KANSAS CITY, Mo. — In the distressing first few seconds after Patrick Mahomes went down late in the Chiefs’ Dec. 14 loss to the Chargers, he writhed on the field clutching his left knee with both hands.

It looked devastating and grim right away, especially when it comes to a resilient, rugged man who somehow keeps shrugging off seemingly ...Read more

The college football season is over. Now it’s time for the NFL draft.

Here are The Baltimore Sun’s early projections for the first round, which begins April 23 in Pittsburgh:

— 1. Las Vegas Raiders: Fernando Mendoza, QB, Indiana

This pairing feels destined given Mendoza’s success and the Raiders’ need for a franchise quarterback. ...Read more

RENTON, Wash. — “Come do it, Beast Mode.”

That was Seahawks defensive lineman Leonard Williams on Wednesday after I proposed an idea to him. The subject was whether he gets pumped when certain players raise the 12 Flag just before kickoff at Lumen Field. Like his teammates who were asked the same question, Williams acknowledged that it ...Read more

CHICAGO — The setting at the end of a Chicago Bears season, when Halas Hall’s top decision makers field questions, generally has spawned even more questions — and punchlines — than it has provided clarity.

So Wednesday morning’s session with coach Ben Johnson and general manager Ryan Poles was a refreshing contrast. Coming off an 11-6...Read more

MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — They presented themselves as a partnership, side by side, the new Miami Dolphins general manager and new coach, showing from their first words what’s different and at work this time. Even team owner Steve Ross, who hadn’t spoken directly to fans since firing Brian Flores in 2022, was ushered off the stage after saying...Read more

LAS VEGAS — It’s the same NFL narrative as ones written about Norv Turner and Wade Phillips and Romeo Crennel and others.

Much better coordinators than head coaches.

Josh McDaniels is again proving the point. Like, in a major way.

The former Denver Broncos and Las Vegas Raiders coach again is one win away from the sport’s pinnacle as ...Read more

Commissioners from top U.S. men’s pro sports leagues are expected to visit the White House as early as next week to discuss President Donald Trump’s plans for celebrating America’s 250th anniversary, according to people familiar with the matter.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman ...Read more

SEATTLE — Mike Macdonald set the path to this point.

On Wednesday, the Seahawks posted a video of Macdonald’s first team meeting on social media. It was April 8, 2024, and the fresh-faced 36-year-old coach faced the cast he inherited from Pete Carroll. He faced a team with a frustratingly fixed ceiling, and a single playoff win in the ...Read more

The Buffalo Bills’ decision to part ways with head coach Sean McDermott stunned NFL observers and fans.

That’s why Bills owner Terry Pegula and general manager Brandon Beane held a news conference Wednesday morning: to put fans at ease.

It had the opposite effect.

Pegula said the Bills had hit “the proverbial playoff wall,” but he ...Read more

DETROIT — Dan Skipper is reporting as retired.

Skipper, a fan favorite with the Detroit Lions, made the announcement via Instagram on Thursday.

"24 years of putting on pads and a helmet every fall. This year I'll trade that out to pursue a career on the other side in coaching," Skipper, 31, wrote. "The memories and experiences that the NFL ...Read more

BALTIMORE — The Ravens have their man.

Los Angeles Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter has agreed to become Baltimore’s next head coach, the team announced Thursday night. He replaces John Harbaugh, who was fired after 18 seasons on Jan. 6.

Minter, 42, is just the fourth coach in the Ravens’ 30-year history.

There is also lot of...Read more

If only close counted. Two of our three misses against the spread last week were by either one point (in Niners-Seahawks game) or a half point (in Rams-Bears). At least we hit three of four straight-up. Need a strong finish both ways with only three games left in King Sport’s season.

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— Divisional playoffs: 3-1, .750 overall; 1-3,...Read more

SEATTLE — Are we entering a golden era of Seattle sports?

Before I answer that question, let’s accept that every sports fan’s experience is subjective. What matters to you may not matter to the stranger sitting beside you at the bar. We all prioritize our passions differently.

Let’s also accept that every era — even the one that made...Read more

SEATTLE — Just in case the Seahawks need additional motivation before Sunday’s NFC championship, famous sports writer and podcaster Bill Simmons seemingly forgot that the Seattle franchise has a Super Bowl title to its name.

If that’s not a sign that a championship ring is long overdue, then I don’t know what is.

Simmons, who is the ...Read more

DENVER — On Tuesday, LeBron James infiltrated the city of Denver. He has stayed, and will linger for at least a few days, long after the Lakers’ team plane flew back over the Rocky Mountains with a win over the Nuggets.

His digital likeness has become a beacon, now, for a Broncos fan base looking for a shred of hope in their backup ...Read more

DENVER — Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix’s ankle surgery “went well,” according to head coach Sean Payton.

Nix had the surgery on Tuesday in Birmingham, Ala. It was performed by Dr. Norman E. Waldrop III, a foot and ankle specialist at Andrews Sports Medicine.

Payton, speaking with reporters Wednesday after Denver began its practice ...Read more

CHICAGO — Chicago Bears running backs coach Eric Bieniemy is set to become the Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator, according to an NFL Network report Wednesday. Bieniemy will resume a role he held in Kansas City from 2018-22.

Bieniemy’s stint with the Bears was brief but productive. In his lone season on coach Ben Johnson’s staff, ...Read more

CHICAGO — The Wieners Circle was more of a cathartic, broken hearts club Tuesday evening when it hosted a Caleb Williams look-alike contest as a love letter to the Chicago Bears quarterback, despite a gutting end to the season.

Men’s nails were manicured and painted in a plethora of colors.

Iced matcha lattes were a necessity.

And wired ...Read more

SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Brandon Aiyuk’s sketchy status hovered like a dark cloud over this past 49ers’ season, and that won’t be the case next season.

“It’s safe to say he’s played his last snap with the Niners. It’s unfortunate, a situation that just went awry,” general manager John Lynch said in Wednesday’s end-of-season ...Read more

CHICAGO — Who is to blame for the overtime interception?

With the Chicago Bears driving into Los Angeles Rams territory in sudden death Sunday, the Bears needed only a field goal to win the game. On second-and-8 from the 48-yard line, quarterback Caleb Williams launched a pass deep down the right side of the field intended for receiver DJ ...Read more