Deadspin | Rashid Shaheed providing special spark for Seahawks with Panthers looming

Deadspin | Rashid Shaheed providing special spark for Seahawks with Panthers looming

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Dec 18, 2025; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Rashid Shaheed (22) celebrates after defeating the Los Angeles Rams in overtime at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Ng-Imagn Images

Rashid Shaheed has helped put the “special” in the Seattle Seahawks’ special teams.

Shaheed returned a punt 58 yards for a touchdown last Thursday against the Los Angeles Rams, sparking a 16-point, fourth quarter comeback in Seattle’s 38-37 overtime victory.

The NFC West-leading Seahawks (12-3) will look to extend their five-game winning streak Sunday when they play the NFC South-leading Carolina Panthers (8-7) in Charlotte, N.C.

“It gave us life,” Seahawks safety Julian Love said of the punt return. “We felt like, for this game, our special teams was a weapon. We have a really good unit. When we got Rashid this year, it gave us a whole new sense of focus and energy on special teams, just knowing that he can return a kick at any moment.”

Shaheed, acquired from New Orleans at the trade deadline, also returned the second-half kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown Dec. 7 at Atlanta.

The Seahawks are tied for fourth with 27.9 yards per kickoff return and are fourth in average punt return at 15.6. Kicker Jason Myers leads the NFL with 37 field goals.

“I mean, our special teams’ unit has just been a massive catalyst for us,” Seattle coach Mike Macdonald said.

The Seahawks will try not to look ahead to their regular-season finale at San Francisco, a game that will determine the division champion and perhaps the No. 1 seed in the NFC.

“Our next goal is to win the division,” Macdonald said. “Now, you can’t do that unless you win the next one, so it’s the same message. Obviously, really excited to be in the dance. Anything can happen once you get in, but we got a division title on the line that we need to go capture.”

The Panthers are coming off a 23-20 victory against visiting Tampa Bay that gave them a one-game lead over the Buccaneers in the division. Those teams will also meet in Week 18.

“The playoffs are a couple weeks away. We don’t have the luxury to be able to think about that and play ‘what-if.’ We have to focus on (this) week,” Carolina quarterback Bryce Young said. “Right now, it’s fun in the locker room, we get to perform, but for all of us, after 24 hours, next week will be the biggest game of the year. That’s always how it will be. That’s always going to be our approach.”

Young drove the Panthers down the field for a go-ahead field goal with a little more than two minutes remaining last week. It was the 12th game-winning drive in the fourth quarter or overtime in three seasons for Young — the most of any QB over that span.

Young was 21 of 32 for 191 yards and two touchdowns against the Bucs. The Panthers relied on him with Rico Dowdle and Chuba Hubbard combining for just 56 yards rushing on 15 carries.

“He threw it away when he had to, extended the play when he could,” Carolina coach Dave Canales said of Young.

Panthers inside linebacker Trevin Wallace (shoulder) and defensive tackle Tershawn Wharton (hamstring) missed practice time this week, as did Seahawks safety Coby Bryant (knee) and left tackle Charles Cross (hamstring).

–Field Level Media

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Deadspin | Brooks Koepka commits to alternate-field event ahead of PGA Championship Apr 10, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Brooks Koepka tees off on the ninth hole during the second round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Michael Madrid-Imagn Images Brooks Koepka continues to prove his willingness to play in second-tier events as he grinds to stay in good form ahead of the final three 2026 majors. As part of his immediate return to the PGA Tour through the hastily-created Returning Player Program after Koepka parted with LIV Golf, he is ineligible to accept sponsors exemptions into 2026 signature events. With two such events leading up to next month’s PGA Championship, Koepka has committed to next week’s alternate-field event, the Myrtle Beach Classic. Among his five major titles, Koepka has a trio of PGA Championship victories. Myrtle Beach and its million purse present a final tune-up opportunity for Koepka while the majority of the tour’s marquee players will be competing for million at the Truist Championship at Quail Hollow in Charlotte. Myrtle Beach does provide an additional opportunity for Koepka. Should he win the event, Koepka would earn a spot into the final two signature events of the season at the Memorial and Travelers championships. Koepka is coming off a missed cut with teammate Shane Lowry at the Zurich Classic. That followed a solid T-12 at the Masters. He does have four top-20 finishes in his past five stroke-play events, sitting 59th in the FedEx Cup standings. He was the first alternate two weeks ago at the RBC Heritage, where Koepka was seen waiting out the first-round tee times in the event that someone withdrew. His presence at the Myrtle Beach Classic will provide the third-year event with a rare marquee name. “Having Brooks Koepka commit to the ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic is a tremendous moment for our tournament and our community,” tournament director Darren Nelson said, per the Post and Courier. “He’s one of the most accomplished players of his generation, and his presence speaks to the continued momentum of this event on the PGA TOUR calendar.” The PGA Championship will begin May 14 at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pa. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Brooks #Koepka #commits #alternatefield #event #ahead #PGA #ChampionshipApr 10, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Brooks Koepka tees off on the ninth hole during the second round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Michael Madrid-Imagn Images

Brooks Koepka continues to prove his willingness to play in second-tier events as he grinds to stay in good form ahead of the final three 2026 majors.

As part of his immediate return to the PGA Tour through the hastily-created Returning Player Program after Koepka parted with LIV Golf, he is ineligible to accept sponsors exemptions into 2026 signature events. With two such events leading up to next month’s PGA Championship, Koepka has committed to next week’s alternate-field event, the Myrtle Beach Classic.

Among his five major titles, Koepka has a trio of PGA Championship victories. Myrtle Beach and its $4 million purse present a final tune-up opportunity for Koepka while the majority of the tour’s marquee players will be competing for $20 million at the Truist Championship at Quail Hollow in Charlotte.

Myrtle Beach does provide an additional opportunity for Koepka. Should he win the event, Koepka would earn a spot into the final two signature events of the season at the Memorial and Travelers championships.


Koepka is coming off a missed cut with teammate Shane Lowry at the Zurich Classic. That followed a solid T-12 at the Masters. He does have four top-20 finishes in his past five stroke-play events, sitting 59th in the FedEx Cup standings.

He was the first alternate two weeks ago at the RBC Heritage, where Koepka was seen waiting out the first-round tee times in the event that someone withdrew. His presence at the Myrtle Beach Classic will provide the third-year event with a rare marquee name.

“Having Brooks Koepka commit to the ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic is a tremendous moment for our tournament and our community,” tournament director Darren Nelson said, per the Post and Courier. “He’s one of the most accomplished players of his generation, and his presence speaks to the continued momentum of this event on the PGA TOUR calendar.”

The PGA Championship will begin May 14 at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pa.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Brooks #Koepka #commits #alternatefield #event #ahead #PGA #Championship">Deadspin | Brooks Koepka commits to alternate-field event ahead of PGA Championship Apr 10, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Brooks Koepka tees off on the ninth hole during the second round of the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Michael Madrid-Imagn Images Brooks Koepka continues to prove his willingness to play in second-tier events as he grinds to stay in good form ahead of the final three 2026 majors. As part of his immediate return to the PGA Tour through the hastily-created Returning Player Program after Koepka parted with LIV Golf, he is ineligible to accept sponsors exemptions into 2026 signature events. With two such events leading up to next month’s PGA Championship, Koepka has committed to next week’s alternate-field event, the Myrtle Beach Classic. Among his five major titles, Koepka has a trio of PGA Championship victories. Myrtle Beach and its million purse present a final tune-up opportunity for Koepka while the majority of the tour’s marquee players will be competing for million at the Truist Championship at Quail Hollow in Charlotte. Myrtle Beach does provide an additional opportunity for Koepka. Should he win the event, Koepka would earn a spot into the final two signature events of the season at the Memorial and Travelers championships. Koepka is coming off a missed cut with teammate Shane Lowry at the Zurich Classic. That followed a solid T-12 at the Masters. He does have four top-20 finishes in his past five stroke-play events, sitting 59th in the FedEx Cup standings. He was the first alternate two weeks ago at the RBC Heritage, where Koepka was seen waiting out the first-round tee times in the event that someone withdrew. His presence at the Myrtle Beach Classic will provide the third-year event with a rare marquee name. “Having Brooks Koepka commit to the ONEflight Myrtle Beach Classic is a tremendous moment for our tournament and our community,” tournament director Darren Nelson said, per the Post and Courier. “He’s one of the most accomplished players of his generation, and his presence speaks to the continued momentum of this event on the PGA TOUR calendar.” The PGA Championship will begin May 14 at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square, Pa. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Brooks #Koepka #commits #alternatefield #event #ahead #PGA #Championship

Deadspin | Raiders’ Fernando Mendoza to wear No. 15 with blessing from Tom Flores Apr 24, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza at the Festival of Football at the Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Top overall draft pick Fernando Mendoza will wear jersey No. 15 with the Las Vegas Raiders. The selection of that jersey number comes with the blessing of Hall of Famer Tom Flores, a two-time Super Bowl-winning head coach of the Raiders as well as the first quarterback in franchise history. Flores wore the No. 15 with the then-Oakland Raiders from 1960-66. “He deserves my blessing,” Flores said, per the team website. “Because if he’s not the real deal, I don’t know what the hell I’m doing.” Flores, 89, didn’t stop there. “He’s perfect,” Flores said of Mendoza. “He can make every throw. He can make the plays. What can’t he do? He does it all. He’s fun to watch. … Plus, he’s a good-looking kid. Like me.” Mendoza repaid the compliment upon hearing it. “He’s more handsome than me,” Mendoza said. “But, it speaks to the testament of once a Raider, always a Raider. Of how involved the alumni is. And I’m so blessed to be a part of this organization. I can’t thank (Flores) enough. I’m so blessed.” Flores, obviously, wasn’t the only player to wear No. 15 with the Raiders, who don’t retire jersey numbers. Fellow quarterbacks Jeff Hostetler, Matt Flynn and Gardner Minshew II have won the number, as well as wide receivers Michael Crabtree and Nelson Agholor. Mendoza, 22, provided the signature moment to his epic season with a dive across the goal line on fourth down in the No. 1 Hoosiers’ 27-21 victory over No. 10 Miami in the College Football Playoff national championship game on Jan. 19. Listed at 6-foot-5 and 225 pounds, Mendoza completed 72% of his passes for 3,535 yards and 41 touchdowns this past season. He also rushed for 276 yards and seven scores in his lone season with Indiana after transferring from Cal (2023-24). –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Raiders #Fernando #Mendoza #wear #blessing #Tom #FloresApr 24, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza at the Festival of Football at the Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Top overall draft pick Fernando Mendoza will wear jersey No. 15 with the Las Vegas Raiders.

The selection of that jersey number comes with the blessing of Hall of Famer Tom Flores, a two-time Super Bowl-winning head coach of the Raiders as well as the first quarterback in franchise history. Flores wore the No. 15 with the then-Oakland Raiders from 1960-66.

“He deserves my blessing,” Flores said, per the team website. “Because if he’s not the real deal, I don’t know what the hell I’m doing.”

Flores, 89, didn’t stop there.

“He’s perfect,” Flores said of Mendoza. “He can make every throw. He can make the plays. What can’t he do? He does it all. He’s fun to watch. … Plus, he’s a good-looking kid. Like me.”


Mendoza repaid the compliment upon hearing it.

“He’s more handsome than me,” Mendoza said. “But, it speaks to the testament of once a Raider, always a Raider. Of how involved the alumni is. And I’m so blessed to be a part of this organization. I can’t thank (Flores) enough. I’m so blessed.”

Flores, obviously, wasn’t the only player to wear No. 15 with the Raiders, who don’t retire jersey numbers. Fellow quarterbacks Jeff Hostetler, Matt Flynn and Gardner Minshew II have won the number, as well as wide receivers Michael Crabtree and Nelson Agholor.

Mendoza, 22, provided the signature moment to his epic season with a dive across the goal line on fourth down in the No. 1 Hoosiers’ 27-21 victory over No. 10 Miami in the College Football Playoff national championship game on Jan. 19.

Listed at 6-foot-5 and 225 pounds, Mendoza completed 72% of his passes for 3,535 yards and 41 touchdowns this past season. He also rushed for 276 yards and seven scores in his lone season with Indiana after transferring from Cal (2023-24).

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Raiders #Fernando #Mendoza #wear #blessing #Tom #Flores">Deadspin | Raiders’ Fernando Mendoza to wear No. 15 with blessing from Tom Flores Apr 24, 2026; Henderson, NV, USA; Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Fernando Mendoza at the Festival of Football at the Intermountain Health Performance Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images Top overall draft pick Fernando Mendoza will wear jersey No. 15 with the Las Vegas Raiders. The selection of that jersey number comes with the blessing of Hall of Famer Tom Flores, a two-time Super Bowl-winning head coach of the Raiders as well as the first quarterback in franchise history. Flores wore the No. 15 with the then-Oakland Raiders from 1960-66. “He deserves my blessing,” Flores said, per the team website. “Because if he’s not the real deal, I don’t know what the hell I’m doing.” Flores, 89, didn’t stop there. “He’s perfect,” Flores said of Mendoza. “He can make every throw. He can make the plays. What can’t he do? He does it all. He’s fun to watch. … Plus, he’s a good-looking kid. Like me.” Mendoza repaid the compliment upon hearing it. “He’s more handsome than me,” Mendoza said. “But, it speaks to the testament of once a Raider, always a Raider. Of how involved the alumni is. And I’m so blessed to be a part of this organization. I can’t thank (Flores) enough. I’m so blessed.” Flores, obviously, wasn’t the only player to wear No. 15 with the Raiders, who don’t retire jersey numbers. Fellow quarterbacks Jeff Hostetler, Matt Flynn and Gardner Minshew II have won the number, as well as wide receivers Michael Crabtree and Nelson Agholor. Mendoza, 22, provided the signature moment to his epic season with a dive across the goal line on fourth down in the No. 1 Hoosiers’ 27-21 victory over No. 10 Miami in the College Football Playoff national championship game on Jan. 19. Listed at 6-foot-5 and 225 pounds, Mendoza completed 72% of his passes for 3,535 yards and 41 touchdowns this past season. He also rushed for 276 yards and seven scores in his lone season with Indiana after transferring from Cal (2023-24). –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Raiders #Fernando #Mendoza #wear #blessing #Tom #Flores

Deadspin | Two-way Florida football player ranked No. 1 in 2028 class by 247Sports A general view during the South Bend Riley-South Bend Washington high school football game on Friday, September 23, 2022, at TCU School Field in South Bend, Indiana. South Bend Riley Vs South Bend Washington A’mir Sears, a rising high school junior being compared to two-way NFL player Travis Hunter, is the No. 1 player in the Class of 2028, according to 247Sports, which released its first rankings for the group on Wednesday. He also received the first — and only, for now — 5-star ranking in the class. Listed at 6-foot-1, 178 pounds, Sears was a wide receiver and defensive back at West Broward High School in Pembroke Pines, Fla., last fall, leading the school to its first appearance in the state championship game in the 6A division. According to 247Sports, he had 61 tackles, three interceptions and 11 pass breakups on defense as a sophomore. On the other side of the ball, he caught 49 passes for 942 yards with 11 touchdowns. After the conclusion of the 2025 season, Sears announced he would be playing his final two high school seasons at sports powerhouse Christopher Columbus High School in Miami. Most recently, that’s the school that sent basketball players Cameron and Cayden Boozer to Duke, and where Fernando Mendoza laid the foundation for winning the Heisman Trophy and being selected No. 1 in the 2026 NFL Draft. Here are the top 10 players, as ranked by 247Sports. College coaches and recruiters already know these names well, and fans will learn them over the next two high school seasons. 1. A’mir Sears, athlete, Christopher Columbus (Miami) 2. Jayden Wade, quarterback, IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.). Committed to Georgia. 3. Kameron McGee, edge, Brother Rice (Chicago) 4. Brysen Wright, wide receiver, Mandarin (Jacksonville, Fla.) 5. Christopher Vargas, quarterback, St. John’s Prep (Danvers, Mass.) 6. Asher Ghioto, edge, The Bolles School (Jacksonville, Fla.) 7. Darieon Prescott, edge, Bolingbrook (Bolingbrook, Ill.) 8. Maui Tonata, offensive tackle, Orem (Orem, Utah) 9. Tyzon Swann, defensive lineman, Henry E. Lackey (Indian Head, Md.) 10. Casey Barner, safety, McEachern (Powder Springs, Ga.) –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Twoway #Florida #football #player #ranked #class #247SportsA general view during the South Bend Riley-South Bend Washington high school football game on Friday, September 23, 2022, at TCU School Field in South Bend, Indiana. South Bend Riley Vs South Bend Washington

A’mir Sears, a rising high school junior being compared to two-way NFL player Travis Hunter, is the No. 1 player in the Class of 2028, according to 247Sports, which released its first rankings for the group on Wednesday.

He also received the first — and only, for now — 5-star ranking in the class.

Listed at 6-foot-1, 178 pounds, Sears was a wide receiver and defensive back at West Broward High School in Pembroke Pines, Fla., last fall, leading the school to its first appearance in the state championship game in the 6A division. According to 247Sports, he had 61 tackles, three interceptions and 11 pass breakups on defense as a sophomore. On the other side of the ball, he caught 49 passes for 942 yards with 11 touchdowns.

After the conclusion of the 2025 season, Sears announced he would be playing his final two high school seasons at sports powerhouse Christopher Columbus High School in Miami. Most recently, that’s the school that sent basketball players Cameron and Cayden Boozer to Duke, and where Fernando Mendoza laid the foundation for winning the Heisman Trophy and being selected No. 1 in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Here are the top 10 players, as ranked by 247Sports. College coaches and recruiters already know these names well, and fans will learn them over the next two high school seasons.

1. A’mir Sears, athlete, Christopher Columbus (Miami)

2. Jayden Wade, quarterback, IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.). Committed to Georgia.


3. Kameron McGee, edge, Brother Rice (Chicago)

4. Brysen Wright, wide receiver, Mandarin (Jacksonville, Fla.)

5. Christopher Vargas, quarterback, St. John’s Prep (Danvers, Mass.)

6. Asher Ghioto, edge, The Bolles School (Jacksonville, Fla.)

7. Darieon Prescott, edge, Bolingbrook (Bolingbrook, Ill.)

8. Maui Tonata, offensive tackle, Orem (Orem, Utah)

9. Tyzon Swann, defensive lineman, Henry E. Lackey (Indian Head, Md.)

10. Casey Barner, safety, McEachern (Powder Springs, Ga.)


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Twoway #Florida #football #player #ranked #class #247Sports">Deadspin | Two-way Florida football player ranked No. 1 in 2028 class by 247Sports A general view during the South Bend Riley-South Bend Washington high school football game on Friday, September 23, 2022, at TCU School Field in South Bend, Indiana. South Bend Riley Vs South Bend Washington A’mir Sears, a rising high school junior being compared to two-way NFL player Travis Hunter, is the No. 1 player in the Class of 2028, according to 247Sports, which released its first rankings for the group on Wednesday. He also received the first — and only, for now — 5-star ranking in the class. Listed at 6-foot-1, 178 pounds, Sears was a wide receiver and defensive back at West Broward High School in Pembroke Pines, Fla., last fall, leading the school to its first appearance in the state championship game in the 6A division. According to 247Sports, he had 61 tackles, three interceptions and 11 pass breakups on defense as a sophomore. On the other side of the ball, he caught 49 passes for 942 yards with 11 touchdowns. After the conclusion of the 2025 season, Sears announced he would be playing his final two high school seasons at sports powerhouse Christopher Columbus High School in Miami. Most recently, that’s the school that sent basketball players Cameron and Cayden Boozer to Duke, and where Fernando Mendoza laid the foundation for winning the Heisman Trophy and being selected No. 1 in the 2026 NFL Draft. Here are the top 10 players, as ranked by 247Sports. College coaches and recruiters already know these names well, and fans will learn them over the next two high school seasons. 1. A’mir Sears, athlete, Christopher Columbus (Miami) 2. Jayden Wade, quarterback, IMG Academy (Bradenton, Fla.). Committed to Georgia. 3. Kameron McGee, edge, Brother Rice (Chicago) 4. Brysen Wright, wide receiver, Mandarin (Jacksonville, Fla.) 5. Christopher Vargas, quarterback, St. John’s Prep (Danvers, Mass.) 6. Asher Ghioto, edge, The Bolles School (Jacksonville, Fla.) 7. Darieon Prescott, edge, Bolingbrook (Bolingbrook, Ill.) 8. Maui Tonata, offensive tackle, Orem (Orem, Utah) 9. Tyzon Swann, defensive lineman, Henry E. Lackey (Indian Head, Md.) 10. Casey Barner, safety, McEachern (Powder Springs, Ga.) –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Twoway #Florida #football #player #ranked #class #247Sports

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