a 131-91 blowout).
Barnes played in the first 60 games of the season for San Antonio (whom he joined in 2024) and had also appeared in all 82 games in each of the previous three NBA seasons as well. On top of that, Barnes had played in the final 58 games of the 2021-22 campaign (with his last missed game coming all the way back on Dec. 4, 2021 when he was with the Sacramento Kings).
The former NBA champion Barnes has had a fairly modest role for the the Spurs this season, averaging 10.2 points over 26.9 minutes per game. But Barnes’ iron-man streak had certainly taken on a life of its own, especially since he had yet to miss a game while in San Antonio … until Tuesday.
New York Knicks forward Mikal Bridges still currently holds the NBA’s longest active iron-man streak at a rather staggering 617 straight games played. But Bridges may want to be wary of naps from here as they have now felled both Barnes and some notable MLB All-Stars as well.
Tua Tagovailoa is getting linked to 1 new team
Tua Tagovailoa may just end up elsewhere in the AFC East division.
The New York Jets are among the teams “doing work” and “making some calls” on the Miami Dolphins veteran quarterback Tagovailoa, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reported on Wednesday. Garafolo adds that Tagovailoa will be among the Jets’ “multiple options” at the quarterback position.
New York was very topsy-turvy at the QB spot in 2025. Justin Fields was underwhelming as their starter for most of the year before eventually getting benched as backups Tyrod Taylor and Brady Cook finished out a miserable 3-14 season for the Jets.
As for the former NFL passing yards leader Tagovailoa, he is still signed through 2028 as part of what may be the league’s single worst contract. While the Dolphins would absolutely love to trade Tagovailoa, interested teams reportedly have a crazy demand to even consider taking on that albatross of a deal.
If Miami ends up releasing Tagovailoa and eating the remainder of his contract instead, that would open up far more options. Earlier this week, we already learned that two other NFL teams were potentially interested in Tagovailoa as a free agent.
Having just turned 28 years old, the ex-Pro Bowler Tagovailoa might just be worth the dice roll for the Jets given their dire situation at QB. But there is also the possibility that New York could opt to pursue a significantly older signal-caller instead.
Sports world pays tribute to Lou Holtz after his death
Tributes poured in for legendary college football coach Lou Holtz on Wednesday following his death.
Holtz died at 89 on Wednesday, his family announced. Notre Dame, where he famously coached for a decade, produced a tribute video for him. Fighting Irish head coach Marcus Freeman also issued a statement, saying he and Holtz “shared a very special relationship.”
Remembering the life and legacy of Lou Holtz pic.twitter.com/8WiEtVr6fT
— Notre Dame Football (@NDFootball) March 4, 2026
Head Coach Marcus Freeman’s statement on the passing of Lou Holtz pic.twitter.com/q7WwLVwoSX
— Notre Dame Football (@NDFootball) March 4, 2026
While Holtz will always be best known for his coaching career, a number of people also remembered him for his time as a college football analyst on ESPN from 2005 to 2015.
Lou Holtz was the rare example of an icon to different generations for different reasons.
— Josh Pate (@JoshPateCFB) March 4, 2026
My dad knew him as the man that returned Notre Dame to the head table. I knew him as the cornerstone of the greatest CFB studio show ever produced.
Rest in peace Coach 🫡 pic.twitter.com/4vp3cwfMhf
Today's kids don't understand how big of a deal Lou Holtz and Mark May debating at midnight to Rece Davis in judge robes was to my generation. 🫡 pic.twitter.com/uayykIxGtJ
— Chris Vannini (@ChrisVannini) March 4, 2026
The array of tributes made it clear that Holtz impacted multiple generations of college football fans. Older ones remembered him for his coaching prowess, while younger ones focused on his memorable television career.
Holtz went 249-132-7 in his college coaching career and won a national title at Notre Dame in 1988. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2008.
Legendary coach Lou Holtz has died at age 89
Legendary former college football coach Lou Holtz has died at the age of 89.
Holtz’s family shared the news of the coach’s death on Wednesday, saying he died in Orlando, Fla., surrounded by his family. They even sent a statement through his X profile, and the same statement was distributed to Notre Dame’s football social media accounts.
“Louis Leo ‘Lou’ Holtz, legendary college football coach, Hall of Famer, bestselling author, and one of America’s most influential motivational voices, has passed away at the age of 89 in Orlando, Florida, surrounded by family,” the statement began. “Born January 6, 1937, in Follansbee, West Virginia, Holtz rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most respected figures in college athletics.
“Over a remarkable five‑decade career, he led college programs at William & Mary, NC State, Arkansas, Minnesota, Notre Dame, and South Carolina. He transformed every team he inherited and captured the 1988 National Championship with the Fighting Irish. Holtz was preceded in death by his beloved wife of more than 50 years, Beth, with whom he shared a life grounded in faith, devotion, and service.
“Holtz is remembered for his enduring values of faith, family, service, and an unwavering belief in the potential of others. His influence extended far beyond the football field through the Holtz Charitable Foundation and the many players, colleagues, and communities shaped by his leadership. He is survived by his four children, nine grandchildren, and two great‑grandchildren.
“Funeral arrangements, including a Mass of Christian Burial at the Basilica of the Sacred Heart at the University of Notre Dame, will be announced as details are finalized.”
Louis Leo “Lou” Holtz, legendary college football coach, Hall of Famer, bestselling author, and one of America’s most influential motivational voices, has passed away at the age of 89 in Orlando, Florida, surrounded by family. Born January 6, 1937, in Follansbee, West Virginia,…
— Lou Holtz (@CoachLouHoltz88) March 4, 2026
Holtz also coached one season in the NFL when his New York Jets went 3-10, and he resigned with one week left in the season. Holtz recognized that his calling was as a college coach. He is best known for his run as Notre Dame’s coach from 1986-1996, when the team went 100-30-2. From 1988-1993, the Irish went 64-9-1 under him and won a national championship.
Holtz was inducted into the College Football Fame as part of the class of 2008.
Notre Dame shared this nice tribute video to Holtz.
Remembering the life and legacy of Lou Holtz pic.twitter.com/8WiEtVr6fT
— Notre Dame Football (@NDFootball) March 4, 2026
Everyone said the same thing about Clayton Kershaw’s Team USA appearanc
Even though he retired from Major League Baseball at the end of the 2025 World Series, Clayton Kershaw is on Team USA’s World Baseball Classic roster for 2026. After his brief cameo on Wednesday, many fans were wondering why.
Kershaw was brought into Team USA’s WBC warmup game against the Colorado Rockies and promptly allowed a home run to Mickey Moniak, the first batter he faced. He wound up allowing two runs in two-thirds of an inning with a hit and a walk.
The brief appearance was enough to make many fans wonder what Kershaw was even doing on the team.
Kershaw, just be a coach dawg
— oh hi there (@TheTrollMiester) March 4, 2026
pic.twitter.com/h9DvJ946Gj
That's enough of Clayton Kershaw for the entirety of the WBC, thank you
— Anthony Nash (@_anthonynash) March 4, 2026
Clayton Kershaw on the USA WBC Team pic.twitter.com/0vttxGMgXG
— Mannie. (@PremierVee) March 4, 2026
Kershaw is a legend and a future Hall-of-Famer. He also turns 38 later this month and was merely decent for the Dodgers in his final season, posting a 3.36 ERA. His inclusion is more of a reward for his accomplishments and an acknowledgement that he has never taken part in the WBC before.
Even Kershaw seems to know that he should not be pitching in key situations in the tournament. This was only a warm-up game, and it would be a surprise if he takes the mound during meaningful action.
Stefon Diggs sends message to Patriots fans ahead of his release
The New England Patriots are releasing wide receiver Stefon Diggs, and the veteran had a nice message for the team’s fans on his way out the door.
Diggs posted a message on social media thanking Patriots fans for a memorable year and referred to them as “family forever” ahead of his departure.
Stefon Diggs’ good bye. The Patriots will release the veteran receiver next week. pic.twitter.com/fLEYOsElqH
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 4, 2026
Diggs spent just one season with the Patriots, though it will go down as a memorable one. He re-established himself as a valuable player coming off a torn ACL, catching 85 passes for 1,013 yards and four touchdowns. He definitely means it when he says the chance to come back and play again at a high level was quite meaningful to him.
The Patriots’ decision is ultimately a financial one, as Diggs’ cap charge was set to rise to $26.5 million next season. That was more than the team was willing to pay to keep him.
Diggs turned 32 in November. He should have plenty of suitors in free agency.
NFL Draft QB names Browns as his ‘dream’ destination
Not many NFL Draft hopefuls at quarterback are eager to play for the Cleveland Browns. Ty Simpson is not one of them.
The former Alabama quarterback named the Browns as a “dream” destination while attending the NFL Combine. Simpson and his family have longstanding ties with new Browns coach Todd Monken.
“I think I’d be in great hands with the team that they have and the organization, and then coach Monken, what he does with the quarterbacks and the offense is super quarterback-friendly and I think he’s going to coach me hard if I’m able to go there and I know he’s going to do it the right way,” Simpson said, via Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com. “So I’m super-excited.
“My dad and coach Monken go way back. They talk often. He texted him when he got the job and they’ve texted a little bit (since), so if I had the opportunity to play for the Browns, it would be a dream come true.”
Simpson’s father Jason attended Southern Miss, where Monken was head coach from 2013 to 2015. Jason Simpson has been the head coach at UT-Martin since 2006.
The Browns have a checkered history when it comes to drafting quarterbacks, to say the least. Baker Mayfield is the only recent pick that has been anything close to a success, and while nobody outright says they don’t want to play there, the history of draft busts does not exactly make them a premier destination for rookie quarterbacks. Simpson, however, does not see it that way.
Simpson has been heavily scouted by the Browns and could be a target for Cleveland with one of their two first-round picks, though it is not clear if they would take him as high as No. 6 overall. The former Alabama quarterback threw for 3,567 yards with 28 touchdowns and five interceptions for the Crimson Tide last season.
NFL teams have crazy demand to take on Tua Tagovailoa’s contract
The Miami Dolphins would like to find a trade for quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, but his contract is making that nearly impossible.
The Dolphins have tried unsuccessfully to trade Tagovailoa, but opposing teams simply do not want to take on the contract. One team executive told Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports that the only way their team would have taken on Tagovailoa was if the Dolphins threw in a first-round pick to sweeten the deal, which is not going to happen.
In all likelihood, the Dolphins will be left with no choice but to release Tagovailoa with a post-June 1 designation. That would allow them to spread his $99 million cap hit over two seasons.
The Dolphins signed Tagovailoa to an ill-fated contract extension in 2024, and the quarterback has struggled with injuries and inconsistent play since. He threw a career-worst 15 interceptions last season, and the Dolphins had essentially lost faith in him by the end of the year. He still has three years left on that contract, making it even less appetizing for other teams.
Tagovailoa has been prominently linked to two teams once he is inevitably released.
Aaron Rodgers has telling quote about Mike McCarthy
Aaron Rodgers’ offseason of teasing about his future has begun, but he may be dropping some hints about his future already.
Rodgers appeared on “The Pat McAfee Show” Wednesday and was once again evasive about his future. He did have high praise for new Steelers coach Mike McCarthy, however, and did not exactly tone down speculation about a possible return to Pittsburgh.
“He’s one of the great guys in the league,” Rodgers said of McCarthy, via ESPN’s Adam Schefter. “Deep down there’s so much love and appreciation for the time we spent together.”
Rodgers added that he has not received any contract offer from the Steelers, and there is no deadline for a decision on whether he will play next year or not.
Aaron Rodgers tells @PatMcAfeeShow that the #Steelers have put "no deadline" in front of him, nor have they officially offered any contract that he's "had to debate." He called himself "a free agent," but also – as of yet – has not unequivocally said he even wants to play.
— Aditi Kinkhabwala (@AKinkhabwala) March 4, 2026
If the past has taught us anything, we know that Rodgers could keep us waiting a while for any decision. The odds of him playing another year with Pittsburgh seem to be decent, however, especially after they hired McCarthy to replace Mike Tomlin as head coach. He and McCarthy worked together with the Green Bay Packers very successfully, and Rodgers appears to harbor warm feelings toward him.
Rodgers, 42, was good enough to guide the Steelers to an AFC North title and a playoff appearance last season. He threw for 3,322 yards with 24 touchdowns and 7 interceptions, and seemingly made a good impression on the entire organization.
Tom Brady’s trainer Alex Guerrero causing problems for Raiders
Tom Brady’s longtime trainer Alex Guerrero has accompanied him to the Las Vegas Raiders, and is causing some tension within the organization.
Guerrero’s official title with the Raiders is wellness coordinator, but he is seen as a direct pipeline to Brady, who is not around the organization all the time. Guerrero’s presence has “frustrated” many Raiders players and coaches, including Maxx Crosby, according to Mike Silver of The Athletic.
Guerrero is known to inform players of impending transactions and has even suggested to staff members that their jobs might be at risk if they do not follow his instructions. That is said to be one of a number of factors to cause serious trust issues within the organization.
This is not the first time Guerrero has caused some friction, as his role with the New England Patriots was a source of controversy at times. There were reports that Guerrero and Bill Belichick had friction at one point, with Guerrero accused of giving players advice that was contrary to what Patriots coaches wanted them to do.
Brady has always stayed loyal to Guerrero, and the two developed the now-famous “TB12 Method” together. It is easy to see why the Raiders would view him as Brady’s eyes and ears around the building, and why that could erode trust and create suspicion within the organization. Ultimately, Brady has never left Guerrero’s corner, and he probably isn’t about to now.
All-Pro CB Trent McDuffie traded to NFC contender
The Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Rams are completing one of the first blockbuster trades of the NFL offseason.
The Chiefs are trading cornerback Trent McDuffie to the Rams, according to multiple reports. The Rams are sending their first-round pick to the Chiefs, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, along with three other draft picks.
Trade is agreed to:
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 4, 2026
Full trade, per source:
Rams receive:
🏈CB Trent McDuffie
Chiefs receive:
🏈1st-round pick, No. 29
🏈5th
🏈6th
🏈2027- 3rd https://t.co/Td10TtMn7W
McDuffie is expected to sign a long-term contract with the Rams following the trade.
The Rams had a major need at corner, and this fills it. McDuffie is regarded as one of the game’s best defensive backs, and has been part of two Super Bowl champions. He was named a first-team All-Pro in 2023, but was about to become very expensive as he enters his fifth NFL season.
The Chiefs get some solid draft capital back as they essentially try to rebuild on-the-fly. They have been successful in this way before, though they will obviously miss McDuffie.
Ultimately, the Rams remain fully committed to their longstanding view on draft picks. It has worked for them so far and kept them among the group of Super Bowl contenders for years.
Fans noticed the same thing about Angel Reese while she watched her brother play in an NBA game
There are two NBA teams that Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese has a special interest in. One is the Orlando Magic, who have her boyfriend, Wendell Carter Jr., on the roster. The other is the Washington Wizards, who signed her brother, Julian Reese, to a two-way contract in February.
The former LSU Tigers star got to catch both teams on the same night on Tuesday, as the Magic hosted the Wizards at the Kia Center in Orlando, Fla.
Although Carter did not see action due to an ankle injury, Angel was still able to enjoy watching the game, with Julian making his second career start in the NBA. Wearing a Wizards jersey, Angel was shown on the broadcast during a break in the contest.
Angel Reese is court-side watching her brother Juju Reese in his 2nd career NBA game ❤️ pic.twitter.com/2xPhBstc9R
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) March 4, 2026
Fans on social media, however, couldn’t help but notice her checking her phone instead of having her eyes on the court.
Looks like she’s watching her phone, not her brother
— Market Participant (@amktparticipant) March 4, 2026
You mean she's watching her phone.
— MLMX (@mlmx_sol) March 4, 2026
Someone said she's watching her phone 😭
— Ivan (@UTDIvan_) March 4, 2026
She was watching her phone, not her brother.
— OneNutMIA (@OneNutMIA) March 4, 2026
Watching via stream East on her phone?
— Guy Broman (@TheGuyBroman) March 4, 2026
Then again, in this day and age, hardly anyone can sit through an entire TV episode without checking their phone.
As for the game itself, Julian scored an efficient 9 points in 33 minutes of floor duty, shooting 4/6 from the floor while adding 8 rebounds and 3 assists in a 126-109 loss. That was also a much more improved showing by Julian than in his NBA debut on Monday, when he only had 2 points in 28 minutes in a 123-118 loss to the Houston Rockets at the Capital One Arena in Washington, D.C.
The Wizards simply are far from being a serious playoff contender, so developing young talents like Julian feels like a bigger priority at the moment for Washington.
Austin Reaves had an honest admission about guarding Zion Williamson
Austin Reaves knows how to choose his battles on the court.
The Los Angeles Lakers guard knew better than to get in the way of New Orleans Pelicans hulking forward Zion Williamson in Monday’s game at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, Calif.
Speaking about it after the Lakers’ 110-101 win, Reaves explained his mindset.
“Don’t be scared to get out of the way. I was terrified,” Reaves said, via Spectrum SportsNet. “There was no way in hell I was taking a charge. He was running too fast. I just kind of slid out the way let him have a layup.”
That approach ultimately did not affect the outcome of the game in favor of Los Angeles.
Williamson scored 24 points on 10/18 shooting to lead New Orleans, but the Lakers still came out on top, thanks in part to Reaves’ 15 points, albeit on a salty 4/15 shooting. Luka Doncic paced Los Angeles with 27 points, while LeBron James added 21.
Now on a three-game winning streak, Reaves and the Lakers can keep it going and improve their 37-24 record on Thursday, when they show up at Ball Arena in Denver, Colo., to face Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets.
Johnny Manziel urges Kyler Murray to join an NFC team
The Kyler Murray era in Arizona is soon to be over officially, as the Arizona Cardinals have informed the quarterback that they intend to release him on March 11.
Murray is still just 28 years old and is far from a complete failure in the NFL, despite how things have gone for him in Arizona.
He can be expected to find a new landing spot before the start of the 2026 season. If it were up to a fellow Heisman Trophy–winning QB, there’s one team in the NFC North where the former Oklahoma Sooners star should take his talents next.
After ESPN shared the news on Murray on Tuesday via Instagram, former Cleveland Browns QB Johnny Manziel left a comment, urging Murray to connect with the Minnesota Vikings.
“Wowowowowowow. Hit up Josh McCown and let’s get active Minnysota,” Manziel wrote, referring to the Vikings and the team’s quarterback coach.
Johnny Manziel wants to see Kyler Murray in a Vikings uniform next. pic.twitter.com/tn3L4HjbN5
— Don March (@ItsAlwaysMarch) March 4, 2026
Of course, the Cardinals can still trade Murray to get an asset or two in return, but unless there’s a major change of heart from the team, the two sides are parting ways one way or another.
The Vikings have a profile of a team that needs a change of scenery under center after watching JJ McCarthy put together an unimpressive 2025 season.
The same can be said about Murray, who could use a fresh environment to jump-start his pro career after appearing in only five games and passing for 962 yards and 6 touchdowns against 3 interceptions in 2025.
Video: Bill Self’s ejection gets a dramatic assist from the smoke machines
Where there’s smoke, there’s a coach being ejected. That was true during at least one moment in Tuesday’s game between Bill Self’s No. 14 Kansas Jayhawks and the unranked Arizona State Wildcats at the Desert Financial Arena in Tempe, Ariz.
With 6:07 remaining in the first half, an offensive foul was charged against Kansas freshman guard Darryn Peterson. Self clearly did not like the call, as he vehemently protested it, leading to consecutive technical fouls that caused him to be thrown out of the game.
Self then started to walk off the court as Arizona State fans cheered in the background. As he was about to enter the tunnel, multiple smoke machines went off, as though to add some more flavor to the raucous atmosphere inside the building. You can watch that moment here.
Whoever was in charge of those smoke machines was probably waiting all season long for such an opportunity to present itself.
Without Self calling the shots from the sidelines, the Jayhawks struggled to catch up to Arizona State, which ended the first half with a 20-point lead and later came away with a 70-60 win, leaving Kansas with its second straight defeat and third in four games.
The ejection was just Self’s second since taking over as the Jayhawks’ head coach in 2003.
Self and the Jayhawks, who dropped to 21-9 overall and 11-6 in Big 12 play, will look to get it together on Saturday against the visiting Kansas State Wildcats at Allen Fieldhouse in Lawrence, Kan.
Miami head coach does not want Bruce Pearl’s opinion on his team
The Miami (Ohio) RedHawks are just a win away from completing a historic undefeated regular season.
After guiding his team to its 30th consecutive victory to start the 2025-26 campaign, RedHawks head coach Travis Steele took time to address the critical comment made by former Auburn Tigers head coach Bruce Pearl about his team’s March Madness credibility.
It can be recalled that Pearl implied the only way for the RedHawks to dance in the NCAA Tournament is to win the Mid-American Conference tourney. Otherwise, Miami does not belong in the Big Dance even if they finish with a spotless regular-season record.
Understandably, Steele doesn’t agree with Pearl’s sentiment one bit, but he expressed it in a far less incendiary manner than Miami’s athletic director.
“I like Bruce (Pearl). Bruce is a great guy. But I’m not calling Bruce and asking him for his opinion on our team,” Steele said after his RedHawks improved to 30-0 overall on Tuesday by defeating the Toledo Rockets at Millett Hall in Oxford, Ohio, via Mike Petraglia of the Jungle Roar Pod.
“All respect to Bruce, he’s a way better coach than I’ll ever be. He’s a Hall of Famer… But we control our own destiny.”
Steele is right. Miami has control of its March Madness fate. As long as the RedHawks avoid a stunning loss in their regular-season finale on Saturday against the Ohio Bobcats at Convocation Center in Athens, Ohio, and win all their games in the MAC tournament to earn an auto-bid, there is nothing Pearl or the selection committee can do to keep them from having a spot in the field of 68.
