Samwise NFL Newsletter
Thursday, July 3, 2026
LeRoy Irvin, Two-Time All-Pro Cornerback With the Rams, Dead at 68
LeRoy Irvin, a two-time All-Pro cornerback with the Los Angeles Rams, died at age 68, the team announced Thursday. Irvin played 11 seasons, recording 35 interceptions, 10 forced fumbles, and 13 fumble recoveries. He scored six defensive touchdowns and four more on punt returns, including setting a still-standing NFL single-game record with 207 punt return yards against the Atlanta Falcons. A 1980 third-round pick from Kansas, Irvin made two Pro Bowls and helped Los Angeles reach the NFC Championship Game in 1985 and 1989. His final season came with the Detroit Lions in 1990. Eric Dickerson posted an Instagram tribute calling him “a lockdown corner and a fierce competitor.”
911 Audio Released From Murder of Baltimore Ravens Star Calais Campbell’s Mother
Baltimore Ravens star Calais Campbell’s mother was murdered, and 911 audio from the incident has been released, according to TMZ. A family member called police to a home in Buckhead, an upscale Atlanta neighborhood, describing Ciarre Campbell — Calais’s brother — as “mentally ill” and saying he had been “diagnosed with schizophrenia.” Neighbors had also reported seeing Ciarre driving their mother’s car in an unusual manner. When officers arrived, Ciarre was barricaded inside the home, and they subsequently discovered the body of Nateal Campbell inside. Ciarre Campbell has been charged with murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm or knife.
Chris Johnson Revives Ice Bucket Challenge After Announcing ALS Diagnosis
Former NFL running back Chris Johnson, who announced an ALS diagnosis on “Good Morning America,” is reviving the Ice Bucket Challenge to raise awareness for the disease. Inspired by a video from Utah basketball player Hunter Mecum on Instagram, Johnson has challenged Marshawn Lynch, LenDale White, and Adam “Pacman” Jones to participate. The original 2014 campaign raised $135 million in the United States and $220 million worldwide. A 2008 first-round pick from East Carolina, Johnson rushed for 9,651 yards over a 10-year NFL career, winning the AP Offensive Player of the Year award after rushing for 2,006 yards in 2009.
Brandon Aiyuk Posts Another Video Saying He’ll ‘Be a Commander Soon,’ Calls Out 49ers and NFLPA
Wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk continued his public social media campaign on Thursday, posting multiple new Instagram videos and a photo. In one video, he declared he will “be a Commander soon,” according to Pro Football Talk, which noted there is still no indication Aiyuk has petitioned the NFL for reinstatement. Bleacher Report reported that Aiyuk also used the posts to call out the San Francisco 49ers and the NFL Players Association over voided contract guarantees. The posts represent the latest in Aiyuk’s public effort to secure a move to Washington.
Sources: Pro Football Talk / Bleacher Report Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Terrion Arnold’s Lawyer Tells Court Three Teams Have Contacted Former Lions CB
Former Detroit Lions cornerback Terrion Arnold has been contacted by three NFL teams, and his attorney Harvey Steinberg informed a court Thursday that Arnold expects to join a new team “within 30 days,” according to Pro Football Talk. Detroit released Arnold following his arrest on eight felony charges connected to an alleged robbery and kidnapping in Tampa, Florida in February. Steinberg’s update came during a court hearing, with Arnold still navigating the NFL’s reinstatement process. Three clubs have now expressed interest in signing the cornerback, his attorney confirmed to the court.
Sources: Pro Football Talk Share ↗ ✉︎ Email 💬 Text
Jaguars’ Arik Armstead: ‘It Was Impossible to Ignore the Chatter’ About His Future
Jacksonville Jaguars defensive lineman Arik Armstead acknowledged Thursday that “it’s impossible to ignore the chatter” about his future with the team, despite the Jaguars going 13-4 to capture the AFC South in 2025. Armstead carries a $19.4 million cap hit, with Jacksonville able to save $14.5 million by cutting him after June 1. The 33-year-old was second on the Jaguars with 5.5 sacks last season despite playing “with one hand for six games” due to a November hand injury. Entering the final year of his contract, Armstead said his focus is “being my best self and the best player I can be.”
Jahan Dotson Eager to Showcase Talent With Falcons: ‘I Didn’t Have That Opportunity the Past Couple Years’
Jahan Dotson, a first-round wide receiver in the 2022 draft, signed with the Atlanta Falcons and says he is eager to finally prove himself. “I didn’t really have that opportunity the past couple years,” Dotson told NFL.com. The former Washington Commanders wideout posted career highs of 523 receiving yards and seven touchdowns in his rookie season, then was traded to Philadelphia in 2024, where he played behind A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. In Atlanta, Dotson joins a core of Bijan Robinson, Kyle Pitts, and Drake London under coach Kevin Stefanski. “I want to be one of the greatest,” Dotson said.
Trey McBride on Jeremiyah Love: ‘That Dude’s a Stud’
Arizona Cardinals tight end Trey McBride voiced enthusiasm for rookie running back Jeremiyah Love, the No. 3 overall pick, calling him “a f—— stud” on the Bussin’ With the Boys podcast. Love produced 3,014 scrimmage yards and 40 touchdowns over his final two seasons at Notre Dame. The Cardinals, who endured a three-win 2025 season and ranked 31st in rushing, are hoping Love revitalizes the run game. McBride also praised third-round rookie quarterback Carson Beck. McBride, who signed a four-year, $76 million extension in April, added, “I love Arizona, man.”
2025 Regular Season Final Standings
American Conference Divisions
AFC East
1. New England Patriots — 14–3–0
2. Buffalo Bills — 12–5–0
3. Miami Dolphins — 7–10–0
4. New York Jets — 3–14–0
AFC North
1. Pittsburgh Steelers — 10–7–0
2. Baltimore Ravens — 8–9–0
3. Cincinnati Bengals — 6–11–0
4. Cleveland Browns — 5–12–0
AFC South
1. Jacksonville Jaguars — 13–4–0
2. Houston Texans — 12–5–0
3. Indianapolis Colts — 8–9–0
4. Tennessee Titans — 3–14–0
AFC West
1. Denver Broncos — 14–3–0
2. Los Angeles Chargers — 11–6–0
3. Kansas City Chiefs — 6–11–0
4. Las Vegas Raiders — 3–14–0
National Conference Divisions
NFC East
1. Philadelphia Eagles — 11–6–0
2. Dallas Cowboys — 7–9–1
3. Washington Commanders — 5–12–0
4. New York Giants — 4–13–0
NFC North
1. Chicago Bears — 11–6–0
2. Green Bay Packers — 9–7–1
3. Minnesota Vikings — 9–8–0
4. Detroit Lions — 9–8–0
NFC South
1. Carolina Panthers — 8–9–0
2. Atlanta Falcons — 8–9–0
3. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — 8–9–0
4. New Orleans Saints — 6–11–0
NFC West
1. Seattle Seahawks — 14–3–0
2. San Francisco 49ers — 12–5–0
3. Los Angeles Rams — 12–5–0
4. Arizona Cardinals — 3–14–0
Curated by JD · samwise.agency