Easy On Me
Was Aaron Rodgers Halloween costume worth the hair, why the discussion around mental health is more important than ever in sports and when moms text?
It's a Monday, the day after Halloween and the first of November - that's enough shock value for today so we're here to make the rest of the day easy.
Highest hopes,
The Last Night's Game Team
NFL (National Football League)
On the same day that Philadelphia Eagles Lane Johnson spoke out about his crippling battle with anxiety and depression, Calvin Ridley of the Atlanta Falcons announced that he is stepping away from the game to focus on his mental health. Johnson opened up in an interview that he missed three games in October because he was "living in hell for a long time." His battle with his anxiety and depression gave him hand tremors and daily nausea, which resulted in him throwing up blood.
Johnson's interview and Ridley's announcement continue to contribute to the open discussion around mental health, including for athletes. MAY IT CONTINUE
Short and Sweet
Aaron Rodgers grew his hair out for his Halloween costume, but was it worth it?
The sports world mourns the loss of the son of broadcaster Ernie Johnson, who passed at the age of 33.
It's down to four in NASCAR's (National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing) Championship.
The Houston Astros (MLB - Major League Baseball) survive elimination by the Atlanta Braves and head back home for Game Six of the World Series tomorrow.
Before we go
Until yesterday, quarterback Trevor Siemian's career highlight might have been the Skittles-distributing parkas gifted during the holidays. In yesterday's game, he stepped in for an injured Jameis Winston to lead his New Orleans Saints (NFL) to a momentous victory over Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He said he received 200+ congratulatory texts, and joked most were from his mom. LIFE'S MOMENTS
A Guide To The NFL Season - The 5 Things You Need To Know
Football is back and we have yours when it comes to the gameday conversation.
Football is back and just like that, there goes your Sundays (and Mondays…and Thursdays)…
Put me in coach,
The Last Night’s Game Team
1. The 100th NFL (National Football League) season starts on Thursday and culminates with the Super Bowl in Miami on February 2. Performances by Meek Mill, Meghan Trainor and Rapsody will kickoff the first game of the season that happens to be between two of the the league’s oldest rivals, Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears. The league is so excited about their 100th year that they’ve coined the phrase “fantennial” to celebrate fans along the way. DON’T LAUGH – YOU DIDN’T USE THE WORD GOOGLE UNTIL 20 YEARS AGO
2. While everyone expects the defending Super Bowl Champions, the New England Patriots, to do well this season, it’s the Cleveland Browns who are raising eyebrows. The team that went winless two seasons ago has set the bar high this season and could be one to beat, thanks to second year quarterback Baker Mayfield. THE SKY’S THE LIMIT
3. After some controversy around her Sunday Night Football song, Carrie Underwood has teamed up with Joan Jett to sing the show’s opener. For the first time in 14 years, the video for the opening song was shot inside an NFL stadium – Mercedes-Benz Stadium, home of the Atlanta Falcons. P!nk and Faith Hill sang previous versions of the theme song. LADIES OF THE EVENING
4. While you might think the most important people on the field are the guys in the helmets, it’s a little more black and white than that. With the team’s futures in their hands, the referees, and their game changing decision making minds, are only part-time employees. As part of a labor dispute between the NFL and the NFL Referees Association, all refs will be considered part-time until further notice. After some notable controversial calls last season, we’ll see if this status affects the game. PLACE YOUR BETS
5. Did you know the NFL used to be 501 (c)(6) non-profit? They voluntary gave up their tax-exempt status, which means they no longer have to disclose commissioner Roger Goodell’s salary, which has been upward of $31 million. MAKING BANK
Want to know more about your team? Here is the top story line for each team. BE IN THE KNOW
Wednesday Wisdom
It’s all happening today including why beer and football are worth celebrating, a classic tale of a cheerleader and quarterback, who's baring it all and Serena’s U.S. Open domination. READ
I Have A Dream
Some of you might still be snuggled up in your warm bed on this MLK Day, while many of you are hitting the pavement to start a new work week. Regardless, of your career, color or creed, sports are a fantastic way to come together as one and root for the same team.
Some of you might still be snuggled up in your warm bed on this MLK Day, while many of you are hitting the pavement to start a new work week. Regardless, of your career, color or creed, sports are a fantastic way to come together as one and root for the same team.
Three cheers for humanity,
The Last Night’s Game
NFL (National Football League)
If you are worn out from your weekend and could use some extra sleep. The football playoffs lived up to their hype with the Minnesota Vikings taking home a huge win in the last seconds. Tom Brady and his New England Patriots are moving on and so are the Jacksonville Jaguars for the first time since 1999. Lastly, the underdog Philadelphia Eagles. The team embraced that role by wearing dog masks and burying the Atlanta Falcons for the win. PLAYOFF WRAP UP
Winter Olympics
That one day you’re finally not the last pick for the kickball team. Two of America’s biggest names in winter sports have officially claimed their spots on Team U.S.A in the Olympics, which is 24 days away. Lindsey Vonn and ‘The Flying Tomato’ Shaun White will once again be representing the red, white and blue.
Overtime
Singers Carrie Underwood and Ludacris have collaborated on a song, “The Champion,” that will be used during the Super Bowl and the Winter Olympics. You might as well get used to it. LISTEN
Sideline stat
In the crowd for the Minnesota Vikings playoff game was 99-year-old Millie Wall. The team surprised their super fan with tickets to attend her first playoff game. During the game she could be seen talking to commissioner Roger Goodell (who gave her tickets to the Super Bowl) and drinking her signature screwdriver with a splash of cranberry, before witnessing the first ever “walk-off” touchdown pass in playoff history. What constitutes a walk-off? MORE
Coaches’ corner
There will be a full day of NBA (National Basketball Association) games today and to honor the late, great Martin Luther King, Jr. on today’s holiday, teams will be wearing warm-ups inspired by his “I have a dream speech.” These statement pieces are also for sale with proceeds benefitting the National Civil Rights Museum. SEE