HOUSTON – Sylvester Turner, a University of Houston alumnus and former mayor of Houston who was elected to Congress last year, died Tuesday night.  He was 70 years old.

“I am deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Sylvester Turner,” UH President Renu Khator said in a prepared statement. “He was a natural-born leader, humble servant and proud UH alum, who made a profound impact on our University, city and state. Most significantly, he never forgot his humble beginnings and used his platform to uplift and encourage young people to chase their dreams. He was a role model for our students, showing that no matter your zip code, race or income bracket, you can reach the highest heights. He will be sorely missed.”

Turner, who was born and raised in Houston, earned his bachelor’s degree in political science at UH in 1977. After graduating from Harvard Law School, Turner returned to Houston where he started his own law firm and occasionally lectured for the UH Law Center’s continuing legal education programs.

After more than two decades of service in the Texas House of Representatives, Turner was elected mayor of Houston in 2015 and served two terms, guiding the city through several challenges, including Hurricane Harvey and the COVID-19 pandemic. When his close friend and political ally U.S. Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee died last July, he successfully ran to replace her and was sworn into Congress in January.

Turner was a proud and vocal supporter of the University, recognizing its symbiotic relationship with the city. For his unwavering dedication and service, Turner received UH’s Distinguished Alumni Award, the Elected Public Official of the Year award and the Pioneer of Public Service Award. And in 2023, he was awarded the President’s Medallion, the University’s highest honor. The Sylvester Turner Academic Distinction Scholarship and the Sylvester Turner Scholarship Endowment Fund in the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences were established in his honor.

During a memorable commencement speech in 2018, Turner reminded CLASS graduates of the resilience and determination that define Cougar Pride.

“The road will not always be easy, sometimes it will be highly challenging. But Cougar Pride don’t turn back,” he said. “Live your life in such a way that when all is said and done, be able to say you have no regrets. Go Coogs – make your history as only you can.”

About the University of Houston

The University of Houston is a Carnegie-designated Tier One public research university recognized with a Phi Beta Kappa chapter for excellence in undergraduate education. UH serves the globally competitive Houston and Gulf Coast Region by providing world-class faculty, experiential learning and strategic industry partnerships. Located in the nation’s fourth-largest city and one of the most ethnically and culturally diverse regions in the country, UH is a federally designated Hispanic, Asian American and Native American Pacific Islander-serving institution with enrollment of more than 46,000 students.

HAKEEM BUTLER, UFL OPOY

By the end of the season, Butler led the league in yards per reception with an average of 14.5 yards. He also ranked No. 4 in total receptions and No. 2 with five receiving touchdowns in his second season.

He was tied for 6th in the league in scoring with 31 points (5 touchdowns and 1 1-point PAT). Additionally, he ranked 7th in all-purpose yards for the league-leading St. Louis team.

Hakeem ‘Always Open’ Butler

Congratulations on a great season, @410Keem pic.twitter.com/2u6QW6wVhx

— United Football League (@TheUFL) June 7, 2024

Butler earned All-UFL and All-XFL First Team honors.

BREELAND SPEAKS, UFL DPOY

Michigan Panthers defensive end Breeland Speaks as the 2024 UFL Defensive Player of the Year.

Speaks led the UFL with 9.5 sacks during the regular season. He also led the league with 13 tackles for-loss.

The one, the only … BREELAND SPEAKS

Congratulations to THE Defensive Player of the Year @Bspeaks9 x @TheUFL pic.twitter.com/IAHDPWNgx6

— Michigan Panthers (@USFLPanthers) June 7, 2024

 USFL & XFL CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIP GAMES

The Birmingham Stallions will host the Michigan Panthers in the USFL Conference Championship Game, which will kick off at 3 PM ET at Protective Stadium on Saturday, June 8.

The XFL Conference Championship is scheduled for 7 PM ET on Sunday, June 9, with the St. Louis Battlehawks facing the San Antonio Brahmas at The Dome at America’s Center.

The inaugural season will conclude with the 2024 UFL Championship Game, supported by the U.S. Army, at The Dome at America’s Center in St. Louis on June 16.

Stroud, the 20th Good Guy Award winner, is the first member of the Texans franchise to win the award.

Other finalists for the Good Guy Award were Cleveland Browns guard Joel Bitonio, Buffalo Bills tackle Dion Dawkins, Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Brandon Graham and Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott.

The Good Guy Award is given to an NFL player for his qualities and professional style in helping pro football writers do their jobs. The award has been presented annually by the PFWA since 2005.

Stroud, the second overall selection in the 2023 NFL Draft by Houston, made an immediate impact on the field with his play, in the locker room with reporters covering the Texans daily and in the greater Houston community.

“Stroud is the Good Guy Award winner because of his professionalism and openness with both the national and local media. He is always available during the week and after games, win or lose. He understands the media has a job to do and answers each question thoroughly,” said PFWA Houston chapter co-vice president Jonathan Alexander, who covers the Texans for the Houston Chronicle. “He is also active in the Houston community without seeking attention, recently volunteering to remove trees and clean up debris from yards in underserved communities after a storm left many residents without power for several days.”

“First and foremost, I want to give all glory and praise to my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. It’s a blessing to be recognized as the PFWA Good Guy Award winner, and it stands out to me because it’s more of an award that embodies someone’s character rather than the stats they compile on the field, Stroud said. “I appreciate the job the media has and thank them for choosing me as someone who is deserving of this honor. A special shoutout to the other very deserving players who were nominated and those that won before me.”

The 2023 PFWA NFL Rookie of the Year and Offensive Rookie of the Year, Stroud started all 15 games he appeared in, and he finished the regular season completing 319 of 499 passes for 4,108 yards, 23 touchdowns and only five interceptions while posting a passer rating of 100.8. The 4,108 yards were third most by a rookie quarterback in NFL history, and his TD-interception ratio of 4.6 led the league – the youngest player to pace the league in that category. Stroud also started the season with 191 consecutive passes without an interception – an NFL mark to start a career.

Stroud was the 2023 NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month twice in September and November, the AFC Offensive Player of the Month for November, and he was selected as the AFC Offensive Player of the Week twice (Weeks 9 and 18).

ABOUT THE PFWA: In its 61st season in 2024, the Professional Football Writers of America (PFWA) is the official voice of pro football writers, promoting and fighting for access to NFL personnel to best serve the public. The PFWA is made up of accredited writers who cover the NFL and the 32 teams daily. Calvin Watkins of the Dallas Morning News is the PFWA president for the 2023-24 seasons and the organization’s 31st president. Nicki Jhabvala of the Washington Post is the PFWA’s first vice-president, Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic is the second vice-president, Lindsay Jones of The Ringer is the advisor to the president and Mike Sando of The Athletic is the secretary-treasurer. At-large board members include Mike Jones of The Athletic, ESPN.com’s Jeff Legwold, Joe Reedy of the Associated Press and ProFootballTalk.com’s Charean Williams. Follow the PFWA at ProFootballWriters.org and on Twitter at @PFWAwriters.

GOOD GUY AWARD WINNERS (To a NFL player for his qualities and professional style in helping the pro football writers do their job) Year indicates when award was presented for previous season: 2005 – Jerome Bettis (Pittsburgh Steelers); 2006 – Tiki Barber (New York Giants); 2007 – LaDainian Tomlinson (San Diego Chargers); 2008 – Brett Favre (Green Bay Packers); 2009 – Kurt Warner (Arizona Cardinals); 2010 – Drew Brees (New Orleans Saints); 2011 – Aaron Rodgers (Green Bay Packers); 2012 – Tim Tebow (Denver Broncos); 2013 – Tony Gonzalez (Atlanta Falcons); 2014 – Russell Wilson (Seattle Seahawks); 2015 – Richard Sherman (Seattle Seahawks); 2016 – Thomas Davis (Carolina Panthers); 2017 – Larry Fitzgerald (Arizona Cardinals); 2018 – Chris Long (Philadelphia Eagles); 2019 – Chris Long (Philadelphia Eagles); 2020 – Eli Manning (New York Giants); 2021 – Philip Rivers (Indianapolis Colts); 2022 – Cameron Heyward (Pittsburgh Steelers); 2023 – Jason Kelce (Philadelphia Eagles); 2024 – C.J. Stroud (Houston Texans)

 

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David Johnson, 32, played five games for New Orleans in his final NFL season in 2022. The team signed him off its practice squad on Nov. 16 and elevated the running back to the active roster on Dec. 12 when Mark Ingram injured his MCL. Despite limited opportunities in a backfield with Alvin Kamara, he had 12 rushes for 24 yards and three receptions for 47 yards, including a 21-yard reception. Before his tenure with the Saints, Johnson spent two seasons with the Houston Texans.

The Arizona Cardinals chose the Northern Iowa product as the 86th overall pick in the 3rd round of the 2015 NFL Draft. Johnson made the 2016 AP All-Pro selections twice: First-Team flex and Second-Team running back. Fans voted him into the 2016 Pro Bowl as well that season.

NFL Network’s coverage is highlighted by “Schedule Release ’24 Presented by Verizon” at 8 p.m. ET which breaks down the 2024 NFL regular season schedule, division by division, analyzing the top matchups and primetime games. Rich Eisen and Colleen Wolfe host the three-hour show, joined by Maurice Jones-Drew, Michael Robinson and Cynthia Frelund.

Featured guests on “Schedule Release ’24” include:

·       NBC “Sunday Night Football” play-by-play broadcaster Mike Tirico
·       CBS play-by-play broadcaster Jim Nantz
·       ESPN “Monday Night Football” play-by-play broadcaster Joe Buck
·       Prime Video “Thursday Night Football” play-by-play broadcaster Al Michaels
·       Minnesota Vikings tight end T.J. Hockenson
·       NFL vice president of broadcasting Mike North

NFL.com and the NFL app will provide complete team-by-team and weekly schedules of all regular season games, listing opponents, sites and times.

Earlier today, it was announced the NFL Kickoff game on Thursday, Sept. 5 will feature a rematch of last year’s AFC Championship Game when the Super Bowl-champion Kansas City Chiefs host the Baltimore Ravens on NBC and Peacock, and available on mobile devices with NFL+.

A special two-hour Schedule Release edition of “Good Morning Football” airs on Wednesday beginning at 7 a.m. ET on NFL Network, with hosts Jason McCourty, Peter Schrager, Kyle Brandt and Sherree Burruss. The 2024 International Games will be revealed during the show ahead of the full schedule announcement Wednesday evening. The Emmy Award-winning “Good Morning Football” returns to its weekly Monday-Friday schedule this summer, with further details to follow.

Additional coverage is provided by “NFL GameDay View: Schedule Release” at 10 p.m. ET on the NFL Channel and YouTube, a one-hour show hosted by Patrick Claybon, Cynthia Frelund and Gregg Rosenthal analyzing the 2024 NFL schedule. The NFL Channel is available on the NFL App on mobile and connected TV, FAST streaming platforms such as Peacock, Roku, PlutoTV, Vizio WatchFree, Tubi, LG, Xumo Play, TCL and Plex, and at NFL.com/nflchannel. “NFL GameDay View: Schedule Release” will also air at 11 p.m. ET on NFL Network.

NFL+ will offer fans exclusive content with “Secrets of the Schedule,” which features key decisionmakers from around the league sharing insights into creating this year’s schedule. Fans will also get exclusive insights into their respective teams’ win/loss record with “Projected Team Win Totals presented by Courtyard by Marriott” featuring Cynthia Frelund, who shares her projected win total for each NFL team.

ESPN will also have a two-hour primetime special highlighting the release of the 2024 regular season schedule on Wednesday at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN2 and simulcast on ESPN+. Host Kevin Negandhi along with Dan Orlovsky, Marcus Spears, Mina Kimes and Adam Schefter anchor the coverage, with multiple guests expected.

Individual game tickets will go on sale immediately through Ticketmaster, the Official Ticketing Partner of the NFL, once each game is announced. Tickets will also go on sale through SeatGeek and Sports Illustrated Tickets, members of the NFL Ticket Network. For more information, visit NFL.com/tickets.

The NFL uses the power of Amazon Web Services (AWS) for its schedule-making process. There are approximately a quadrillion possible schedule combinations each NFL season and over 26,000 factors to take into consideration such as stadium availability, travel requirements, primetime games, competitive fairness and division rivalries. The NFL uses AWS to run high performance computing workloads to find the best possible schedule each year. For more information, click here.

Courtyard by Marriott is also helping fans traveling to games find accommodations in close proximity to each respective NFL stadium with a new hotel booking button on the NFL.com schedule page. The button will direct fans to recommendations for nearby Courtyard by Marriott hotels, or other hotels within the Marriott Bonvoy portfolio, during the specific game weekend they are attending.

For additional information regarding the release of the 2024 NFL schedule, click here.

“As the president of the Big Man Alliance, you’re the vice president of the Big Man Alliance.  You know I love you. [As] the best player in the league, I want to congratulate you,” Shaq told Jokic.  He began the interview with a congratulatory message but then dropped this bombshell:  “I want you to hear it from me first. I thought SGA [Shai Gilgeous-Alexander] should have been the MVP.  There’s no disrespect to you. But, congratulations.”

Sharpe and Gilbert Arenas called O’Neal “Apex Predator” and insinuated that “Shaq hates every big man…because that’s his position.”

Shaq caught Shannon Sharpe in his crosshairs first on social media then dropped this: “You’re way beneath me. Your whole demeanor faker than the rapper beef be.”

Listen to the track here…

Ryan Garcia “Number One” (Shaq Remix) – Official Diss Track

@SHAQ

OUT NOW: https://t.co/lLIn840D0B pic.twitter.com/vZVLyz5Ktv

— Playmaker (@playmaker) May 10, 2024

It’s time these 50+year old great sports legends call a truce and let the youngin’s beef!

Marvin Harrison Jr., the son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Marvin Harrison, is not only a talented wide receiver but projects to become a significant figure in the world of sports.  At this year’s NFL Draft, he will unveil New Balance’s inaugural American football cleat, named the “Prodigy,” marking a significant milestone in the brand’s history.

The Intelligent Choice.

Marvin Harrison Jr. and New Balance. #WeGotNow pic.twitter.com/loKOcHfFX3

— New Balance (@newbalance) April 23, 2024

“I just think the values that New Balance and I share have aligned,” Harrison Jr. told Andscape’s Aaron Dodson about the deal.  “Most importantly, the brand will allow me to have an impact on the community and the younger generation.  I want to inspire young athletes to be great in their own way.”

“From the first conversation with Marvin it was clear that he was a perfect fit for us at New Balance,” Naveen Lokesh, New Balance’s head of global sports marketing for American football and basketball, said to Andscape.

Harrison is projected to be on the radar for the Arizona Cardinals who select at No. 4 in the 2024 NFL Draft.

A four-star recruit, Hayden (5-11, 215 pounds) was considered the 24th-best running back by college recruiting analysts in 2022.  He played two seasons with the Buckeyes, rushing 130 times for 663 yards and six touchdowns.  Two players to join him with Colorado are defensive tackle Rayyan Buell and offensive tackle Payton Kirkland.

BREAKING: Ohio State RB transfer Dallan Hayden has committed to Colorado, he tells @SWiltfong_https://t.co/BShIARmmlP pic.twitter.com/8GDCfyEc0Y

— On3 (@On3sports) April 22, 2024

Deion Sanders and his team have seen several prominent players hit the NCAA transfer portal this spring.  Josh Newberg said, “Colorado is going to Binge and Purge.”   He may have a point, as Coach Prime’s recruiting efforts aren’t to be in vain, landing three recruiting commitments from this weekend.

Upon departing the program, Cormani McClain had the Buffaloes in his crosshairs, saying he was to “be a part of a real and great program.  I don’t wanna play for clicks.” On3 also reports that McClain has “USF, UCF, and Memphis” interested in his talent.  One recruiting tactic to land McCain is to offer him a role similar to Travis Hunter – playing offense and defense.   

Another transfer for the Buffs is defensive end J.J. Hawkins, who also decided to go portal surfing.

Colorado defensive lineman J.J. Hawkins has entered the transfer portal, @On3sports has learned.

The former Ole Miss transfer played in 10 games in 2023, starting in one against Oregon State. https://t.co/VNvB2Ek6qR pic.twitter.com/K7vgzytdhQ

— Pete Nakos (@PeteNakos_) April 22, 2024

Colorado’s starting quarterback, Shedeur Sanders, posted on social media, “If you’re not a player here, that means you’re not good enough.”  Some have considered it a challenge and other kids must be convinced it’s worth playing for the Pro Football Hall of Famer in Boulder. 

Nonetheless, the thirst for drama and suspense in playing for Deion Sanders will only be quenched once the Buffaloes contend for the national championship.

Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders and cornerback Travis Hunter are not just highly-touted, they are potential Heisman Trophy candidates for the upcoming 2024 regular season.  Their stellar performances led by Deion Sanders have sparked speculation that both athletes will choose to enter the 2025 NFL Draft.  If they do, their exceptional talent will undoubtedly attract the attention of professional teams.

However, Coach Prime told Bean why the rumor was unfounded and did not come from him.

“I have more than six owners that are friends.  I have more than six GMs that are friends.  You got to understand, I played 14 [seasons], and I worked another 17, I believe, in the NFL Network and CBS.  I know a lot of people.  Come on.  So I would I would never do that?  Before, I would disclose, if I was that stupid, I wouldn’t disclose the teams I would want them to play for.  I would disclose the several that I wouldn’t.  That’s stupid.  That’s stupidity.  I would never do that.”

In 2023, Shedeur Sanders passed for 3,230 yards, 27 touchdowns, and three interceptions for a 151.7 quarterback rating.  His impressive collegiate career stats include two seasons at Jackson State University.  Sanders has completed 914 of 1,331 passes for 10,219 yards, 97 touchdowns, and 17 interceptions, averaging 2271.03 total yards of offense, with a passer efficiency rating of 154.66.  Shedeur is also dangerous on the ground, rushing for 1,102 yards and 13 scores.

Hunter plays in the Buffaloes’ secondary and is effective as a wide receiver. On offense, he has 75 receptions for 909 receiving yards and nine touchdown receptions.     When he flips the script, he has five career interceptions, fifteen passes defended, a pick-six, and one fumble recovery in 17 games.

Deion Sanders believes the tandem of Shedeur Sanders and Travis Hunter has the talent to be selected in the first round, and many pundits agree.

The Detroit Lions drafted Houston out of Jackson State University as the 217th overall pick in the sixth round of the 2022 NFL Draft. During his rookie season, Houston set an NFL record for sacks in his first four games and notched 8 sacks in seven to end the 2022 NFL regular season.

On March 13, Houston was in Jackson, Mississippi to promote the film.

“Tiger Run: The Untold Story” V.I.P. Experience
3.13.24 ~ Jackson, Ms
SME Entertainment, Detroit Lions Linebacker James Houston IV, Television Personality Omarosa, Host Chelle B of 99 Jams. pic.twitter.com/5Qv54ckaAL

— Joshua (@_jusjoshinya) March 15, 2024

“It wasn’t the championship that really gave me the satisfaction that I wanted,” Coach Deion Sanders told Brown in an exclusive interview, referring to the 2021 Celebration Bowl game against South Carolina State. “It was the journey.”

Producer Dee Brown highlights an interview with Coach Prime at the Pro Day event, the story behind Sanders’ “I Believe” mantra, and why HBCU athletics should spotlighted in college sports.

Award Winners of December 2023:
“Tiger Run: The Untold Story” by Dee Brown and Omarosa Manigault Newman (USA)

Honorable Mention for Documentary Short.#SupportIndieFilm pic.twitter.com/JXKzoTvB4r

— IndieX Film Fest (@IndieXFest) December 29, 2023

Dee Brown directed and produced the “Tiger Run: The Untold Story” docuseries on Self Made TV with Omarosa Newman as a producer.

Related: Detroit Lions Linebacker James Houston IV Says He Is ‘Ready’ To Return For His NFL Playoff Debut