David Njoku’s journey to the NFL was filled with both excitement and unexpected moments. Drafted by the Cleveland Browns in 2017, Njoku initially received an unwanted call before finally getting the one he had been anxiously waiting for. Since then, he has grown both on and off the field, becoming the first Browns tight end to make a Pro Bowl since 2014 and leading the team in receiving touchdowns in 2022.
Cincinnati Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson has requested a trade, according to reports. The 29-year-old Pro Bowler is seeking a long-term contract outside of Cincinnati after signing a one-year extension last year. Despite his impressive performance in 2022, with 17.5 sacks and 43 tackles, the Bengals are reportedly reluctant to trade Hendrickson.
The Cincinnati Bengals have exercised the fifth-year option on Pro Bowl wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, extending his contract through the 2025 season. Chase, 24, has earned Pro Bowl honors in each of his first three seasons and was named Offensive Rookie of the Year in 2021. Selected No. 5 overall in the 2021 draft, Chase has amassed 268 catches for 3,717 yards and 29 touchdowns in 45 games, all starts. In 2023, he set a career-high with 100 receptions, tying for the second-most in a season in team history.
The Detroit Lions have locked in their star wide receiver, Amon-Ra St. Brown, with a whopping four-year, $120 million contract that will keep him with the team through the 2028 season. The deal boasts $77 million guaranteed, the highest total among NFL wideouts, and an average annual value of $30 million. St. Brown’s incredible performance in 2023, amassing 119 catches, 1,515 yards, and 10 touchdowns, and his two Pro Bowl selections have catapulted him into the elite tier of NFL wide receivers.
The Dallas Cowboys have a strong track record of selecting successful offensive linemen in the first round of the NFL draft. Since 2011, the Cowboys have drafted four offensive linemen in the first round, and all four have been named to a Pro Bowl. Three of the four have been named first-team All Pro, and the fourth, Tyler Smith, is considered a rising star. The Cowboys’ focus on drafting offensive linemen in the first round has been a major factor in their success over the past decade.
Jason Kelce, the Philadelphia Eagles’ Hall of Fame-worthy center, had an improbable journey to stardom. Drafted in the sixth round of the 2011 NFL Draft, Kelce overcame a misspelled name to become one of the most iconic Philadelphia athletes of all time. With multiple Pro Bowl selections, six first-team All-Pro selections, and a Super Bowl title, Kelce is widely regarded as one of the greatest centers in NFL history. After retiring in March, Kelce has been enjoying himself with appearances at WrestleMania and hosting the inaugural ‘Lombarby Games.’ He remains in high demand for broadcasting roles due to his infectious personality and loyal following.
In a flurry of roster moves, the Denver Broncos have exercised the fifth-year option for Pro Bowl cornerback Pat Surtain. This decision secures Surtain’s spot on the team for the 2024 season, with an estimated salary of $19.802 million. While the possibility of a long-term contract extension remains, Surtain’s status as a key player in Denver’s defense is undeniable.
Jack Fox, the Pro Bowl punter for the Detroit Lions, embodies the principles of perseverance and excellence in professional sports. Despite going undrafted in 2019, Fox has risen to become one of the highest-paid punters in the league. With an unwavering commitment to his craft and a strategic contract extension, Fox has established himself as an indispensable asset to the Lions. Beyond his on-field accomplishments, Fox is deeply involved in the community, mentoring young punters and kickers in the Detroit area. His story serves as an inspiration to athletes and non-athletes alike.
