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David Roth

Michael Penix Jr, seen here pointing at The Distraction logo at upper left during Washington's win over Texas in the Sugar Bowl on 1/1/2024.

Podcasts

Wolfgang Amadeus Penix Jr.

<p>Columnist. Author of many <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Drew-Magary/e/B001JS8R52/ref=dp_byline_cont_pop_book_1">fine works of literature</a>, including <em>Point B</em>. Handsomest man in the world.</p>


Drew Magary

PASADENA, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 01: Blake Corum #2 of the Michigan Wolverines runs with the ball for yardage away from Terrion Arnold #3 and Kool-Aid McKinstry #1 of the Alabama Crimson Tide during second half of the CFP Semifinal Rose Bowl Game at Rose Bowl Stadium on January 01, 2024 in Pasadena, California. The Michigan Wolverines won the game 27-20 in overtime. (Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images)

What Happens When Players Start Opting Out Of The College Football Playoff?

Tom Ley

Media Meltdowns

Pat McAfee Dons Formal Sleeves As He Tries To Explain Away Aaron Rodgers’s Comments About Jimmy Kimmel


<p>Dan McQuade was a founding member of Defector. He died in January 2026.</p>


Dan McQuade

PHILADELPHIA, PA - DECEMBER 31: Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) looks on during the game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Philadelphia Eagles on December 31, 2023 at Lincoln Financial Field.

At Least The Eagles Will Play More 1:00 P.M. Games Next Season

Aaron Rodgers And ESPN Are A Match Made In Desperation

Ray Ratto

David Tepper of the Carolina Panthers looks on against the New York Giants prior to the game at MetLife Stadium on Friday, August 18, 2023, in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

David Tepper Throws Drink At Fans, Becomes NFL’s Chief Jagoff

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - DECEMBER 30: Head coach Dan Campbell of the Detroit Lions reacts to a penalty during a two point conversion attempt against the Dallas Cowboys during the fourth quarter in the game at AT&amp;T Stadium on December 30, 2023 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images)

Dan Campbell Can’t Help Himself

CLEVELAND, OH - DECEMBER 28: Joe Flacco #15 of the Cleveland Browns celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the New York Jets at Cleveland Browns Stadium on December 28, 2023 in Cleveland, Ohio.

Joe Flacco Went From His Couch To The Playoffs

<div dir="ltr">
<div>Victoria Zeller is a trans writer born and raised in Buffalo, New York, where she still proudly resides. Her debut novel, <i><a href="https://bookshop.org/p/books/one-of-the-boys-victoria-zeller/21775251" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://bookshop.org/p/books/one-of-the-boys-victoria-zeller/21775251&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1735306610555000&amp;usg=AOvVaw0sXpgNMmxpIwmIZOFd-Pnw">One of the Boys</a></i>, is out now. Her personal website can be found <a href="http://victoria.monster/" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://victoria.monster&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1735306610555000&amp;usg=AOvVaw0PrZ7PkO1IykxAodWoMLI_">here</a>.</div>
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Victoria Zeller

Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills visits on set of the Amazon Prime TNF postgame show after an NFL football game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on October 26, 2023 in Orchard Park, New York.

It’s All Worth It For 17

DENVER, COLORADO - OCTOBER 29: Denver Broncos Head coach Sean Payton, left, talks with Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during the second half at Empower Field at Mile High on October 29, 2023 in Denver, Colorado. The Denver Broncos beat the Kansas City Chiefs 24 to 9 during week 8 of the NFL regular season. (Photo by RJ Sangosti/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images)

Real Power Is Incinerating Your Boss’s Money

Patrick Redford

DENVER, COLORADO - DECEMBER 24: Quarterback Russell Wilson #3 of the Denver Broncos passes during the 1st quarter of the game against the New England Patriots at Empower Field At Mile High on December 24, 2023 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)

The Broncos Seem Done With Russell Wilson

Israel Daramola

Packers Suspend Jaire Alexander For Must-Win Game Because He Fucked Up A Coin Toss

<p>Staff Writer</p>
<p>Find me on Signal @DefectorChris.19</p>


Chris Thompson

Aaron Rodgers Sees A Vast “Medical Industrial Complex” Conspiracy Behind People Not Liking Him

American football player Chuck Bednarik (#60) of the Philadelphia Eagles eyes his opponants as Charlie Conerly (#42), quarterback for the New York Giants prepares to take the ball during a game, late 1950s or early 1960s.

Eagles Versus Giants And Other Football Concerns

CLEVELAND, OHIO - DECEMBER 17: A fan dressed as Santa Claus cheers during the second half between the Chicago Bears and the Cleveland Browns at Cleveland Browns Stadium on December 17, 2023 in Cleveland, Ohio. (Photo by Nick Cammett/Diamond Images via Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Santa Claus

The NFL Wants To Be The Reason For The Season

Dave McKenna

Tommy DeVito Eats Crow, Dough To Quash Quarrel With New Jersey Pizzeria

Aaron Rodgers Suspends His Purely Hypothetical Achilles Injury Comeback Tour


<p>Diana Moskovitz is Defector&#8217;s investigations editor. You can contact her at diana@defector.com or dfmoskovitz@protonmail.com. She&#8217;s also on Signal @dmoskovitz.99</p>


Diana Moskovitz

Von Miller #40 of the Buffalo Bills on the field before a preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts at Highmark Stadium on August 12, 2023 in Orchard Park, New York.

How Long Can The NFL Keep The Volume Down About Von Miller’s Arrest?

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - DECEMBER 18: Jaxon Smith-Njigba #11 of the Seattle Seahawks catches a pass for a touchdown passed James Bradberry #24 of the Philadelphia Eagles in the fourth quarter at Lumen Field on December 18, 2023 in Seattle, Washington.

The Eagles (Actually) Stink!

Lauren Theisen

You Never Know When Your Last Win Comes

Luke Farrell of the Jaguars is tackled after a reception

The Jaguars Are Burning Out

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<p>Charles P. Pierce is a writer at <em>Esquire</em> and the author of four books, most recently <em>Idiot America</em>, and has been a working journalist since 1976. He lives near Boston with his wife but no longer his three children.</p>
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Charles P. Pierce

New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick chats with QB Bailey Zappe in the first half. The Patriots beat the Pittsburgh Steelers, 21-18.

The Patriots Are Reverting To Type

Zach Wilson is sacked by the Miami Dolphins.

The Jets Have Excavated An Even Lower Level Of Quarterback Hell

Nick Mullens throws the ball directly into the face of the player who is sacking him.

Nick Mullens Tossed The Interception Of A Lifetime

Inglewood, CA - December 10: Los Angeles Chargers head coach Brandon Staley watches from the sideline during the second half against the Denver Broncos at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood Sunday, Dec. 10, 2023. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

NFL