Cooper Kupp 3 e1738677802640 NFLAssociated Press photo

Straight from the Super Bowl LIX Media Center in New Orleans, the most interesting storylines from around the NFL during Super Bowl Week. Refresh hourly for live updates. New editions daily.

Tuesday, Feb. 4, 2025

McCarthy asks for a fair shot: Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy kicked off an uncertain offseason on The Rich Eisen Show Tuesday. Among many topics, McCarthy said he’s had genuine conversations with Kevin O’Connell, understands he can only control what he can control, and asks for a fair opportunity. McCarthy said he knows O’Connell has the power of the pen with regard to what happens on the field. Whether the Vikings send McCarthy to another team for valuable draft compensation is one of the more intriguing questions of the NFL’s offseason.

Cousins percussion: The drumroll for the announcement of the next Kirk Cousins destination is underway. With Michael Penix taking the reins in Atlanta, Cousins could reboot his career with plenty of teams, especially those without a top-six selection in the draft. The veteran quarterback said this on Good Morning Football Tuesday: “I definitely feel like I have a lot of good football left in me. Time will tell. It’s still kind of uncertain. We’ll get to March and know a lot more. But I think the focus for me really is getting healthy. … I’m no good to the Falcons, I’m no good to a team if I’m not feeling really good. That’s really where my focus has been through January and February now that the season has wound down, really taking all the time I can to get my body feeling really good.”

Moore from Kellen: While Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore was tight-lipped about any direct language related to the Saints’ head-coach role, NewOrleans.Football caught up with him to paint a picture of the Saints’ likely future at Super Bowl Opening Night.

Chiefs-peat: Dropping the mind-blowing Super Bowl fact of the day, Scott Kacsmar tweets this. “Ken Norton Jr. is the only NFL player to ever three-peat with Super Bowls. Chiefs trying to three-peat (29): Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce, Chris Jones, Isiah Pacheco, Joe Thuney, Creed Humphrey, Trey Smith, Noah Gray, Harrison Butker, Trent McDuffie, George Karlaftis, Justin Reid, Nick Bolton, Jaylen Watson, Derrick Nnadi, Bryan Cook, Leo Chenal, Mike Caliendo, Michael Danna, Justin Watson, Mecole Hardman, Josh Williams, Jack Cochrane, Malik Herring, Jody Fortson, Nazeeh Johnson, Tershawn Wharton, James Winchester, Skyy Moore.” Here’s another insane note…

Myles from finish line: The fallout continues from Myles Garrett’s trade request. Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk made similar requests but returned to the 49ers. And while the Browns reiterated their stance that they’ll refuse trade offers, most believe this saga could last well into training camp. Assuming Garrett has put his hand in the dirt for the last time in a Cleveland uniform, Jeff Howe from The Athletic surveyed 10 executives and coaches on Garrett’s trade value, including whether the Browns’ conversations should start with two first-round picks.

Cooper prepares to fill Kupp of another team: Cooper Kupp earned the prestigious receiving triple crown and Super Bowl MVP only three years ago. And while Myles Garrett wants out of Cleveland, Kupp wants to stay in Los Angeles. In a genius, proactive public-relations strategy on Monday, the Rams’ wide receiver revealed his team is actively seeking a trade. Don’t expect Sean McVay to gift wrap Kupp for Kyle Shanahan or any other team in the NFC West. Bryan DeArdo from CBS Sports listed potential landing spots for the All-Pro wideout.

The R-word: Patrick Mahomes said on Monday night the only way to stop him is get Andy Reid to retire. Could it happen this month? After all, Peyton Manning and John Elway walked away after winning Super Bowls. Reid, who turns 67 next month, said he’s not even close; his owner even confirmed Reid is coming back. Travis Kelce, speaking on his own future, also said he’s nowhere near retirement. In other words, expect the NFL to give the Chiefs as many primetime games as possible in 2025.

JFK, Sasquatch, NFL officials paid off to benefit the Chiefs: From Roger Goodell to Chiefs owner Clark Hunt, New Orleans was full of assertive scientific skeptics on Monday. Given the opportunity at Super Bowl opening night to turn tables on the media, Travis Kelce said he would ask reporters, “Why are you leaning into this whole ref thing?” … Rick Gosselin notes that Super Bowl referee Ron Torbert has presided over two Chiefs playoffs games; they’re 2-0 in those contests. However, the Eagles are 9-4 overall with Torbert, including a five-game winning streak.

Kansas City Villains: Frank Schwab from Yahoo Sports notes the Chiefs have accomplished the feat of turning the Eagles into likable underdogs. Neither Patrick Mahomes nor Travis Kelce cares what anyone thinks. They said they play the game the right way, with passion, and they win — and if winning makes them villains, they’ll win as villains.

From the Commissioner: A “bullish” Roger Goodell conducted his annual state of the league press conference Monday afternoon. A summary, courtesy of Mike Jones from The Athletic:

  • In the wake of horrific tragedies entering the new year, Goodell said the NFL understands its place in society and welcomes the opportunity to help heal, support and unite the country.
  • The idea that NFL officials have favored the Chiefs during their quest for three straight Super Bowl titles is “a ridiculous theory.”
  • Goodell has held preliminary discussions on an 18-game regular season with NFLPA executive director Lloyd Howell but “there’s a lot of work to be done.” Financial concessions, for example, need to be met before the two sides can formally discuss schedule expansion. Those discussions would only happen as part of Collective Bargaining Agreement extension talks. The current CBA runs through 2030.
  • Unwavering on diversity, Goodell said the NFL’s efforts have improved the league and stood behind the current Rooney Rule policies with regard to hiring general managers and head coaches.
  • While he reserved the right to revisit Tom Brady’s dual role as owner and FOX broadcaster, Goodell noted Brady has been cooperative and consistently checks in to be sure he’s adhering to protocols, such as his prohibition on criticizing officials.
  • Internationally, Goodell predicted the league would one day see a city outside the U.S. serve as full-time home for one team. And, when that happens, the NFL would look to place the Super Bowl in an international city. The current goal is to schedule eight games per season outside the U.S. and, eventually, 16 games each year.
  • Working aggressively to launch both men’s and women’s professional flag football leagues, the NFL is gaining momentum in growing the game. The 2028 Los Angeles Olympics also will feature flag football.

Previous editions of the Radio Row Rodeo: Monday


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By Josh Liles

I've done a little bit of everything in my life because I hardly say no to an opportunity. The opportunity to write for Pro Football Post has me humbled beyond words and I'm excited to see where life takes me and Pro Football Post next! There are so many life lessons to be learned in the sport of football. Whether it be teamwork, business or relationships; I've ALWAYS appreciated the concept of the game. Battling with fellow soldiers next to you to reach a common goal. Knowing there are more things beyond the players on the field that make a team successful. To help promote a sport that creates those ideals for so many young people and football being a piece of the puzzle to help mold them into future world changers is an honor to be apart of. Oh, and Bear Down! Life Mantra: "Love God, Love People, Make Disciples, Baptize, Teach Them"

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