That fanbase has grown because of the NFL’s International Series. The league created this set of regular season games in 2007 to expand the sport’s reach in countries outside the United States. The series kicked off in London with the New York Giants beating the Miami Dolphins 13-10. Since then, 36 games have taken place in the U.K., including three matchups in 2023. Other games have occurred in Mexico and Germany.

OLBG compiled a ranking of the most popular NFL teams in the U.K. using data from YouGov as of the third quarter of 2023. Popularity is defined by the percentage of survey participants that indicated they like each team. Ties were broken using each team’s fame score, the percentage of survey participants that said they had heard of the team.

The team that’s played in England the most did not make this list: the Jacksonville Jaguars. They played back-to-back weeks in London in 2023, pushing their total to 11 games on British soil.

Elsa // Getty Images

#5. New England Patriots

– Popularity: 17%
– Fame: 56%

Fans love a winning team, and during the 20 years quarterback Tom Brady spent with the New England Patriots, they reached the playoffs 17 times and recorded six Super Bowl victories, picking up countless fans across the pond. Other British fans jumped on the bandwagon because the team’s name includes “England.” The Patriots haven’t played in London since 2012, but they have a 2-0 record on British soil.

Justin Setterfield // Getty Images

#4. Miami Dolphins

– Popularity: 20%
– Fame: 67%

Many British fans started rooting for the Dolphins in the 1980s when superstar quarterback Dan Marino led the team. Their massive U.K. fanbase, however, hasn’t had much to cheer about when Miami comes to town—it has a 1-4 record in London.

Vincent Mignott/DeFodi Images // Getty Images

#3. New York Giants

– Popularity: 22%
– Fame: 65%

The Giants kicked off the International Series in 2007 with that victory over the Dolphins at a rainy Wembley Stadium packed with more than 80,000 fans. The game was ugly—New York quarterback Eli Manning threw for just 59 yards—but it marked a win for the eventual Super Bowl champs.

Jack Thomas // Getty Images

#2. Chicago Bears

– Popularity: 22%
– Fame: 69%

The Chicago Bears have had British supporters since at least the 1980s when legendary running back Walter Payton awed fans around the world. After their Super Bowl XX victory in 1986, the Bears played the Dallas Cowboys in London in the American Bowl, an exhibition match the Bears won 17-6. Chicago has a 1-1 record in the International Series, with a 24-18 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2011 and a 24-21 loss to the Oakland Raiders in 2019.

Charlie Crowhurst // Getty Images

#1. Dallas Cowboys

– Popularity: 25%
– Fame: 73%

“America’s Team” has one of the biggest fanbases in the world. Though the Cowboys played preseason games in London prior to 2007, they’ve contested only one International Series game: a 31-17 win over the Jaguars in 2014.

OLBG

The Chicago Bears are particularly popular among the UK’s younger demographics

Most of the popular teams in the U.K. had standout years in the 1980s. Not only have Brits remained loyal to their first teams, but they’ve also passed down that fandom to their children.

Data reporting by Karim Noorani. Story editing by Mike Taylor. Copy editing by Kristen Wegrzyn. Photo selection by Clarese Moller.

This story originally appeared on OLBG and was produced and
distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio.

The post The most popular NFL teams in the UK appeared first on Digital Journal.

The NFL talent pool includes Europe and Africa. Europe has been a hotbed for the league with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers being one of the most popular franchises on the continent, per Time2Play. Four European countries belong in the top 10 for the most active players from outside the U.S.

OLBG compiled a ranking of the countries outside the United States with the most active NFL players using data from Pro Football Reference. A player’s birthplace was used to determine their country of origin. Ties were broken using the countries’ total past and present player count.

Europe isn’t the only part of the world boasting NFL talent. A handful of African countries have produced NFL players, while Australia and the Caribbean also have athletes who have reached the pinnacle of football. The talent pool will continue to diversify as the NFL expands its reach.

Michael Owens // Getty Images

#5. Jamaica

– Active players: 3
– Total players (past and present): 42

Jamaica has frequently been represented on NFL rosters. The Caribbean country is the birthplace of three active players, including New York Giants offensive tackle Matt Peart, three-time Pro Bowl pass-rusher Danielle Hunter of the Minnesota Vikings, and Green Bay Packers cornerback Corey Ballentine. Hunter, who was born in St. Catherine, has represented Jamaica as one of the league’s best defensive players with 81 career sacks. Ballentine has made a name for himself as an NCAA Division II prospect out of Washburn.

Justin Casterline // Getty Images

#4. Germany

– Active players: 3
– Total players (past and present): 88

Germany has produced NFL talent for quite some time. The European nation is currently represented by Indianapolis Colts safety Marcel Dabo, Las Vegas Raiders fullback Jakob Johnson, and Washington Commanders defensive tackle David Bada. Each has made the NFL a reality despite going undrafted. Dabo received his opportunity in 2022 through the league’s International Pathway Program.

Christopher Mast // Getty Images

#3. Australia

– Active players: 9
– Total players (past and present): 21

The Land Down Under is known for elite kicking specialists. Australia-born NFL players include the Seattle Seahawks’ Michael Dickson, Houston Texans’ Cameron Johnston, San Francisco 49ers’ Mitch Wishnowsky, and New Orleans Saints’ Lou Hedley—all punters. The country has also produced talent in the trenches, including Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Jordan Mailata, Jacksonville Jaguars defensive lineman Adam Gotsis, and Baltimore Ravens offensive tackle Daniel Faalele. Mailata, a rugby player who was drafted in 2018, has solidified his place in the league without having previous football experience.

Scott Taetsch // Getty Images

#2. Nigeria

– Active players: 11
– Total players (past and present): 34

Nigeria has been consistently represented throughout NFL rosters. The African country is the birthplace of defensive stalwarts including ends Joseph Ossai of the Cincinnati Bengals and Emmanuel Ogbah of the Miami Dolphins. The Giant of Africa is also responsible for Ravens wide receiver and Super Bowl LII champion Nelson Agholor. The University of Southern California product, who was drafted in 2015 with the 20th pick by the Eagles, has amassed 4,470 receiving yards and 33 touchdowns in his career.

Eric Espada // Getty Images

#1. Canada

– Active players: 21
– Total players (past and present): 131

The Great White North has generated some of the NFL’s best talent, including Hall of Famer Bronko Nagurski. Canada, which has its own professional football league in the CFL, produced Dolphins safety Jevon Holland. The British Columbia native burst onto the scene in 2021, being named to the Pro Football Writers of America All-Rookie team. Canada is also the birthplace of Carolina Panthers running back Chuba Hubbard and Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Joshua Palmer. Both players were also selected in the 2021 draft. Other notable Canadian players include Ravens defensive end Brent Urban and Dolphins receiver Chase Claypool.

Data reporting by Karim Noorani. Story editing by Mike Taylor. Copy editing by Robert Wickwire. Photo selection by Clarese Moller.

This story originally appeared on OLBG and was produced and
distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio.

The post Countries with the most active NFL players appeared first on Digital Journal.

Margaret Mead once said: “Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” This quote applies to William Richardson.

Daily motivations

Each day, he shared that he is inspired by “the challenge of life.” “There is always something new to overcome, and that inspires me. Whatever comes into my life is what gives purpose, and of course, my faith. Life actually really has meaning… it took me a very long time to search for that, and to find it,” he explained.

The digital age

On being a fitness coach and social influencer in the digital age, Richardson said, “It is definitely different. I started off training and getting recognition in person. Whenever I was in high school, I would see fitness influencers take off. Fitness is something I was obsessed with, and I thought it would be really cool to do that one day.”

“I remember I used to post content for a long time, and nothing took off for years. One day, my content started taking off and more people took notice of it, and I thought it would be great to make something out of it, potentially,” he recalled.

Use of technology in his daily routine

Regarding his use of technology in his daily routine, the 23-year-old said, “Usually I start off the day with whatever sales calls I have and making content. Now, it is a form of communication. Every day, I wake up and check my notifications… it is basically human interaction at this point. Also, the ability to reach a large scale of people at one time too.”

Playing many sports in his younger days

In high school, he revealed that he played most sports, which included basketball, football, track and field, soccer, wiffleball, and swimming. “I started lifting in my freshman year, and I liked it better than any sport I ever played, so I completely focused on that,” he said.

“Also, I’m glad I studied the lifting because that is what taught me everything,” he added.

Looking at calories from a weekly standpoint

He shared a neat health and fitness lesson where he encouraged people to look at calories from a weekly standpoint as opposed to a daily one.

“In fitness, one day is not going to make a difference,” he admitted. “Whether you miss a workout or you are going to the gym three days a week, it would be like doing three days out of eight, and the difference will not be significant, or it may not even be noticeable at all,” he elaborated.

“It really is about averaging calories in the overall picture, so if you eat more in one day, adjust your calorie intake for the rest of the week and you should be fine,” he acknowledged.

Career-defining moments

On his career-defining moments, Richardson said, “Hitting 100,000 followers on Instagram was such a cool moment to the point where it didn’t seem real. It was wild to see that happen. Also, there are so many moments in lifting that have helped define me. When my clients see results in their workouts, it is very rewarding.”

Advice for hopefuls that wish to get into shape

For hopefuls that wish to get into shape in the New Year, he encouraged them “just to start and just to go.”

“Just start going, even if you know absolutely nothing. Just work out, try to eat better, and with time, look at how to do things better.  You can work with a coach, even though you don’t have to. Just go, and with time, you are going to learn along the way. The best advice is to just start,” he said.

Future goals

On his future goals, Richardson said, “I want to continue to grow my personal training. I want to help people, and to put everything in terms that people are able to understand to. That’s a goal of mine as well.”

“Overall, I want to grow my training, and to establish myself more as a credible source. Even if I am better than I was last year, that would be great,” he expressed.

Superpower of choice

If he were to have any superpower, it would be “teleportation.” “I could snap and go wherever I want to go,” he said with a sweet laugh.

In track and field, he listed the 100 meter sprint as his event of choice. “When I did track, they threw me in the varsity for the 4 x 100 race, so I guess I must have been pretty fast,” he recalled.

Stage of his life

Regarding the title of the current chapter of his life, Richardson said, “New Beginnings.” “I am in the ‘Entrepreneur’ chapter of my life,” he admitted. “I am putting a lot of energy into that. It is my No. 1 thing right now, as well as discipline, whether that is faith or trying to be better.”

Success

On his definition of the word success, Richardson said, “Success can be physical, financial, and relationship. True success for me is being a follower of Jesus. Does my life replicate that in any way? No. Success for me is also peace of mind.”

To learn more about William Richardson, follow him on Instagram.

The post Meet William Richardson: Fitness coach, entrepreneur, and social influencer appeared first on Digital Journal.

The playoff gives squads the opportunity to directly vie for a national title, something the sport lacked from its first days until the Bowl Championship Series’ inauguration in 1998, when human poll averages, computer poll averages, and strength of schedule decided which two teams would clash for a national championship. Before that, champions were symbolically crowned by various groups, most prominently the Associated Press, which chose Minnesota as its first titlist in 1936.

As this year proved, perhaps better than any other, the landscape changes continuously. The selection committee caused an uproar by tabbing Alabama to compete with Michigan, Washington, and Texas instead of Florida State, which completed an unblemished season despite a season-ending injury to star quarterback Jordan Travis.

ATS.io compiled a ranking of the teams with the best championship seasons in the modern era—or since 1978, when the NCAA split Division I football into what is now the FBS and Football Championship Subdivision—using data from Sports Reference. Programs were positioned according to Sports Reference’s simple rating system, which considers the average point differential and schedule strength. For seasons before 2014, any club that finished at the top of a national poll was considered.

Jon Soohoo // Getty Images

#5. Miami Hurricanes, 2001

– Record: 12-0 (7-0 in Big East)
– Rating: 26.17

Led by first-year head coach Larry Coker, the 2001 Hurricanes are considered one of the most talented teams ever and fielded an astonishing 38 NFL draft picks. They featured NFL legends such as defensive lineman Vince Wilfork, running back Frank Gore, and Pro Football Hall of Fame safety Ed Reed.

The Hurricanes secured the BCS National Championship with a 37-14 win over Nebraska in the Rose Bowl. Their campaign included a 61-0 victory over Rutgers, one of three games in which Miami held its opponent scoreless. The Canes avoided a blemish on their record with a nail-biting 26-24 win at Virginia Tech to conclude the regular season.

Bernstein Associates // Getty Images

#4. Washington Huskies, 1991

– Record: 12-0 (8-0 in Pac-10)
– Rating: 26.22

The 1991 Huskies, led by legendary head coach Don James, had the nation’s second-most potent offense, averaging 38.4 points per game with star split end Mario Bailey. Washington was stout on defense, too, holding opponents to 8.4 points per game, also second in the country, behind a group that featured Dave Hoffman and the late Jaime Fields at linebacker, cornerback Dana Hall, and future NFL defensive lineman Steve Emtman, who was the No. 1 pick in the 1992 NFL draft.

The Huskies started the regular season with a 42-7 win at Stanford and ended it with a 56-21 victory against rival Washington State. They earned the right to call themselves national champions with a 34-14 win over Big Ten foe Michigan in the Rose Bowl—though Washington shared the title with Miami, which also finished 12-0.

Ezra Shaw // Getty Images

#3. Clemson Tigers, 2018

– Record: 15-0 (8-0 in ACC)
– Rating: 26.45

The 2018 Tigers became the first major-college team in 121 years to finish 15-0. Head coach Dabo Swinney guided a prolific offense that scored more than 40 points nine times, including a 77-16 win over Louisville. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence finished the season with 3,280 passing yards and 30 touchdowns against four interceptions.

The 2021 NFL draft’s No. 1 pick leaned on wide receivers Tee Higgins and Hunter Renfrow, among others, and running back Travis Etienne Jr.—a group that has also been successful in the NFL. The Tigers’ defense gave opponents fits thanks to stars A.J. Terrell and Isaiah Simmons in the secondary. That unit also featured talent in the trenches, including linemen Clelin Ferrell and Dexter Lawrence.

Mike Powell // Getty Images

#2. Nebraska Cornhuskers, 1995

– Record: 12-0 (7-0 in Big 8)
– Rating: 26.86

The 1995 Cornhuskers entered the season with high expectations following a ’94 national championship and just one loss in the two years prior. Nebraska built on that success under the tutelage of longtime head coach Tom Osborne. The Cornhuskers had a well-rounded team led by an offense that scored 49 or more points in eight games.

Quarterback Tommie Frazier threw for 1,362 yards and 17 touchdowns with just four interceptions and ran for 604 yards and another 14 scores. Running back Ahman Green rushed for 1,086 yards and 13 touchdowns, and Nebraska showcased an elite defense by holding Missouri and Oklahoma scoreless.

That unit featured outside linebacker Jared Tomich, a young Grant Wistrom, and cornerbacks Tyrone Williams and Michael Booker, the No. 11 pick in the 1997 NFL draft. Nebraska capped the season with a spectacular 62-24 win over the Florida Gators in the Fiesta Bowl to claim the national title.

Kevin C. Cox // Getty Images

#1. Alabama Crimson Tide, 2020

– Record: 13-0 (10-0 in SEC)
– Rating: 30.26

Led by head coach Nick Saban, the 2020 Crimson Tide had one of the most talented rosters of all time. The offense was sparked by quarterback Mac Jones, running back Najee Harris, and wide receiver DeVonta Smith—winner of the Heisman Trophy. Alabama also sported a star-studded defense featuring lineman Christian Barmore, linebacker Dylan Moses, and cornerback Patrick Surtain II.

The Crimson Tide dominated the Southeastern Conference, including a 52-24 win over Texas A&M, a 41-24 triumph against Georgia, and a 42-13 victory versus rival Auburn. Alabama beat Florida 52-46 in the league championship game before dispatching Notre Dame 31-14 in the Rose Bowl, a CFP semifinal. The Crimson Tide then routed Ohio State 52-24 in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game.

Story editing by Mike Taylor. Copy editing by Robert Wickwire. Photo selection by Clarese Moller.

This story originally appeared on ATS.io and was produced and
distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio.

The post Most dominant national champions in modern college football history appeared first on Digital Journal.

The Heisman has also served as a springboard to NFL careers that will be remembered by generations of fans. Winners have experienced team success such as Super Bowl victories and added to personal accomplishments that were mythologized with the highest honor: gold jackets and busts for members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Stacker compiled a ranking of the most successful Heisman Trophy winners in NFL history using Pro Football Reference’s weighted career approximate value, which quantifies a player’s overall impact by balancing peak production against raw totals. Heisman winners since 1960, which is as far back as the approximate value stat goes, were considered. Ties were broken by NFL games played.

Focus on Sport // Getty Images

#10. Vinny Testaverde

– Position: Quarterback
– NFL games played: 233
– Weighted career approximate value: 97

The #1 pick in the 1987 draft had ample NFL success following a career at the University of Miami during which he threw for 6,058 yards and 48 touchdowns with 25 interceptions in four seasons. Testaverde’s NFL career spanned 21 seasons—tied for eighth on the all-time list. The New Yorker played for seven franchises and was selected for two Pro Bowls. He finished with 46,233 passing yards, 275 touchdowns against 267 interceptions, and a 56.5 completion percentage.

Bettmann // Getty Images

#9. O.J. Simpson

– Position: Running back
– NFL games played: 135
– Weighted career approximate value: 98

After Simpson reached the peak of football with the University of Southern California and in the NFL, he was found liable for the wrongful deaths of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown Simpson, and Ronald Goldman in a 1997 civil lawsuit. He was later convicted on unrelated charges of kidnapping and armed robbery in 2008.

He began his college career at the City College of San Francisco before spending two seasons at USC, where he rushed for 3,124 yards and 33 touchdowns. He matched his success in the NFL by being named an All-Pro five times and Most Valuable Player in 1973. Simpson, who played for the Buffalo Bills and San Francisco 49ers, rushed for 11,236 yards and 61 touchdowns in 11 seasons and became a Pro Football Hall of Famer in 1985.

Bettmann // Getty Images

#8. Roger Staubach

– Position: Quarterback
– NFL games played: 131
– Weighted career approximate value: 104

Known as “Captain America,” Staubach found favor with fans early in his college football career as a leader for the United States Naval Academy. The Midshipman threw for 3,571 yards and 18 touchdowns with 19 interceptions and rushed for 17 scores in three seasons. He is the last player from a service academy to win the Heisman and served in the Vietnam War after graduation. Staubach entered the NFL as a 27-year-old in 1969 and spent his 11-season career with the Dallas Cowboys. He compiled 22,700 passing yards and 153 touchdowns with 109 interceptions, plus 2,264 rushing yards and 20 scores, and was part of the 1985 Pro Football Hall of Fame class.

Sporting News // Getty Images

#7. Marcus Allen

– Position: Running back
– NFL games played: 222
– Weighted career approximate value: 104

Allen was one of the best running backs of all time. The 6-foot-2, 210-pounder from San Diego amassed 4,682 rushing yards and 45 touchdowns in four seasons at USC, including a senior Heisman campaign in which he rushed for 2,342 yards and 22 scores. The #10 pick in the 1982 draft won Super Bowl XVIII with the Los Angeles Raiders in 1984 and was named the game’s MVP. Two seasons later, Allen had the best year of his 16-year career, rushing for 1,759 yards—109.9 yards per game—and earning the Offensive Player of the Year and MVP awards. In 2003, Allen was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Bettmann // Getty Images

#6. Tim Brown

– Position: Wide receiver
– NFL games played: 255
– Weighted career approximate value: 105

The Notre Dame graduate thrived in South Bend, Indiana, stockpiling 2,493 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns, plus 442 rushing yards and four scores, in four seasons. Brown was just the second wide receiver to win the Heisman after Nebraska’s Johnny Rodgers in 1972.

He carried over that success to the NFL as a member of the Raiders and, for one year, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In 17 seasons, Brown recorded 14,934 receiving yards and 100 touchdowns on 1,094 receptions. The dynamic Dallasite also collected 3,320 career punt return yards with three scores and led the league in kickoff returns as a rookie. He was named to nine Pro Bowls and inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2015.

Focus on Sport // Getty Images

#5. Tony Dorsett

– Position: Running back
– NFL games played: 173
– Weighted career approximate value: 107

Dorsett became a household name in college by leading Pittsburgh to the national championship in 1976. That season, during his Heisman campaign, he ran for 1,948 yards and punched in 21 touchdowns, upping his career totals to 6,082 and 55, respectively.

He was the #2 pick in the 1977 draft by the Dallas Cowboys and was named the Offensive Rookie of the Year. Dorsett also became a Super Bowl champion that season. His NFL tenure spanned 12 years, including one with the Denver Broncos. The dual-threat—he had 398 receptions for 3,554 yards with 13 touchdowns—was selected to four Pro Bowls and was part of the 1994 Pro Football Hall of Fame class. He ended his career with 12,739 rushing yards and 77 scores.

David Madison // Getty Images

#4. Carson Palmer

– Position: Quarterback
– NFL games played: 182
– Weighted career approximate value: 107

The third USC Trojan on this list, Palmer’s illustrious college career—11,388 passing yards with 71 touchdowns and 49 interceptions—featured a comeback from a collarbone injury. The 6-foot-5 Californian threw for 3,942 yards and 33 scores against 10 picks as a redshirt senior to propel himself to the Heisman.

His ability to orchestrate an offense made him the #1 pick in the 2003 draft by the Cincinnati Bengals, and he helped turn the franchise around with two playoff appearances in seven seasons. Palmer also spent time with the Oakland Raiders and Arizona Cardinals and was selected to three Pro Bowls. He overcame multiple serious injuries and threw for 46,247 yards and 294 touchdowns with 187 interceptions in 14 seasons. In 2019, Palmer was inducted into the Cardinals’ Ring of Honor.

Kelly Kline // Getty Images

#3. Cam Newton

– Position: Quarterback
– NFL games played: 148
– Weighted career approximate value: 115

Newton began his college career at the University of Florida before a stint at Blinn College in Texas, and then he earned a scholarship to Auburn University. During his junior year, he threw for 2,854 yards and 30 touchdowns with seven interceptions and led the offense with 1,473 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns—one of the best seasons of all time.

Newton, the #1 draft pick in 2011, led the Carolina Panthers to a Super Bowl 50 appearance with a 15-1 record, which included a 14-game winning streak to begin the 2015 season. Newton was named MVP as well as Offensive Player of the Year. He finished his 11-year career with 32,382 passing yards and 194 touchdowns to 123 interceptions. He also rushed for 5,628 yards and 75 touchdowns, figures that rank second and first all-time, respectively.

Doug Pensinger // Getty Images

#2. Charles Woodson

– Position: Defensive back
– NFL games played: 254
– Weighted career approximate value: 115

Woodson is the only cornerback on this list, as he is still the first and only defensive player to win the Heisman. The former Wolverine also helped Michigan on offense and special teams. Woodson collected 16 interceptions and scored five offensive touchdowns and one punt-return touchdown in three seasons.

He was the #4 pick in 1998 by the Raiders and sandwiched 11 seasons with the team around seven seasons with the Green Bay Packers. Woodson was named the Defensive Player of the Year in 2009 and two seasons later won Super Bowl XLV with the Packers. The nine-time Pro Bowler and two-time interceptions leader ended his career with 1,220 tackles, 33 forced fumbles, 65 interceptions, and 13 defensive touchdowns. Woodson was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2021.

Bettmann // Getty Images

#1. Barry Sanders

– Position: Running back
– NFL games played: 153
– Weighted career approximate value: 120

The Oklahoma State product played his entire career with the Detroit Lions after three college seasons. At OSU, Sanders rushed for 2,628 yards and 37 touchdowns in just 11 games as a junior. His productivity made him the #3 pick in the 1989 draft—and he became the Offensive Rookie of the Year.

Sanders’ career reached new heights with 1,100 rushing yards and a Pro Bowl selection in each of his 10 years, and he captured the rushing title on four occasions. The 1997 MVP, two-time Offensive Player of the Year, and six-time All-Pro is considered one of the best to ever play the game. He ranks fourth all-time with 15,269 career rushing yards, and he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2004.

Data reporting by Karim Noorani. Story editing by Mike Taylor. Copy editing by Robert Wickwire. Photo selection by Clarese Moller.

The post Most successful Heisman Trophy winners appeared first on Digital Journal.

Participating in school sports is not only correlated with high achievement but also high graduation rates. In Baltimore public schools, students in the graduating class of 2019 who participated in sports all four years of high school had a graduation rate of 98.5%. Their counterparts who did not participate in sports had a graduation rate of 62.9%. The significant difference between these two groups could be due to the discipline and leadership skills school sports teach, as well as the community connections and mentorship opportunities sports bring.

Considering the proven benefits of participating in school sports, Study.com examined data from the National Federation of State High School Associations to examine how girls’ high school sports participation compares with boys’. The data source was collected with a binary breakdown of sex and gender, which excludes information on transgender participation in high school sports.

Beyond academic success, participating in school sports also opens up a wealth of higher education opportunities. Students who seek collegiate sports opportunities have greater access to scholarships. The federal law known as Title IX requires colleges to award athletic scholarships proportionally to the participation rate in sports for each gender at the university. If, for example, 65% of an institution’s athletes are male, approximately 65% of the total allocated awards should go to male athletes. But schools are not required to provide the same number of scholarships for men and women, nor to give scholarships of equal value.

With this financial landscape in mind, it is worth exploring how athletic opportunities for women compare to those for men. Even among professional leagues, women’s sports viewership and attendance lags behind men’s—there are fewer professional opportunities for women athletes.

Study.com

High school sports participation hasn’t reached parity among girls and boys

After the passage of Title IX in 1972, girls sports participation skyrocketed. But that growth started to plateau around 2000. Five decades after Title IX, the National Federation of State High School Associations reports there are still 1.3 million fewer school sports participation opportunities for girls than for boys.

The federation recommends ensuring schools take equity measures to increase girls’ participation in school sports. Specifically, it suggests all sports in a school get equal publicity, support, and announcements. Schools are encouraged to perform a Title IX self-audit, create a gender equity committee, and ensure that coaching personnel receive training to empower their teams’ athletes.

Study.com

The most popular sports

While football dominates male athletics, girls’ participation is much more even and varied across different sports. NFHS recommends schools offer a wide range of sports for girls to choose from and consider offering sports that the state’s athletic association may not currently sanction.

Another barrier to girls’ participation in school sports may be the material opportunities available to them. Women’s Sports Foundation reports that many girls do not have access to the same quality athletic facilities that boys enjoy.

Given the lower levels of female participation in school sports, schools must allocate resources to quality coaching, equipment, and facilities for their female students. Doing so will improve academic results and contribute to teaching and coaching confident, empowered girls and women.

Story editing by Jeff Inglis. Copy editing by Kristen Wegrzyn.

This story originally appeared on Study.com and was produced and
distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio.

The post Girls high school sports participation is up from a decade ago, but still lags behind boys appeared first on Digital Journal.

The class of 1996 introduced the world to Kobe Bryant and Allen Iverson, who along with nine other All-Stars dominated the 2000s, merging media, culture, and basketball to challenge soccer’s supremacy for international popularity. The 2003 draft class left its mark, as first pick LeBron James joined three others from the top five to redefine free agency, players’ business prowess, and the Olympics as part of the “Redeem Team.” But not all draft classes have such depth.

Many say the 2019 class is among the worst, citing top picks’ performances, injuries, and off-court behavior. It’s still too early to finalize conclusions, but other classes have established their legacies.

To establish the worst NBA draft classes, Casino Bonus CA looked at all members of each group starting from the NBA-ABA merger in 1976 and going through 2017. Each class’ average win shares per 48 minutes—a Basketball-Reference estimate of how many wins a player contributes to their team per game, with the league average of about 0.1—determined the ranking.

Wendy Maeda // Getty Images

#5. 1980

WS/48: 0.0938

The 1980 draft was known for Hall of Famer Kevin McHale, the third pick who was a major player in the Boston Celtics’ 1980s dynasty. There was plenty of talent in this class, but injuries ended careers early. No. 8 pick Andrew Toney, whom Charles Barkley called the best player he ever played with, snagged two All-Star selections and a championship with the Philadelphia 76ers before foot injuries forced him to retire in 1988.

Fellow two-time All-Stars Kiki VanDeWeghe and Jeff Ruland followed a similar path, with injuries ending their careers by the early ’90s. The No. 1 pick by the Golden State Warriors, Joe Barry Carroll, became a journeyman, failing to match his success at Purdue and ending his career in 1991.

JERRY HOLT // Getty Images

#4. 1995

WS/48: 0.0935

The focus of the 1995 draft was No. 5 pick Kevin Garnett, who was the first high school athlete selected in 20 years. Even though there was a plethora of talent in the class—such as Nos. 2-4 picks Antonio McDyess, Jerry Stackhouse, and Rasheed Wallace—many of the top 10 couldn’t perform.

No. 9 pick Ed O’Bannon played only two seasons, attributing his poor performance to a loss of confidence. No. 6 pick Bryant Reeves suffered a back injury and couldn’t stay fit, and No. 8 pick Shawn Respert was diagnosed with cancer. The first pick, Joe Smith, made the All-Rookie first team but was a role player for most of his career, which he spent with 12 teams.

Focus on Sport // Getty Images

#3. 1992

WS/48: 0.0929

Though this draft had one of the strongest No. 1 and No. 2 pairs of any class with Shaquille O’Neal and Alonzo Mourning, the rest of the players didn’t make the same impact.

Dream Team member Christian Laettner secured an All-Star spot in 1996-97, but the No. 3 pick couldn’t dominate in the NBA as he did at Duke. No. 24 pick Latrell Sprewell outplayed his draft status with four All-Star selections, but he choked and punched Warriors coach P.J. Carlesimo and fought with teammates. Jim Jackson and LaPhonso Ellis, Nos. 4 and 5 picks, stayed in the league for 25 combined years as rotation players.

Focus on Sport // Getty Images

#2. 1982

WS/48: 0.0901

The class of 1982 produced two Hall of Famers: No. 1 pick James Worthy and No. 3 choice Dominique Wilkins. No. 2 pick Terry Cummings was the 1982-83 Rookie of the Year and a two-time All-Star, but others weren’t as notable. No. 4 pick Bill Garnett played just four seasons, averaging 5.5 points per game. No. 8 pick Clark Kellogg and No. 10 pick Keith Edmonson also exited early, lasting five and two years, respectively.

There were four All-Stars in addition to those top three selections: Fat Lever, Sleepy Floyd, Ricky Pierce, and Mark Eaton. They each played at least 11 seasons, and Eaton was the biggest standout as a powerhouse defender, winning two Defensive Player of the Year awards, five All-Defensive team honors, and four blocked shot titles.

JAMES NIELSEN // Getty Images

#1. 2002

WS/48: 0.0802

Many of the top picks in the 2002 draft had their careers end early. Hall of Famer Yao Ming was the No. 1 pick and an All-Star in each of his eight seasons, but foot and leg injuries forced him to retire.

The following pick, Jay Williams, was less than a year into his tenure with the Chicago Bulls when he crashed a motorcycle, which ended his career. No. 6 pick Dajuan Wagner was with the Cleveland Cavaliers for three seasons before he was diagnosed with colitis; he played only one more game.

Nos. 3 and 4 picks Mike Dunleavy and Drew Gooden had careers of 15 and 14 years, but No. 5 pick Nikoloz Tskitishvili played just four years and retired with minus-0.039 win shares per 48 minutes—the lowest mark of any top-20 selection from this quintet of draft classes.

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Dynasties can serve as the lifeblood that revitalizes and sustains a sports league. The ’80s Lakers and Celtics centered on the captivating rivalry between Magic Johnson and Larry Bird. It attracted a burgeoning audience, one that rescued the league from collapse and created a foundation for its success.

Dynasties, furthermore, redefine opportunities for athletes. The Tim Duncan-era Spurs, joined by Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili, marked a pivotal juncture in the NBA. It contributed to the globalization of the sport, producing a pipeline for international players who play critical roles in the NBA today.

With all the dynasties in the NBA, who ranks supreme? Many would say the ’90s Bulls, who won an incredible six championships in eight years (and only lost two when Michael Jordan left them behind for baseball)—but the data may say otherwise. To determine the best dynasties in NBA history, ATS.io looked at all teams that won three or more championships within a single decade using data from Basketball Reference.

After examining their win percentage during the years of their first and last championship within that decade, dynasties were then ranked by their win percentage during those years. Though many dynasties on this list did not play the same amount of games due to playoff structure, shortened seasons, and number of teams in the league, the regular season gives a telling snapshot of a team’s dominance in an era.

Mike Ehrmann // Getty Images

#9. Miami Heat (2006-2013)

– Win percentage: 58.25%
– Championships: 3

The Heat lucked out with Dwyane Wade in the 2003 NBA Draft, who took over in the 2006 NBA Finals to help the Heat win its first title. Wade, the No. 5 pick overall in 2003, was also named the 2006 NBA Finals MVP.

After a few years of struggling, LeBron James and Chris Bosh joined Wade in the 2010-2011 season, cementing the dynasty that headed to the NBA Finals in four consecutive seasons, winning the titles in 2012 and 2013. LeBron returned to Cleveland in 2014, and Bosh retired due to health concerns, but this era set an example for superstars in free agency.

Christian Petersen // Getty Images

#8. Los Angeles Lakers (2000-2010)

– Win percentage: 65.08%
– Championships: 5

The millennium started great for the Lakers; center Shaquille O’Neal racked up five awards, including the MVP and league scoring title. Paired with All-Star guard Kobe Bryant, O’Neal helped the Lakers win their first title in a decade.

After a three-peat, Shaq was traded to the Miami Heat, and the team entered a period of mediocrity. After signing Pau Gasol and pairing with Hall of Fame head coach Phil Jackson for the 2007-2008 season, the Bryant-led Lakers won back-to-back titles in 2009 and 2010.

Bettmann // Getty Images

#7. Minneapolis Lakers (1949-1954)

– Win percentage: 67.57%
– Championships: 5

Sportswriter Sid Hartman assembled what is known as the first dynasty in the NBA. Led by star center George Mikan, the Lakers won five of the first six championships after entering the NBA, cruising through many playoff runs as the top seed in that era. After Mikan’s retirement, the team struggled and would not see success until its move to Los Angeles in the early ’60s.

Elsa // Getty Images

#6. Golden State Warriors (2015-2022)

– Win percentage: 68.2%
– Championships: 4

The Warriors burst onto the scene when they triumphed over the LeBron James-led Cavaliers in the 2015 NBA Finals and kept getting stronger. They broke the record for wins in a regular season the following year, posting a 73-9 regular season record. In the offseason, they also signed 2014 NBA MVP Kevin Durant, who helped them win back-to-back titles.

Even with two injury-plagued seasons that brought down their win percentage and Durant’s departure following the 2018-19 season, the team still claimed a championship in 2022, led by NBA Finals MVP Steph Curry, who averaged 31.2 points per game. (If it weren’t for those two aforementioned seasons, the Warriors would be #1 on this list.)

Bettmann // Getty Images

#5. Boston Celtics (1957-1969)

– Win percentage: 70.54%
– Championships: 11

An astounding 11 championships in 13 seasons is a streak that’s yet to be matched by any other professional team, winning the first eight as the top seed and effortlessly passing through the playoffs.

Led by center Bill Russell and head coach Red Auerbach, the Celtics ushered in ball movement and defense that is still used in the NBA today. Their clashes with the Los Angeles Lakers built the foundation for the biggest rivalry in the NBA.

TIMOTHY A. CLARY // Getty Images

#4. San Antonio Spurs (1999-2007)

– Win percentage: 71.25%
– Championships: 4

Even with center David Robinson reaching the final stretch of his career, the Spurs managed to dominate well into the new millennium, winning the 1999 title in a shortened season. Led by the trio of Tim Duncan, Manu Ginóbili, and Tony Parker, they won four championships, with Duncan claiming two league MVPs in the process.

Coach Gregg Popovich bucked the trend of superstardom, focusing on a team-first mentality with a strong defense.

Mike Powell/ // Getty Images

#3. Los Angeles Lakers (1980-1988)

– Win percentage: 72.36%
– Championships: 5

New owner Jerry Buss was on a mission to reshape the NBA with the Showtime Lakers, winning five championships in the process. With the first pick in the 1979 NBA Draft, Earvin “Magic” Johnson joined Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, and they managed to win their first championship together that year.

Joined later by Hall of Famers James Worthy and head coach Pat Riley, they went on to win four more rings, fighting against the rival Boston Celtics in some of the most iconic clashes of the decade.

JEFF HAYNES // Getty Images

#2. Chicago Bulls (1991-1998)

– Win percentage: 74.7%
– Championships: 6

Synonymous with the ’90s and basketball in general, the Bulls, led by Michael Jordan, won their first championship in 1991, with assists from Hall of Famer Scottie Pippen and head coach Phil Jackson. Though the team struggled to replicate its title success following Jordan’s initial retirement in 1993, they rebuilt after he came back.

Joined by defensive juggernaut Dennis Rodman and three-point specialist Steve Kerr, the Bulls held a then-record of 72 wins in the 1996 regular season and a trio of titles to follow.

Focus on Sport // Getty Images

#1. Boston Celtics (1981-1986)

– Win percentage: 75.81%
– Championships: 3

They may have won fewer championships than the ’90s Bulls—and most other dynasties on this list—but the ’80s Celtics’ win percentage is unmatched. After Larry Bird paired with Kevin McHale and Robert Parish in the 1980 offseason, the Celtics won the 1981 championship, its first in five years. They then collected a second one against their biggest rival, the Los Angeles Lakers, in 1984, marking the first of three matchups between the two in the NBA Finals.

Basketball fans view the 1985-86 team as one of the greatest NBA teams ever—this is when former MVP Bill Walton joined the trio to beat the Houston Rockets in a rematch to win their third title in 1986.

Story editing by Jeffrey Smith. Copy editing by Robert Wickwire. Photo selection by Clarese Moller.

This story originally appeared on ATS.io and was produced and
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Every once in a while, however, a team can catch lightning in a bottle and shatter all expectations. Those seasons can often be the most special for a fanbase. The 2006-07 Golden State Warriors, adopting the slogan “We Believe” for the end of the regular season, mark the most notable recent example of an underdog team reviving its fanbase and franchise.

With the 2023-24 NBA season approaching, The Game Day compiled a ranking of the most overachieving NBA regular season teams since 1996-97 using data from Basketball Reference. Teams were ranked according to how much they outperformed their preseason over/unders. The 1998-99 season was excluded because of a lockout. Ties were broken using the highest win totals among the teams.

The Game Day

Utah Jazz have crushed their preseason over/unders since 1996-97

The biggest NBA markets may lure the most betting action, but small market franchises have exceeded their total preseason over/unders by the greatest margin since 1996-97. Surprisingly, the Utah Jazz have exceeded preseason expectations by more than twice the amount of any other franchise despite not making the ensuing list.

Keep reading to see which underdog NBA teams had the most overachieving seasons.

Sarah Stier // Getty Images

#5. New York Knicks 2020-21

– Preseason over/under: 21.5 wins
– Eventual record: 41-31 (19.5 games over)

The 2020-21 Knicks had the bar set relatively low after the franchise missed the playoffs for seven consecutive seasons. New York had also spectacularly failed with its plan to land a superstar free agent in the 2019 offseason, leaving it with a mishmash of supporting players and rookies.

However, the Knicks’ hiring of Tom Thibodeau in 2020 as their new head coach proved to be immediately fruitful. Thibodeau drastically improved the team’s defense, bringing it up from 23rd to third in defensive rating. He also unlocked Julius Randle’s isolation scoring, which allowed the power forward to become the focal point of the team’s offense.

The Knicks lost in the first round of the playoffs, but the franchise was reinvigorated by its first playoff berth in eight years. Thibodeau won the 2020-21 NBA Coach of the Year Award, and Randle was named to the All-NBA Second Team and won the league’s Most Improved Player Award, earning a maximum contract extension from New York.

Mike Zarrilli // Getty Images

#4. Milwaukee Bucks 2009-10

– Preseason over/under: 26.5 wins
– Eventual record: 46-36 (19.5 games over)

The 2009-10 Milwaukee Bucks looked to be all but done in January. The Bucks lost star guard Michael Redd to a season-ending knee injury and entered a tailspin with five losses in six games. Many fans thought the franchise would trade its best players and focus on the future.

The team, however, pivoted and acquired John Salmons near the trade deadline. Despite being relegated to a bench player with his prior team, the Chicago Bulls, Salmons thrived with Milwaukee and led the team to 22 wins in its last 30 games. The Bucks remarkably finished sixth in the Eastern Conference to make the playoffs, ending a three-year drought.

JEFF KOWALSKY/AFP // Getty Images

#3. Detroit Pistons 2001-02

– Preseason over/under: 30.5 wins
– Eventual record: 50-32 (19.5 games over)

The 2000-01 Detroit Pistons finished in the bottom five in offensive rating and missed the playoffs despite having Jerry Stackhouse, the second-leading scorer in the NBA. The Pistons subsequently fired head coach George Irvine and brought in a younger face, Rick Carlisle, to lead the team.

Carlisle modernized the Detroit offense and made it one of the highest-volume, 3-point shooting teams in the league. He also fully embraced Ben Wallace’s defensive ability, which became a crucial component of the Pistons’ 2003-04 NBA championship. Carlisle was named Coach of the Year, while Wallace won the first of his four Defensive Player of the Year Awards in five years.

CARLO ALLEGRI/AFP // Getty Images

#2. New Jersey Nets 1997-98

– Preseason over/under: 22.5 wins
– Eventual record: 43-39 (20.5 games over)

The 1997-98 New Jersey Nets were ready to turn the page. After disappointing in John Calipari’s first year as head coach, the team redesigned its logo and changed its uniforms to give fans a fresh look. The Nets also traded for the second pick in the 1997 draft, Keith Van Horn.

Despite suffering an ankle injury that delayed his debut by more than a month, Van Horn led the team in points and minutes per game. New Jersey finished the season with a top-five offense in the NBA and a playoff berth. Calipari was fired after the team’s extremely poor start the following season, but Van Horn became a franchise leader and a crucial part of the Nets’ 2001-02 NBA Finals run.

Christian Petersen // Getty Images

#1. Phoenix Suns 2013-14

– Preseason over/under: 20.5 wins
– Eventual record: 48-34 (27.5 games over)

Fans assumed the Phoenix Suns were in for a long rebuild after the team lost franchise legend Steve Nash in the 2012 offseason. Phoenix struggled in its first season in the post-Nash era, finishing with just 25 wins and parting ways with head coach Alvin Gentry in the middle of the season. Despite low expectations and a young roster for the 2013-14 season, the Suns miraculously clicked on both ends of the floor.

One of the biggest reasons for their success was Goran Dragić’s breakout season. Dragić averaged 20.3 points per game, and the Suns’ efficiency improved by seven points per 100 possessions with him on the floor, according to Cleaning the Glass. The Dragon’s stellar play earned him a spot on the All-NBA Third Team and the 2013-14 Most Improved Player Award.

Story editing by Mike Taylor. Copy editing by Robert Wickwire. Photo selection by Clarese Moller.

This story originally appeared on The Game Day and was produced and
distributed in partnership with Stacker Studio.

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In the competitive world of sports data and technology, two companies stand out: Sportradar (SRAD) and Genius Sports (GENI). Their third-quarter results for 2023 — posted this month — offer a revealing glimpse into their current standing and future prospects. This analysis delves into the numbers, drawing on sources such as Sportradar’s and Genius Sports’ official earnings releases, industry news, and earnings call transcripts.

Sportradar’s Q3 performance: A focus on sustainable growth

Sportradar reported its Q3 results with a mix of steadiness and strategic downsizing. While their growth showed signs of slowing, their focus on reducing operational costs hints at a strategy aimed at long-term sustainability. According to Sportradar’s earnings release, the company’s revenue and EBITDA figures were stable, reflecting a cautious but steady approach.

A closer look at the numbers reveals that Sportradar’s revenue for Q3 stood at $211 million, as reported by Covers. This figure, while showing growth, indicates a slower pace compared to previous quarters. However, the company’s decision to downsize operational costs, as discussed in their earnings call, suggests a strategic shift towards more sustainable growth.

“As the leader in our industry, we aim to consistently deliver value to our clients, partners, and shareholders,” said Sportradar CEO Carsten Koerl in a statement. “For 2023, we remain on track to deliver a strong growth year and are well positioned to maintain that momentum into 2024.”

Genius Sports: Revenue and EBITDA growth masking net losses

Genius Sports, on the other hand, presented a more complex picture. Their Q3 results, as detailed in their official release, showed impressive revenue and EBITDA growth. However, these figures obscure an underlying issue: increasing net losses for the quarter.

The company’s revenue growth coupled with an increase in net loss was highlighted in iGaming Business, which pointed out the significant increase compared to the same period last year. 

“As such, pre-tax loss hit $12.0m, wider than last year’s $10.6m loss. Genius paid $1.2m in tax but gained $1.5m from equity investment method. This left a net loss of $11.6m, compared to $9.0m last year.”

Genius Sports’ YTD losses stand at $47 million compared with $54 million for the same period in 2022. 

Yet, as their earnings call transcript reveals, their focus too has been to “remain disciplined on costs and reported lower GAAP operating expenses in this quarter compared to the prior year, even as we grew top-line by nearly 30%”.

Market Reaction: A tale of two stocks

The market’s reaction to these results has been telling. Since the earnings announcement, Sportradar’s stock has seen a notable increase, rising from $8.10 to $10.15, a significant jump of approximately 25%. This uptick reflects investor confidence in the company’s long-term strategy and its focus on sustainable growth.

In contrast, Genius Sports’ stock has experienced a downturn, dropping from $5.40 to $4.96, marking a decline of about 8%. This decrease suggests investor concerns about the company’s net losses, despite the growth in revenue and EBITDA.

Conclusion

The Q3 results of Sportradar and Genius Sports paint a nuanced picture of the sports data and technology industry. While Genius Sports shows impressive top-line growth, its net losses are a cause for concern. Sportradar, with its focus on sustainable growth and cost management, seems to be on a path that is more reassuring to investors. As the industry evolves, these contrasting strategies will continue to shape the fortunes of these two companies.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial advice. Always conduct your own research or consult a financial advisor before making investment decisions.

The post Comparing SRAD and GENI Q3 results: The real facts and figures appeared first on Digital Journal.