Falcons have named Mariota as starting QB. KJ Wright signs one-day contract to retire with Seahawks, Michigan coach Harbaugh doubles down on anti-abortion stance, Alabama lands 5-star DB Caleb Downs, and more football news.
Falcons name Mariota as starting QB
The Atlanta Falcons have named Marcus Mariota as their starting quarterback after only one day of training camp. Mariota is the former No. 2 overall pick and is beginning his first season with the franchise. Filling the backup QB slot will be rookie Desmond Ridder, the 74th overall pick in the last draft, CBS Sports reported.
Mariota, 28, was drafted second overall by the Tennessee Titans in 2015 and won the Heisman Trophy at the University of Oregon. He led the Titans to three consecutive winning seasons, until being replaced by Ryan Tannehill halfway through the 2019 season. Mariota spent the last two years as Derek Carr's backup with the Las Vegas Raiders.
KJ Wright signs 1-day contract to retire with Seahawks
Linebacker K.J. Wright signed a one-day contract to be able to retire and end his NFL career with Seattle Seahawks, Fox Sports reported. Wright played for the Seahawks from 2011 through 2020. Upon becoming a free agent, he signed a one-year contract with the Las Vegas Raiders. He was a fourth-round pick by the Seahawks in the 2011 NFL draft, was part of the Seahawks' Super Bowl-winning team in 2013, and went to the Pro Bowl in 2016.
Michigan coach Harbaugh doubles down on anti-abortion stance
Michigan Wolverines head football coach Jim Harbaugh is doubling down on his anti-abortion position. He recently spoke at the Plymouth Right to Life event in Plymouth, Michigan. Harbaugh said he and his wife were more than willing to "raise that baby" for anyone he knew or any player in the instance of an unplanned pregnancy, NBC news reported.
"I just think this issue of life, of saving life, the abortion issue, is one that’s so big it needs to be talked about," Harbaugh said. "It needs a serious conversation."
"It’s a life-or-death type of issue," Harbaugh added. "I believe in and I respect people’s views, but let’s hear them, let’s discuss them."
Alabama lands 5-star DB Caleb Downs
Another major college player has committed to Alabama, with the Crimson Tide landing five-star safety Caleb Downs, 247 sports reported. Downs is the nation's top-ranked prospective safety.