49ers opt against major moves at trade deadline despite injury woes By JOSH DUBOW AP Pro Football Writer The Associated Press SANTA CLARA, Calif.
SANTA CLARA, Calif. (AP) — The San Francisco 49ers have been aggressive at the trade deadline in past seasons, trading valuable draft picks for upgrades they believed could increase their chances of winning a Super Bowl.
With the team holding a 6-3 record this year and in the thick of the playoff race, San Francisco opted against making a major move to bolster its injury-depleted roster before the trade deadline on Tuesday. The only in-season trade the 49ers made ended up being last week's deal that brought in defensive end Keion White from New England for a late-round draft swap.
“I don’t think it has to do with how we viewed this year’s team," coach Kyle Shanahan said Wednesday. “I think we worked just as hard this year to make a trade that made sense for our team this year and next year, just as hard as we do every year. There are a lot of teams with records like 6-3 or better that didn’t make any big trade. Just because you make a big trade doesn’t mean it’s always a smart move. There’s a lot of risk that goes into it, not just for this year, but throughout your whole future.”
The 49ers added key pieces such as receiver Emmanuel Sanders in 2019, running back Christian McCaffrey in 2022, and defensive end Chase Young in 2023 who were part of deep playoff runs.
But they head into the back half of this season with a roster that has been decimated by injuries, especially on defense, where Fred Warner, Nick Bosa and rookie Mykell Williams are all out for the season.
The Niners will get a boost this week with the expected return of defensive end Bryce Huff, who leads the team with four sacks. Huff missed the past two games with a hamstring injury but has little help on the defensive line, with the rest of the players on the active roster combining for just four sacks all season.
McCaffrey said he wasn't bothered by the lack of additions, viewing it as a “vote of confidence” by the front office in the players already on the roster.
“Those guys, they’re hired for a reason,” he said. “They have a job and they’re obviously really good at it. For me, I just don’t focus on that stuff. The guys that you go out there and play with are the guys you feel confident playing with. I think everybody on this team can play. I’m fired up about our team and where we’re at.”
Purdy remains limited
San Francisco quarterback Brock Purdy remains limited by a toe injury that has sidelined him for five straight games and seven games overall this season.
Purdy has been able to practice on a limited basis the past few weeks but hasn't been healthy enough to play. Shanahan said he expected Purdy to get more work with the starters this week in practice but wasn't sure if he would be able to start.
Mac Jones has gone 5-2 in Purdy's place.
Wide receiver Ricky Pearsall remains out of practice with a knee injury that has sidelined him for five games.
Niners center Jake Brendel (hamstring), linebacker Dee Winters (knee) and linebacker Tatum Bethune (thigh) were all limited.
Offensive lineman Ben Bartch was a full participant in practice and is expected to be activated from injured reserve after missing seven games with an ankle injury. Shanahan said he wasn't sure whether Bartch or Spencer Burford would start at left guard this week.
Shanahan said receiver Brandon Aiyuk remains “week to week” as he works his way back from knee surgery last season. Shanahan said he expected Aiyuk would have his three-week practice window opened from the physically unable to perform list at some point before the end of the season.
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Seahawks wide receiver Rashid Shaheed 'here to stay' after trade from Saints By ANDREW DESTIN AP Sports Writer The Associated Press RENTON, Wash.
RENTON, Wash. (AP) — Rashid Shaheed could very well be a half-season rental for the Seattle Seahawks as they go for the team's first playoff appearance since 2022.
Shaheed was acquired in a trade with New Orleans on Tuesday for two draft picks. The fourth-year receiver is well on his way to a career year in the final season of his contract.
The 27-year-old Shaheed would like for his success to lead to a new deal with the 6-2 Seahawks at the end of this year.
“I’m here to stay,” Shaheed said Wednesday. “So, I’m excited to see if we can figure something out after the season ends. But, yeah, I’m excited.”
First up for Shaheed is Sunday’s matchup with the Arizona Cardinals. He had 44 catches for 499 yards and two touchdowns with the Saints this season, as well as a combined 158 return yards on punts and kickoffs.
“It’s a great opportunity to add to our team,” Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald said. “Didn’t feel like we were missing something. Not like we were trying to plug holes or anything like that. Just an opportunity to get a great player and augment what we were doing.”
Shaheed hails from a family of track athletes, including his parents and both sisters.
“I was just kind of born to run,” Shaheed said. “It’s a big part of my game, and I try to focus on that as much as possible.”
For Seattle’s offense, which has racked up the ninth-most passing yards in the league and features the NFL’s leading receiver in Jaxon Smith-Njigba, the hope is for Shaheed to provide quarterback Sam Darnold with another downfield threat.
Cooper Kupp, the Seahawks’ second-leading receiver, did not practice Wednesday. If Kupp’s injury turns out to be serious, the burden would only increase for Smith-Njigba.
As such, Shaheed is eager to help out. He has already heard about Smith-Njigba from former Saints teammate Chris Olave, who played with him at Ohio State.
“It’s going to be a lot of fun,” Shaheed said. “I’m excited to team up with him. He’s had a great year so far, a great career. I’m just excited to be able to share the same field, as well as the rest of his offense to come together, and win some games.”
Shaheed doesn’t think his transition to the Seahawks’ offense will be terribly difficult. Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak served in the same capacity with the Saints last year, which was his first season as an NFL offensive coordinator.
Shaheed said the Seahawks’ playbook is “pretty much the same” as the one the Saints used last season, and that he anticipates quickly picking up the playbook’s verbiage.
“I’m super glad to be connected back with (Kubiak),” Shaheed said. “He’s familiar with me. He knows my strengths, and I know what his mindset is going into games. It shouldn’t be too hard to get acclimated with him and just find my role in the offense.”
It remains to be seen what role Shaheed will assume. That’s nothing new for Shaheed, though, who went undrafted after a five-year collegiate career at FCS Weber State. He has long relished opportunities to put his head down and keep working hard, and in turn be an example for others of how any player can make it out from anywhere.
Unlike in New Orleans, where Shaheed had to claw for a roster spot, he arrives in Seattle as a proven commodity. It’s a new setup altogether, but one that Shaheed is quite appreciative of — and hopes will become his long-term home.
“Just excited about the journey, excited to be here and excited to be a part of this organization,” Shaheed said. “So far, it’s been nothing but welcoming and just feeling good right now.”
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Back from bye, Buccaneers still unlikely to have several key starters against Patriots By ROB MAADDI AP Pro Football Writer The Associated Press TAMPA, Fla.
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are rested and refreshed after a bye week that came at the right time with several players dealing with injuries.
They still might not have a few key starters back against New England.
Running back Bucky Irving, wide receiver Chris Godwin Jr. and edge rusher Haason Reddick didn’t practice Wednesday. Right guard Luke Goedeke was limited after the team opened his 21-day practice window earlier in the week.
Irving has missed the last four games with a foot and shoulder injury. Godwin has missed three straight with a fibula injury. Reddick sat out the last game with ankle and knee injuries. The team is without star wideout Mike Evans after he broke his clavicle on Oct. 20.
But the time off helped other players heal up, including quarterback Baker Mayfield. He’s been dealing with knee and oblique injuries.
“It definitely helps getting rest,” Mayfield said. “Still moving my body around a little bit, not letting yourself get too sore, but then also just the noncontact definitely helps.”
Mayfield played at an MVP level through the first six games but had a drop-off in performance after getting hurt.
“It is not really an excuse, you just (have) to get used to it, figure it out and go from there,” he said. “Some throws, I did not have my feet perfect, they were not going to be accurate. Normally, I can make up for it with how I change my arm angle and stuff like that. Some of it was different, but you just have to live and learn.”
When Goedeke returns, he’ll be a big boost for an offensive line that’s dealt with numerous injuries. Right guard Cody Mauch was lost for the season and backups Michael Jordan and Luke Haggard also got hurt. All-Pro left tackle Tristan Wirfs missed the first three games.
“The team has been through a lot of stuff this year, off the field and on the field,” center Graham Barton said. “You just have to stick together. You guys are great, but sometimes you have to ignore the outside noise in the media and leave that to you guys, because it can be hard when you have the injuries that we have had and the rotation that we have had and guys coming in and out. You just have to stick together, you have to keep your heads down, and that is the beauty of football. You lean on your teammates and guys in the locker room, keep your head down, keep working and we will keep improving. We are ready to come out of this bye week and try to put together some good performances.”
The Buccaneers struggled on offense in their last two games before the bye. They managed just 212 yards in a 23-3 victory at New Orleans. The defense carried them against the Saints and even produced the first score of the game on Anthony Nelson’s interception return.
“It’s execution,” coach Todd Bowles said of the offense’s troubles. “I mean, we’ve got to coach it better, we’ve got to play it better. It’s execution, really. Everybody has seen some things — we’ve got to tweak a few things on both sides of the ball, special teams as well. We’ve got to grind out some points. There are going to be some days where we don’t score as many — we’ve got to grind them out. And there are going to be games where we score quite a bit of points. So, as long as we win them, that’s the key.”
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With a playoff spot in sight and LSU visiting, No. 4 Alabama looks to 'finish it out' By KENNINGTON LLOYD SMITH III Associated Press The Associated Press TUSCALOOSA, Ala.
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (AP) — No. 4 Alabama stumbled last November with a College Football Playoff spot within reach.
The Crimson Tide lost at unranked Oklahoma and got left out of the postseason bracket. The setback still resonates with this year's team heading into Saturday's home game against regrouping LSU .
"In order to be remembered by what you did in November, it starts in September and October,” quarterback Ty Simpson said. “And we need to make sure that we don’t (throw) it away and just be glad we had a good season in the front end.
“We need to finish it out and make sure that we come ready to play, and we separate ourselves these next couple games.”
Alabama will try to remain in the mix for the Southeastern Conference title game and the CFP when the Tide (7-1, 5-0 SEC) host the Tigers (5-3, 2-3), who will play their first game since firing coach Brian Kelly .
Interim coach Frank Wilson has been tasked with keeping the team together for the final four games of the regular season and a potential bowl trip.
“Really pleased with the morale of our football team," Wilson said. "It’s extremely high. Our team really came together during the bye week. It was a time of reflection for our football team to look at things we had not done well and correct those.”
Several former LSU players have attended practice since Kelly's dismissal, including running back Jacob Hester, quarterback Matt Flynn and receiver Jarvis Landry. Kelly did not allow former players at practice during his four years in Baton Rouge.
Other changes: tight ends coach Alex Atkins has taken over as offensive coordinator; and the team has practiced more game-like situations at the request of defensive coordinator Blake Baker.
The Tigers, who have lost two in a row and three of four, are hoping to see better results against the Tide. Alabama has won seven consecutive games since a season-opening loss at Florida State and 15 in a row at Bryant-Denny Stadium.
“A tremendous opportunity before us against a very quality opponent in Alabama,” Wilson said. “Tall task, but I think our team will be up for it. The presentation and preparation indicate that we’re eager to go play."
Alabama is heavily favored again
The Crimson Tide are double-digit favorites for the sixth time in the series' last nine meetings. LSU is a 10-pount underdog, according to BetMGM Sportsbook. It's the 19th consecutive game in which Alabama has been favored against LSU.
A potential twist at QB for LSU
LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier hasn't had the season many expected, with 12 touchdowns and five interceptions. But he has Alabama's full attention.
“He’s got some real toughness and moxie," Tide defensive coordinator Kane Wommack said. “Making critical throws even when it’s not a clean pocket.”
There's also a chance LSU gives snaps to athletic backup Michael Van Buren, who started for Mississippi State in 2024.
"We do think that Michael brings some special things to the table that makes the defense have to defend him as well,” Wilson said. “We’ll look at the opportunities … and when they present themselves, we’ll take advantage.”
Keep an eye on the rushing battle
LSU and Alabama rank 15th and 14th, respectively, in the SEC in rushing. Both teams made improving their ground games a priority during their off week. A potential X-factor for LSU is freshman Harlem Berry, who averaged 5.8 yards a carry in his last two games.
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Missouri's Drinkwitz: 'Nothing to fear' as No. 19 Tigers face third-ranked Texas A&M By DAVE SKRETTA AP Sports Writer The Associated Press
Missouri coach Eli Drinkwitz addressed his team early this week, as the No. 19 Tigers were turning their attention toward a visit from No. 3 Texas A&M. They had just lost for the second time in three games, and with the latest loss had come a season-ending injury to talented quarterback Beau Pribula.
The message was one of optimism and hope at a time in which it could be easy to be frustrated and disappointed.
“If you would have told us when we started fall camp,” Drinkwitz said, relaying his message to his team, “that we would be ranked coming out of the second bye week with an opportunity for everything we want in front of us, and we get to play a top-10 team at home, would everybody have signed up for it? We all said yes.”
The Tigers (6-2, 2-2 SEC, No. 22 CFP) indeed have plenty to play for the rest of the way, though their margin is slim for making the conference title game and the College Football Playoff. But it all starts with beating the Aggies (8-0, 5-0, No. 3), something that nobody else has managed to do, and something Missouri hasn't done since the 2014 season.
In fact, the Tigers have not beaten a top-five team since the 2010 season.
“You know, there’s really nothing to fear,” Drinkwitz said. “It’s just a hell of an opportunity laying out there for us."
Texas A&M is well aware of its own opportunity with four games left in the regular season. The next two are against struggling South Carolina and Samford before a finisher against Texas, so an argument could be made the Tigers are the toughest test left.
The situation leaves Aggies coach Mike Elko feeling ... desperate?
“Yeah, I think we are desperate. I tell them all the time, we have earned everything that we’ve got, right? We’ve got a record, we’ve got a ranking, we’ve got opportunities that we have worked really, really hard to earn," Elko said. “And every single Saturday someone’s coming in and trying to take all of that from us. That’s the urgency that we have. In terms of Missouri — this is the challenge that you have in college football today, they’re still very much alive for the playoff.”
Barely. But alive.
“They obviously know they’re going to have to win out in order probably to get in,” Elko continued. “So this is a huge opportunity for them at home on a big stage to make a statement that they’re going to go chase a spot in the playoff.”
Making history
Matthew Zollers finished out the Tigers' loss to Vanderbilt a couple of weeks ago, when Pribula got hurt. Now, he will become the first true freshman to start a game at quarterback for Missouri since Drew Lock started the final eight of the 2015 season.
“It’s about playing to what his strengths are,” Drinkwitz said. “Are there things that we’re going to add? Probably not. But are there things that he’s more comfortable with than maybe Beau was? Absolutely."
Series-ly speaking
Missouri won its first two against Texas A&M as SEC foes, while the Aggies have won the last two. But given the two teams also used to be in the Big 12 together, the series has been seldom-played. Texas A&M has a 10-7 advantage overall.
Raising the bar
Texas A&M’s offensive line wasn’t expected to be a strength this season, but it has looked better every week. The unit hasn’t allowed a sack in three straight games and five of eight games this season.
“You’ve seen them go out and play really well. Now they have a massive challenge in front of them," Elko said. “This is the best defensive line that we’ve seen to date. They’re an extremely talented group.”
Filling in
Elko still isn't sure when star running back Le’Veon Moss will return from an ankle injury that has kept him out the last two games, but the staff does not think he is done for the year. Rueben Owens II has been the team’s primary ball carrier since Moss was injured and leads the team with 440 yards rushing.
“We’re hopeful that by the end of the regular season we’ll have a chance to get them back out there,” Elko said. “Certainly, we feel very confident for anything beyond the end of the regular season if that presents itself."
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AP Sports Writer Kristie Rieken in Houston contributed to this report.
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Cowboys' Marshawn Kneeland found dead of apparent suicide at 24 after evading officers, police say The Associated Press FRISCO, Texas
FRISCO, Texas (AP) — Police in a Dallas suburb say 24-year-old Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Kneeland was found dead of an apparent suicide after evading authorities in his vehicle and fleeing the scene of an accident on foot.
Frisco police said Thursday they are investigating the possible suicide. They said Kneeland didn't stop for Texas Department of Public Safety troopers over a traffic violation in a chase that was joined by Frisco police on Wednesday night.
Authorities lost sight of the vehicle before locating it crashed minutes later. During the search after Kneeland fled the crash site on foot, officers said they received word that Kneeland might be suicidal. He was found dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound early Thursday morning, about three hours after the crash, police said without specifying where Kneeland's body was found.
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EDITOR’S NOTE — This story includes discussion of suicide. If you or someone you know needs help, the national suicide and crisis lifeline in the U.S. is available by calling or texting 988. There is also an online chat at 988lifeline.org . Helplines outside the U.S. can be found at www.iasp.info/suicidalthoughts . ___
Kneeland's death came just days after he recovered a blocked punt in the end zone for a touchdown in a 27-17 loss to the Arizona Cardinals .
Kneeland was in his second season with the Cowboys. He was a 2024 second-round draft pick out of Western Michigan.
“I am shattered to confirm that my client and dearest friend Marshawn Kneeland passed away last night,” Kneeland's agent, Jonathan Perzley, said in a statement that asked for privacy. “Marshawn poured his heart into every snap, every practice and every moment on the field. To lose someone with his talent, spirit and goodness is a pain I can hardly put into words.”
Kneeland's rookie season was off to a promising start before he was sidelined for five games by a knee injury.
Kneeland had his first career sack in the season opener this year against Philadelphia . He played in seven games this season, missing two with an ankle injury.
“Marshawn was a beloved teammate and member of our organization,” the Cowboys said. “Our thoughts and prayers regarding Marshawn are with his girlfriend Catalina and his family.”
The Cowboys have frequently sought pass rushers and other defensive linemen in the first two rounds of the draft. Kneeland was drafted a year after defensive end Sam Williams was taken by Dallas in the second round. Williams blocked the punt that Kneeland recovered against the Cardinals.
Kneeland’s mother, Wendy Kneeland, died suddenly while he was preparing for the draft. He had his mother’s ashes in a necklace he wore after joining the Cowboys, according to The Dallas Morning News.
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic news of the passing of Cowboys’ Marshawn Kneeland,” the NFL said. “We have been in contact with the Cowboys and have offered support and counseling resources.”
Miami Dolphins receivers coach Robert Prince, who had the same position with the Cowboys when Kneeland was a rookie last year, had tears in his eyes as he met with reporters Thursday.
“We spent a lot of time (together) when he was injured and working out in the weight room,” Prince said. “We’d shoot the breeze. He was a Western Michigan kid and I coached with the Lions for a while so we had some Michigan-type stories. Good kid. I’m sorry to hear that about him.”
Kneeland had a career-high 57 tackles along with 4 1/2 sacks in nine games as a senior at Western Michigan.
“My heart is absolutely broken over the loss of Marshawn Kneeland,” Western Michigan coach Lance Taylor said. “His leadership, energy and smile were infectious, and he left a lasting impact on everyone in our program. Having coached him during my first season here, we developed a special bond that went far beyond football.”
Tributes poured in from around the NFL, including Tennessee Titans defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons, who raised the topic of suicide awareness with a reporter during training camp this year.
“It sucks seeing the news of our NFL brother!” Simmons wrote on X. “Even when someone is carrying the biggest smile, make sure to just check in on them. You just never know man. Don’t be afraid to ask for help, we all go through things that we sometimes hide!”
Two of Kneeland's Dallas teammates, quarterback Dak Prescott and defensive lineman Solomon Thomas, had siblings who died by suicide and have foundations supporting suicide awareness and prevention. Thomas' sister, Ella, was the same age as Kneeland.
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Dallas Cowboys say defensive end Marshawn Kneeland has died at 24 The Associated Press FRISCO, Texas
FRISCO, Texas (AP) — Dallas Cowboys say defensive end Marshawn Kneeland has died at 24.
New Colts CB Sauce Gardner is happy to be in Indy and set to play against the Falcons By MICHAEL MAROT AP Sports Writer The Associated Press INDIANAPOLIS
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Sauce Gardner enjoyed playing for the New York Jets.
He seems equally content in his new home, Indianapolis.
Two days after a blockbuster trade that sent the two-time All-Pro cornerback from the franchise that drafted him to the AFC South-leading Colts, Gardner spoke publicly about the deal for the first time on Thursday. He has also cleared the concussion protocol, paving the way for him to make his Indy debut Sunday in Berlin against Atlanta.
Gardner was as surprised as anyone about his move from one of the NFL's worst teams to one of its best.
“I'm not going to lie, I didn't even have time to process it all the way,” he said. “I just knew like I was coming into a great situation. The first thing I'm thinking is I'm back with my boy (Colts receiver) Alec (Pierce). They're winning right now, so, like, what can I add. But at the same time, I didn't have no time (to think about it). That's just part of the business.”
The flurry of activity by the Jets caught many off-guard. Along with Gardner, the struggling franchise sent defensive tackle Quinnen Williams to the Dallas Cowboys. Williams' brother, Quincy, an All-Pro defensive tackle in 2023 who was the subject of trade rumors before Tuesday's deadline, also said Wednesday he had lost his starting job with New York.
Meanwhile, Jets running back Breece Hall denied reports that he requested a trade, and Gardner made it clear he did not talk to New York's decision-makers about being traded before the deal was made.
Still, he had nothing bad to say about the Jets, who gave him a four-year, $120 million contract extension in July.
“I enjoyed my time in New York,” he said. “I just want to give a shout-out to the guys that were there that drafted me, and the guys that was there, obviously, when I got my extension and everything like that, and my teammates who I went through so much with.”
The Colts gave up receiver Adonai Mitchell and two first-round draft picks to get one of the league's premier cover cornerbacks. Gardner was selected to the Pro Bowl in each of his first two seasons with New York, and though he hasn't played as well last season or this year, a fresh start with a different defense could help him return to his All-Pro form.
It hasn't taken Gardner long to make an impression on his new teammates and coaches.
"He’s already one of the guys. You would have thought he’s been here for a year,” defensive backs coach Jerome Henderson said. “The way he communicates in walk-throughs and the way guys talk to him on the field, it’s like he's already fitting in and assimilating.”
Gardner couldn't be happier to be in Indy, either.
He went from the Jets (1-7), a contender for next year's No. 1 draft pick, to the Colts (7-2), who appear poised to snap a four-year playoff drought. Gardner has yet to play in the postseason.
The Colts hope Gardner, the No. 4 overall selection in the 2022 draft, will solidify their most glaring weakness — a pass defense ranked in the bottom quarter of the league.
Indy expected better results when general manager Chris Ballard invested heavily in two free agents, Pro Bowl cornerback Charvarius Ward and safety Cam Bynum. But injuries have decimated the Colts' secondary.
Indy lost two promising rookies with season-ending injuries in training camp, and cornerback Jaylon Jones landed on injured reserve one game into the season. Pro Bowl cornerback Kenny Moore II also missed time with an Achilles tendon injury, though he has returned, and two-time league interceptions champ Xavien Howard's attempted comeback ended with his retirement after just four games. Ward is on injured reserve recovering from a concussion.
When Ward returns, the Colts' top three cornerbacks would all have Pro Bowl resumes.
“It’s a great group of guys already here, and that’s what makes it even more special,” Gardner said. "Dominant offense, dominant defense. I’m just grateful to be a part of something special that they were already building here. I look to just add a lot on and off the field here.”
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Police in Dallas suburb say they are investigating possible suicide in death of Cowboys player Marshawn Kneeland The Associated Press FRISCO, Texas
FRISCO, Texas (AP) — Police in Dallas suburb say they are investigating possible suicide in death of Cowboys player Marshawn Kneeland.
Jags' Cam Little sends another jersey to Canton but keep his cleats and the record-setting ball By MARK LONG AP Pro Football Writer The Associated Press JACKSONVILLE, Fla.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (AP) — Jacksonville Jaguars kicker Cam Little is sending a second jersey to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Little opted to keep the ball he used and the cleats he wore while making the longest field goal in NFL history, a 68-yarder at the end of the first half that propelled the Jags to a 30-29 victory at Las Vegas last Sunday.
The Hall of Fame requested at least one of the items to display in Canton, Ohio. But Little declined to part with the record-setting ball or the new cleats he recently worked into shape.
“I just started wearing those cleats last week, so I’m not giving them the cleats,” Little said Wednesday. “And I wanted to keep the ball. I think the ball is special. I think that’s the coolest part about it.”
It will be Little’s second game jersey in Canton; he previously sent the No. 39 he wore while kicking a 70-yarder in a preseason game against Pittsburgh in early August. He kept that ball, too, but still needs to do something with it.
“No joke,” he said. “I haven’t even hung it up or done anything with it. It’s literally sitting in the pantry. So I got to hang those.”
He nearly lost the ball used to set the record against the Raiders.
The 68-yarder was his first kick of the game. He liked the feel of the ball so much that he convinced punter Logan Cooke and long snapper Ross Matiscik to keep it in the game instead of tucking it away in an equipment trunk.
When the Jaguars scored a touchdown in the fourth quarter, Little kicked the extra point over the net and into the stands at Allegiant Stadium. A fan initially refused to throw it back, so the Jaguars had to get security involved to swap a regular ball for the record-setting one.
“I think they gave him another just random quarterback ball,” Little said. “He probably thought it was some special ball, but it was just random.”
Little has no illusions about how long his record might stand. It almost got matched the next night. The second-year pro from Arkansas was playing video games at home when one of his teammates called to tell him Dallas’ Brandon Aubrey was lining up for a 68-yarder against Arizona.
“I was like, ‘There goes my record,’” Little said. “I had full confidence in the guy. He’s a stud. … I thought I was going to have to tie the record with someone less than 24 hours later.”
But Aubrey missed it wide left, keeping Little’s record intact for at least another week. Baltimore’s Justin Tucker set the previous mark of 66 yards in 2021.
“I try to take it in a little bit because I don’t think I’ve really realized what I did,” Little said. “I think it’s a good thing that I’m trying to move on from it so fast because there are so many big games that we have coming up, and the biggest opportunity is the next opportunity.
“But I think there’s a lot of guys around the league that can kick that ball.”
Not many are doing it as well as Little right now, even though he had missed three of his previous four kicks heading into Las Vegas. Nonetheless, special teams coach Heath Farwell said Little started walking onto the field for the record-breaker before coach Liam Coen even gave him the green light.
And when the ball started toward the uprights, Cooke raised him arms to signify it was good. A second later, Coen, defensive end Josh Hines-Allen, linebacker Devin Lloyd and others started running onto the field to celebrate.
“They love him to death,” Farwell said. "A lot of times, when you have specialists, they can be weird at times. He’s one of the most popular guys on this team. From a specialist perspective, that’s not super normal. We’re fortunate here. We have three good ones.
“Everybody loves Cam. They love his personality. They love his focus. When it comes to his craft, they know he puts more time (in) than anybody.”
And will soon have two jerseys in the Hall of Fame to prove it.
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