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Good morning. NFL helmets are the rare product that looks great on shelves and skulls. In 2024, teams can add a third helmet design for the first time after 2022 saw beautiful secondary designs introduced.
Can’t wait to see what’s next. And if Tom Brady is wearing one. Today:
- 🔦 OJ Simpson
- 🔖 Nick Chubb contract changes
- 🔼 Raiders QB: “Confident”
Simpson’s End
O.J. Simpson died of cancer on Wednesday at age 76, his family announced via social media.
Before the deaths of his ex-wife Nicole Brown Simpson and her friend Ronald Goldman, he was known as a football superstar, Hollywood actor and celebrity pitchman.
Simpson retired after the 1979 season as one of the greatest players in football historywinning the Heisman and ranking second at the time to only Jim Brown on the NFL’s all-time rushing list.
Over his 11-year pro career, Simpson won four rushing titles and became the first RB to surpass 2,000 yards — doing so in just 14 games. That year’s 143.1 rushing yards per game remains the record.
But his beloved reputation turned to notoriety after his ex-wife and her friend were found killed. It was ruled a double homicide, and police charged Simpson with the murders. Rather than turn himself in, Simpson fled in the infamous white Ford Bronco before being captured.
This led to the “Trial of the Century,” which ended with a jury finding Simpson not guilty. However, at a civil trial — where the burden of proof is on a balance of probabilities — Simpson was found liable for both deaths. He continued to deny his involvement.
His connection to the gruesome murders overshadows his Hall of Fame career. Despite his name being scattered across the Bills’ record books, the franchise has understandably not posted on social media about his passing. They’ve also never officially retired his No. 32 while dealing with his murky legacy.
Lightning Round: Insights you might’ve missed
1. The Browns have reworked Nick Chubb’s contract and hope to have him healthy in 2024. The new deal lowers the 28-year-old’s base salary to $11.75 million, with the chance to earn the money back in incentives once he’s cleared to return.
2. “If the Broncos don’t take a quarterback at No. 12 or elsewhere in the first round following a trade, it means they have pushed their search for a bonafide franchise answer into next year,” writes Nick Kosmider.
But, as Nick added, QB Spencer Rattler of South Carolina — with a build which resembles Drew Brees — is an intriguing later option in his list of possible Denver targets.
3. QB Aidan O’Connell finished his rookie year strong, throwing eight TDs and zero INTs while going 3-1 across the final four games. Vic Tafur shares the perspective of O’Connell — a former walk-on at Purdue — who is not affected by the team bringing in added competition.
4. The Chargers‘ new HC Jim Harbaugh loves offensive lineman, but will that negate the team’s dire need for WR help?
In his Chargers mock draft 3.0, Daniel Popper drafts game-changing WR Malik Nabers of LSU at No. 5, as “[Chargers GM] Joe Hortiz was taught in the best-player-available school of thought during his time in Baltimore.”
5. LT Trent Williams turns 36 this season, which is just one reason the 49ers should invest in their offensive line in this year’s loaded draft. Their offensive line also regressed significantly in pass protection in 2023. Trading up for Washington’s Troy Fautanu could be an answer.
Meet the Prospects: Those QBs, again
Ben Standig went to 17 of his insider sources to get their takes on the top passing prospects in this year’s draft. The group cited Maye as the quarterback in most need of a redshirt NFL season. Overall, though, here’s how they ranked:
1. Caleb Williams, 2. Jayden Daniels, 3. Drake Maye, 4. J.J. McCarthy, 5. Michael Penix Jr. and 6. Bo Nix
On the topic of top QBs, The Beast includes fun notes on players like Williams, with one shared by Kevin Fishbain in his Bears NFL Draft guide takeaways:
“In Pop Warner, Williams played running back and linebacker and often played up several levels because of his athleticism and physicality (earned the nickname ‘Bobby Boucher’ after Adam Sandler’s character in ‘The Waterboy’).”
Jacob’s Picks
📕 The “Second Acts” podcast is hosted by Peanut Tillman and Roman Harper, and is where ex-players to get real on what they call “the transition.” Zak Keefer has the story. (The Athletic)
📺 “Made in America,” is one of the better O.J. Simpson documentaries. (Disney+)
🎙 Defense wins championships. Robert Mays and Diante Lee help you evaluate the top prospects on defense ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft. (The Athletic Football Show)
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(Photo: George Rizer/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
2024-04-12 13:37:58
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