football

College Players Will Be Able To Opt In For 2024 EA Sports College Football Game

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EA Games once ruled the world of college sports video games. NCAA Basketball and NCAA Football were both beloved franchises that still boast active player bases today. However, NCAA Basketball was discontinued in 2009 due to a lawsuit by former college star Ed O’Bannon. Meanwhile, similar concerns brought an end to NCAA Football in 2013. The games have lived on through passionate fanbases and myriad content on sites such as YouTube and Twitch. Interest in NCAA Basketball spiked during the pandemic thanks to the work of SB Nation journalist Ricky O’Donnell. O’Donnell produced a series of season-by-season breakdowns of his journey trying to break the all-time record for NCAA titles using the worst team in the game, Western Illinois.

However, in 2021, EA announced that NCAA Football would be making a return with EA Sports College Football. Originally slated to release in 2023, the game was delayed to 2024. the return of the game was brought about by the impending implementation of NIL legislation that allowed college athletes to receive money from sponsorship deals and similar sources. Now, news that has broken about a vital part of the game development.

Real Players In “EA Sports College Football”

INGLEWOOD, CA – JANUARY 09: A player holds up a sign after Georgia Bulldogs wins their game versus the TCU Horned Frogs in the College Football Playoff National Championship game on January 9, 2023, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, CA. (Photo by Brian Rothmuller/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

While mods have long existed to import real rosters into the NCAA Football games, the restrictions on using player likenesses meant that the games were also filled with fictional players. That may no longer be the case given an interview the developers granted to ESPN. EA is collaborating with NIL agency OneTeam Partners to facilitate the addition of real players and their likenesses to the upcoming game.

Payment and revenue structuring for players who want to appear in the game is still being finalized. However, but OneTeam told ESPN that payment would be “as inclusive and equitable as possible.” Furthermore, the company outlined on its website that “revenue will be divided equally among the athletes included in each licensing program” if individual sales couldn’t be agreed on. Players who do not opt-in will be replaced by a generic fictional player. At the time of writing, Tulane and Northwestern have both publicly opted in. Notre Dame has also been “in contact” about NIL implementation, but has not formally opted in or out.

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Lamar Jackson Reveals How Close He Was To Leaving Ravens

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The Lamar Jackson saga finally ended with a draft-day extension that will keep the quarterback in Baltimore for another five years. The new deal has clearly raised Jackson’s spirits, who said he wanted to throw for “6000 yards” in a post-draft press conference.

However, one question that went unanswered during the whole ordeal is that of just how close was Jackson to leaving. Sure, he put in a formal trade request but was there ever a deal on the table? Was Jackson willing to sit out the season if a new deal didn’t materialize? Some of those questions have now been answered as Jackson sat down with PEOPLE.

Lamar Jackson Legimiately Considered Leaving

SUNRISE, FLORIDA – MARCH 17: Lamar Jackson backstage during “On Big Party Tour” at FLA Live Arena on March 17, 2023 in Sunrise, Florida.(photo by Prince Williams/Wireimage)

The short answer was Jackson would have left Baltimore, if not for the fans. Speaking with PEOPLE, Jackson revealed it was the people of Baltimore who kept him in purple. “I just love everything about Baltimore, wonderful fan base, you know, even though I was getting DMs, like, people gonna miss me, you know, stuff like that.” Jackson was born in Florida and played at Louisville before being drafted by the Ravens in the first round of the 2019 Draft. “I feel like this is my third home, because I count Louisville as my second home, just because I played there three years, and just the love they show, it’s like, genuine. It’s like I’m part of their family and I felt like when people go into work, you know, whether we win or lose, it defines their week, how they’re gonna prepare for work and stuff like that.”

Eventually, Jackson decided that he would “finish it” with the Ravens, indicating that he wanted to win a Super Bowl in Baltimore before considering the road ahead. “It’s like, man, I’d just rather finish it here. You know? Win my Super Bowl here, like I said, and sky’s the limit, and we’ll see what else goes on,” Jackson said. The Ravens are 2-0 in their Super Bowl appearances but have not reached that stage of the playoffs since 2013. Their deepest playoff runs with Jackson under center are divisional-round losses in 2019 and 2020.

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Tom Brady Shares Mother’s Day Post Featuring All His Exes

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It’s Mother’s Day in the United States and many celebrities have been sharing posts for the holiday. Blueface shouted out his baby momma, Jaidyn Alexis. Meanwhile, Lil Durk teamed up with India Royale on his post. In more serious news, Nicki Minaj’s mother Carol announced a new program to help the survivors of domestic violence.

Tom Brady, the legendary NFL quarterback, has a lot of mothers in his life. Firstly, there’s his mother, Galynn, who always been one of his biggest supporters. Furthermore, there are the mothers of his three children. Brady’s oldest child, John, is the son of actress Bridget Moynahan. Brady left Moynahan in 2006 and was soon dating Brazilian model Gisele Bündchen. Brady and Bündchen had two children prior to their divorce in 2022.

Brady Shouts Out All The Mothers In His Life

Taking to Instagram on Mother’s Day, Brady shared a heartfelt post filled with pictures of his family. “Happy Mothers Day to all these amazing women who have given our family so much throughout their lives. Thank you all for your love, compassion and kindness, and for setting such an amazing example for all of our little ones. We are all so grateful for your support and helping us all achieve our dreams. I wish all the mothers in the world a special day with the people that love them the most.”

The post included pictures of many of the women in Brady’s family. This includes Galynn, Moynahan, and Bündchen. It also featured numerous family pictures, showing Brady with his children. The post was widely praised by fans of the former Patriots and Buccaneers signal-caller. “Tom, so beautiful that you honor all the women who play a roll in your life and your beautiful children’s lives! Keep loving!” one person commented. “Who do you know who recognizes not only his mother but the two mothers of his children? Brady is a good man!” added another. What do you think about Brady’s post? Let us know in the comments. Get all the latest news about celebrity social media here on HotNewHipHop.

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Tom Brady Reportedly Buying A Stake In Raiders

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Last month, Tom Brady bought a minority share in the Las Vegas Aces, the reigning WNBA champions. Brady has long expressed interest in sports franchise ownership. Additionally, he also owns a professional pickleball team. However, it appears that Brady is not done yet. Brady has previously expressed his love for the city of Las Vegas, and it appears that’s where his sporting ownership interest currently lies.

According to sources who spoke with ESPN, Brady is once again in talks with billionaire Mark Davis to buy a slice of a Vegas sports franchise. Vegas has become a sports activity in recent years and currently boasts teams in every major US sport besides baseball. However, this time, Brady’s investment could be in his old stomping ground, the NFL. If true, it would be a major boon for the city’s ailing NFL team.

Brady Considering Raiders Ownership

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – OCTOBER 25: Quarterback Tom Brady #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers throws against the Las Vegas Raiders during the first half of their game at Allegiant Stadium on October 25, 2020 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Buccaneers defeated the Raiders 45-20. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Tom Brady only ever played six career games against the Raiders, going 5-1 against the Black and Silver. However, one of the games is the incredibly infamous “Tuck Rule Game”. Regardless, Brady is a big fan of Las Vegas as a city. If the reports are true, Brady would buy a minority, limited partnership share in the Raiders from Davis. Davis has owned the Raiders since 2011, following the death of his father, Al Davis. Overall, the Davis family has owned the team since 1972.

If Brady does go through with the purchase, he will need the support of 24 NFL owners. This is standard practice for all new majority and minority team owners. However, it is unlikely anyone will object given how much Brady has done for the league. Furthermore, Fox has also reportedly given their blessing for Brady to pursue the deal. Brady is slated to begin a ten-year broadcasting deal with the network in 2024. It’s not the first time Brady has been approached about minority ownership, with the Dolphins being punished for tampering over conversations with Brady in 2021 and 2022. What do you think about Brady potentially becoming an NFL owner? Let us know in the comments.

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Best And Worst Of NFL Schedule Announcements

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In recent years, the announcement of the NFL schedule has become an event unto itself. Teams relish the opportunity to hype and humor fans about their upcoming season. Furthermore, it’s a chance to energize younger viewers and fans by jumping on the latest trends and memes.

After numerous leaks and teases, the NFL schedule for 2023 was released at 8pm on May 11. Soon after, most teams revealed their individual schedules with pre-recorded videos. However, no all of these videos were made equal and we’re here to break down the best, and the worst, of the league’s 32 schedule announcements.

The Best Of The 2023 Schedule Announcements

KANSAS CITY, MO – APRIL 27: A super fan of the LA Chargers displays his gauntlet during Round One of the 2023 NFL Draft on Thursday April 27, 2023 at Union Station in Kansas City, MO. (Photo by Nick Tre. Smith/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

The Chargers won the schedule announcement for the second year in a row. After debuting their reference-filled anime announcement in 2022, the Chargers ran it back with another anime announcement this year. As with 2022, the highlight of 2023 was the absolute shade thrown at one opponent. Last year it was a joke about not making a joke about the Browns. This year, it was putting up information about gambling addiction when revealing a game against the Lions.

Other notable announcements included DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart “eating the schedule” for the Colts. Meanwhile, the Broncos concluded their trilogy of The Office parodies, featuring Peyton Manning and The Office‘s Angela Kinsey. Elsewhere, the Jets tasked Geogussr god “Rainblot” to uncover their schedule while the 49ers employed the skills of rapper Locksmith.

The Worst Schedule Announcements of 2023

PHILADELPHIA, PA – MAY 05: Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni looks on during Philadelphia Eagles rookie mini training camp on May 5, 2023 at the Novacare Training Complex in Philadelphia, PA. (Photo by Andy Lewis/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Let’s start with the Eagles and Cardinals. Neither team produced a schedule video this year, with both opting to produce a Twitter thread instead. The Eagles compared their opponents to cute dogs while the Cardinals went with Spotify tracks. Very tame, very boring. The Eagles turned it into a video but still, low-effort work.

The Commanders, Lions, and Buccaneers all did videos around the joke of “what if we AI-generated the schedule release” but unfortunately, it appears that AI doesn’t know what comedy is. Meanwhile, the Raiders did a video that looks exactly like the sort of thing that the head office forces its employees to make in order to look “cool”. As for the rest of the league, there were some videos that were fun enough but didn’t exactly wow you. Honorable mention goes to to Saints and Jaguars for making videos with the exact same premise of “here’s the guy who scripts the NFL”. Regardless, what was your favorite video? Are you excited about the NFL season? Let us know in the comments

Chiefs To Host Eagles In Week 11

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The closer we get to the NFL schedule release (May 11, 8pm EDT), the more fixtures that are seemingly leaked. So far, we know about the international games, several holiday fixtures, and even Aaron Rodgers’ Jets debut. It almost feels like the NFL is way too eager to announce the schedules. HotNewHipHop will have full coverage of all schedule-related news.

However, the Kansas City Chiefs have been the subject of more leaks and reveals than most. They will play the first game of the season at home against Detroit. Week 9 has them in Frankfurt to face the Dolphins. Meanwhile, they have back-to-back holiday games at home, hosting the Raiders on Christmas and the Bengals on New Year’s Eve. That’s already about a quarter of their season made public. It also points to the Chiefs getting a lot of premier games at home.

Latest Leaks Pits Chiefs Against Eagles

GLENDALE, AZ – FEBRUARY 12: Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (9) runs with the football during Super Bowl LVII between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, February 12th, 2023 at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, AZ. (Photo by Adam Bow/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

The latest rumor from the NFL schedule comes from the Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane. According to McLane, the Eagles will travel to Arrowhead Stadium on November 20 for a Monday Night Football rematch of the Super Bowl. McLane also said that the Eagles will begin the season on the road aganst the Patriots. The Chiefs have won four consecutive games against the Eagles. the last Eagles win came in 2009. However, to find the last Eagles win at Arrowhead, you have to go back to 2006. Despite this, the Eagles have come a long way since the Donovan McNabb days. Could they finally find another win in Missouri?

So much has changed since the Chiefs bested the Eagles in Arizona this past February. The Chiefs largely remain the same on the field, with minimal turnover. However, longtime OC Eric Bieniemy left for the Commanders, promoting former Bears Head Coach Matt Nagy to the run the offense. Meanwhile, the Eagles used their wealth of draft picks to add more elite defensive talent as they look to avoid heartbreak for a second year. Do you think the Eagles can beat the Chiefs in this Super Bowl rematch? Or do you think the Chiefs continue their run of dominance against Philadelphia? Let us know in the comments.

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Shaq Barrett Breaks Silence On Daughter’s Death

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On April 30, the family of Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Shaquil Barrett suffered a terrible tragedy. Two-year-old Arrayah, Barrett’s youngest daughter, died after drowning in a swimming pool at the family home. The news shocked the NFL, given both Barrett’s well-known status as a family man, and the fact that just the week prior, they had been celebrating Arrayah’s birthday. Barrett has played in the NFL since 2014. Initially an undrafted free agent with the Broncos, he has become a vital part of the Buccaneers’ defense. He is currently recovering from a torn Achilles that sidelined him for the second half of the 2022 season.

“Today’s tragic news is heartbreaking for all members of the Buccaneers family. Our thoughts and prayers are with Shaq, Jordanna and the entire Barrett family during this unimaginably difficult time,” the Buccaneers said in a statement. “While no words can provide true comfort at a time such as this, we offer our support and love as they begin to process this very profound loss of their beloved Arrayah.”

Barrett Breaks Silence On Daughter’s Death

Barrett’s wife Jordanna publicly spoke about their daughter’s death last week. However, May 11’s was Barrett’s turn to reflect on his daughter. “I miss you sooo much baby girl. I love you please watch over us 😘😘#TGBTG” Barrett wrote in a caption on an Instagram video of him and his daughter. Several of Barrett’s teammates shared messages of solidarity. His wife replied, “We love you forever and ever babygirl💕 until we meet again my baby!”

Furthermore, he shared a longer post thanking everyone for their support. “I am typing this out because the amount has been astounding and there is no way to possibly get a thank you to each and every one of you,” the statement reads in part. The message concludes with a picture of the Barrett Family and “Matthew 18:20”. The Bible verse in question reads, “For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.” That post received replies from everyone from the Buccaneers and Colorado State to Tom Brady.

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Pat McAfee Reveals Brett Favre Dropped His Lawsuit

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Pat McAfee has one of the biggest shows in the entire sports world right now. The former NFL punter has grown his brand a lot over these past few years now, and he remains beloved by fans. Overall, his show is a lot of fun, and he doesn’t mind popping off about current events. However, it seemed like he was actually in hot water with Brett Favre. Following the allegations that Brett Favre diverted welfare funds aware from Mississippians in need, McAfee joked about the situation. Although, Favre did not find this amusing and smashed the lawsuit button.

Today, however, it was revealed by Pat McAfee that the lawsuit has been rescinded. Based on McAfee’s comments, it seems clear that Favre didn’t feel as though the lawsuit was necessary. Instead, he decided to let it go with the promise that McAfee will just keep things lighthearted, moving forward. “My statements, expressed in comedic style were based solely on public information and allegations,” McAfee said. “As I have previously stated, I respect the hell out of Brett Favre the football player and his Hall of Fame career on the field, and I have no personal knowledge about any case involving Brett in Mississippi.”

Read More: Brett Favre Accused Of More Welfare Fraud

Pat McAfee Speaks

Subsequently, Favre put out his own statement about Pat McAfee, on Twitter. Overall, it is clear that McAfee’s side of things was the whole honest truth. No matter what, this was quite the saga that confused a whole lot of people. “Like Pat said, he was attempting to be funny and not commenting based on any personal knowledge,” Favre explained. We’d both much rather talk about football.” That said, it seems obvious that McAfee will no longer comment on the allegations against Favre, anytime soon.

As it stands, the allegations against Favre still remain. However, it has yet to be determined how things will proceed. There is an investigation at play, all while the NFL legend has maintained his innocence. Let us know what you think about all of this, in the comments section below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the sports world.

Read More: Pat McAfee Could Be Looking To Improve Upon His $120 Million Deal With FanDuel

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Patriots’ 2023 Season Opener To Honor Tom Brady

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Tom Brady is literally the greatest player to ever don a New England Patriots jersey. Selected in the 6th round of the 2000 NFL Draft, he went on to dominate pro football. Much of that dominance happened in New England, where he won six Super Bowl titles. It is also the place where he set many league and franchise records. However, Brady finished his career in Tampa Bay, finally retiring in 2023.

Despite leaving the Patriots, he is still held in high regard by the organization and many fans. However, there are those who may never forgive Brady for leaving. Furthermore, the organization is ready to honor the man who played 20 success-filled seasons for the team when the 2023 season gets underway. It comes on the same day that the NFL will announce the schedules for 2023.

Tom Brady Will Be Honored At First Gillette Stadium Game of 2023

Tom Brady at the premiere of “80 For Brady” held at Regency Village Theatre on January 31, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images)

Patriots owner Robert Kraft announced ahead of the NFL schedule reveal that the first Patriots home game of the 2023 season will honor Tom Brady. “I invited him back to be with us at the opening game and let the fans in New England thank him … it will be the beginning of many celebrations to honor Tom Brady,” Kraft said. Kraft has owned the Patriots since 1994, and saw the brand’s success explode exponentially with Brady at the helm. Kraft, nor the team, will likely never find a player as franchise-defining as Brady again.

“He’s very excited to come back and see our fans. It will be a great, great celebration,” Kraft said of Brady. However, a few things remain unknown. First, it’s unclear when this will take place. The full NFL schedule will be announced at 8pm EDT on May 11. The only thing that has so far been revealed about the Patriots’ schedule is that they will play a November 12 game in Frankfurt against the Colts. Furthermore, it’s unknown what “honoring” Brady will entail. It could mean the Patriots retire his jersey. The Patriots have retired seven jersey numbers, the last one being that of Bruce Armstrong in 2000. What would you like to see the Patriots to do honor Brady? Let us know in the comments below.

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C.J. Stroud Felt “Disrespected” By Ohio State State QB Recruitment

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C.J. Stroud is the presumptive starter for the Houston Texans. The ailing AFC South team took Stroud second overall in the recent NFL Draft. Furthermore, Stroud has the most promise of success in a quarterback room that also includes, Davis Mills, Case Keenum, and E.J. Perry. Furthermore, the Texans are clearly in a win-now mode given their aggression on draft night.

However, there have been rumors that Stroud was a pick forced by Texans ownership. Many believe that several key members of the Texans coaching staff would have preferred to pick Kentucky’s Will Levis. But not being the first choice is something that Stroud has experienced before and motivates him to prove others wrong.

Stroud Found Ewers Recruitment “Disrespectful”

KANSAS CITY, MO – APRIL 27: CJ Stroud poses after being selected second overall pick by the Houston Texans during the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft at Union Station on April 27, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Todd Rosenberg/Getty Images)

In 2021, Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields left for the NFL. It was expected that Stroud, the redshirt freshman, would take the starting job. However, the Buckeyes also brought in the #1 recruit in the country, quarterback Quinn Ewers. That didn’t sit well with Stroud, who would go on to win the starting job. “I kind of felt disrespected. I didn’t like that,” Stroud told The Shop podcast. Furthermore, Stroud alleges that he didn’t know about Ewers’ recruitment until “the day he arrived”. The starting gig was considered a battle between Stroud and Ewers, with some Ohio State fans believing that, given his massive potential, Ewers should at least be given a shot.

However, Stroud eventually won the quarterback battle and would lead the Buckeyes’ offense for two seasons. Meanwhile, Ewers would transfer after the 2021 season, landing with the Texas Longhorns. Ewers could be a first-round draft pick in the 2024 draft and is considered the third or fourth-best prospect at the position. Regardless, all of this comes as Stroud is once again challenged despite his pedigree. “I think that’s up to him and how he plays and the coaches, how they see him,” CEO Cal McNair said. “He’ll earn his spot, wherever that is. And he’ll feel like he’s earned it, and the team will feel like he’s earned wherever he winds up.”

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