The Lead

Ever since the NCAA began allowing college athletes to profit off their names, images, and likenesses (NIL), some athletes have been cashing in. But In a world filled with bad actors, some student-athletes have had much less fortunate outcomes. Today, we bring you the cautionary tale of Jaden Rashada, a top high school quarterback from California who saw an NIL deal worth millions of dollars -- along with his confidence -- go up in smoke.

Guest: Stewart Mandel, The Athletic

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Super Bowl 57 really had it everything — controversial calls, elite quarterbacks, and a high flying halftime show all of which made Sunday night in Phoenix one for the books. Plus Patrick Mahomes and Jalen Hurts show why the future of the NFL is in good hands. And with their second Super Bowl title in four years — are the Chiefs ready to become the next NFL dynasty?

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We have two days to go until Super Bowl 57, a game that has a ton of great matchups and storylines: Andy Reid versus his old team, Travis Kelce against his brother Jason, and a quarterback showdown between Patrick Mahomes and Jalen Hurts. Beyond the game itself, there are even more questions to ponder: What songs will Rihanna sing at halftime? What food should go in your Super Bowl spread? And what color Gatorade will be dumped on the winning coach? Today, The Athletic’s Jake Ciely breaks down all of this and more, in The Lead’s official Super Bowl Viewing Guide.

Follow Jake Ciely’s fantasy football coverage: https://theathletic.com/author/jake-ciely/

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Patrick Mahomes and Jalen Hurts will make history this weekend, as they become the first two Black quarterbacks to square off in a Super Bowl. For many, it's a sign of progress for a position that has historically been hugely biased against Black players. But just how much progress has actually been made? Today, sports economist David Berri explains why many Black QBs are still undervalued. Then, The Athletic’s Tashan Reed joins us to discuss his new podcast, Between The Lines, which explores what it means to be Black in the NFL today.

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Plus: Aaron Rodgers hints at where he might be lining up under center next season. And the last two undefeated teams in college hoops stay perfect ahead of an epic clash this Sunday.

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Lisa Guerrero reached the pinnacle of sports broadcasting when she became a sideline reporter on Monday Night Football. But what everyone assumed was a dream job instead became a nightmare -- one that cost her her dignity, her mental health, and a pregnancy. Today, Lisa discusses the traumas she experienced during her time as a sports reporter, and how she learned to look back and move forward.

Guest: Lisa Guerrero, author of Warrior: My Path To Being Brave

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The Golden State Warriors are the defending NBA champions, and one of the great dynasties in NBA history. But so far this season, the team is hovering around .500, and they're approaching a crossroads when it comes to the contracts of Klay Thompson, Draymond Green, and the architect of this dynasty, GM Bob Myers. Today, The Athletic's Sam Amick explains the massive impact Myers has had on the Warriors, the tensions now simmering behind the scenes, and what a Myers departure might mean for the team's future.

Read the full story about Bob Myers from Sam Amick, Anthony Slater, and Marcus Thompson II: https://theathletic.com/4123595/2023/01/25/warriors-bob-myers-contract-extension/

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After a week of ‘Burrowhead’ taunts from the Bengals, Kansas City’s star QB reminds Cincy that Arrowhead still belongs to him. Meanwhile, San Francisco runs OUT of QBs against the Eagles. And Novak Djokovic’s victorious return to the Australian Open puts him at the pinnacle of men’s tennis once again.

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For the Kansas City Chiefs, this season began with questions about who would fill the massive void left by wide receiver Tyreek Hill. And the answer has come in the form of not one, not two, not three, not four, but five new wideouts. Today, Sports Illustrated's Alex Prewitt explains how this group of mostly under-the-radar receivers has come together and coalesced under Patrick Mahomes, why they ended up with the bizarre nickname ‘Rogue Ninjas,' and the role this fivesome could play in a potential Super Bowl run.

Guest: Alex Prewitt, Sports Illustrated

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The San Francisco 49ers advanced to the NFC title game on Sunday after their 12th consecutive win, with superstar running back Christian McCaffrey scoring the go-ahead touchdown in the victory over the Cowboys. Since he arrived in an October trade, McCaffrey has helped take San Francisco’s offense to another level, and he now has the Niners — a team his dad used to play for — one win away from the Super Bowl. However, when it comes to athleticism — and specifically, his speed — McCaffrey actually takes more after his mom. Today, The Athletic’s Matt Barrows tells us that story.

Read Matt Barrows’s full story about the McCaffrey family: https://theathletic.com/4083118/2023/01/13/49ers-christian-mccaffrey-mom/

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