ROB MAADDI Pro Football Writer, Author at The Rapid City Post

Flag football’s growth only increases NFL’s popularity globally

February 7, 2026

Dak Prescott snapping the ball to Jalen Hurts is a play that can only be witnessed at the Pro Bowl Games, the centerpiece for the NFL’s push to grow flag football on the biggest stage this week at the Super Bowl. Prescott wasn’t just filling in at center, though. He quickly turned and ran backward to catch a lateral from Hurts so he could do what he does best. He threw the ball and fired a touchdown pass. The Pro Bowl was rebranded in 2022 as the league was beginning to prioritize flag football in an effort to increase the sport’s popularity globally, create opportunities for females to play the game and set it up for inclusion in the 2028 Olympics.

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold (14) speaks during a news conference on Thursday, Feb. 5, 2026, in San Jose, Calif., ahead of Super Bowl 60 between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Sam Darnold has overcome doubters, Drake Maye has lived up to hype. Only one will win Super Bowl 60

February 5, 2026

Nobody on the Seattle Seahawks has supported Sam Darnold quite like Ernest Jones IV. When Darnold threw four interceptions against the Los Angeles Rams in a 21-19 loss in Week 11, Jones had his quarterback’s back. The second-team All-Pro linebacker wouldn’t allow Darnold to take the blame. Jones was right. Darnold rewarded his teammate’s faith. He led the Seahawks back from a 16-point, fourth-quarter deficit to an overtime win against Los Angeles in the next meeting and was sensational in Seattle’s 31-27 victory over the Rams in the NFC championship game.

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence talks to reporters following an NFL wild-card playoff football game against the Buffalo Bills Sunday, Jan. 11, 2026, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)

NFL MVP and other top awards to be announced at NFL Honors

February 5, 2026

The league MVP and the other seven AP NFL awards will be announced at NFL Honors on Thursday night, days before Super Bowl 60. Christian McCaffrey is a finalist for three awards, including the 2025 NFL Most Valuable Player. He joins Josh Allen, Trevor Lawrence, Drake Maye and Matthew Stafford in the MVP race. Maye, who is leading the New England Patriots against the Seattle Seahawks in the Super Bowl, and McCaffrey are also finalists for Offensive Player of the Year. A panel of 50 media members completed voting before the playoffs. The awards ceremony will be held in San Francisco.

New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel, left, greets Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike MacDonald during the NFL Super Bowl Opening Night, Monday, Feb. 2, 2026, in San Jose, Calif. ahead of the Super Bowl 60 football game between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)

Pro Picks: Seahawks will edge Patriots to win their second Super Bowl

February 4, 2026

Sam Darnold has been traded, discarded and labeled a bust. Now, it’ll take an upset for him not to be called a Super Bowl champion. Darnold and the Seattle Seahawks (16-3) are 4 1/2-point favorites on BetMGM Sportsbook against Drake Maye and the New England Patriots (17-3) on Sunday. It’s a matchup that features two of the NFL’s most balanced teams who have taken different routes to get here. The Seahawks earned a first-round bye and then dominated the San Francisco 49ers 41-6 to reach the NFC championship game. Behind a spectacular game from Darnold, they beat the Los Angeles Rams 31-27 to advance to their fourth Super Bowl.

NFL players’ union interim boss David White says players have ‘no appetite’ for an 18-game season

February 3, 2026

Don’t add to the regular season as well as provide well-maintained natural grass surfaces for NFL players. That was a main message from the NFL Players Association to the league. NFLPA interim executive director David White pointed out that several teams had significant injuries in mid-December: Patrick Mahomes and Micah Parsons tore ACLs in Week 15. Last week, Patriots owner Robert Kraft made it seem inevitable that the league would eventually expand the regular season from 17 to 18 games. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell pulled that back on Monday, saying it’s “not a given.” The current collective bargaining agreement between the NFL and its players’ union expires in 2030.

New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye arrives, Sunday, Feb. 1, 2026, in San Jose, Calif. ahead of the Super Bowl 60 football game between the New England Patriots and the Seattle Seahawks. (AP Photo/Brynn Anderson)

Patriots and Seahawks will kick off Super Bowl festivities with the annual Opening Night media blitz

February 2, 2026

Drake Maye and Sam Darnold will face a different type of blitz at Super Bowl Opening Night. Here comes the media frenzy when thousands of reporters from across the globe gather for a zany spectacle that kicks off the week’s festivities on Monday night. Maye and the New England Patriots take on Darnold and the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday at Levi’s Stadium, home of the San Francisco 49ers. First, they will meet more than 6,000 credentialed reporters who will pepper them with questions ranging from the standard football topics to silly and off-beat stuff.

FILE - Atlanta Falcons offensive coordinator Zac Robinson works during the first half of an NFL football game against the Washington Commanders, Sunday, Sep. 28, 2025, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Danny Karnik, File)

The Buccaneers are hiring Zac Robinson to be their offensive coordinator, AP source says

January 22, 2026

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are hiring Zac Robinson to be their offensive coordinator, a person with knowledge of the decision tells The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity on Thursday because the deal was being finalized. Robinson was Atlanta’s offensive coordinator the past two seasons after serving as pass game coordinator/quarterbacks coach for two seasons with the Los Angeles Rams, where Baker Mayfield started four games in 2022. Robinson is Tampa Bay’s fifth offensive coordinator in five years. Robinson’s offenses with the Falcons were sixth in yards in 2024 and 14th last season.

San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (23) tries to get past the Seattle Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon during the first half of an NFL football divisional playoff game Saturday, Jan. 17, 2026, in Seattle. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)

The AP NFL MVP finalists are Allen, Lawrence, Maye, McCaffrey and Stafford

January 22, 2026

Christian McCaffrey is the first player to be a finalist for three AP NFL awards, joining Josh Allen, Trevor Lawrence, Drake Maye and Matthew Stafford in the running for The Associated Press 2025 NFL Most Valuable Player award. McCaffrey and Maye are also finalists for Offensive Player of the Year. McCaffrey and Lawrence are among the finalists for Comeback Player of the Year. The winners will be announced at “NFL Honors” on Feb. 5. A nationwide panel of 50 media members who regularly cover the league completed voting before the playoffs began. Votes were tabulated by the accounting firm of Lutz and Carr.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) talks to offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard during the second half of an NFL football game Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken)

Buccaneers fire offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard, special teams coach Thomas McGaughey and others

January 8, 2026

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have fired offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard, special teams coach Thomas McGaughey, quarterbacks coach Thaddeus Lewis, cornerbacks coach Kevin Ross and defensive line coach Charlie Strong. Grizzard replaced Liam Coen, who left after one season to become Jacksonville’s head coach. Coen took over for Dave Canales, who left after one season to become Carolina’s head coach. Both Coen and Canales led their teams to the playoffs.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) throws a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)

Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers beat the Panthers 16-7 and stay alive in chase for NFC South title

January 3, 2026

The winner of the NFC South will be crowned at home watching on television. Baker Mayfield threw a touchdown pass to Cade Otton, Chase McLaughlin kicked three field goals and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers avoided elimination with a sloppy 16-14 victory over the Carolina Panthers on a rain-soaked Saturday. The Buccaneers need New Orleans to beat or tie Atlanta on Sunday to clinch a fifth straight NFC South title. If the Falcons win, the Panthers will secure their first division championship since coach Ron Rivera and quarterback Cam Newton led them to a 15-1 record and a Super Bowl appearance 10 years ago.

Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young passes against the Seattle Seahawks during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)

Panthers, Buccaneers battle for NFC South title in matchup of teams going in opposite directions

January 2, 2026

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are one game away from finishing off an epic collapse and entering an offseason of uncertainty. The Carolina Panthers are closing in on their first playoff berth in eight years. Two teams heading in opposite directions battle for the NFC South title on Saturday. But this isn’t a winner-take-all game. The Panthers can still clinch the division title with a loss because the Buccaneers have to win and the Falcons must lose or tie the Saints for Tampa Bay to get in. If the Panthers win, they’ll earn their first division crown since Ron Rivera and Cam Newton led them to a 15-1 record and a Super Bowl appearance 10 years ago.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield speaks during a news conference after an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Dec. 28, 2025, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)

Buccaneers are focused on playing the Panthers, knowing they’ll need help to win the NFC South

December 30, 2025

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers showed up for practice on Tuesday for the first time since losing control of their playoff hopes. After a major collapse, the Buccaneers need help to get in. First, they must beat Carolina on Saturday to snap a four-game losing streak. Then, the Falcons have to lose or tie the Saints on Sunday. If that happens, the Buccaneers (7-9) would secure their fifth straight NFC South title and second with a losing record under coach Todd Bowles.

Buccaneers are still in the race for the NFC South title despite an eighth loss in 10 games

December 29, 2025

Coach Todd Bowles keeps referring to “certain guys” being a problem. Mike Evans said the team played like it was ready to go home. Players are squabbling on the sideline. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have collapsed in the second half but still remain alive in the playoff race despite a 20-17 loss at Miami. They don’t deserve to win the NFC South after losing four straight, seven of eight and eight of 10. But a victory over the Carolina Panthers next week coupled with a loss by Atlanta against the Rams on Monday night or to the Saints in Week 18 would give the 7-9 Buccaneers their fifth straight division title.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles answers a question during a news conference after an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals Sunday, Nov. 30, 2025, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)

Buccaneers coach Todd Bowles said his slumping team ‘got the message’ from his angry postgame rant

December 18, 2025

Todd Bowles delivered a message to his team with an uncharacteristic profanity-laced reaction during a postgame news conference after the Tampa Bay Buccaneers blew a 14-point fourth-quarter lead last week. Whether it impacts the team’s performance will be known Sunday. The Buccaneers (7-7) have lost five of six and six of eight heading into a showdown for first place in the NFC South against the Carolina Panthers (7-7). Bowles lashed out at his team directly and in a news conference after the Bucs wasted a 28-14 lead and lost 29-28 to the Atlanta Falcons last Thursday night.

Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts Sr. (8) celebrates his touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half of an NFL football game, Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)

Kirk Cousins leads Falcons to 29-28 comeback victory over the reeling Buccaneers

December 11, 2025

The Atlanta Falcons have rallied for a 29-28 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Kirk Cousins threw three touchdown passes to Kyle Pitts Sr., and Zane Gonzalez kicked a 43-yard field goal as time expired. Facing a third-and-28 on the Falcons’ final drive, Cousins completed passes of 14 yards to Pitts and 20 yards on fourth-and-14 to David Sills V to set up Gonzalez. The Falcons overcame a franchise-record 19 penalties and a 28-14 fourth-quarter deficit. Caker Mayfield threw a crucial interception in the fourth quarter as the Buccaneers lost for the fifth time in six games to fall a half-game behind Carolina in the NFC South.

New Orleans Saints quarterback Tyler Shough (6) carries for a touchdown past Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Rashad Wisdom (38) in the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)

Rookie QB Tyler Shough’s 2 TD runs lead Saints to a 24-20 upset of Buccaneers

December 7, 2025

The New Orleans Saints have upset the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to tighten the NFC South race. Rookie quarterback Tyler Shough ran for two touchdowns for lowly New Orleans, which improved to 3-10 with Sunday’s 24-20 win. The Saints were 8 1/2-point underdogs. They frustrated Baker Mayfield and the Buccaneers in a sloppy game mostly played through a driving storm. The four-time defending division champion Bucs fell to 7-6. They lost for the fourth time in five games and fell into a first-place tie with Carolina. The Bucs and Panthers face off twice in the final three games.

New England Patriots wide receiver Stefon Diggs (8) catches a pass for a touchdown against Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Antoine Winfield Jr. (31) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken)

TreVeyon Henderson, Drake Maye lead the Patriots to a 28-23 victory over the Buccaneers

November 9, 2025

TreVeyon Henderson had touchdown runs of 69 and 55 yards, Drake Maye threw two TD passes, and the New England Patriots beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 28-23 for their seventh straight win. After Maye threw an interception in the end zone, the Patriots (8-2) made a big stop on fourth-and-3 at their own 27. Henderson then sealed the win with his 69-yard TD run. The rookie finished with a career-high 147 yards rushing on 14 carries. The Buccaneers were the first team in NFL history to have each of their first four wins of the season come on a game-winning score in the final minute of regulation. They had a chance to do it again when Tykee Smith intercepted Maye’s pass from the 2 in the end zone with 5:17 left.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) is helped off the field after an injury during the first half of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Monday, Oct. 20, 2025, in Detroit. AP Photo/Paul Sancya)

Losing Mike Evans the player and the leader is a crushing blow for the Buccaneers

October 23, 2025

The image of Mike Evans down on the turf, knocked out and motionless was jarring for teammates, coaches and fans of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. His impressive streak of 11 straight 1,000-yard receiving seasons is going to end because of the broken clavicle he suffered Monday night at Detroit. Evans also sustained a concussion on the same play, trying to make a leaping grab like the ones he’s made throughout a remarkable career. Rookie wideout Emeka Egbuka knelt over Evans in prayer. Others did the same on the field, on their couches at home, wherever they were watching the game.

Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) runs into the end zone over Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Trent McDuffie (22) on a play that was nullified after Goff was called for illegal motioin on the play during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

Jared Goff, Baker Mayfield meet again in a matchup of castoff QBs who found success with new teams

October 19, 2025

Jared Goff and Baker Mayfield were picked No. 1 overall in the NFL draft two years apart, had postseason success with their teams, got traded and revived their careers in new cities. They’ve become the standard for castoff quarterbacks. Goff and Mayfield go head-to-head Monday night when the Detroit Lions host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a potential preview of the NFC championship game. There’s a lot of mutual respect between the two quarterbacks. Goff led the Los Angeles Rams to a Super Bowl in the 2018 season — they lost to Tom Brady and the New England Patriots.

San Francisco 49ers middle linebacker Fred Warner, right, is carted off the field during the first half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Tampa, Fla., Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)

49ers All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner carted off following gruesome ankle injury

October 12, 2025

Four-time All-Pro linebacker Fred Warner has been carted off the field following a gruesome ankle injury in the first quarter of San Francisco’s game against Tampa Bay. Warner’s right ankle appeared to turn sideways after a couple players fell into him at the end of a play. The entire 49ers sideline came onto the field to see Warner before he left the field with an air cast on his ankle. The injury-riddled 49ers entered the game without quarterback Brock Purdy, star edge rusher Nick Bosa, All-Pro tight end George Kittle and several other key players. Despite all their injuries, the Niners were 4-1 and leading the NFC West going into Week 6.

Philadelphia Eagles teammates surround safety Sydney Brown (21) as they celebrate his touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken)

Eagles send a message to the NFL and the 31 other teams with the fake tush push

September 29, 2025

Nick Sirianni and the Philadelphia Eagles sent a message to the NFL and the 31 other teams in Week 4. The reigning Super Bowl champions don’t need a tush push to win. And for those who consider it a boring play, now there’s a new twist. The fake makes it even more difficult for opponents to stop and more interesting to watch. Facing a team that had their number and one that actually had some success against Philadelphia’s signature play, Sirianni and offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo mixed things up. Saquon Barkley scored a touchdown on a fake tush push and Jalen Hurts tossed an underhanded TD pass on a variation of it in a 31-25 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday.

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) runs the ball for a first down during the first half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)

Fake tush push and special teams TD help Eagles beat Bucs 31-25 to stay undefeated

September 28, 2025

The Philadelphia Eagles used a fake tush push, another special teams touchdown and a late defensive stop to stay undefeated. Jalen Hurts tossed two touchdown passes, Sydney Brown returned a blocked punt for a score and the Eagles beat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 31-25 for their 20th victory in 21 games. The only loss in that span for the reigning Super Bowl champions was against Washington last December in a game Hurts left with a concussion in the first half. Chase McLaughlin’s 65-yard field goal for Tampa Bay on the final play of the first half was the longest in NFL history in an outdoor stadium.

FILE - Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Desmond Watson watches from the sideline during practice at NFL football training camp, Wednesday, July 23, 2025, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara, File)

Buccaneers sign 400-plus pound defensive tackle Desmond Watson to the practice squad, AP source says

September 23, 2025

Defensive tackle Desmond Watson has been signed to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ practice squad, a person with knowledge of the decision tells The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the team hasn’t announce the move. Watson was originally signed by the Buccaneers after going undrafted in April. He weighed 464 pounds at the school’s pro day and was considered the heaviest player in NFL history. The 6-foot-6 Watson lost 25 to 30 pounds before the draft but didn’t get a chance to practice with the Buccaneers because he didn’t lose enough weight. He spent training camp on the non-football injury list.

Desmond Watson, the heaviest player in NFL history, was released by Tampa Bay

August 26, 2025

The heaviest player in NFL history may not get a chance to play in the league. Desmond Watson was released by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Watson, who played at Florida, was signed after going undrafted in April. He weighed 464 pounds at the school’s pro day and lost 25 to 30 pounds before the draft but didn’t get a chance to practice with the team because he didn’t lose enough weight. He spent training camp on the non-football injury list.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Shilo Sanders signs autographs for fans during Back Together Weekend at an NFL football training camp practice Sunday, July 27, 2025, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)

Shilo Sanders waived by the Buccaneers, AP source says

August 24, 2025

Shilo Sanders was waived by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, less than 24 hours after he was ejected from a game for throwing a punch, a person with knowledge of the decision told The Associated Press on Sunday. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because the team hasn’t announced its cuts. Sanders, the son of Hall of Fame cornerback Deion Sanders, was battling for a roster spot after going undrafted out of Colorado, where he played for his father. He was also penalized for pass interference earlier in Tampa Bay’s 23-19 loss to Buffalo. The Buccaneers could still add Sanders to the practice squad if he doesn’t get claimed off waivers by another team.

Shilo Sanders makes his presence felt in his debut with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

August 9, 2025

Shilo Sanders quickly made his presence felt in first NFL preseason game. Sanders creeped up to the line of scrimmage, blitzed untouched and hit Brandon Allen, driving him to the ground just after he threw the ball away. A night after his younger brother had an impressive debut for the Cleveland Browns as the starting quarterback, Shilo Sanders got a clean shot at the QB in Tampa Bay’s game against the Tennessee Titans on Saturday night. Signed by the Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent out of Colorado where he played with his brother for their Hall of Fame dad, Deion Sanders, Shilo Sanders is battling for a roster spot in a crowded defensive backfield.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) throws a pass during Back Together Weekend at an NFL football training camp practice Sunday, July 27, 2025, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara)

Joint practices give coaches a better way to evaluate starters in more competitive environment

August 7, 2025

Baker Mayfield got in the middle of a scuffle and injured All-Pro tackle Tristan Wirfs went onto the field on a crutch to join his teammates. Welcome to joint practices. Players get an opportunity to hit opposing teams, which sometimes can lead to fighting. But the main purpose of joint sessions is to give coaches a better way to evaluate starters in a more competitive environment than preseason games. Teams don’t want future opponents to see much of their playbook in exhibitions and most coaches prefer to keep key starters out of harm’s way so facing opponents within a controlled setting has become a priority for most teams.

FILE - Shannon Sharpe, left, unveils a bust of himself along with his presenter and brother, Sterling Sharpe, during the induction ceremony at the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Saturday, Aug. 6, 2011, in Canton, Ohio. (AP Photo/Ron Schwane, File)

Sterling Sharpe hasn’t fully embraced his selection into the Hall of Fame because of an eye issue

August 1, 2025

Maybe the magnitude of the accomplishment will hit Sterling Sharpe when he walks on stage Saturday and sees his bronze bust that will be displayed permanently in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The former Green Bay Packers star wide receiver will be enshrined along with cornerback Eric Allen, defensive end Jared Allen and tight end Antonio Gates as members of the Class of 2025. But Sharpe hasn’t been able to celebrate the honor fully because he’s been dealing with problems in his right eye. He was still recovering from eye surgery when his brother, Hall of Fame tight end Shannon Sharpe, informed him in front of television cameras that he was selected.

ROB MAADDI Pro Football Writer.