My dad didn’t just root for the Jets. He endured them. Sundays meant hope, frustration, greasy diner food, and the quiet understanding that things would probably fall apart by the fourth quarter. And somehow, that became part of who he was — and who I became too. This isn’t a story about wins and losses. It’s about inheritance. About the teams we’re handed, the people who hand them to us, and the strange comfort of knowing that some suffering didn’t follow him into whatever

Half-empty stadiums. Paper bags pulled over heads. Online petitions that scream what ownership refuses to hear. At some point, loyalty stops looking like devotion and starts looking like punishment. Sports fandom is supposed to be irrational, but what happens when the people in charge exploit that irrationality for profit? When hope becomes a business model and patience becomes currency? This is not just about losing. It’s about what it costs to keep believing when the peo

Every prediction sounds smart in the moment. The real test is what happens next. Contrary to Popular Opinion: The Year in Review revisits the boldest takes of the year across the NFL, MLB, and college sports—separating what held up, what fell apart, and what deserves a second look. No victory laps. No rewriting history. Just honest evaluation of where the opinions landed when the games were actually played.

Quarterbacks may take the spotlight, but coaches shape the outcome. From Brady and Mahomes to Darnold and Williams, this piece explores why offensive play callers—not quarterbacks—are the true MVPs of the NFL.

Name ten quarterbacks better than Jalen Hurts. It sounds easy—until it isn’t. In a league obsessed with perfection and instant gratification, Hurts has become the latest example of how quickly success is forgotten and expectations become unreasonable. Despite a Super Bowl MVP, division leadership, and a résumé many franchises would envy, the narrative surrounding Hurts has shifted from celebration to scrutiny. This piece examines how media cycles, fan impatience, systemic ins

Professional sports get strange when star power starts to outweigh structure. Teams aren’t just paying for talent anymore — they’re paying for loyalty, influence, and sometimes family ties. When organizations bend to player demands, the consequences can reshape entire franchises.

Andrew Luck’s unexpected retirement in 2019 shocked the NFL and redefined what it means to walk away at the top. Behind the fame and fortune lies a hidden cost that even the brightest stars can’t always bear — the weight of expectations, injuries, and the constant noise that comes with being QB1.

We’re a quarter of the way through the NFL season, and the standings are starting to take shape — but don’t let the records fool you. From the surging Colts to the fading Chiefs, the question isn’t just who’s winning; it’s who’s legit. In this week’s Contrary to Popular Opinion, we break down which teams are the Real Deal and which ones are No Deal — and you might be surprised who lands where.

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s engagement has the world buzzing — but who’s really making the guest list? From Andy Reid in a windbreaker to Brittany Mahomes battling for the bouquet, this playful open letter imagines what the ultimate “Traylor” wedding might look like. Love, laughs, and a few awkward toasts are guaranteed.

Sports contracts have reached astronomical levels, but are the returns worth the price? From Dak Prescott’s record-breaking $137 million haul to Juan Soto’s $765 million megadeal, some athletes are commanding salaries that outpace their on-field production. We break down five of the most overpaid athletes in the world and the staggering numbers behind their deals.

The New Orleans Saints are no strangers to turbulence since Drew Brees hung up his helmet in 2020. After years of quarterback chaos — from Winston to Dalton, Carr to Rattler — the Saints may finally have a shot at stability. With rookie Tyler Shough and second-year QB Spencer Rattler leading a youthful offense, New Orleans stands at a crossroads: rebuild patiently or chase immediate glory.

From Caitlin Clark vs. Angel Reese to Mahomes vs. Allen, rivalries are the lifeblood of sports. WWE has long understood this — scripted or not, it’s the drama, the storylines, and the personal stakes that keep fans hooked. It’s time for professional sports leagues to lean into these narratives and treat every matchup like the next chapter in an unfolding saga.

Caleb Williams showed flashes of brilliance in his rookie year, but questions still swirl around his future. With a revamped offensive line, new playmakers, and offensive mastermind Ben Johnson at the helm, Williams has the tools to become the generational quarterback Chicago has long craved. The only question—will it all come together or collapse under the weight of expectation?

Not every NFL quarterback is easy to root for, but Josh Allen is different. From befriending fans with disabilities to forgiving millions in debt, building hospital wings, and even supporting stray dogs, the Buffalo Bills star has become more than a football hero—he’s a role model. On and off the field, Allen makes it easy to believe in the good in sports.

The Dallas Cowboys remain one of the most valuable franchises in all of sports—but not because of success on the field. Under Jerry Jones’ leadership, the Cowboys have traded Super Bowl glory for headlines, drama, and decades of mediocrity. With a fanbase that stretches far beyond Texas, the question remains: are the Cowboys still America’s Team, or just America’s soap opera?

Illustration by Peter Townsend Manning. The name is synonymous with football royalty. The name is synonymous with football culture....

Two years after leading the 49ers to the Super Bowl, Brock Purdy finds himself in a defining season. With the roster finally getting healthy and new weapons added, San Francisco has the pieces to contend again. But for Purdy, the challenge is proving he’s more than just a system quarterback—and that “Mr. Irrelevant” is still very much relevant.

Aaron Rodgers isn’t finished just yet. After a catastrophic injury derailed his Jets debut, the 41-year-old quarterback is back under center—this time in black and gold. What do the numbers say? Does he still pass the eye test? And could Pittsburgh be the perfect setting for one final fight?

Shadeur Sanders entered the NFL Draft expecting a first-round call. What followed instead was a humbling journey filled with questions, criticism, and clarity. This article unpacks the lessons behind his fall to pick 144—and why this might be the defining opportunity of his football career.

After decades of disappointment, Detroit sports fans finally have a reason to believe. From the Tigers to the Lions, Motown is turning pain into promise — and it’s time to enjoy the ride.