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Deadspin | Raiders pick No. 1, then Ohio State draft takeover begins Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Arvell Reese (8), linebacker Sonny Styles (6), safety Caleb Downs (2) and cornerback Davison Igbinosun (1) work out during spring football practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on March 17, 2025. Ohio State is not the reigning national champion in college football, and the Buckeyes are not expected to produce a fourth No. 1 overall selection when the 2026 NFL Draft kicks off with the Las Vegas Raiders on the clock Thursday night. But you can bet your most sacred scarlet that the Buckeyes are money in the bank to pad their all-time total — 97 and counting — first-round selections soon after Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza is selected by the Raiders. Anywhere between nine and 13 Ohio State players are projected to be drafted into the NFL this week, and five carry first-round grades one year removed from the 2025 national championship roster that produced four first-rounders: wide receiver Emeka Egbuka (No. 21, Buccaneers), offensive lineman Donovan Jackson (24, Vikings), defensive tackle Tyleik Williams (28, Lions) and offensive tackle Josh Simmons (32, Chiefs). The 2021 Alabama team and the 2004 Miami squad share the record with six first-round selections in a single draft. The wait for the Ohio State takeover of the 2026 draft might not be long. In fact, that first selection could come right after Mendoza hears his name called. Buckeyes linebackers Sonny Styles and Arvell Reese are candidates to be selected No. 2 overall by the Jets. Styles put on an epic athletic display at the NFL Scouting Combine in February and Reese, who played a variety of positions in Matt Patricia’s defense, was right there with him. At 6-foot-4 and 243 pounds, Reese is being compared to Penn State-era Micah Parsons, the No. 12 pick in the 2021 draft and a three-time NFL All-Pro. Reese is dripping with upside. He had 6.5 sacks at Ohio State in 2025 but was only a part-time pass rusher. Only 20, Reese could add significant weight and convert to defensive end or focus on an edge/outside linebacker role. Because of his speed and power, there are also teams that discussed using him inside. The Cleveland native met with the Browns but he might not stick around long enough to stay in Ohio; the Browns have picks No. 6 and 24. He also had multiple meetings with the Arizona Cardinals, who pick third overall. “I played everywhere from inside linebacker to (strong-side) to edge. I was comfortable everywhere,” Reese said, noting NFL teams are complimentary of his versatility. “It changes (with) each team, so it depends on the system and how the defensive coordinator thinks he’ll use me.” Styles is a second-generation NFL prospect. His dad, Lorenzo Styles, was an NFL linebacker for the St. Louis Rams and Atlanta Falcons for six seasons. Lorenzo Styles Jr. is also part of the 2026 draft class. A Notre Dame transfer, Lorenzo Styles Jr. played safety — and started 11 games — for the Buckeyes last season. At 6-5, 244, Sonny Styles stole the show at the combine. He ran a 4.46 40-yard dash, had a 43 1/2-inch vertical, broad jumped 11 feet, 2 inches and clocked a 4.26-second 20-yard shuttle. It points to his high school background as a five-star safety recruit. The top tackler on Ohio State’s dynamic defense, Sonny Styles had only one missed tackle all season — and it came in the College Football Playoff — by the count of Buckeyes’ staff. “I think the way I can improve the run defense is just being in the middle,” said Styles, a self-described film junkie. “I feel like I had a great feel of what was coming.” Safety Caleb Downs is listed as a top-10 prospect by many evaluators, and he will be in the draft green room Thursday with his linebacker teammates, wide receiver Carnell Tate and defensive tackle Kayden McDonald. All six could be selected in the opening round. Downs and Toledo’s Emmanuel McNeil-Warren are vying to be the top player picked at the position and Tate is another likely first-round receiver produced by the Buckeyes. He averaged 17.2 yards per reception last season and caught 14 TD passes in three seasons at Ohio State. McDonald turned 21 last month and was the Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year in 2025. He had 65 tackles and nine tackles for loss last season as the thick and powerful roadblock to interior linemen trying to get their hands on Reese and Styles. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Raiders #pick #Ohio #State #draft #takeover #begins

Deadspin | Raiders pick No. 1, then Ohio State draft takeover begins
Deadspin | Raiders pick No. 1, then Ohio State draft takeover begins Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Arvell Reese (8), linebacker Sonny Styles (6), safety Caleb Downs (2) and cornerback Davison Igbinosun (1) work out during spring football practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on March 17, 2025. Ohio State is not the reigning national champion in college football, and the Buckeyes are not expected to produce a fourth No. 1 overall selection when the 2026 NFL Draft kicks off with the Las Vegas Raiders on the clock Thursday night. But you can bet your most sacred scarlet that the Buckeyes are money in the bank to pad their all-time total — 97 and counting — first-round selections soon after Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza is selected by the Raiders. Anywhere between nine and 13 Ohio State players are projected to be drafted into the NFL this week, and five carry first-round grades one year removed from the 2025 national championship roster that produced four first-rounders: wide receiver Emeka Egbuka (No. 21, Buccaneers), offensive lineman Donovan Jackson (24, Vikings), defensive tackle Tyleik Williams (28, Lions) and offensive tackle Josh Simmons (32, Chiefs). The 2021 Alabama team and the 2004 Miami squad share the record with six first-round selections in a single draft. The wait for the Ohio State takeover of the 2026 draft might not be long. In fact, that first selection could come right after Mendoza hears his name called. Buckeyes linebackers Sonny Styles and Arvell Reese are candidates to be selected No. 2 overall by the Jets. Styles put on an epic athletic display at the NFL Scouting Combine in February and Reese, who played a variety of positions in Matt Patricia’s defense, was right there with him. At 6-foot-4 and 243 pounds, Reese is being compared to Penn State-era Micah Parsons, the No. 12 pick in the 2021 draft and a three-time NFL All-Pro. Reese is dripping with upside. He had 6.5 sacks at Ohio State in 2025 but was only a part-time pass rusher. Only 20, Reese could add significant weight and convert to defensive end or focus on an edge/outside linebacker role. Because of his speed and power, there are also teams that discussed using him inside. The Cleveland native met with the Browns but he might not stick around long enough to stay in Ohio; the Browns have picks No. 6 and 24. He also had multiple meetings with the Arizona Cardinals, who pick third overall. “I played everywhere from inside linebacker to (strong-side) to edge. I was comfortable everywhere,” Reese said, noting NFL teams are complimentary of his versatility. “It changes (with) each team, so it depends on the system and how the defensive coordinator thinks he’ll use me.” Styles is a second-generation NFL prospect. His dad, Lorenzo Styles, was an NFL linebacker for the St. Louis Rams and Atlanta Falcons for six seasons. Lorenzo Styles Jr. is also part of the 2026 draft class. A Notre Dame transfer, Lorenzo Styles Jr. played safety — and started 11 games — for the Buckeyes last season. At 6-5, 244, Sonny Styles stole the show at the combine. He ran a 4.46 40-yard dash, had a 43 1/2-inch vertical, broad jumped 11 feet, 2 inches and clocked a 4.26-second 20-yard shuttle. It points to his high school background as a five-star safety recruit. The top tackler on Ohio State’s dynamic defense, Sonny Styles had only one missed tackle all season — and it came in the College Football Playoff — by the count of Buckeyes’ staff. “I think the way I can improve the run defense is just being in the middle,” said Styles, a self-described film junkie. “I feel like I had a great feel of what was coming.” Safety Caleb Downs is listed as a top-10 prospect by many evaluators, and he will be in the draft green room Thursday with his linebacker teammates, wide receiver Carnell Tate and defensive tackle Kayden McDonald. All six could be selected in the opening round. Downs and Toledo’s Emmanuel McNeil-Warren are vying to be the top player picked at the position and Tate is another likely first-round receiver produced by the Buckeyes. He averaged 17.2 yards per reception last season and caught 14 TD passes in three seasons at Ohio State. McDonald turned 21 last month and was the Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year in 2025. He had 65 tackles and nine tackles for loss last season as the thick and powerful roadblock to interior linemen trying to get their hands on Reese and Styles. –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Raiders #pick #Ohio #State #draft #takeover #beginsOhio State Buckeyes linebacker Arvell Reese (8), linebacker Sonny Styles (6), safety Caleb Downs (2) and cornerback Davison Igbinosun (1) work out during spring football practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on March 17, 2025.

Ohio State is not the reigning national champion in college football, and the Buckeyes are not expected to produce a fourth No. 1 overall selection when the 2026 NFL Draft kicks off with the Las Vegas Raiders on the clock Thursday night.

But you can bet your most sacred scarlet that the Buckeyes are money in the bank to pad their all-time total — 97 and counting — first-round selections soon after Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza is selected by the Raiders.

Anywhere between nine and 13 Ohio State players are projected to be drafted into the NFL this week, and five carry first-round grades one year removed from the 2025 national championship roster that produced four first-rounders: wide receiver Emeka Egbuka (No. 21, Buccaneers), offensive lineman Donovan Jackson (24, Vikings), defensive tackle Tyleik Williams (28, Lions) and offensive tackle Josh Simmons (32, Chiefs).

The 2021 Alabama team and the 2004 Miami squad share the record with six first-round selections in a single draft.

The wait for the Ohio State takeover of the 2026 draft might not be long. In fact, that first selection could come right after Mendoza hears his name called.

Buckeyes linebackers Sonny Styles and Arvell Reese are candidates to be selected No. 2 overall by the Jets. Styles put on an epic athletic display at the NFL Scouting Combine in February and Reese, who played a variety of positions in Matt Patricia’s defense, was right there with him. At 6-foot-4 and 243 pounds, Reese is being compared to Penn State-era Micah Parsons, the No. 12 pick in the 2021 draft and a three-time NFL All-Pro.

Reese is dripping with upside. He had 6.5 sacks at Ohio State in 2025 but was only a part-time pass rusher.

Only 20, Reese could add significant weight and convert to defensive end or focus on an edge/outside linebacker role. Because of his speed and power, there are also teams that discussed using him inside. The Cleveland native met with the Browns but he might not stick around long enough to stay in Ohio; the Browns have picks No. 6 and 24. He also had multiple meetings with the Arizona Cardinals, who pick third overall.


“I played everywhere from inside linebacker to (strong-side) to edge. I was comfortable everywhere,” Reese said, noting NFL teams are complimentary of his versatility. “It changes (with) each team, so it depends on the system and how the defensive coordinator thinks he’ll use me.”

Styles is a second-generation NFL prospect. His dad, Lorenzo Styles, was an NFL linebacker for the St. Louis Rams and Atlanta Falcons for six seasons. Lorenzo Styles Jr. is also part of the 2026 draft class. A Notre Dame transfer, Lorenzo Styles Jr. played safety — and started 11 games — for the Buckeyes last season.

At 6-5, 244, Sonny Styles stole the show at the combine. He ran a 4.46 40-yard dash, had a 43 1/2-inch vertical, broad jumped 11 feet, 2 inches and clocked a 4.26-second 20-yard shuttle. It points to his high school background as a five-star safety recruit.

The top tackler on Ohio State’s dynamic defense, Sonny Styles had only one missed tackle all season — and it came in the College Football Playoff — by the count of Buckeyes’ staff.

“I think the way I can improve the run defense is just being in the middle,” said Styles, a self-described film junkie. “I feel like I had a great feel of what was coming.”

Safety Caleb Downs is listed as a top-10 prospect by many evaluators, and he will be in the draft green room Thursday with his linebacker teammates, wide receiver Carnell Tate and defensive tackle Kayden McDonald.

All six could be selected in the opening round. Downs and Toledo’s Emmanuel McNeil-Warren are vying to be the top player picked at the position and Tate is another likely first-round receiver produced by the Buckeyes. He averaged 17.2 yards per reception last season and caught 14 TD passes in three seasons at Ohio State.

McDonald turned 21 last month and was the Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year in 2025. He had 65 tackles and nine tackles for loss last season as the thick and powerful roadblock to interior linemen trying to get their hands on Reese and Styles.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Raiders #pick #Ohio #State #draft #takeover #begins

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Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Arvell Reese (8), linebacker Sonny Styles (6), safety Caleb Downs (2) and cornerback Davison Igbinosun (1) work out during spring football practice at the Woody Hayes Athletic Center on March 17, 2025.

Ohio State is not the reigning national champion in college football, and the Buckeyes are not expected to produce a fourth No. 1 overall selection when the 2026 NFL Draft kicks off with the Las Vegas Raiders on the clock Thursday night.

But you can bet your most sacred scarlet that the Buckeyes are money in the bank to pad their all-time total — 97 and counting — first-round selections soon after Indiana’s Fernando Mendoza is selected by the Raiders.

Anywhere between nine and 13 Ohio State players are projected to be drafted into the NFL this week, and five carry first-round grades one year removed from the 2025 national championship roster that produced four first-rounders: wide receiver Emeka Egbuka (No. 21, Buccaneers), offensive lineman Donovan Jackson (24, Vikings), defensive tackle Tyleik Williams (28, Lions) and offensive tackle Josh Simmons (32, Chiefs).

The 2021 Alabama team and the 2004 Miami squad share the record with six first-round selections in a single draft.

The wait for the Ohio State takeover of the 2026 draft might not be long. In fact, that first selection could come right after Mendoza hears his name called.

Buckeyes linebackers Sonny Styles and Arvell Reese are candidates to be selected No. 2 overall by the Jets. Styles put on an epic athletic display at the NFL Scouting Combine in February and Reese, who played a variety of positions in Matt Patricia’s defense, was right there with him. At 6-foot-4 and 243 pounds, Reese is being compared to Penn State-era Micah Parsons, the No. 12 pick in the 2021 draft and a three-time NFL All-Pro.

Reese is dripping with upside. He had 6.5 sacks at Ohio State in 2025 but was only a part-time pass rusher.

Only 20, Reese could add significant weight and convert to defensive end or focus on an edge/outside linebacker role. Because of his speed and power, there are also teams that discussed using him inside. The Cleveland native met with the Browns but he might not stick around long enough to stay in Ohio; the Browns have picks No. 6 and 24. He also had multiple meetings with the Arizona Cardinals, who pick third overall.

“I played everywhere from inside linebacker to (strong-side) to edge. I was comfortable everywhere,” Reese said, noting NFL teams are complimentary of his versatility. “It changes (with) each team, so it depends on the system and how the defensive coordinator thinks he’ll use me.”

Styles is a second-generation NFL prospect. His dad, Lorenzo Styles, was an NFL linebacker for the St. Louis Rams and Atlanta Falcons for six seasons. Lorenzo Styles Jr. is also part of the 2026 draft class. A Notre Dame transfer, Lorenzo Styles Jr. played safety — and started 11 games — for the Buckeyes last season.

At 6-5, 244, Sonny Styles stole the show at the combine. He ran a 4.46 40-yard dash, had a 43 1/2-inch vertical, broad jumped 11 feet, 2 inches and clocked a 4.26-second 20-yard shuttle. It points to his high school background as a five-star safety recruit.

The top tackler on Ohio State’s dynamic defense, Sonny Styles had only one missed tackle all season — and it came in the College Football Playoff — by the count of Buckeyes’ staff.

“I think the way I can improve the run defense is just being in the middle,” said Styles, a self-described film junkie. “I feel like I had a great feel of what was coming.”

Safety Caleb Downs is listed as a top-10 prospect by many evaluators, and he will be in the draft green room Thursday with his linebacker teammates, wide receiver Carnell Tate and defensive tackle Kayden McDonald.

All six could be selected in the opening round. Downs and Toledo’s Emmanuel McNeil-Warren are vying to be the top player picked at the position and Tate is another likely first-round receiver produced by the Buckeyes. He averaged 17.2 yards per reception last season and caught 14 TD passes in three seasons at Ohio State.

McDonald turned 21 last month and was the Big Ten Defensive Lineman of the Year in 2025. He had 65 tackles and nine tackles for loss last season as the thick and powerful roadblock to interior linemen trying to get their hands on Reese and Styles.

–Field Level Media

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Omar Cooper Jr. goes to San Francisco 49ers at pick No. 27 thanks to Niners Nation in SB Nation’s community mock draft <div id="cyclone-embed-body-d584b7bd-7119-43a5-9d21-0cc03a57e6a1"><p>Omar Cooper, WR, Indiana</p><p>It would make a lot of sense for the 49ers to go offensive line here and plan for the eventual exit of Trent Williams. Defensive line would also be no surprise, but, even after the signing of Mike Evans, wide receiver appears likely to take priority. Cooper can give San Francisco a bona-fide YAC threat who has also the ability to win downfield and who can operate inside and out. He’s an ideal wide receiver for Kyle Shanahan and would quickly become a favourite of Brock Purdy.</p></div> #Omar #Cooper #San #Francisco #49ers #pick #Niners #Nation #Nations #community #mock #draft

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Deadspin | Nationals have hands full with Matt Olson, Braves: ‘They’re really good’ <div id=""><section id="0" class=" w-full"><div class="xl:container mx-0 !px-4 py-0 pb-4 !mx-0 !px-0"><img src="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28738901.jpg" srcset="https://images.deadspin.com/tr:w-900/28738901.jpg" alt="MLB: Miami Marlins at Atlanta Braves" class="w-full" fetchpriority="high" loading="eager"/><span class="text-0.8 leading-tight">Apr 15, 2026; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves first baseman Matt Olson (28) reacts as he runs after hitting a home run against the Miami Marlins during the seventh inning at Truist Park. All players are wearing number 42 today in honor of Jackie Robinson. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images<!-- --> <!-- --> </span></div></section><section id="section-1"> <p>Matt Olson will look to continue his success at Nationals Park when the Atlanta Braves visit the Washington Nationals for the second game of their four-game series Tuesday night.</p> </section><section id="section-2"> <p>The Atlanta first baseman smacked a two-run homer to center and added a sacrifice fly in the Braves 9-4 win on Monday night, their sixth in a row. Washington’s James Wood also robbed Olson of a homer at the fence in right field.</p> </section><section id="section-3"> <p>“We hit a lot of balls hard tonight,” Braves manager Walt Weiss said Monday. “That wind was blowing in. The fact that that ball Olson hit got out to center was a miracle the way the wind was blowing in. He might have had three homers tonight without any wind.”</p> </section><section id="section-4"> <p>Olson’s numbers might be ready for a boost anyway given his history at Nationals Park. Over the course of the 32-year-old’s career, Olson has played 30 games at the stadium. He has 13 homers, 35 RBIs and a batting average of .367.</p> </section><section id="section-5"> <p>The 13 home runs are more than he has hit in every stadium except the two parks he has called home — he previously played for the Athletics — and Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, where he has parked 15 balls over the outfield wall.</p> </section><section id="section-6"> <p>Atlanta’s Ronald Acuna, Jr. left the game in the sixth inning after being hit by a Jake Irvin pitch for the second time in the game, this one on the left hand. Acuna is day-to-day and Weiss said X-rays were negative.</p> </section><section id="section-7"> <p>“We feel pretty good about it,” Weiss said. “That’s where we’re at. We don’t have any plans for an MRI.”</p> </section><section id="section-8"> <p>Irvin said neither pitch was intentional.</p> </section><section id="section-9"> <p>“We’re trying to go in,” he said. “It’s unfortunate.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-10"> <p>Atlanta right-hander Reynaldo Lopez (1-0, 2.18) will oppose left-hander Foster Griffin (2-0, 3.05) on Tuesday.</p> </section> <section id="section-11"> <p>Griffin turned in three strong starts to open the season but struggled the last time out against Pittsburgh on Thursday. He held the Pirates scoreless for the first four innings but ultimately gave up four runs on eight hits over 5 1/3 innings, striking out seven and walking one. The Nationals pulled off an 8-7 win in 10 innings, but Griffin didn’t figure into the decision.</p> </section><section id="section-12"> <p>He has never faced the Braves.</p> </section><section id="section-13"> <p>Lopez is 0-1 with a 4.76 ERA in four career starts against the Nationals.</p> </section><section id="section-14"> <p>He gave up four runs (three earned) on five hits in five innings of a no-decision against the Miami Marlins in his April 14 start, won 6-5 by the Braves. It was the first time in four starts that he had given up more than one earned run.</p> </section><section id="section-15"> <p>The Nationals took the lead twice on Monday but could not hold it. Daylen Lile homered, but Washington was held to three hits and fell to 2-8 at home on a night that they committed two errors in addition to hitting Acuna.</p> </section><section id="section-16"> <p>“We know we have to play really good baseball against this team; they’re really good,” Nationals manager Blake Butera said after the game on Monday. “We made too many mistakes tonight to beat this club. We’ll address it, we’ll fix it and be ready to go tomorrow.”</p> </section><section id="section-17"> <p>Lile has hits in 18 of 22 games played this year.</p> </section><section id="section-18"> <p>Irvin was perfect through three innings but was later lifted after five innings and 68 pitches. He gave up four runs (three earned).</p> </section><section id="section-19"> <p>Atlanta’s Drake Baldwin had two hits, drove in two runs and scored twice. He has 10 multi-hit games this season.</p> </section><br/><section id="section-20"> <p>–Field Level Media</p> </section> </div> #Deadspin #Nationals #hands #full #Matt #Olson #Braves #Theyre #good

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Deadspin | Reign captain Jess Fishlock retiring after this season Aug 14, 2022; Seattle, Washington, USA; OL Reign midfielder Jess Fishlock (10) reacts during the second half against the NJ/NY Gotham FC at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images Seattle Reign FC captain Jess Fishlock will close the books on her decorated career at the end of this season, the NWSL club announced on Tuesday. Fishlock, 39, has been with the team since the league’s inaugural season in 2013. Tuesday’s retirement announcement came on the 13th anniversary of the Wales international’s first goal with Seattle. “It’s hard to put into words what Seattle and this club mean to me,” she said. “This is where I’ve grown, where I’ve fought, where I’ve experienced some of the best moments of my career. We’ve built something that goes far beyond football, and I’m so proud to have been a part of it from day one. I’ll never take for granted the people, the fans and the city that have supported me through it all, and I’m going to give everything I have in this final season.” Career highlights for the 2021 league MVP include helping Seattle win three NWSL Shields (2014, 2015, 2022) and reach three NWSL Championship games (2014, 2015, 2023). She is a seven-time NWSL Best XI selection. Fishlock ranks second in league history in appearances (219) and second in franchise history in starts (205). She has recorded 49 goals and a club-record 30 assists and is one of only two players in NWSL history to reach 100 career regular-season wins. “Jess represents everything this club stands for,” general manager Lesle Gallimore said. “Her loyalty, her passion and her relentless drive have helped shape Reign FC into what it is today. She’s not only one of the best players in NWSL history, but one of the most influential figures our game has seen. We are incredibly grateful for everything she has given to this club and this community.” The Reign will celebrate Fishlock’s career during their Oct. 2 game against the North Carolina Courage. She will play her final regular-season home match on Nov. 1 against the Orlando Pride. “Jess is one of the greatest players to ever play in this league, but what makes her truly special is who she is every single day,” Reign coach Laura Harvey said. “She sets the standard with her work ethic, her competitiveness and her love for the game, but it’s also her football brain that sets her apart. She sees things others don’t, and that understanding of the game has been invaluable to this team for so many years. She has carried this club on her shoulders at times and has always done it with pride. Her impact on this team, this city and the sport as a whole is immeasurable.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Reign #captain #Jess #Fishlock #retiring #seasonAug 14, 2022; Seattle, Washington, USA; OL Reign midfielder Jess Fishlock (10) reacts during the second half against the NJ/NY Gotham FC at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images

Seattle Reign FC captain Jess Fishlock will close the books on her decorated career at the end of this season, the NWSL club announced on Tuesday.

Fishlock, 39, has been with the team since the league’s inaugural season in 2013. Tuesday’s retirement announcement came on the 13th anniversary of the Wales international’s first goal with Seattle.

“It’s hard to put into words what Seattle and this club mean to me,” she said. “This is where I’ve grown, where I’ve fought, where I’ve experienced some of the best moments of my career. We’ve built something that goes far beyond football, and I’m so proud to have been a part of it from day one. I’ll never take for granted the people, the fans and the city that have supported me through it all, and I’m going to give everything I have in this final season.”

Career highlights for the 2021 league MVP include helping Seattle win three NWSL Shields (2014, 2015, 2022) and reach three NWSL Championship games (2014, 2015, 2023). She is a seven-time NWSL Best XI selection.


Fishlock ranks second in league history in appearances (219) and second in franchise history in starts (205). She has recorded 49 goals and a club-record 30 assists and is one of only two players in NWSL history to reach 100 career regular-season wins.

“Jess represents everything this club stands for,” general manager Lesle Gallimore said. “Her loyalty, her passion and her relentless drive have helped shape Reign FC into what it is today. She’s not only one of the best players in NWSL history, but one of the most influential figures our game has seen. We are incredibly grateful for everything she has given to this club and this community.”

The Reign will celebrate Fishlock’s career during their Oct. 2 game against the North Carolina Courage. She will play her final regular-season home match on Nov. 1 against the Orlando Pride.

“Jess is one of the greatest players to ever play in this league, but what makes her truly special is who she is every single day,” Reign coach Laura Harvey said. “She sets the standard with her work ethic, her competitiveness and her love for the game, but it’s also her football brain that sets her apart. She sees things others don’t, and that understanding of the game has been invaluable to this team for so many years. She has carried this club on her shoulders at times and has always done it with pride. Her impact on this team, this city and the sport as a whole is immeasurable.”

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Reign #captain #Jess #Fishlock #retiring #season">Deadspin | Reign captain Jess Fishlock retiring after this season Aug 14, 2022; Seattle, Washington, USA; OL Reign midfielder Jess Fishlock (10) reacts during the second half against the NJ/NY Gotham FC at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images Seattle Reign FC captain Jess Fishlock will close the books on her decorated career at the end of this season, the NWSL club announced on Tuesday. Fishlock, 39, has been with the team since the league’s inaugural season in 2013. Tuesday’s retirement announcement came on the 13th anniversary of the Wales international’s first goal with Seattle. “It’s hard to put into words what Seattle and this club mean to me,” she said. “This is where I’ve grown, where I’ve fought, where I’ve experienced some of the best moments of my career. We’ve built something that goes far beyond football, and I’m so proud to have been a part of it from day one. I’ll never take for granted the people, the fans and the city that have supported me through it all, and I’m going to give everything I have in this final season.” Career highlights for the 2021 league MVP include helping Seattle win three NWSL Shields (2014, 2015, 2022) and reach three NWSL Championship games (2014, 2015, 2023). She is a seven-time NWSL Best XI selection. Fishlock ranks second in league history in appearances (219) and second in franchise history in starts (205). She has recorded 49 goals and a club-record 30 assists and is one of only two players in NWSL history to reach 100 career regular-season wins. “Jess represents everything this club stands for,” general manager Lesle Gallimore said. “Her loyalty, her passion and her relentless drive have helped shape Reign FC into what it is today. She’s not only one of the best players in NWSL history, but one of the most influential figures our game has seen. We are incredibly grateful for everything she has given to this club and this community.” The Reign will celebrate Fishlock’s career during their Oct. 2 game against the North Carolina Courage. She will play her final regular-season home match on Nov. 1 against the Orlando Pride. “Jess is one of the greatest players to ever play in this league, but what makes her truly special is who she is every single day,” Reign coach Laura Harvey said. “She sets the standard with her work ethic, her competitiveness and her love for the game, but it’s also her football brain that sets her apart. She sees things others don’t, and that understanding of the game has been invaluable to this team for so many years. She has carried this club on her shoulders at times and has always done it with pride. Her impact on this team, this city and the sport as a whole is immeasurable.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Reign #captain #Jess #Fishlock #retiring #season

It is not often that bowlers, considered collateral damage in modern T20 cricket, supersede the batters in the battle of narratives.

When Lucknow Super Giants hosts Rajasthan Royals at the Ekana Cricket Ground on Wednesday, the pace batteries of the two teams will be in the spotlight. The conditions here lean heavily in favour of the quicks, who boast an economy rate of 7.35 and an average of 19.00 at the venue in this Indian Premier League (IPL) season.

The Super Giants attack, comprising Mohammed Shami, Prince Yadav and Mohsin Khan, has been the most economical (7.94) in the PowerPlay, while the Royals, spearheaded by Jofra Archer, have been the most incisive (16 wickets) during this phase.

The similarities don’t end there. The Super Giants are on a three-match losing streak, while the Royals are coming off two consecutive defeats after a strong start to their campaign.

“It’s a case of struggling for a bit of rhythm. One or two guys can struggle; it is part of the game, but when it is the full batting line-up, the chances of that happening are quite slim,” LSG’s Aiden Markram admitted ahead of the match.

LSG vs RR, IPL 2026: Spotlight on pacers as Lucknow Super Giants and Rajasthan Royals aim to move on from defeats It is not often that bowlers, considered collateral damage in modern T20 cricket, supersede the batters in the battle of narratives.When Lucknow Super Giants hosts Rajasthan Royals at the Ekana Cricket Ground on Wednesday, the pace batteries of the two teams will be in the spotlight. The conditions here lean heavily in favour of the quicks, who boast an economy rate of 7.35 and an average of 19.00 at the venue in this Indian Premier League (IPL) season.The Super Giants attack, comprising Mohammed Shami, Prince Yadav and Mohsin Khan, has been the most economical (7.94) in the PowerPlay, while the Royals, spearheaded by Jofra Archer, have been the most incisive (16 wickets) during this phase.The similarities don’t end there. The Super Giants are on a three-match losing streak, while the Royals are coming off two consecutive defeats after a strong start to their campaign.“It’s a case of struggling for a bit of rhythm. One or two guys can struggle; it is part of the game, but when it is the full batting line-up, the chances of that happening are quite slim,” LSG’s Aiden Markram admitted ahead of the match. Rajasthan Royals had a strong start to the season but narrowly lost its last game to Kolkata Knight Riders. | Photo Credit: R.V. Moorthy Rajasthan Royals had a strong start to the season but narrowly lost its last game to Kolkata Knight Riders. | Photo Credit: R.V. Moorthy The collective failure of the Super Giants batters has resulted in none of them tallying 200 runs in the season. Against Punjab Kings, the team notched up its first score of 200 but only after conceding this season’s highest total of 254.It was a contrasting loss for the Royals in their last game, where they pushed Kolkata Knight Riders close despite managing a middling 155 after opting to bat.A lot of eager eyes will follow the intriguing matchup of 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi against the ageing but resilient Shami. At the same time, misfiring skippers Rishabh Pant and Riyan Parag will seek a turnaround of form. Published on Apr 21, 2026 #LSG #IPL #Spotlight #pacers #Lucknow #Super #Giants #Rajasthan #Royals #aim #move #defeats

Rajasthan Royals had a strong start to the season but narrowly lost its last game to Kolkata Knight Riders. | Photo Credit: R.V. Moorthy

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Rajasthan Royals had a strong start to the season but narrowly lost its last game to Kolkata Knight Riders. | Photo Credit: R.V. Moorthy

The collective failure of the Super Giants batters has resulted in none of them tallying 200 runs in the season. Against Punjab Kings, the team notched up its first score of 200 but only after conceding this season’s highest total of 254.

It was a contrasting loss for the Royals in their last game, where they pushed Kolkata Knight Riders close despite managing a middling 155 after opting to bat.

A lot of eager eyes will follow the intriguing matchup of 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi against the ageing but resilient Shami. At the same time, misfiring skippers Rishabh Pant and Riyan Parag will seek a turnaround of form. 

Published on Apr 21, 2026

#LSG #IPL #Spotlight #pacers #Lucknow #Super #Giants #Rajasthan #Royals #aim #move #defeats">LSG vs RR, IPL 2026: Spotlight on pacers as Lucknow Super Giants and Rajasthan Royals aim to move on from defeats It is not often that bowlers, considered collateral damage in modern T20 cricket, supersede the batters in the battle of narratives.When Lucknow Super Giants hosts Rajasthan Royals at the Ekana Cricket Ground on Wednesday, the pace batteries of the two teams will be in the spotlight. The conditions here lean heavily in favour of the quicks, who boast an economy rate of 7.35 and an average of 19.00 at the venue in this Indian Premier League (IPL) season.The Super Giants attack, comprising Mohammed Shami, Prince Yadav and Mohsin Khan, has been the most economical (7.94) in the PowerPlay, while the Royals, spearheaded by Jofra Archer, have been the most incisive (16 wickets) during this phase.The similarities don’t end there. The Super Giants are on a three-match losing streak, while the Royals are coming off two consecutive defeats after a strong start to their campaign.“It’s a case of struggling for a bit of rhythm. One or two guys can struggle; it is part of the game, but when it is the full batting line-up, the chances of that happening are quite slim,” LSG’s Aiden Markram admitted ahead of the match. Rajasthan Royals had a strong start to the season but narrowly lost its last game to Kolkata Knight Riders. | Photo Credit: R.V. Moorthy Rajasthan Royals had a strong start to the season but narrowly lost its last game to Kolkata Knight Riders. | Photo Credit: R.V. Moorthy The collective failure of the Super Giants batters has resulted in none of them tallying 200 runs in the season. Against Punjab Kings, the team notched up its first score of 200 but only after conceding this season’s highest total of 254.It was a contrasting loss for the Royals in their last game, where they pushed Kolkata Knight Riders close despite managing a middling 155 after opting to bat.A lot of eager eyes will follow the intriguing matchup of 15-year-old Vaibhav Sooryavanshi against the ageing but resilient Shami. At the same time, misfiring skippers Rishabh Pant and Riyan Parag will seek a turnaround of form. Published on Apr 21, 2026 #LSG #IPL #Spotlight #pacers #Lucknow #Super #Giants #Rajasthan #Royals #aim #move #defeats

Deadspin | Golden Knights feeling good vibes heading into G2 vs. Mammoth Apr 19, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Carter Hart (79) celebrates with center Colton Sissons (10) and defenseman Jeremy Lauzon (5) after the Golden Knights defeated the Utah Mammoth 4-2 in game one of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images After scoring three consecutive goals in the third period to pull out a 4-2 victory in Game 1 of their best-of-seven Western Conference first-round series with Utah on Sunday, the Vegas Golden Knights had good reason to feel positive. After all, the Pacific Division champions still have yet to lose in regulation in nine games (8-0-1) under head coach John Tortorella. And another win Tuesday in Las Vegas would put the Golden Knights in a strong position to move forward in the Stanley Cup playoffs. But despite the loss, there was still plenty of optimism in the Mammoth’s locker room, too. Utah, with seven players making their NHL playoff debut on the road against a veteran Vegas team that won the Stanley Cup in 2023, more than held its own on hockey’s biggest stage. The Mammoth led 2-1 after two periods, outshot the Golden Knights 33-31 and were in a one-goal game until Ivan Barbashev sealed the win with an empty-netter. And even though Vegas finished with a 51-31 advantage in hits, Utah showed it wouldn’t be pushed around, more than standing its ground in scrums against the bigger and older Golden Knights. Defenseman Sean Durzi, in fact, picked up a ,000 fine on Monday for head-butting Vegas defenseman Rasmus Andersson, and 21-year-old forward Logan Cooley drew the ire of Golden Knights center Nic Dowd, who, with blood pooling by his right eye, was shown at the end of the game pointing and saying, “I’m going to (bleeping) kill you.” “It’s the playoffs,” Cooley, who scored a goal, had four hits and was plus-one in 19:59 time on ice in his playoff debut, said. “You’re playing for the Cup. You’re doing whatever you can to help your team win, and if that is physical or scoring, playing good defensively, (you’ll do) whatever the team needs, and I think that’s our mindset in the locker room too. It’s all about the team focus and trying to win games here.” “A lot of us, it’s our first playoff game,” Cooley added. “To get that under your belt, get settled in, it feels good. Obviously, we’d like to win, but just to get your feet wet a little bit and know how it is and what we need to do to beat them and get Game 2, I’m excited for that part, and it’s going to be exciting to get ready to get back at it.” Forward Lawson Crouse said the Mammoth remain upbeat despite the opening loss. “There’s a lot of positivity,” Crouse said. “Obviously, we’ve got to clean up a little bit of things defensively. They got a couple goals crashing our net, but that’s playoff hockey. (But), there’s no reason for us to be down on ourselves right now.” Barbashev finished with eight hits to go with his game-clinching empty-netter. He expects another physical battle in Game 2. “I think our team is best when we play physical, and I think we showed that today,” Barbashev said. “Just got to get the legs going early on, and that’s what we did.” “We played physical. We have some things to work on, but it was good to see us bang around a little bit,” Tortorella said. “Long series, you just keep doing the things you think you need to do to grind away.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Golden #Knights #feeling #good #vibes #heading #MammothApr 19, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Carter Hart (79) celebrates with center Colton Sissons (10) and defenseman Jeremy Lauzon (5) after the Golden Knights defeated the Utah Mammoth 4-2 in game one of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

After scoring three consecutive goals in the third period to pull out a 4-2 victory in Game 1 of their best-of-seven Western Conference first-round series with Utah on Sunday, the Vegas Golden Knights had good reason to feel positive.

After all, the Pacific Division champions still have yet to lose in regulation in nine games (8-0-1) under head coach John Tortorella. And another win Tuesday in Las Vegas would put the Golden Knights in a strong position to move forward in the Stanley Cup playoffs.

But despite the loss, there was still plenty of optimism in the Mammoth’s locker room, too.

Utah, with seven players making their NHL playoff debut on the road against a veteran Vegas team that won the Stanley Cup in 2023, more than held its own on hockey’s biggest stage. The Mammoth led 2-1 after two periods, outshot the Golden Knights 33-31 and were in a one-goal game until Ivan Barbashev sealed the win with an empty-netter.

And even though Vegas finished with a 51-31 advantage in hits, Utah showed it wouldn’t be pushed around, more than standing its ground in scrums against the bigger and older Golden Knights.

Defenseman Sean Durzi, in fact, picked up a $5,000 fine on Monday for head-butting Vegas defenseman Rasmus Andersson, and 21-year-old forward Logan Cooley drew the ire of Golden Knights center Nic Dowd, who, with blood pooling by his right eye, was shown at the end of the game pointing and saying, “I’m going to (bleeping) kill you.”


“It’s the playoffs,” Cooley, who scored a goal, had four hits and was plus-one in 19:59 time on ice in his playoff debut, said. “You’re playing for the Cup. You’re doing whatever you can to help your team win, and if that is physical or scoring, playing good defensively, (you’ll do) whatever the team needs, and I think that’s our mindset in the locker room too. It’s all about the team focus and trying to win games here.”

“A lot of us, it’s our first playoff game,” Cooley added. “To get that under your belt, get settled in, it feels good. Obviously, we’d like to win, but just to get your feet wet a little bit and know how it is and what we need to do to beat them and get Game 2, I’m excited for that part, and it’s going to be exciting to get ready to get back at it.”

Forward Lawson Crouse said the Mammoth remain upbeat despite the opening loss.

“There’s a lot of positivity,” Crouse said. “Obviously, we’ve got to clean up a little bit of things defensively. They got a couple goals crashing our net, but that’s playoff hockey. (But), there’s no reason for us to be down on ourselves right now.”

Barbashev finished with eight hits to go with his game-clinching empty-netter. He expects another physical battle in Game 2.

“I think our team is best when we play physical, and I think we showed that today,” Barbashev said. “Just got to get the legs going early on, and that’s what we did.”

“We played physical. We have some things to work on, but it was good to see us bang around a little bit,” Tortorella said. “Long series, you just keep doing the things you think you need to do to grind away.”


–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Golden #Knights #feeling #good #vibes #heading #Mammoth">Deadspin | Golden Knights feeling good vibes heading into G2 vs. Mammoth Apr 19, 2026; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Vegas Golden Knights goaltender Carter Hart (79) celebrates with center Colton Sissons (10) and defenseman Jeremy Lauzon (5) after the Golden Knights defeated the Utah Mammoth 4-2 in game one of the first round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images After scoring three consecutive goals in the third period to pull out a 4-2 victory in Game 1 of their best-of-seven Western Conference first-round series with Utah on Sunday, the Vegas Golden Knights had good reason to feel positive. After all, the Pacific Division champions still have yet to lose in regulation in nine games (8-0-1) under head coach John Tortorella. And another win Tuesday in Las Vegas would put the Golden Knights in a strong position to move forward in the Stanley Cup playoffs. But despite the loss, there was still plenty of optimism in the Mammoth’s locker room, too. Utah, with seven players making their NHL playoff debut on the road against a veteran Vegas team that won the Stanley Cup in 2023, more than held its own on hockey’s biggest stage. The Mammoth led 2-1 after two periods, outshot the Golden Knights 33-31 and were in a one-goal game until Ivan Barbashev sealed the win with an empty-netter. And even though Vegas finished with a 51-31 advantage in hits, Utah showed it wouldn’t be pushed around, more than standing its ground in scrums against the bigger and older Golden Knights. Defenseman Sean Durzi, in fact, picked up a ,000 fine on Monday for head-butting Vegas defenseman Rasmus Andersson, and 21-year-old forward Logan Cooley drew the ire of Golden Knights center Nic Dowd, who, with blood pooling by his right eye, was shown at the end of the game pointing and saying, “I’m going to (bleeping) kill you.” “It’s the playoffs,” Cooley, who scored a goal, had four hits and was plus-one in 19:59 time on ice in his playoff debut, said. “You’re playing for the Cup. You’re doing whatever you can to help your team win, and if that is physical or scoring, playing good defensively, (you’ll do) whatever the team needs, and I think that’s our mindset in the locker room too. It’s all about the team focus and trying to win games here.” “A lot of us, it’s our first playoff game,” Cooley added. “To get that under your belt, get settled in, it feels good. Obviously, we’d like to win, but just to get your feet wet a little bit and know how it is and what we need to do to beat them and get Game 2, I’m excited for that part, and it’s going to be exciting to get ready to get back at it.” Forward Lawson Crouse said the Mammoth remain upbeat despite the opening loss. “There’s a lot of positivity,” Crouse said. “Obviously, we’ve got to clean up a little bit of things defensively. They got a couple goals crashing our net, but that’s playoff hockey. (But), there’s no reason for us to be down on ourselves right now.” Barbashev finished with eight hits to go with his game-clinching empty-netter. He expects another physical battle in Game 2. “I think our team is best when we play physical, and I think we showed that today,” Barbashev said. “Just got to get the legs going early on, and that’s what we did.” “We played physical. We have some things to work on, but it was good to see us bang around a little bit,” Tortorella said. “Long series, you just keep doing the things you think you need to do to grind away.” –Field Level Media #Deadspin #Golden #Knights #feeling #good #vibes #heading #Mammoth

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