There’s still a few weeks before the NFL preseason begins in earnest, players then reporting to camp. Even with teams working behind the scenes, some items have the attention of the fans.
Brady Loses Big
A rough start to the (theoretical) retirement for quarterback Tom Brady, having lost a reported $30 million. The collapse of cryptocurrency company FTX was the culprit, Brady serving as brand ambassador before it shuttered immediately.
The losses were in the form of stock back in 2021, that after Brady agreed to be a company spokesperson to get some more well-heeled customers on board. His ex-wife, Gisele Bundchen, was paid $18 million at the time and has also lost everything.
Sam Bankman-Fried, the former CEO of FTX, is now facing federal fraud charges. Bankman- Fried isn’t the only one who could be in court. Brady is also being sued by former customers.
Rise of cryptocurrency seemed to be hitting its peak back in 2021. Brady was among a large group of celebrities agreeing to pitch the company. Larry David, Stephen Curry and Shaquille O’Neal have been included in some lawsuits.
This loss of $30 million isn’t going to dent Brady all that much. He’s on the list of the top 50 richest athletes during their careers. Brady and his record seven Super Bowl championships left the game after last season.
Williams to Run
There was some good news in Denver. Running back Javonte Williams is expected to be cleared before training camp. Wiliams tore his ACL during Week 4 last season.
Williams was hosting a camp with cornerback Patrick Surtain, where he declared he was ready to go. He was a member of the All-Rookie team in 2021, expecting to be even more of a weapon last season.
New coach Sean Payton had been planning on Williams’ return. Getting past the mental hurdle was also a question, but the back believes that it won’t be a problem now.
Denver is priced at 9-2 (+450) to win the AFC West, according to NFL division odds according to BetUS sportsbook.
Dillon Not Happy
So, Corey Dillon is not happy with his former employer, the Cincinnati Bengals. Dillon is the all-time leading rusher (8,061 yards in seven seasons) with the Bengals, but not overjoyed with the team’s Ring of Honor selection process.
Cincy is allowing season-ticket holders and suite owners the right to vote on players worthy of the honor, which is much different than other franchises. Dillon is a believer that the front office should make the decision.
Drafted in 1997, he was extremely productive during his tenure in Ohio, but was increasingly frustrated with his role late in his career with the Bengals. He ultimately traded to New England.
Currently not in the aforementioned Ring of Honor, Dillon has said his 2004 trade to the Pats hurt the fans. He doesn’t expect to get honored because of that “offense.”
This won’t concern the current-day version of the Bengals, listed as a 10-1 (+1000) proposition to win the championship, as per Super Bowl LVIII odds.
Ingram to Fox
Mark Ingram II has found a new job with Fox Sports after concluding a successful career with the University of Alabama and the NFL. The former Heisman winner will be a member of college football’s Big Noon Kickoff Show.
The 33-year-old played with the New Orleans Saints the last two seasons, the team that drafted him in 2011. Ingram is the all-time leading rusher in NOLA (6,500 yards in 10 seasons), scoring a franchise-record 52 touchdowns as well.
