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
Out Of Ideas? 5 Extravagant Gifts Athletes Buy Each Other For The Holidays
‘Tis the season to be jolly. Quarterbacks and star running backs often give holiday gifts to their offensive line for protecting them. But what do you give someone who can afford to buy themselves anything? You’ll see.
‘Tis the season to be jolly and give gifts to the ones who have our backs. The same unspoken rule applies to football players. Quarterbacks and star running backs often give holiday gifts to their offensive line – the guys who protect them from being hit by the opposing team’s defense. But what do you give someone who can afford to buy anything? You’ll see.
Better than a lump of coal,
The Last Night's Game Team
PS - Speaking of gifts, head over to the Last Night’s Game store to check everyone off your list. SHOP NOW
FIVE EXTRAVAGANT GIFTS ATHLETES BUY EACH OTHER FOR THE HOLIDAYS
1. Tom Brady has been referred to as the G.O.A.T (Greatest Of All Time). What do the best in the business and his supermodel wife Gisele get his offensive line for protecting him? How about Audi Q7s? That’ll do the trick.
2. Gifts with wheels are very popular. Last year, Dallas Cowboys’ Ezekiel Elliott gave his linemen John Deere UTVs and former running back Reggie Bush? He gave away segways. Hall of Fame running back (and Dancing With The Stars winner) Emmitt Smith left a key to a new Hummer in each of his linemen's lockers. Too bad they were actually for the remote controlled version.
3. Last year for the holidays, Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (aka Ciara’s hubby) gave his offensive linemen TVs and the entire team two-first class airline tickets. Go big or go…to the airport.
4. Understanding the severity of the hits his lineman have taken for him, Arizona Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer bought each of them a hot tub to soothe their aching muscles.
5. We saved the best for last. Quarterback Trevor Siemian is a lover of Skittles and he wanted to share that with his linemen. So, he bought them custom parkas that dispense Skittles. Yes, the fur-rim hooded parkas have a button on the chest that when pushed, Skittles arrive in a coat pocket. A dream come true.
The Rundown: Weekend Preview Edition - Sack 'em Sunday
It’s the first weekend of NFL football. Whether you’re cheering for the Bears or Eagles or simply here for the beer, we have everything you need to know to show them who’s boss. Oh and don’t forget to set your fantasy football team.
I’ll take a cold one,
The Last Night’s Game Team
PS – It’s our new football Friday tradition and today’s tailgate treat is courtesy of super fan Lindsay. Here's her recipe for slow cooker pulled pork sandwiches with slaw.
NFL (National Football League)
- Rematch. Last night marked the first game of the NFL season and it happened to be a rematch of last season's Super Bowl. The Denver Broncos and their new quarterback Trevor Siemian proved they still have what it takes to win without Peyton Manning, taking home a win against the Carolina Panthers.
- You asked and we delivered the answers to those stubborn football questions that stump you. Click here for our football FAQ.
NCAA Football (College)
- He’s got wheels. ESPN’s College GameDay is heading to Bristol Motor Speedway for Saturday’s broadcast…of a NASCAR race? No, the NASCAR track has been transformed into a football field to host Tennessee vs Virginia Tech. Crews had 19 days to turn the track infield into a quality football field. At the game they’re expecting to host the biggest college football crowd ever - 150,000 people.
- When is your team playing? Find out here.
Soccer
- On Saturday, two crosstown rivals battle in the English Premier League - Manchester City vs Manchester United. This is slated to be the most expensive game in soccer history with player values topping £685 million ($912 million USD).
NBA (National Basketball Association)
- Welcome. 2016 NBA Hall of Fame class will be inducted today. This year’s class is led by Shaquille O’Neal, Yao Ming and Allen Iverson.
Olympics
- The sentencing. The penalties for the swimmers involved in the infamous gas station incident in Rio have been decided. Ryan Lochte has been suspended for 10 months and the other three swimmers have been suspended for four months. It may not sound like a long time considering the Summer Olympics are four years away but here is what they won’t be able to do:
- Not allowed to attend the White House visit with Team U.S.A.
- They will not receive their monthly stipend
- No access to Olympic training centers
- Lochte will forfeit his $100,000 bonus money from winning gold
Tennis
- So long Serena. Serena Williams was hoping to win her 23rd career Grand Slam Championship at the U.S. Open. Those dreams were crushed when Williams was defeated by Karolina Pliskova in the semifinals. Pliskova also knocked out Serena’s sister Venus, becoming just the fourth person to defeat both sisters in the same Grand Slam event. Pliskova will face Angelique Kerber in the finals.
Overtime
- Many said it was a long shot when former NFL quarterback Tim Tebow tried out in front of MLB (Major League Baseball) scouts, but it seems that his hard work has paid off. Tebow signed a minor league deal to play for the New York Mets. Don’t expect him on the Mets roster yet, he’ll start his career off in their instructional league in September.
Sideline stat
- This will be the first time since 1997 that the NFL has a kickoff weekend without Tom Brady or Peyton Manning playing. Manning retired after last season and Brady is suspended for four games for “deflategate.”
Coaches’ corner
- There’s a lot of talk about quarterbacks and wide receivers but there are many players who make up a football team. Today’s unsung hero goes to the long snapper. You may only hear about this position when something goes wrong on a field goal, extra point or punt. This is a specialized player comes in to hike the ball for any kind of kick that requires longer distance snaps. Check out all the backward action here.