Daily News 19

Tag: Green Bay Packers

  • Falcons vs. Packers Live Stream: How to Watch NFL Game Online for Free

    Falcons vs. Packers Live Stream: How to Watch NFL Game Online for Free

    Key Highlights

    • Atlanta Falcons vs. Green Bay Packers kicks off at 8:15 p.m. ET on September 24 at Lambeau Field for Week 3 Thursday Night Football.
    • The game streams free on Australia’s 7Plus platform, accessible worldwide using a VPN service such as ExpressVPN.
    • ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing viewers to stream the game risk-free before deciding on a subscription.

    Falcons Seek First Win Against Packers at Historic Lambeau Field

    The Atlanta Falcons travel to Green Bay for a critical Week 3 Thursday Night Football matchup against the Packers on September 24. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:15 p.m. ET at Lambeau Field, one of the NFL’s most storied venues. Atlanta enters the contest still searching for its first victory of the 2024 season, while Green Bay earned a narrow overtime win over the New York Jets in Week 2 to move to 1-1. The Falcons have been hampered by key injuries early in the campaign, leaving them vulnerable against a Packers squad eager to build momentum before a national television audience.

    How to Watch Falcons vs. Packers Free via 7Plus and a VPN

    Viewers outside Australia can access a free live stream of the game through 7Plus, the streaming platform operated by the Seven Network. Because 7Plus enforces geo-restrictions limited to Australian IP addresses, international audiences need a virtual private network (VPN) to bypass the location block. The process is straightforward: subscribe to a streaming-optimized VPN, download the application to a preferred device, connect to an Australian server, then visit 7Plus to begin watching. This method works from virtually any country, providing a legal workaround for fans without access to traditional U.S. broadcast partners.

    Why ExpressVPN Leads for NFL Streaming

    ExpressVPN ranks as the top choice for bypassing geo-restrictions on NFL broadcasts, according to streaming analysts. The service operates servers in 105 countries, including multiple locations across Australia, ensuring reliable connections to 7Plus. Its applications support all major platforms — iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more — while maintaining a strict no-logging policy and fast, unthrottled speeds. Subscribers can connect up to 10 devices simultaneously. A two-year plan currently sells for $68.40, a discount of 81 percent that includes four extra months free and a year of unlimited cloud backup. A single-month option is available for $12.99. Both tiers carry a 30-day money-back guarantee, effectively allowing users to stream Thursday night’s game and additional NFL action before committing financially.

    Why This Matters

    Thursday Night Football remains a focal point for the NFL’s streaming strategy, with Amazon Prime Video holding exclusive U.S. rights. For cord-cutters and international fans, free-to-air options like 7Plus represent a rare no-cost entry point to live games. The Falcons-Packers matchup carries playoff implications for both franchises: Atlanta needs a win to avoid an 0-3 start that would severely damage postseason hopes, while Green Bay aims to prove its overtime victory over the Jets was no fluke. The game also tests whether Jordan Love can maintain consistency at quarterback for the Packers against a Falcons defense missing several starters. As the league expands its global footprint, VPN-enabled access to foreign free streams highlights the ongoing tension between territorial broadcast rights and consumer demand for frictionless viewing.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    When and where does Falcons vs. Packers take place?
    The game starts at 8:15 p.m. ET on September 24 at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wisconsin.
    Can I legally watch the game for free outside Australia?
    Yes. By using a VPN to connect to an Australian server, you can access the free 7Plus live stream from anywhere. The VPN itself requires a subscription, but services like ExpressVPN offer a 30-day money-back guarantee, letting you stream risk-free.
    What devices support the 7Plus stream via VPN?
    ExpressVPN and similar services provide apps for iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, smart TVs, streaming sticks, and routers, so you can watch on virtually any internet-connected screen.
  • Woman in Josh Jacobs Case Seeks to Permanently Seal Evidence

    Woman in Josh Jacobs Case Seeks to Permanently Seal Evidence

    Attorneys representing the former girlfriend of Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs have filed a motion seeking to permanently seal evidence and discovery materials in the criminal case against the player. The motion, filed Tuesday, aims to protect the woman’s privacy as the NFL continues its own investigation into the incident.

    Legal Team Cites Client Privacy

    Attorneys Ramses Jalalpour and Amir Tahmassebi said in a statement obtained by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler that the motion “is consistent with our client’s desire to protect her privacy.” The statement identifies the woman as “ANM,” consistent with the criminal complaint.

    Brown County Circuit Judge Marc A. Hammer temporarily sealed the evidence last Thursday after Jacobs pleaded no contest to misdemeanor charges of battery and criminal damage to property. A permanent seal could prevent the league from reviewing surveillance video from the May 23 incident at Jacobs’ home, which is described in the criminal complaint.

    NFL Investigation and Potential Discipline

    According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the league is attempting to obtain the video as part of its investigation. The complaint alleges Jacobs threw the woman to the ground and damaged her phone, with surveillance footage capturing the portion of the incident that occurred in the garage.

    Jacobs was placed on the commissioner exempt list on Aug. 30, meaning he cannot practice or play. He could face a suspension once the NFL concludes its investigation, and time spent on the exempt list would count toward any suspension.

    Criminal Case Resolution

    Jacobs was convicted of the battery charge and fined $1,000. He agreed to a deferred judgement agreement on the criminal damage to property charge. The court ordered him to have no contact with the victim, pay restitution, attend counseling, and remain under supervision for one year.

    “The motion is consistent with our client’s desire to protect her privacy, particularly in light of Mr. Jacobs taking responsibility for his actions in the criminal proceeding,” Jalalpour and Tahmassebi said. “We have no further comment at this time.”

  • Aaron Rodgers’ Former Teammate Defends Him Over Alleged Shailene Woodley Proposal Confession

    Aaron Rodgers’ Former Teammate Defends Him Over Alleged Shailene Woodley Proposal Confession

    James Jones Defends Aaron Rodgers Amid Shailene Woodley Feud

    Former Green Bay Packers wide receiver James Jones has weighed in on the ongoing public dispute between his ex-teammate Aaron Rodgers and actress Shailene Woodley. Appearing on the Speakeasy podcast, Jones offered a forceful defense of the quarterback, characterizing Rodgers as a close friend—”my dog”—and asserting that the relationship ended because of Woodley’s own words.

    Rodgers’ Claims About Woodley

    The controversy stems from Rodgers’ recent appearance on the Not Just Football podcast. He alleged that after proposing to Woodley, she initially accepted but days later told him, “before we get married I gotta go **** this guy.” Rodgers claimed she later removed her engagement ring, that reconciliation attempts failed, and that she ultimately told him, “I don’t want to be with you.” He concluded that by 2022, “there wasn’t even a relationship in ’22 to break off.”

    When asked about these remarks on September 13, Woodley declined to comment directly and laughed off the allegations.

    Jones: ‘It’s a Wrap’

    James Jones said his former teammate was ‘my dog’ and stepped in to defend him (Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

    Jones did not mince words regarding the gravity of the accusation Rodgers described. He stated:

    “We all got girls, had girls. If they say this, it’s a wrap. I don’t know what else to tell y’all on this topic. It’s a wrap, and to kind of blame it on my dog for what you’re dealing with and all that type stuff, that’s crazy.”

    When questioned whether Rodgers crossed a line by revealing private relationship details, Jones firmly said no. He argued Rodgers was responding to Woodley “blaming him for certain stuff.”

    “If somebody came out saying stuff about you that wasn’t true, you’re going to address it, and you’re going to defend yourself. So for me, Aaron Rodgers, man, this is him defending himself, man.”

    Woodley’s Previous Comments on the Relationship

    In a December 2024 interview with Outside magazine, Woodley offered a contrasting perspective on the romance, describing it as “not right” but also “beautiful.” She revealed the toll it took on her mental health:

    “I felt like I lost my soul, my self, my happiness, my joy.”

    “I really understood depression and anxiety and, like, complete soul detachment. I knew I was depressed when I looked at a tree and felt nothing.”

    LADBible has approached representatives of Shailene Woodley for comment.

    Rodgers made a series of claims about his former fiancée Shailene Woodley (Gilbert Flores/Variety via Getty Images)

    Timeline of Shailene Woodley and Aaron Rodgers’ Relationship

    • July 2020: Rodgers ends a four-year relationship with Danica Patrick during the Covid-19 pandemic and begins dating Woodley shortly after.
    • December 2020: Rodgers proposes; the engagement remains private initially.
    • January 2021: Rodgers publicly acknowledges his fiancée while accepting the NFL Most Valuable Player award.
    • February 2021: Woodley confirms the engagement on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, noting they had been engaged “for a while.”
    • March 2021: Rodgers later claims this is when Woodley removed her engagement ring, though the couple is photographed together appearing affectionate multiple times.
    • May 2021: The couple vacations with actor Miles Teller and his wife, Keleigh Sperry.
    • January 2022: Following Rodgers’ criticism of then-President Joe Biden on ESPN, sources tell People the pair agreed to disagree on politics (Woodley had supported Bernie Sanders).
    • February 2022: People reports an amicable split. Days later, Rodgers posts a loving Instagram tribute to Woodley. The pair are subsequently spotted together multiple times. Rodgers later contradicts the breakup narrative on the Not Just Football podcast, stating, “There wasn’t even a relationship in ’22 to break off.”
    • April 2022: A source tells People the couple has split again.
    • December 2024: Woodley tells Outside magazine: “I haven’t shared much about my relationship with Aaron because it always makes me cry. It was not right. But it was beautiful.”
  • Jonathan Gannon Familiar with Packers’ Season-Opening Opponent

    Jonathan Gannon Familiar with Packers’ Season-Opening Opponent

    Packers Defense Faces Familiar Foe in Kyler Murray as Jonathan Gannon Makes Debut

    GREEN BAY – The NFL can feel remarkably small, and Sunday’s Week 1 showdown at Minnesota offers a prime example. As Jonathan Gannon debuts as the Green Bay Packers’ defensive coordinator, the opposing quarterback for the Vikings is Kyler Murray—the same player Gannon coached for three years as head coach of the Arizona Cardinals.

    While no one is framing this as a moment of destiny, it creates a compelling narrative for the season opener. Throughout the week, Packers defensive players have faced questions about what insider knowledge Gannon has shared about Murray to gain an edge. Unsurprisingly, the players are keeping those details close to the vest. Head Coach Matt LaFleur hinted that Gannon likely understands what Murray “likes and doesn’t like” in terms of defensive schemes, but left it at that.

    Complicating matters, Murray is now running a new offense stocked with elite weapons, including Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. He becomes the fifth different starting quarterback to face the Packers under Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell. Conversely, Murray knows a Gannon-coached defense well, but this unit features entirely different personnel.

    Containing Murray’s Improvisational Brilliance

    What isn’t a secret is what makes Murray so dangerous: his improvisational scrambling and off-schedule playmaking. That has been his signature since long before Gannon became his coach.

    “I know firsthand what this guy can do with his legs,” Gannon said, “and he can trainwreck the game really fast if you’re not coordinated the right way.”

    In this matchup, proper coordination involves a delicate balancing act with the pass rush. The rush must close in quickly so Murray doesn’t have all day to survey the field, yet remain controlled enough to prevent him from escaping and extending plays.

    “You try to create pressure to able to speed his process up, but you always want to be able to contain him,” safety Xavier McKinney said. “Really that’s going to be the biggest thing is contain him, keeping him in that pocket.”

    Easier said than done. New inside linebacker and defensive signal-caller Zaire Franklin described it as “an emphasis on the play’s never over.” Cornerback Keisean Nixon, who faced Murray twice during his time with the Cardinals, added that the secondary must be ready at any moment to shift into “plaster” mode in coverage.

    “It’s two parts of the game,” Nixon said. “The initial play, and then when he starts running around, you gotta find some work.”

    New Leadership on Defense

    For Gannon’s Packers debut, the defense doesn’t just have a new play-caller—it has a new leader in the huddle. Both have been praised for their high-energy approach. Wearing the green dot, Franklin will relay Gannon’s calls and was voted a team captain on defense alongside McKinney, despite being a newcomer. He served as a captain with the Indianapolis Colts for the previous six years.

    “Honestly, he’s been a leader since the day he stepped in here,” safety Javon Bullard said of Franklin. “Guys feed off of that energy. He’s definitely embraced it.”

    For the most part, it’s a veteran group that Franklin and two-time All-Pro McKinney are leading. Cornerback Brandon Cisse may be a rookie in the starting lineup, but Nixon is in his fourth year as a regular starter, defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt is in Year 5, linebacker Edgerrin Cooper and safeties Evan Williams and Bullard are all in Year 3, and the experience runs deep.

    Teammates say Franklin brings an edge to the unit; his fiery intensity is readily visible. But he’s far from the only one.

    “We bring it all,” Nixon said. “X, Z, me, Evan, Coop, Cisse got it. We all play the same way, and we’re gonna have a style of play that we’re accustomed to.”

    Establishing a Defensive Identity

    That phrase—”playstyle”—has been a buzzword throughout training camp and the preseason with Gannon in charge (and on the offensive side of the ball, for that matter). Head Coach Matt LaFleur describes it as “the effort, the strain, the physicality,” and he emphasized during preparation “it better be on display Week 1.”

    It’s an important Week 1 in so many ways. The opponent is a division rival, in a difficult road venue, with Gannon looking to get his tenure off on the right foot. Trying to do so against the quarterback he knows better than any other in the league just adds to the intrigue.

    “I mean a guy like that isn’t a first overall pick for nothing,” Williams said of Murray. “So a lot of respect for him. But JG got answers. He’s always got answers. We’re looking forward to seeing some of those on Sunday.”

  • Sources: Packers, TE Tucker Kraft Agree to 4-Year Extension

    Sources: Packers, TE Tucker Kraft Agree to 4-Year Extension

    Packers Secure Tucker Kraft with Four-Year, $75 Million Extension Before Season Opener

    The Green Bay Packers and star tight end Tucker Kraft have agreed to a four-year contract extension with a base value of $75 million, finalizing the deal one day before the regular-season opener against the Minnesota Vikings, sources told ESPN. The agreement could reach up to $92 million and includes a $26.5 million signing bonus, sources said.

    Contract Details Elevate Kraft Among NFL’s Highest-Paid Tight Ends

    Kraft’s extension carries an average annual salary of $18.75 million, making him the third-highest-paid tight end in the league. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, he will receive $31.5 million in the first year of the deal. Only George Kittle of the San Francisco 49ers and Trey McBride of the Arizona Cardinals, both at $19 million per season, rank higher in average annual value among tight ends.

    Remarkable Recovery from Torn ACL Fuels Confidence

    The 25-year-old Kraft is coming off a torn ACL in his right knee that prematurely ended what had the potential to be a record-breaking season for a Packers tight end. Through the first nine weeks of the 2025 season, he caught 32 passes for 489 yards and six touchdowns. At the time of his injury, only one tight end had more touchdowns and only two had more receiving yards.

    Kraft’s rehabilitation progressed ahead of schedule. He remained in Green Bay for most of the offseason to rehab, and at his nine-month checkup, doctors told him his knee showed healing comparable to someone more than a year post-surgery. Although he began training camp on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, he returned to individual drills by Day 3, participated in 11-on-11 periods by August 16, and was taking hits in a joint practice with the Cardinals by August 26.

    “He doesn’t shy away from the work,” Packers coach Matt LaFleur said at the time.

    Kraft Rejects Holdout Strategy, Prioritizes Team Success

    Despite returning to full contact without a new contract, Kraft maintained that holding out was never an option.

    “I’m not someone to orchestrate a holdout, mostly because they can fine me but mostly because I know the value I bring to this team,” Kraft said. “And I think best odds of us playing in the postseason are with me early on in the season, and I’m just going to continue to attack everything the same way I attacked my rehab. I want to be out on the field, and I want to play every play that I can play.”

    Kraft’s stated goal throughout the process was to be ready for the season opener without limitations, though he acknowledged the possibility of a snap count early in the year.

    “They’re gonna take into account my rep range probably until halfway through the season,” Kraft said. “Then they’re just gonna pat me on the ass and send me out there, send me to the wolves. How this offense is, I’m gonna get as comfortable as I can playing those reps in those games that I was playing previously, those games when I was 50-60 reps, 85 reps against the Cowboys in overtime. It’s just the more you can do, all the hats I can wear on the offense, I want to bring everything to the table.”

    Extension Completes Busy Offseason for Packers’ Core

    The Kraft deal continues a series of contract extensions by Green Bay this offseason. In the past four months, the Packers have signed long-term deals with wide receivers Jayden Reed and Christian Watson plus defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt. With Kraft now locked in, Green Bay has every offensive starter under contract through at least the 2028 season, with several signed beyond that.

    Negotiations Reflect Mutual Commitment

    General manager Brian Gutekunst made no secret of his desire to retain Kraft long term, and Kraft repeatedly expressed his wish to remain with the team that drafted him in the third round in 2023. Still, the process took longer than some anticipated.

    “It’s in the best interest to try to get something done, but these things take time,” Gutekunst said at the start of training camp. “We’ve gone through a bunch of extensions this summer, kind of knowing this was going to be the one right about now. We have a little bit of time because he’s just not there yet, but I would expect hopefully that would get done, but you never know how they’re going to go.”

    With the extension finalized, the Packers enter the 2026 season with their offensive core intact and their emerging star tight end secured for the foreseeable future.

  • Shailene Woodley’s Friends Alarmed Over Aaron Rodgers Slamming Actress, Report Says

    Shailene Woodley’s Friends Alarmed Over Aaron Rodgers Slamming Actress, Report Says

    Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers made pointed remarks about his former fiancée, actress Shailene Woodley, during a podcast appearance on Thursday.

    The comments mark the latest public discussion of their relationship since the couple confirmed their split in early 2022 after a brief engagement. Rodgers and Woodley began dating in 2020 and announced their engagement in February 2021, though they kept much of their relationship private.

    Thursday’s podcast appearance adds to a series of media engagements where Rodgers has addressed personal matters alongside his football career. The four-time NFL MVP has previously spoken about his decision-making process regarding his playing future, including his high-profile move to the New York Jets in 2023.

    Woodley, known for roles in “Big Little Lies” and the “Divergent” series, has largely avoided public comment on the relationship since the breakup. Representatives for neither party issued immediate statements following the podcast’s release.

  • Aaron Rodgers Claims Shailene Woodley Had to ‘Go F*** This Guy’ Days After Engagement

    Aaron Rodgers Claims Shailene Woodley Had to ‘Go F*** This Guy’ Days After Engagement

    Aaron Rodgers Reveals Details Behind Split from Shailene Woodley

    Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has disclosed new information regarding the end of his engagement to actress Shailene Woodley, alleging that she told him she needed to “go f*** this guy” before they could marry.

    Rodgers Shares Personal Details Publicly

    The NFL star aired what he described as alleged dirty laundry about his former fiancée during a recent appearance. According to Rodgers, the comment came during a period of strain in their relationship, which ultimately led to their breakup after a brief engagement.

    Timeline of the Relationship

    Rodgers and Woodley announced their engagement in February 2021, surprising many fans who were unaware they were dating. The couple kept much of their romance private until the sudden revelation. They reportedly parted ways in early 2022, citing busy schedules and differing priorities, though neither party provided extensive public detail at the time.

    Latest Comments Add Context

    Rodgers’ latest remarks offer a more specific, albeit one-sided, glimpse into the personal dynamics that may have contributed to the split. The quarterback did not identify the individual referenced in Woodley’s alleged statement, nor did he elaborate further on the circumstances surrounding the conversation.

    Representatives for Shailene Woodley have not issued a public response to Rodgers’ claims as of publication.

  • Packers RB Josh Jacobs Pleads No Contest to Misdemeanor Charges

    Packers RB Josh Jacobs Pleads No Contest to Misdemeanor Charges

    Packers RB Josh Jacobs Pleads No Contest to Misdemeanor Charges in Wisconsin Court

    GREEN BAY, Wis. — Green Bay Packers running back Josh Jacobs entered no contest pleas to misdemeanor charges of battery and criminal damage to property during a court appearance Thursday in Brown County Circuit Court.

    Sentencing Details and Deferred Judgment Agreement

    The court fined Jacobs $1,000 plus court costs on the battery charge. On the criminal damage to property count, the judge accepted a deferred judgment agreement. A follow-up hearing is scheduled for September 10, 2027.

    During the proceeding, Jacobs addressed the court directly: “I fully understand the seriousness of the situation and I take full responsibility,” Jacobs said during the hearing.

    Conditions of the Deferred Judgment

    The no contest plea on the property damage charge comes with five court-ordered conditions:

    • No further criminal acts
    • No contact with the victim
    • Supervision
    • Counseling
    • Pay restitution to the victim

    Jacobs’ legal team — attorneys David Chesnoff, Richard Schonfeld, and Clarence Duchac — issued a statement confirming the criminal damage to property charge will be dismissed after 12 months upon successful completion of the deferred judgment agreement.

    “With this agreement, Josh has accepted responsibility for his conduct and resolved this matter,” Jacobs’ attorneys said in the statement. “Today’s resolution is set against a career long history of Josh’s community work while in the NFL, which has centered on the circumstances of his early life.”

    Jacobs left the courthouse Thursday without speaking to reporters.

    NFL Commissioner Exempt List and Potential Suspension

    The NFL placed Jacobs on the commissioner exempt list on August 27 after charges were filed stemming from an alleged incident on May 23 involving a woman at Jacobs’ home near Green Bay. With the plea entered, the league is expected to remove Jacobs from the exempt list and instead impose a suspension.

    Under the collective bargaining agreement, the standard suspension for domestic violence cases is six games.

    Details from the Criminal Complaint

    According to the criminal complaint, surveillance video captured a portion of the alleged incident in Jacobs’ garage. The document states the woman was attempting to exit the garage when Jacobs “grabbed her and threw her to the ground and she struck her head, suffering an injury,” according to the complaint.

  • Vikings Set QB Depth Chart: McCarthy No. 3, Wentz No. 2 for Week 1

    Vikings Set QB Depth Chart: McCarthy No. 3, Wentz No. 2 for Week 1

    Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell confirmed Wednesday that rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy will begin the 2026 regular season as the team’s third-string quarterback behind starter Kyler Murray and backup Carson Wentz. The decision, while notable for the No. 10 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, was not unexpected following a turbulent training camp and preseason for the former Michigan star.

    Murray Wins Starting Job, Wentz Secures Backup Role

    The Vikings signed Murray to a one-year free agent contract in March after McCarthy struggled during his first full season as the presumed starter in 2025. McCarthy ranked 36th out of 40 qualified quarterbacks in Total QBR last year, prompting the front office to bring in veteran competition. O’Connell named Murray the Week 1 starter on Aug. 11, stating at the time that McCarthy held the No. 2 spot on the depth chart.

    However, McCarthy’s preseason performance accelerated the shift. He completed just 9 of 17 passes across two appearances and missed multiple open receivers in the end zone during an Aug. 22 game against the Baltimore Ravens. He left that contest early with an ankle injury, and a source indicated he told staff members he did not feel comfortable playing in the final preseason game at Denver on Aug. 28.

    By that point, Wentz — who started five games for Minnesota in 2025 while McCarthy recovered from a high ankle sprain — had clearly moved ahead on the depth chart. The Vikings initially kept fourth quarterback Max Brosmer on the 53-man roster before moving him to the practice squad, fueling speculation that McCarthy could be cut entirely. General manager Nolan Teasley said last week he expected McCarthy to remain with the team when the season opened.

    O’Connell Explains Decision, Emphasizes Long-Term View

    Addressing the depth chart decision, O’Connell highlighted Wentz’s experience as a critical factor for the backup role behind a new starter.

    “Carson has got almost a hundred career starts,” O’Connell said. “What he was able to do last year from a standpoint of very limited repetition, but being able to apply a career’s worth of experience, that’s kind of what you need to do as a backup quarterback, especially early on when so much of the emphasis is going to be on getting Kyler as comfortable as we can possibly get.”

    The coach also stressed that the Week 1 depth chart does not define McCarthy’s future with the organization. O’Connell said he has had multiple positive conversations with the second-year quarterback.

    “There’s always a big picture,” O’Connell said, “that’s probably a larger scale and a larger mentality than the Week 1 depth chart. But at the same time, I thought he’s been incredibly professional, the conversations that him and I have had both pre, during and post that. He’s excited to continue to grow and get better. He’s still a young quarterback in the NFL with 10 starts and a bunch of talent and a bunch of things that make him a guy that we want to pour into every single day. And the best part is he’s going to work as hard as anybody, and that’s where it’s at.”

    McCarthy’s Path Forward

    McCarthy missed his entire rookie season in 2024 due to a torn meniscus in his right knee. The Vikings moved on from starter Sam Darnold after that season and were unable to re-sign veteran Daniel Jones, leaving McCarthy as the default starter entering 2025. His struggles opened the door for Murray’s arrival and, ultimately, a demotion to the third spot on the depth chart to begin 2026.

    O’Connell said the quarterback depth chart will be revisited weekly. The Vikings open the season Sunday against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field.

  • Packers Legend Clay Matthews Looks Unrecognizable in Viral Photos

    Packers Legend Clay Matthews Looks Unrecognizable in Viral Photos

    Former Green Bay Packers linebacker Clay Matthews has sparked widespread discussion online after recent paparazzi photographs captured the 40-year-old looking significantly different from the dominant pass rusher fans remember from his NFL prime. The images, taken while Matthews was running errands — grabbing coffee and groceries in a matching dark green outfit — quickly circulated on social media, prompting speculation about the cause of his transformed appearance.

    Facial Changes Draw Attention, Physique Remains Imposing

    While Matthews still wears his trademark long hair pulled back into a bun — a signature look throughout his career — his face appears to have undergone the most noticeable transformation. The photographs led to online conjecture regarding potential cosmetic procedures, though no confirmation exists that he has undergone any such work. The exact reason for the change in his facial appearance remains unclear.

    What remains instantly recognizable, however, is Matthews’ formidable build. Years after retiring, the former pass rusher maintains a physique that suggests he could still line up against NFL offensive tackles. His arms, shoulders, and legs looked particularly muscular as he carried bags to his vehicle, a vivid reminder of the physical presence that defined his decade-long reign as one of the league’s premier defensive players.

    From First-Round Pick to Packers Legend

    Selected 26th overall in the 2009 NFL Draft, Matthews made an immediate impact in Green Bay. He recorded 10 sacks as a rookie, earned a Pro Bowl berth, and quickly established himself as a cornerstone of the Packers’ defense. His sophomore campaign was even more remarkable: 13.5 sacks in 2010, a second-place finish in Defensive Player of the Year voting, and a pivotal role in Green Bay’s run to a Super Bowl XLV championship.

    The Packers defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 31-25 in that title game, delivering Matthews the crowning achievement of his career. He also contributed one of the most memorable defensive plays of the postseason, with his pressure forcing a crucial fourth-quarter fumble by Steelers running back Rashard Mendenhall.

    Decade of Dominance in Green Bay

    Green Bay became the defining chapter of Matthews’ career. Over 10 seasons with the Packers, he earned six Pro Bowl selections and retired as the franchise’s all-time sack leader since the statistic became official in 1982, amassing 83.5 quarterback takedowns. The organization honored his legacy with induction into the Packers Hall of Fame in 2024.

    Matthews concluded his NFL career with the Los Angeles Rams in 2019. Across 156 regular-season games, he totaled 91.5 sacks, ranking him among the most productive pass rushers in league history since sacks became an official statistic. His final season came at age 33, and he has now been away from the league for several years — yet the physical traits that made him a distinctive force on the field have clearly not diminished.

    Enduring Connection to Packers Legacy

    Since retirement, Matthews has remained closely connected to the Packers organization and is widely remembered as a central figure of the team’s successful era under former head coach Mike McCarthy and quarterback Aaron Rodgers. In 2026, he was again among the nominees for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, a candidacy that stands apart from his already cemented status in Green Bay history.

    Social Media Reacts to Transformation

    For longtime NFL fans, the latest images are less about Matthews’ decorated résumé and more about the striking evolution of his appearance. The long hair remains. The linebacker frame remains. But the face beneath that famous hairstyle has changed enough to make social media users do a double-take. While debate continues over the cause of the transformation, one certainty emerges: Matthews may be retired from football, but he has not lost the ability to turn heads.