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Good morning. NFL helmets are the rare product that looks great on the shelves And skulls. In 2024, teams will be able to add a third helmet design for the first time after the introduction of beautiful secondary designs in 2022.
I can’t wait to see what happens next. What if Tom Brady wears one. Today:
- 🔦JO Simpson
- 🔖Nick Chubb contract changes
- 🔼Raiders QB: “Confident”
The end of The Simpsons
OJ Simpson died of cancer on Wednesday at 76, his family announced via social networks.
Before the deaths of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ronald Goldman, he was known as a football superstar, Hollywood actor and famous pitchman.
Simpson retired after the 1979 season and became one of the greatest players in football history.winning the Heisman and ranking second at the time behind Jim Brown on the NFL’s all-time list.
During his 11-year professional career, Simpson won four rushing titles and became the first running back to surpass 2,000 yards, in just 14 games. That year’s 143.1 rushing yards per game remains the record.
But his beloved reputation turned into notoriety after his ex-wife and her friend were found dead. It was ruled a double homicide and police charged Simpson with the murders. Rather than surrender, Simpson fled in the infamous white Ford Bronco before being captured.
This led to the “Trial of the Century”, which ended with a jury finding Simpson not guilty. However, in a civil trial – where the burden of proof is on the balance of probabilities – Simpson was found responsible for both deaths. He continued to deny his involvement.
His connection to the gruesome murders overshadows his Hall of Fame career. Although his name is scattered throughout the Bills’ record books, the franchise understandably did not publicize his passing on social media. They also never officially retired his number 32 as they dealt with his troubled legacy.
Lightning Round: Information You May Have Missed
1. The Browns reworked Nick Chubbthe contract of and hopefully he’ll be healthy in 2024. The new deal lowers the 28-year-old’s base salary to $11.75 million, with the possibility of getting that money back in incentives once he ‘he will be allowed to return.
2. “If the Broncos “Don’t take a quarterback at 12th or anywhere else in the first round after a trade, that means they’ve pushed their search for a true franchise answer to next year,” writes Nick Kosmider.
But, as Nick added, South Carolina quarterback Spencer Rattler — with a build that resembles Drew Brees — is an intriguing later option in his list of possible targets in Denver.
3. QB Aidan O’Connell finished his rookie year strong, throwing eight touchdowns and zero INTs while going 3-1 over the final four games. Vic Tafur shares the view of O’Connell — a former backup at Purdue — who isn’t affected by the team bringing in additional competition.
4. The Chargers” the new HC Jim Harbaugh love offensive lineman, but will that negate the team’s pressing need for WR help?
In his Chargers mock draft 3.0, Daniel Popper selects game-changing LSU WR Malik Nabers at No. 5 as “[Chargers GM] Joe Hortiz studied in the best school of thought available to players during his time in Baltimore.
5. Lieutenant Trent Williams will turn 36 this season, which is just one reason why the 49ers should invest in their offensive line in this year’s busy draft. Their offensive line has also regressed significantly in pass protection in 2023. Trading for Washington’s Troy Fautanu could be one answer.
Meet the Prospects: These QBs, Again
Ben Standig spoke to 17 of his inside sources to get their thoughts on the top passing prospects in this year’s draft. The group cited Maye as the quarterback most in need of a redshirt season in the NFL. Overall, here’s how they ranked:
1. Caleb Williams, 2.Jayden Daniels, 3. Drake Maye, 4. JJ McCarthy, 5. Michael Penix Jr. and 6. Bo Nix
Regarding the best QBs, THE Beast includes some fun notes on players like Williams, including one shared by Kevin Fishbain in his Bears NFL Draft Guide to Remember:
“In Pop Warner, Williams played running back and linebacker and often played at multiple levels due to his athleticism and physicality (earning him the nickname “Bobby Boucher” after the character Adam Sandler in ‘The Waterboy’.”
Jacob’s choices
📕 The “Second Acts” podcast East hosted by Peanut Tillman and Roman Harper, and this is where former players can become aware of what they call “the transition”. Zak Keefer has the story. (Athleticism)
📺”Made in America,” is one of OJ Simpson’s best documentaries. (Disney+)
🎙 Defense wins championships. Robert Mays and Diante Lee help you evaluate the top defensive prospects ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft. (The athletic football show)
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(Photo: George Rizer/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)