As the first weekend of the New Year approaches, it’s the perfect time to catch up on sports and spark some fun conversations. Here’s everything you need to know to keep the sports chatter flowing this weekend.
Simone Biles: A Major Honor and Future Decisions
Simone Biles was named Sports Illustrated’s Sportsperson of the Year, but she’s already looking ahead to the future. Biles admitted that her chances of returning to the Olympics in 2028 are slim, citing the sacrifices required, such as halting her opportunity to start a family.
NFL Record-Breaker: Aaron Rodgers’ Last Game?
This weekend may be Aaron Rodgers's last game as the regular season winds down. Rodgers will have a place in the record books as the most sacked quarterback in NFL (National Football) history with 568 career sacks. (Tom Brady is second with 565). Whether this weekend is his last game remains to be seen, but he’s certainly made his mark on the NFL.
Women’s Sports Growth: Denver Gets NWSL Franchise
In women’s sports news, Denver was awarded a National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) franchise for a record-breaking $110M—the largest fee ever for a US women’s sports team. This exciting development signals significant growth for women’s professional soccer.
The Mayo Bowl: A Fun College Football Tradition
The Mayo Bowl between Minnesota and Virginia Tech is the weekend’s quirky highlight. The winning coach will get doused in mayo instead of the usual Gatorade, a tradition that never fails to entertain. This bowl also features fun practices for the Mayo dumpers, who’ve been perfecting their skills by pouring mayo over a dummy coach to avoid mishaps. In 2021, the cooler full of mayo smashed South Carolina head coach Shane Beamer in the head. Practice makes perfect!
Vikings vs. Lions: NFL Playoff Implications
This Sunday night’s matchup between the Vikings and the Detroit Lions is huge. Both teams are tied with 14 wins and will fight for the top seed in the playoffs, with the winner earning a first-round bye. It’s the most wins shared by two teams in a regular season game in NFL history.
Pro Bowl Snubs and Kelce’s Spot
Patrick Mahomes missed the Pro Bowl (the NFL’s all-star selection) for the first time since 2018, but his teammate Travis Kelce made the roster. Only four teams—the Jets, Saints, Dolphins and Titans—didn’t field a Pro Bowler this year on the initial selection.
Your Weekend Preview
With fun college football bowl games and the NFL heating up, this weekend promises something for everyone. Whether it’s quirky traditions like the Mayo Bowl, record-breaking NFL feats or significant moments in women’s sports, you’ll have plenty of conversation starters as 2025 heats up.
Enjoy the weekend, and check in with us next week as we prepare for the exciting sports action of 2025!
Photo: Unsplash
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