football

Rihanna Shows Off Super Bowl Halftime Show Merch As Her Return To The Stage Nears

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The Super Bowl itself is an undeniably big deal every year. However, it’s often the Halftime show that really captivates audiences. In 2022, an impressive roster of artists took to the stage. Among them were 50 Cent, Kendrick Lamar, Eminem, Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, and Mary J. Blige.

For some time, it was said that following such a lineup wouldn’t be easy for 2023’s headliner. However, it seems that the perfect artist was found in the form of Rihanna. She previously took a years-long hiatus from the music industry in favour of her other creative pursuits.

As the annual game nears, the new mother has been using social media to tease her fans about what they can expect. Most recently, she showed off her accompanying Savage X Fenty merch – namely a hoodie printed with the initial announcement image of her tattooed hand holding up a football that arrived last year.

“5 weeks from today,” the caption on Sunday’s (January 8) Instagram upload reads. Prior to that, Rih posted the same video on her Story, gearing her 139M followers up for her highly anticipated comeback.

Deadline reports that the “Breakin’ Dishes” hitmaker will be the first to perform in the rebranded Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show. The big event will take place on Sunday, February 12, in Glendale, Arizona. In charge of production is DPS with Roc Nation and Jesse Collins. Additionally, Hamish Hamilton will act as the director.

Once the exciting announcement came out in 2022, Jay-Z took a moment to praise Rihanna. “[She] is a generational talent, a woman of humble beginnings who has surpassed expectations at every turn,” he said at the time. “A person born on the small island of Barbados who became one of the most prominent artists ever. Self-made in business and entertainment.”

It’s been noted that over 120 million viewers tuned in to the Super Bowl LVI Halftime Show. Later, it went on to receive a total of three Creative Emmy awards for all the performers involved.

Others who have graced the stage at the year’s biggest football game in the past include Beyoncé, Lady Gaga, Prince, Jennifer Lopez, and The Weeknd.

Are you excited to see Rihanna’s return to the stage in February? Sound off in the comments, and check back later for more pop culture news updates.

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Lil Wayne Reacts To Packers Missing Playoffs

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Lil Wayne responded to the Green Bay Packers missing the playoffs on Twitter, Sunday. Following the team’s Week 18 loss to the Detroit Lions, Aaron Rodgers and the Packers were eliminated from the postseason.

“Pls do me a favor and don’t call or text me I don’t want talk,” Wayne wrote on Twitter after the loss.

MIAMI, FL – DECEMBER 09: Lil Wayne performs onstage during BACARDI, Swizz Beatz and The Dean Collection bring NO COMMISSION back to Miami to celebrate “Island Might” at Soho Studios on December 9, 2017 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Nicholas Hunt/Getty Images for BACARDI)

After the game, Rodgers prompted speculation about his future with the organization as NBC cameras caught him refusing to give Jameson Williams his jersey. Rodgers explained that he’s “gonna hold on to this one.”

Rodgers addressed his NFL future more formally in the postgame press conference.

“It’s a little raw right now,” Rodgers told reporters. “It’s just a little bit after the game, so I wanna take the emotion out of it and have conversations and see where the organization is, and see how I feel after some time has passed.”

“Do I feel like I have anything left to prove to myself?” he later asked. “Do I wanna go back and gear up for another grind? Or is it time? Is it time to step away? Is it time for another voice to be leading this team? I think I need to get away and contemplate those things. … It could be time to step away. But I could take some time and say, ‘Hell no, man, I need to get back out there and go another run.’ But I’ll have to see what it feels like once I’m away from it.”

Wayne, who has been a lifelong Packers fan, has previously stated that the team should’ve already gotten rid of Rodgers.

Despite the win for the Lions, the Seattle Seahawks took the final playoff spot in the NFC.

Check out Lil Wayne’s response to the disappointing end to the Packers’ season below.

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Nyheim Hines Shouts Out Damar Hamlin After Returning 2 Kicks For TDs

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Nyheim Hines put together a historic performance on special teams during the Buffalo Bills’ 35-23 win over the New England Patriots on Sunday. He became just the 11th player in NFL history to score two kickoff return touchdowns in the same game. Afterward, he shared a message for his teammate, Damar Hamlin, on Twitter.

“FREE HINES,” Hamlin had written while watching the touchdowns from his hospital bed.

ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK – JANUARY 08: Nyheim Hines #20 of the Buffalo Bills celebrates after Buffalo’s 35-23 win against the New England Patriots at Highmark Stadium on January 08, 2023 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)

In response, Hines wrote: “That was for you 3! you been telling me I was going to break one since I’ve been here. Happy we could give you 2 of em! Your spirit was out there with all of us.”

Hines began the game with a 96-yard kickoff return touchdown, labeled as “storybook” by announcer Jim Nantz. Later, to kick off the second half, Hines struck again with a 101-yard touchdown.

During the game, Hamlin was unable to participate as he remains hospitalized due to last week’s scary injury. According to the latest updates, he’s been showing continued signs of improvement. He recently began breathing on his own once again.

Hamlin shared his first message on social media since his injury, Saturday night.

“The Love has been overwhelming, but I’m thankful for every single person that prayed for me and reached out. We brung the world back together behind this. If you know me you know this only gone make me stronger. On a long road keep praying for me!” he wrote in a tweet.

Hines joined the Bills during the season as a part of a trade with the Indianapolis Colts.

Check out Hines and Hamlin’s interaction on Twitter below.

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Damar Hamlin In Good Spirits On FaceTime With Meek Mill & Michael Rubin

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Six days ago, the world was sent into shock when Buffalo Bills Safety, Damar Hamlin went into cardiac arrest on the field. This is undeniably one of the worst sports injuries we’ve ever seen.

Ever since, we’ve been receiving updates on his status as they become available. In the most positive one yet, social media users began to spread photos of Hamlin smiling across social media on Saturday (January 7).

Damar Hamlin #3 of the Buffalo Bills walks to the tunnel during halftime against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Highmark Stadium on October 09, 2022 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan Bennett/Getty Images)

In the screenshot of the FaceTime call, Hamlin appears to be in good spirits while speaking to Meek Mill and Michael Rubin. “The volume of prayer on social media was at an all-time high this week. @danorlovsky7 even prayed on live TV. We are seeing those prayers get answered right before our eyes. Keep them coming! God is so good,” writes journalist Nick Veronica in a tweet.

The world was witness to the 24-year-old collapsing on the field during last week’s Monday Night Football game. He reportedly went into cardiac arrest due to the immense impact of a tackle he was making. After taking him to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, they were initially listing him in critical condition.

Of course, the injury occurred during the first quarter of the highly-anticipated match between Hamlin’s Buffalo Bills and the Cincinnati Bengals. The NFL says that the teams will not be playing that game at all now.

The medical staff at the hospital are responsible for removing his breathing tubes on Friday (January 6), as he continued to make phenomenal progress in his recovery. “Per the physicians at UCMC, Damar’s breathing tube was removed overnight. He continues to progress remarkably in his recovery. His neurologic function remains intact and he has been able to talk to his family and care team,” writes the team in a tweet.

Also on Saturday (January 7), the Bills’ Safety took to his Instagram account to speak publicly. This was the first time he was doing so since the injury. “When you put real love out into the world it comes back to you 3x’s as much. The Love has been overwhelming, but I’m thankful for every single person that prayed for me and reached out. We bring the world back together behind this. If you know me you know this only gone make me stronger. On a long road keep praying for me,” he writes in the post’s caption.

It’s certainly great to hear that Hamlin is well on his way to recovery following the horrifying incident. We hope he will be out of the hospital soon. Finally, make sure to stay tuned to HNHH for all of the latest updates.

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Peyton Hillis In Critical Condition After Rescuing Kids From Drowning

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Former star running back Peyton Hillis is in critical condition after rescuing several members of his family from drowning. Hillis was reportedly hospitalized after helping save two children with another adult off the coast of Florida.

Peyton’s uncle, Greg Hillis, updated fans on his status on Facebook. He says that he’s “doing better” and that he’s “having some problems with his kidneys and his lungs but the doctors say he is improving.”

BALTIMORE, MD – DECEMBER 24: Peyton Hillis #40 of the Cleveland Browns looks on from the sidelines during the closing moments of the Browns 20-14 loss to the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on December 24, 2011 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)

Greg wrote: “I just wanted to let everyone know on Razorback Nation that Peyton is doing better. He’s still in intensive care and having some problems with his kidneys and his lungs but doctors say he is improving. I just wanted to head off any rumors that may be started, I’m sure he would want everyone to know that he appreciates all of the prayers being thrown up on his behalf!!!”

TMZ obtained pictures from the incident on Friday, showing lifeguards and medical professionals assisting Hillis on the beach. A helicopter later arrived, airlifting Hillis to a hospital to receive treatment.

Peyton Hillis played for four teams during his NFL career, including the Denver Broncos, Cleveland Browns, New York Giants, and Kansas City Chiefs. He was in the league from 2008 to 2015.

He played his college ball for Arkansas, rushing for 960 total yards behind Darren McFadden.

Hillis also graced the cover of Madden 12 after a fan vote to determine the cover star.

Hillis has taken an interest in acting in recent years, making his debut in 2022’s The Hunting.

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Damar Hamlin Shares First Update Since Injury

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Damar Hamlin posted a statement on social media for the first time since his recent injury on Instagram, Saturday. Captioning a photo of himself on the field, Hamlin thanked fans for their continued support.

“When you put real love out into the world it comes back to you 3x’s as much,” Hamlin began. “The Love has been overwhelming, but I’m thankful for every single person that prayed for me and reached out. We brung the world back together behind this. If you know me you know this only gone make me stronger. On a long road keep praying for me!”

ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 13: Damar Hamlin #3 of the Buffalo Bills celebrates after a tackle during the first quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at Highmark Stadium on November 13, 2022 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Isaiah Vazquez/Getty Images)

According to the latest updates from the Buffalo Bills, Hamlin is breathing on his own and able to speak to family, doctors, and teammates. The starting safety FaceTime’d his teammates, earlier this week.

“To hear him talk to us, it was everything, and that’s what we needed. Literally, that’s all we needed,” Bills offensive tackle Dion Dawkins said of the moment.

Hamlin originally collapsed during a game between the Bills and the Cincinnati Bengals on Monday night. He suffered cardiac arrest and needed to be transported to a nearby hospital, where he was sedated and placed on a ventilator.

While the Bills’ game against the Bengals will not resume, the team will take on the Patriots, this Sunday. During the matchup, the Bills will wear “3” patches on their jerseys. Additionally, as games across the NFL began to kick off over the weekend, the league plans to honor Hamlin before each game.

Check out Damar Hamlin’s latest Instagram post below.

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Aaron Hernandez’s Ex-Fiancée Questioned Over Trust Fund Spending

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Shayanna Jenkins-Hernandez, who was engaged to late NFL star Aaron Hernandez, is now being questioned over her spending of his trust fund. The former couple shares a daughter, 10-year-old Avielle.

The former New England Patriots player took his own life in April 2017 while in prison. He was arrested and charged with the murder of his former friend Odin Lloyd. Additionally, he was also accused of participating in a fatal drive-by shooting.

According to People, Jenkins-Hernandez’s lawyers “submitted an invoice for reimbursement from the trust fund to a court-appointed trustee.” 

BOSTON, MA – APRIL 12: Shayanna Jenkins sits in the courtroom for the double murder trial of her fiancee, former New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez, at Suffolk Superior Court in Boston on Apr. 12, 2017. Hernandez is charged in the July 2012 killings of Daniel de Abreu and Safiro Furtado who he encountered in a Boston nightclub. The former NFL football player already is serving a life sentence in the 2013 killing of semi-professional football player Odin Lloyd. (Photo by Keith Bedford/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
READ MORE: Aaron Hernandez Biography Contains “Shocking Revelations”: Report

Attorney David Schwartz later denied her request. Jenkins-Hernandez also attempted to remove him as the trusted, saying he was “ keeping Avielle from her hobby.”

Outlined in documents, Jenkins-Hernandez’s spending was then brought into question.

Schwartz’s lawyers reportedly claimed, “There is every reason to question whether and how the Conservator is applying the significant resources that should be available to pay for Avielle’s daily needs, including dance lessons, especially since all of her basic housing security and educational expenses are paid from the Trust.”

NORTH ATTLEBORO, MA – AUGUST 22: Aaron Hernandez sits in the courtroom of the Attleboro District Court during his hearing on August 22, 2013 in North Attleboro, Massachusetts. Former New England Patriot Aaron Hernandez has been indicted on a first-degree murder charge for the death of Odin Lloyd. (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images)
Read More: Aaron Hernandez’s Alleged Prison Lover Reveals New Details

The mother previously requested $10,000 for Avielle’s dance lessons.

“Large amounts of money are spent under each category of the Accountings, with little clear identification of how these disbursements benefit Avielle,” docs reportedly revealed.

People also shared that docs exhibit specific examples of Jenkins-Hernandez’s spending. It reportedly includes “$10,000 in both entertainment expenses and online shopping, thousands in ‘self-care’ costs, and $12,000 spent at HomeGoods.”

After giving birth to their daughter in 2012, Jenkins-Hernandez had a second daughter in 2018.

What are your thoughts on Jenkins-Hernandez’s alleged spending? Sound off in the comments below with your thoughts.

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Buffalo Bills Offer Positive Update About Damar Hamlin

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After suffering a terrifying health scare, more information is being shared about Damar Hamlin. The sports world has its eyes keenly focused on the NFL after Hamlin collapsed on the field during a game earlier this week. The Buffalo Bills star took a hit, as many professional football players do, but this resulted in two cardiac arrests.

“Per the physicians caring for Damar Hamlin at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, Damar has shown remarkable improvement over the past 24 hours,” the Buffalo Bills shared in a new statement.

Read More: President Biden Addresses NFL Safety Concerns After Talking To Damar Hamlin’s Parents

They continued: “While still critically ill, he has demonstrated that he appears to be neurologically intact. His lungs continue to heal and he is making steady progress.”

“We are grateful for the love and support we have received.”

Following Hamlin’s injury, comments made by Skip Bayless caused a firestorm on social media. Bayless shared a tweet questioning if the NFL would cancel the game after Hamlin collapsed. Many believed his post showed insensitivity to the matter at hand.

CINCINNATI, UNITED STATES – JANUARY 4: Fans gather outside the UC Medical Center for Damar Hamlin, a National Football League (NFL) player in the US, who receive medical attention after suffering from a “cardiac arrest.” during a football game, in Cincinnati, United States on January 4, 2022. Damar Hamlin on Monday collapsed during a football game and is in a “critical condition.” (Photo by Kyle Mazza/Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)
Read More: Damar Hamlin’s Family Is “Frustrated” By Criticism Of Tee Higgins

The controversy would make its way to Undisputed, where Bayless and co-host Shannon Sharpe were at odds. The pair have had tense exchanges in recent weeks, and some believe this latest debacle could lead to more serious division between the two.

HNHH will keep you updated as more is shared about Damar Hamlin and his recovery.

Damar Hamlin’s Family Is “Frustrated” By Criticism Of Tee Higgins

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Damar Hamlin’s family is reportedly “frustrated” and “mad” about the criticism being made of Tee Higgins. The Bengals wide receiver tackled Hamlin on the play that sent him into cardiac arrest.

Jordon Rooney, Hamlin’s marketing representative and longtime friend, informed Bills reporter Rachel Hopmayer of the family’s defense of Higgins.

TAMPA, FLORIDA – DECEMBER 18: Tee Higgins #85 of the Cincinnati Bengals catches a touchdown pass during the third quarter in the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on December 18, 2022 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)

“This isn’t supporting Damar,” Rooney said about the online backlash. “If you think you’re supporting Damar by bashing Tee, you’re not supporting Damar.”

Rooney added that Higgins has already reached out and is in contact with the family while Hamlin remains hospitalized.

“All signs point to him being a great human being who genuinely cares and feels bad, and the family feels bad that Tee would have any guilt towards the situation,” Rooney said.

Dallas Cowboys’ Micah Parsons has also come to the defense of Higgins in the days since Monday night. He labeled the hit “a freak accident” on Twitter in response to criticism of Higgins.

Hamlin went down in the first quarter of the Bills’ game against the Bengals. After receiving medical assistance on the field, he was rushed to a local hospital. The NFL postponed the remainder of the game and has not announced when it will be rescheduled.

As of Wednesday, Hamlin remains under intensive care at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center. The Bills say that he has shown “signs of improvement” since Monday night.

Hamlin’s family is currently running a GoFundMe campaign that has raised over $6.5 million since its inception.

Check out Rooney’s comments on Higgins below.

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GoFundMe Takes Down Fake Damar Hamlin Fundraisers

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GoFundMe is taking down numerous fake fundraisers for Damar Hamlin. The Buffalo Bills safety suffered cardiac arrest during the team’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals after collapsing on the field.

According to TMZ, the company is taking down all fraudulent GoFundMe campaigns for Hamlin as they go live.

CINCINNATI, OHIO – JANUARY 02: Fans look on as the ambulance leaves carrying Damar Hamlin #3 of the Buffalo Bills after he collapsed after making a tackle against the Cincinnati Bengals during the first quarter at Paycor Stadium on January 02, 2023 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Kirk Irwin/Getty Images)

They also confirmed that there is only one genuine fundraiser organized by the family. That campaign has raised over $6.5 million as of Wednesday afternoon.

“This fundraiser was initially established to support a toy drive for Damar’s community, sponsored by the Chasing M’s Foundation. However, it has received renewed support in light of Damar’s current battle and we can’t thank all of you enough. Your generosity and compassion mean the world to us,” a message on the campaign page reads.

It continues: “If you would like to show your support and contribute to Damar’s community initiatives and his current fight, this is the place to do so. This is the only current fund that is being used by the Hamlin Family.”

Damar Hamlin remains at the University of Cincinnati Medical Center. On Wednesday, the Bills confirmed that he will remain under intensive care. They also announced that he has shown “signs of improvement” since Monday night.

The NFL has also announced that the game between the Bills and Bengals will not resume this week. Play was stopped after Hamlin’s injury, which occurred midway through the first quarter. The league remains undecided as to whether to the game at a later date.

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