PAT GRAHAM Sports Writer, Author at The Rapid City Post

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) reacts after being sacked during the second half an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos Sunday, Nov. 16, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

Forget winning the AFC West. Mahomes and Chiefs in danger of missing playoffs after loss to Broncos

November 16, 2025

A 10th straight AFC West title is looking out of reach for Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs. At this point, the Chiefs aren’t even in position to make the playoffs. They fell to 5-5 with Sunday’s 22-19 loss to the Denver Broncos. Kansas City went 12-0 in one-score games last season. This year, they’re 0-5 in those games. The Chiefs hope to rely on their experience of going to five of the last six Super Bowls to spark a late-season surge. But they’ll need to go 5-2 over their final seven games just to reach double-digit wins.

FILE - Colorado athletic director Rick George watches as players warm up before an NCAA college football game Aug. 29, 2025, in Boulder, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)

Colorado AD Rick George, who hired Deion Sanders, to step down at end of academic year

November 13, 2025

Rick George, the athletic director at Colorado who hired football coach Deion Sanders, is stepping away from his role at the end of the academic year. The university announced his decision Thursday with the football team on a bye week. George will move into an advisory role to the chancellor and serve as director of athletics emeritus. He will assist in revenue-generating initiatives for the department. George was brought on as Colorado’s athletic director in July 2013. One of his biggest moves was in December 2022 when he brought in Sanders, who’s revitalized a downtrodden football program. George also oversaw the transition of the school from the Pac-12 Conference back to the Big 12.

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Geno Smith heads off the field after an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Geno Smith battered by relentless Denver defense in Raiders’ 10-7 loss

November 6, 2025

Geno Smith struggled all evening with a relentless Denver Broncos pass rush as the Las Vegas Raiders quarterback was sacked six times in a 10-7 loss. Despite being underdogs, the Raiders had chances to win. Critical penalties and a missed field goal came back to haunt them. Smith, who was hit hard and bruised his quad, stayed in the game. He threw for 143 yards with one interception. The Raiders missed a potential tying field goal late in the game. Smith emphasized the need for the team to play clean football and avoid miscues to succeed. Las Vegas fell to 2-7 this season.

Denver Nuggets guard Christian Braun, right, dribbles past Los Angeles Clippers guard James Harden during the first half of a preseason NBA basketball game, Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Etienne Laurent)

Christian Braun agrees to $125M, 5-year extension with Denver Nuggets

October 20, 2025

Christian Braun has agreed to a $125 million, five-year contract extension with the Denver Nuggets. His agent confirmed the deal on Monday. The 24-year-old moved into the starting lineup last season and averaged 15.4 points. Known for his high-energy defense and hustle, he fits seamlessly alongside stars like Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray. Braun was the 21st pick in 2022 and helped the Nuggets to their first NBA championship during his rookie season. The Nuggets are among the favorites this season, having made several roster changes, including trading Michael Porter Jr. to Brooklyn for Cam Johnson.

New York Giants tight end Daniel Bellinger, left, and quarterback Jaxson Dart walk off the field after an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos in Denver, Sunday, Oct. 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

Giant meltdown: New York on wrong end of Denver’s historic comeback after 3 shutout quarters

October 19, 2025

Jaxson Dart has experienced an epic loss as the Denver Broncos completed a historic comeback against the New York Giants. The Broncos overcame a 19-0 deficit to start the fourth quarter to win 33-32 on a last-second field goal by Wil Lutz. The Giants led 26-8 with under six minutes left, but the Broncos rallied. Dart’s interception and a missed extra point contributed to the collapse. The Giants’ defense allowed 227 of Denver’s 407 yards in the fourth quarter. The 33 points were the most points the Broncos have ever scored in a quarter.

Colorado head coach Deion Sanders waits to take the field with players ahead of an NCAA college football game against Iowa State, Saturday, Oct. 11, 2025, in Boulder, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Colorado fans storm field after win over No. 22 Iowa State, Deion Sanders loves it but fine may loom

October 11, 2025

Colorado fans rushed the field after a 24-17 win over No. 22 Iowa State on Saturday. Coach Deion Sanders loved the excitement, but it may lead to a fine for the second straight home game. The school drew a $50,000 fine for derogatory chants during a game against BYU on Sept. 27. The Big 12 may review this incident as well. Sanders expressed his support for the fans, saying he loves to see them rush the field. Security managed the situation, and the school lowered the goalpost to prevent it from being taken.

Colorado head coach Deion Sanders calls for a time out in the first half of an NCAA college football game against TCU Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025, in Fort Worth, Texas. (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)

Deion Sanders will undergo procedure related to blood clots, plans to coach Colorado this weekend

October 7, 2025

Colorado coach Deion Sanders is undergoing a procedure related to his blood clots. He hopes to be back at practice the next day and on the sideline this weekend against Iowa State. Sanders provided a medical update, saying the issue is hereditary and not related to his work level. He experienced pain during a recent game at TCU, where he was seen limping and not wearing a shoe on his left foot. Sanders has faced blood clot issues before, leading to the amputation of two toes in 2021. He remains optimistic about his recovery.

FILE - Colorado Rockies general manager Bill Schmidt watches batting practice prior to a baseball game against the Los Angeles Angels, Friday, Sept. 19, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/Geneva Heffernan, File)

Rockies GM Bill Schmidt steps down after one of the worst seasons in MLB history

October 1, 2025

The Colorado Rockies say general manager Bill Schmidt has stepped down after one of the worst seasons in major league history. The team is now searching for his replacement. Schmidt, who joined the Rockies in 1999 and became GM in 2021, oversaw a third consecutive 100-loss season. The Rockies finished 43-119, narrowly avoiding the worst record since 1961. Executive vice president Walker Monfort says the team aims to find a leader with a fresh perspective. The new GM will decide on the next manager, with Warren Schaeffer currently serving as interim skipper. The Rockies face challenges, including a struggling starting rotation.

Ralphie VII, Colorado's new mascot, is guided by handlers during the animal's ceremonial run before the second half of an NCAA college football game against Wyoming Saturday, Sept. 20, 2025, in Boulder, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

From Ralphie to Uga, live animal mascots inspire fans and create deep connections with their teams

September 26, 2025

Ralphie VII, the new live mascot for the Colorado Buffaloes, has made her debut, thrilling fans at Folsom Field. The year-old bison, weighing 700 pounds, ran across the field last weekend, marking the return of one of college football’s beloved live animal mascots. Ralphie VII had missed the first two home games as she got up to speed. Live mascots like Ralphie inspire fans and foster deep connections with their teams. Other famous live mascots include Georgia’s Uga, Texas’ Bevo, and LSU’s Mike the Tiger, each with their own unique traditions and fan followings.

Colorado head coach Deion Sanders directs players in the first half of an NCAA college football game against Delaware Saturday, Sept. 6, 2025, in Boulder, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

To help Colorado sing a different tune, coach Deion Sanders invites Ice Cube to practice

September 16, 2025

Deion Sanders hit on a variety of high notes at his weekly news conference, from seeking wins over an identity to looking for “leadership and consistency” out of whoever winds up as his quarterback. To sing another sort of tune, though, the Colorado coach brought a musical guest to practice in rapper Ice Cube. This wasn’t for a concert but a candid conversation about putting in the work. It was in harmony with the message Sanders has been preaching as the Buffaloes try to climb out of a rut Saturday night when they host Wyoming. Sanders didn’t name his quarterback going forward.

USA Football on the lookout for ideal flag football player, no matter the level or even the sport

September 11, 2025

USA Football is constantly on the hunt for talent to join the flag football team ahead of the 2028 Sumer Games in Los Angeles. The organization is searching nationwide, regardless of football experience or sport. It’s easy to assume that NFL players will make up a bulk of the 10-player Olympic roster. But the league is still sorting out how to handle the logistics, especially since the Olympics fall in the middle of training camp. NFL players might make a seamless transition, but flag football veterans shouldn’t be overlooked. The U.S. squad has won five straight IFAF world championships.

A field worker sets up equipment next to a tent containing a bathroom in the team box on the Colorado sideline before an NCAA college football game against Georgia Tech Friday, Aug. 29, 2025, in Boulder, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Prime spot: Deion Sanders has a sideline bathroom at Colorado, sponsored by Depend undergarment

August 29, 2025

Determined to be No. 1 on any front in this wild new world of marketing in college sports, Colorado introduced a branded sideline bathroom for Deion Sanders in its opening game against Georgia Tech. Friday night’s sponsor is Depend undergarment. This is not simply some silly bathroom joke. Colorado coach Deion Sanders was recently diagnosed with bladder cancer and needs to frequently use the restroom. The portable privacy tent is right next to the Buffaloes bench. Sanders spent time away from the team this summer as he went through treatment for bladder cancer. His doctor said he was cured. It was also revealed that a section of his intestine was reconstructed to function as a bladder.

Colorado Rockies' Warming Bernabel, right, is doused by teammate Jordan Beck, back left, after hitting a walk-off RBI single off Los Angeles Dodgers relief pitcher Justin Wrobleski in the ninth inning of a baseball game Monday, Aug. 18, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Rockies were once in danger of breaking MLB mark for losses. Now, they’re piling up wins

August 18, 2025

The Colorado Rockies rallied to beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 4-3 courtesy of Warming Bernabel’s walk-off single in the ninth inning. It snapped a 10-game skid against the Dodgers. The Rockies have now tied their season-high winning streak of four games. Since the All-Star break, they’ve gone 14-15, while the Dodgers are 13-15. Colorado needs to win six of its final 37 games to avoid the modern-era MLB record for losses owned by the 2024 Chicago White Sox. All-Star catcher Hunter Goodman says the team is focused on improving and playing clean baseball.

Los Angeles Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani follows the flight of his RBI single off Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Kyle Freeland in the second inning of a baseball game Monday, Aug. 18, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Bernabel’s walk-off single helps Rockies beat Dodgers, ending 10-game losing streak to Los Angeles

August 18, 2025

Warming Bernabel hit a game-winning single in the ninth inning as the Colorado Rockies rally to beat the Los Angeles Dodgers 4-3 on Monday night. The victory snaps a 10-game losing streak against the Dodgers. Ezequiel Tovar started a one-out rally with a bloop double, and Bernabel brought him home with a hit up the middle. Tovar also tied the game in the seventh with a solo homer. The Rockies extended their win streak to four games. Victor Vodnik pitched a perfect ninth inning. Dodgers starter Yoshinobu Yamamoto allowed three runs over seven innings in a no-decision.

FILE - Colorado quarterback Kaidon Salter throws during an NCAA college football spring game, April 19, 2025, in Boulder, Colo. (AP PhotoJack Dempsey, file)

Deion Sanders keeps Colorado’s starting QB a well-guarded secret ahead of season opener

August 11, 2025

Deion Sanders has a quarterback dilemma at Colorado and he isn’t rushing to solve it. His primary options are 17-year-old phenom Julian “JuJu” Lewis, a pure passer, or to lean on the experience of Liberty transfer Kaidon Salter. Sanders might even rotate both. With Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter in the NFL, this will be a new-look offense for the Buffaloes. The QB competition is friendly, with both players embracing the challenge. To help improve the running game, the Buffaloes added Hall of Famer Marshall Faulk as a coach. Colorado opens the season Aug. 29 by hosting Georgia Tech.

Deion Sanders feels like ‘my old self’ after treatment for bladder cancer, concentrating on football

August 8, 2025

Deion Sanders appreciates questions about his health after a recent scare. The Colorado coach says he feels healthy and vibrant. Sanders has returned to the team after treatment for bladder cancer. He’s focused on preparing for the season opener against Georgia Tech on August 29. A key task is deciding between quarterbacks Julian Lewis and Kaidon Salter. Sanders says the team will play a different style of offense this year. He’s taking his time to evaluate the quarterbacks, with a hand from Byron Leftwich. Sanders, who turns 58 on Saturday, says he’s enjoying life and learning to trust his instincts more.

FILE - Colorado safety Carter Stoutmire (23) celebrates after an overtime victory in an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, in Boulder, Colo. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, FIle)

Coach Deion Sanders’ return to Colorado lifts team spirits after his battle with bladder cancer

July 30, 2025

Colorado defensive back Carter Stoutmire sees Deion Sanders as more than just a coach. Sanders has returned to the team after battling bladder cancer, and his presence has lifted spirits. Stoutmire, whose father played in the NFL with Sanders, expressed relief at his return. Sanders revealed Monday that doctors removed his bladder to combat an aggressive form of cancer. His return has energized the team. Defensive coordinator Robert Livingston praised Sanders’ leadership, noting his impact on and off the field. Sanders emphasized the importance of regular health checkups, a message that resonated with Livingston.

Colorado Rockies' Orlando Arcia, left, congratulates Ryan McMahon as he returns to the dugout after hitting a two-run home run off St. Louis Cardinals starting pitcher Erick Fedde in the third inning of a baseball game Tuesday, July 22, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Yankees acquire third baseman Ryan McMahon from the Rockies for pair of prospects

July 25, 2025

The New York Yankees have acquired third baseman Ryan McMahon from the Colorado Rockies, giving them a veteran at a position of need as they try to stop their slide down the AL East standings. The Yankees sent pitching prospects Josh Grosz and Griffin Herring to Colorado. The 30-year-old McMahon, an All-Star a year ago, was hitting .217 with 16 home runs and 35 RBIs for last-place Colorado. His 127 strikeouts this season led the National League entering Friday. He’s owed about $36.2 million from the remainder of a $70 million, six-year contract through 2027.

FILE - The Colorado Rockies rest on the dugout rail while trailing the Boston Red Sox in the ninth inning of a baseball game at Fenway Park, Tuesday, July 8, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa, File)

Rock bottom? Rockies try to avoid worst mark over 162-game season as they emerge from All-Star break

July 17, 2025

The Colorado Rockies are enduring a historically dismal season, sitting at 22-74. They’re on pace for 125 losses a year after the Chicago White Sox went 41-121, which is the worst mark since baseball adopted a 162-game schedule in 1961. The slump led to the firing of manager Bud Black in May. Last weekend, the team drafted Ethan Holliday with the fourth overall pick for a glimmer of hope down the road. The Rockies haven’t won back-to-back home games this season and risk setting a record this weekend for losing the most home series in a row. Despite the struggles, attendance remains robust, averaging over 30,000 fans per game.

FILE - Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) and Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) in the second half of Game 6 in the Western Conference semifinals of the NBA basketball playoffs on May 15, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski, File)

Three-tim MVP Nikola Jokic will delay signing extension with Nuggets this summer, AP source says

July 8, 2025

Three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic has decided to delay a contract extension with the Denver Nuggets this summer. That’s according to a person with knowledge of the matter who spoke to The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because neither Jokic nor the Nuggets have addressed the matter publicly. It doesn’t affect Jokic’s status in Denver in the short term. He has at least two years remaining on his deal. By waiting until next summer to sign, Jokic would be eligible to add four years to his existing deal at even more money than this summer’s extension would have guaranteed.

New York Mets' Juan Soto celebrates with teammates after hitting a two-run home run during the third inning of a baseball game against the Washington Nationals Wednesday, June 11, 2025, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)

In Charlie Hustle’s day, 110% effort was non-negotiable. In modern baseball, it’s more complicated

June 13, 2025

There’s no quicker way for a player to earn praise inside the dugout than with a little hustle. On the flip side, the lack of it can land a player in a manager’s doghouse. In this modern era of baseball, where the average salary topped $5 million for the first time this season, the politics of hustle may play a role. It’s a balancing act between going all out — the old-school way — and conserving energy over the course of a long season. Yankees infield Jazz Chisholm Jr.’s recently outlined a theory where going 70% might be the way to cut down on strained obliques and pulled hamstrings.

New York Yankees' Aaron Judge smiles as he steps on first base after being issued an intentional walk in the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Colorado Rockies, Saturday, May 24, 2025, in Denver. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Judge insists that despite hitting .395 with 18 homers, he doesn’t ‘feel too great at the plate’

May 24, 2025

Aaron Judge insisted he doesn’t pay too much attention to his numbers, which for the record are eye-opening. He’s hitting .395 with 18 homers and 46 RBIs. Even more, the New York Yankees slugger also hinted he’s not as locked in as one might think. He said he doesn’t “feel too great at the plate” after New York’s 13-1 win over the slumping Colorado Rockies on Saturday. Now that’s a scary thought. After all, he’s flirting with .400 well into May. He has certainly taken a liking to Coors Field in his first regular season visit this weekend, homering in back-to-back games.

PAT GRAHAM Sports Writer.