All articles tagged with #rookie
Rams No. 13 pick Ty Simpson says he blocks out the draft chatter and focuses on learning from Matthew Stafford, Davante Adams, and Sean McVay while acclimating to Los Angeles, including finding a home and navigating the city; he reflects on the NFLPA Rookie Premiere experience and off‑field branding, and notes he’s Ubering for now as he proves himself in his new environment.
Konnor Griffin, 20, has swiftly become a centerpiece for the Pirates: a 6-foot-3, 225-pound shortstop with elite bat speed, blazing baserunning, and a maturity beyond his years. Drafted ninth in 2024 and signed for a 6.3 million bonus, the Flowood, Mississippi native married his longtime sweetheart in January, relies on daily family support, and works with a mental-skills coach to sharpen his approach. After a slow start, he erupted for a 12-game stretch with a .395/.458/.651 line and is viewed as a potential long-term face of Pittsburgh as the Pirates contend this season.
Payton Tolle delivered eight strong innings as Boston outlasted Atlanta 3-2, with Wilyer Abreu and Willson Contreras fueling the offense and Contreras delivering the game‑winning homer in the eighth; Boston weathered a Monasterio error and a shaky save by Aroldis Chapman, in a win that comes as Trevor Story hits the IL.
San Antonio rookie Dylan Harper has become the Spurs’ playoff ace, often coming off the bench but delivering high-leverage scoring and plays against Minnesota, signaling that San Antonio can unleash a higher gear without fully exposing him and potentially push deep in the postseason behind a talented, versatile rookie core.
Porter Martone, 19, scored the Flyers’ 1-0 goal in Game 2 of the East First Round versus the Penguins, continuing a breakout playoff run that has made him the first teenager to win a game-winning goal in each of his first two NHL playoff games. The Michigan State product has impressed with strong wall work and pace, helping Philadelphia take a 2-0 series lead.
Islander No. 1 pick Matthew Schaefer, just 18, has quickly become a league-wide star, setting rookie records on the ice while driving unprecedented sponsorships, jersey sales, and revenue growth for a franchise eager to be New York’s hockey team, all while balancing a grounded, team-first persona amid personal adversity.
Chicago Blackhawks rookie Anton Frondell has surged in nine NHL games, scoring three goals and eight points while moving from wing to center, and is leading the team in points during his first stretch in the NHL, praised for his elite defensive instincts and quick adaptation despite limited practice time.
Chase DeLauter became only the second player in MLB history to homer four times in his first three games, including a dramatic 10th-inning blast to lift Cleveland to a 6-5 win. The Guardians have embraced a medieval-themed celebration, complete with a silver helmet, signaling a potential offensive surge for the team in 2026 while DeLauter piles up record x-facts early in his career.
Detroit Tigers prospect Kevin McGonigle went 4-for-4 with two RBIs and two runs in his major league debut against the Padres, including a two-run double off Nick Pivetta, and showed speed, defense, and power potential that have scouts bullish on his bright future.
Mets pitcher Nolan McLean, technically a rookie at 24, is set to start for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic final, a moment he’s been built for, bringing a high-spin curveball (3,248 rpm) and a calm, prepared approach that belies his rookie status.
Kon Knueppel of the Charlotte Hornets climbs back to No. 1 on the Kia Rookie Ladder after reaching 201 3-pointers in 58 games, passing injured Cooper Flagg. Flagg is sidelined with a left-foot sprain, giving Knueppel space to push toward record pace and potentially join the 50/40/90 club, with a rookie rematch in Charlotte on the horizon.
ABC’s The Rookie will crossover with Dropout’s Game Changer in a March episode titled 'Fun and Games,' featuring Dropout's Sam Reich and collaborators; the episode, filmed partly at Dropout’s L.A. studios, airs March 2 at 10 p.m. and will stream on Hulu the next day.
The NBA announced the four competitors for the 2026 AT&T Slam Dunk Contest at Intuit Dome on All-Star Saturday (Feb. 14): Carter Bryant (Spurs), Jaxson Hayes (Lakers), Keshad Johnson (Heat) and Jase Richardson (Magic). Bryant and Richardson are rookies, with Richardson also being the son of former Slam Dunk champions Jason Richardson. The event uses a two-round format, with two dunks in the first round and two in the final, televised on NBC and Peacock.
In a jaw-dropping move, Cleveland fifth-round QB Shedeur Sanders was added to the AFC Pro Bowl roster as a replacement after injuries and absences among other QBs, despite finishing seven starts with 1,400 yards, seven touchdowns and 10 interceptions. Sanders, who started late in the season after being behind Flacco and Dillon Gabriel, becomes the first fifth-round rookie to reach the Pro Bowl since Puka Nacua in 2023. The Browns finished 5-12 and coach Kevin Stefanski was fired; while Sanders will attend the game, there are questions about whether he’ll be Cleveland’s starter next season.
NFL executives voted on 2025 season awards, with Matthew Stafford winning MVP, JSN Smith-Njigba as Offensive Player of the Year, Myles Garrett as Defensive Player, Jaxson Schwesinger as Defensive Rookie, Mike Vrabel as Coach of the Year, and John Schneider as Executive of the Year, highlighting standout performances and team achievements.