Tag: Marcus Allen

UNC football offers Marshall starting cornerback in transfer portal

Can UNC land a transfer portal commitment from this talented cornerback?

The North Carolina Tar Heels are infamously known for having one of the worst defenses in college football.

UNC’s defense improved slightly through 12 regular-season games under Geoff Collins, generating a significant increase in pressure, but continuing to allow eye-popping yardage totals.

With North Carolina losing one of its starters – and best defensive players – to graduation next year, it needs to quickly replenish.

The Tar Heels took a step towards filling that starting hole by offering Marshall University redshirt sophomore cornerback Jacobie Henderson, a North Carolina native from Charlotte, who moved into a starting role for the Thundering Herd in 2024.

According to Henderson’s 247Sports recruiting profile, he was the Class of 2022’s 14th-ranked player in South Carolina. Henderson played his high school ball at Catawba Ridge High School in Fort Mill, SC.

Henderson helped Marshall to a 10-3 (7-1) record this season, its first-ever Sun Belt Conference Championship and a Sun Belt East Division Title. The Thundering Herd will face 19th-ranked Army, in the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl, on Saturday, Dec. 18 at 9:15 p.m. ET.

Through 12 regular season games and one conference championship, Henderson has two interceptions and 10 pass breakups (both second-most on Marshall), 50 tackles and 1.5 tackles for loss.

If UNC is able to land Henderson, he’ll likely start alongside junior Marcus Allen at cornerback. Alijah Huzzie, an electric punt returner who is arguably the Tar Heels’ top secondary player, is a senior and will graduate in May.

Looking at the rest of North Carolina’s secondary depth chart, it will return five cornerbacks and three safeties. A team can never have too many secondary pieces, so a commitment from Henderson would a big get.

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Previewing Chiefs’ Week 13 game vs. Raiders on Chiefs Wire Podcast

On the latest episode of @TheChiefsWire podcast: @EdEastonJr’s chats w/ Marcus Allen and Midge Purce #LVvsKC

We’re back with an all-new episode of the Chiefs Wire podcast! This week, we’re previewing the Kansas City Chiefs Week 13 matchup with the Las Vegas Raiders.

Senior Writer Ed Easton Jr. spoke to Pro Football Hall of Famer Marcus Allen about his five-year stint with Kansas City in the 1990s and playing on both sides of the Chiefs vs. Raiders rivalry.

We check in with this past week’s press conferences, featuring comments from head coach Andy Reid following the victory over the Carolina Panthers. Lastly, Easton Jr. spoke to 2023 NWSL champion NJ/NY Gotham FC forward Midge Purce about having a legendary NFL quarterback as part of the team’s ownership and the power of celebrity investment in the league.

The latest episode of the Chiefs Wire Podcast will inform listeners about all developments in the team’s mindset heading home to Arrowhead Stadium for Week 13’s rare Black Friday matchup with the Raiders following their nail-biting road victory over Carolina last Sunday. We also learn more about Allen’s Hall of Fame career and Purce’s take on NFL stars like KC Current co-owner Patrick Mahomes’ investment in women’s sports.

Check out the link below to get your fill of Chiefs talk ahead of Friday’s kickoff:

Former USC players react to John Robinson’s death

Marcus Allen, Ronnie Lott, Anthony Munoz, and the other great players John Robinson coached at USC reacted to the legendary coach’s death at age 89.

On Monday, legendary USC football head coach John Robinson passed away at the age of 89. Upon learning of the news, several of Robinson’s former USC players chimed in with their memories of the coach.

1981 Heisman Trophy Winner and Pro Football Hall of Famer Marcus Allen

“Words are inadequate for a person that has impacted your life in such a way; you can’t even describe it. The impact John had on his players, particularly myself, is so deep and profound. Knowing him was life-changing.

He was a great man and a great coach. I love him so much. He was one of the greatest teachers, motivators and psychologists of all-time. Everything we were on the field was a reflection of him.

John Robinson is one of the greatest Trojans ever. I always wanted to go to USC, and my time there was better than I could’ve ever imagined – and he made it special.

It’s a sad day, but it’s also a day of celebration of a great man.”

All-America Safety and Pro Football Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott

“Coach Robinson was one of the greatest college coaches ever, and his love for USC and his love for the game of football was second to none. I’ve always felt that while playing for him, he gave us the ability to feel like we were larger than life. And his commitment to making sure that we had more than just football in our lives was so superior. This is a sad day for all of the Trojans that played for him, but it’s a great day for God that He has one of the best coaches ever right by his side.”

All-America Quarterback Paul McDonald

“It’s a sad day for the Trojan Family, a legend is gone and he will be missed. I remember my first team meeting under Coach Robinson during training camp. He wrote our goals on the board: ‘Beat UCLA, Beat Notre Dame, Win the Rose Bowl, Win a National Championship.’ My initial reaction was, ‘Whoa, the bar is very high here!’

Coach Robinson was very demanding, but in a human way. He had great interpersonal skills, and he knew how to connect with people. He made you want to play hard for him and to run through walls. You cared for him because he cared so much for you.”

Pro Football Hall of Famer Anthony Muñoz

“When I think about John Robinson, I think about the impact he had on us, not only as football players but as individuals. I think about the things I learned at USC: how to prepare and how to compete. Those are things you need not just in football, but also in life. Those are true life lessons that were taught to us under John Robinson.”

All-America Wide Receiver Keyshawn Johnson

“Rip Coach!

If it wasn’t for you I wouldn’t have had the opportunity to live the Dream I’ve been living 🙏🏾

#FightOnForever”

Current USC Head Coach Lincoln Riley

“It’s a tough day. One of the greatest things at our university and our football program is honoring all of the greats that have come before – the coaches, the players and everyone that has made this place special. Days like this are especially tough, but we can remember all the memories and incredible accomplishments that Coach Robinson was a part of here at USC. From our entire football family, we want to offer his family condolences and let them know that we appreciate Coach, and he will forever be a huge part of USC football.”

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Danan Hughes reflects on Marcus Allen’s touchdown pass, favorite Chiefs moment

Ed Easton Jr. spoke to Danan Hughes, who reflected on his touchdown reception from a pass by Marcus Allen and his favorite #Chiefs memory. | w/ @EdEastonJr

This week, Chiefs Wire’s Ed Easton Jr. spoke to former Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Danan Hughes, one of the unsung heroes on the special teams unit in the 1990s.

In his interview with Easton Jr., Hughes opened up about his upcoming appearance at the Chiefs Kingdom Tailgate at Flanker Kitchen + Sports Bar on October 26 and 27 in Las Vegas. He also reflected on his touchdown reception from a pass by a Hall of Fame running back, and his favorite memories with the Chiefs.

“Yeah, I’m excited. Getting to Vegas is always exciting, and that was the scene of our Super Bowl win this past year,” Hughes said. “It will be fun to get back there and play against the Raiders up until this point. That is also the team that was the last to beat us last season before we went on the run to win the Super Bowl. So there’s always an incentive to be in Raider Nation and play against the rivals in the Las Vegas Raiders. But then, being a part of that event with my former teammate, Mark McMillan should also be fun. So yeah, I’m looking forward to it. It should be a blast to get out there. There will be a lot of Chiefs fans and Raiders fans, and it should be fun to mix and mingle.”

Flanker Kitchen + Sports Bar is located just steps away from Allegiant Stadium at Mandalay Bay and creates a “50-yard-line” experience with a 30 ft. LED viewing screen commanding the main dining room and TVs throughout.

Hughes opened up on a famous touchdown pass he caught on Monday Night Football in 1997 from Hall of Fame running back Marcus Allen.

“Yeah, it was great,” Hughes said of the trick play. “We had practiced it for a few weeks before, and it being Monday Night Football against the Pittsburgh Steelers made it even more rewarding. For a guy who had a few starts at wide receiver but was mainly known for my special team’s acumen and being a captain of the special teams for four of my six years, it was always rewarding to be able to get an opportunity to be in on offense and be intricate in a scoring drive. So that’s a great memory. It’s one of my highlights.”

The touchdown reception was great, but it was not necessarily Hughes’ favorite with the Chiefs because choosing one is complicated.

“People always ask me what the most memorable moment I had,” Hughes continued. “It’s tough because the first thing that comes to mind is a play like that, but then, being in the huddle with Joe Montana, being a part of the AFC Championship, walking out, I got a picture in my basement of going to a coin toss as a captain, and in the picture is Joe, Montana, Marcus, Allen, Neil Smith, I believe Derek Thomas and Dan Marino because we were playing the Miami Dolphins.

“I’m like, somebody doesn’t belong in this picture, so for me to be a part of that and have that memory. It’s tough to pinpoint one because I was a part of so many great times and great memories that I can still recollect, and the Chiefs fans still remember them. There are times when people will come up to me at the stadium or if I’m at a restaurant and talk about the 90s and some of the great games, Monday Night Football, winning close games, being a part of some great drives, and the miracle at Mile High that just made it so special. So all of it has been a true blessing for me.”

https://youtube.com/shorts/UnQKCbmWjYI?si=qbDkho26_eTdrFKO

For more information on the Chiefs Kingdom Tailgate at Flanker Kitchen + Sports Bar, log on to flankerlv.com

Could Chiefs be suitors in potential trade for Raiders WR Davante Adams?

According to NFL insider Ian Rapoport, Raiders WR Davante Adams says he wants to be traded. Could the #Chiefs look to trade for him?

The Kansas City Chiefs may look to add another receiver after star pass catcher Rashee Rice was injured in the defending Super Bowl champions’ Week 4 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers this weekend.

Though there hasn’t been any indication that the Chiefs intend to sign or trade for another wideout, reports surfaced on Tuesday that All-Pro receiver Davante Adams has asked the Las Vegas Raiders to trade him.

Given the circumstances, Kansas City and Las Vegas could, hypothetically, make unlikely bedfellows in an intra-divisional trade with implications similar to the Chiefs’ acquisition of long-time Raiders running back Marcus Allen in the 1990s.

At this point, Rice’s injury status hasn’t been officially revealed and it remains unclear what move, if any, the Chiefs will make in response to his absence.

Adam’s massive contract would be a major factor in any trade involving him, but teams around the NFL seem to always find a way to resolve cap issues.

Stay tuned to see what the Chiefs decide to do ahead of their Week 5 matchup against the New Orleans Saints on “Sunday Night Football.”

Nine Tar Heels named to prestigious Reese’s Senior Bowl Watch List

The UNC football team sports plenty of 2025 NFL hopefuls on its 2024 roster.

Every college football player’s goal is to help their team win a national championship, but they also hope to be lucky enough for NFL Draft selections.

The Reese’s Senior Bowl, seen largely as a post-college football season All-Star Game, is a great way for NFL Draft hopefuls to showcase their talents in front of NFL scouts.

Despite UNC losing football standouts Drake Maye, Devontez Walker and Cedric Gray to the 2024 NFL Draft, there are several more Tar Heels on the current roster who are 2025 NFL Draft prospects.

Those Tar Heels – Marcus Allen, Power Echols, Desmond Evans, Omarion Hampton, Max Johnson, J.J. Jones, Willie Lampkin, Bryson Nesbit and Kaimon Rucker – are being recognized with nominations to the 2025 Reese’s Senior Bowl Watch List.

Hampton is amongst the country’s best running backs, leading the ACC and finishing fifth nationally with 1,504 rushing yards last season. Rucker is one of college football’s top edge rushers, as he led North Carolina with 15 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks in 2023.

Nesbit is amongst the country’s best tight ends, combining for over 1,000 yards and eight touchdowns the past two years. Jones is poised to take over UNC’s top wide receiver spot – he led UNC with 711 receiving yards last season.

Texas A&M transfer Max Johnson is battling for the Tar Heels’s starting quarterback spot with Conner Harrell. If Johnson starts, he’ll be protected by the likes of All-ACC lineman Willie Lampkin.

Finishing up with defense, Echols will form a deadly duo with Rucker by returning 102 tackles and 5.5 tackles for loss. Evans is coming off a 33-tackle, five tackles for loss and 3-sack season that many expect out of a 5-star recruit, while Marcus Allen will arguably lead the secondary after his sophomore season with 49 tackles, an interception and a North Carolina-best eight pass breakups.

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Marcus Allen shares thoughts from both sides of Chiefs vs. Raiders rivalry

Chiefs Wire’s Ed Easton Jr. spoke to Pro Football Hall of Famer Marcus Allen about playing on both sides of the #Chiefs vs. #Raiders rivalry. | @EdEastonJr

The AFC West showdowns between the Kansas City Chiefs and Las Vegas Raiders have created iconic moments in the NFL’s history. The anticipation before each game has fans, players, and coaches ready for a big game battle at least twice a season.

Chiefs Wire’s Ed Easton Jr. spoke to Pro Football Hall of Famer Marcus Allen about his experience competing at the annual American Century Championship golf tournament and playing on both sides of the Chiefs vs. Raiders rivalry.

“They’re probably a handful of guys we know that are going to be in contention (American Century Championship), and most of us go up there to compete and have fun. And for many of us, it’s networking, too,” said Allen. “But I played in a stretch where I had three birdies in a row. I’ve played well, and then I turn around. It’s been Christmas in July, and I give points back. You know what I mean. Just being there has been a high point.”

Allen played eleven seasons with the Los Angeles Raiders, winning Rookie of the Year, league MVP, and Super Bowl MVP. He decided to join the division rival Chiefs in 1993, playing a role in improving the franchise and making a run to the AFC Championship game.

“When I was playing for the Raiders, it just felt like everybody was a rival, but, when I played for the Chiefs, I felt, in particular, the Raiders were the rival, and Marty Schottenheimer made a point of that special, he emphasized it that way,” Allen explained. “To me, it was a balancing act, right? I go to compete regardless; even if I were playing against my brother, I would never try to embarrass my brother, but I would try to win, and that’s how it was for me.

“Nothing was personal. Remember, these are my friends that I had, that I fought with, and that’s why I even today, if there is, I guess the last event I went to was the Kimble Anders (Chiefs Ring Of Honor) induction because these are my teammates. I let nothing or no one separate me from that, no matter if they want you to pick and choose, and I’ll never do that. I’ll always choose my teammates.”

Allen earned a reputation in the locker room as one of the more likable teammates for both the Chiefs and Raiders. His teammates notably voted him for the Commitment to Excellence Award five times during his career with the Raiders.

“In this case, I played for two teams and had great teammates on both. So that’s how I look at it. Yeah, I wanted to win the game,” said Allen. “We won nine out of ten, but it was mixed emotions with me, right? It’s like, I’m gonna win, but I don’t feel so great about beating my buddies, and that’s how it was.”

This year marks the 35th edition of the golf tournament known as the “Super Bowl of Celebrity Golf.” The 54-hole tournament, which raises funds for local and national charities, will take place from Wednesday, July 10th, through Sunday, July 14th. It will air on NBC, with special coverage on Peacock and GOLF Channel. At stake is a purse of $750,000, with a $150,000 first prize award.

Check out the website for more information about the American Century Championship.

Marcus Allen reveals the ambitious mentality he had as a player, predicts Chiefs 2024 season

Chiefs Wire’s Ed Easton Jr. spoke to Marcus Allen to discuss his football ambitions and Kansas City’s chances for a Super Bowl three-peat. | @EdEastonJr

Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce won’t be the franchise’s only notable icon participating in the annual American Century Championship tournament at Lake Tahoe.

Former Chiefs running back and Pro Football Hall of Famer Marcus Allen will bring his competitive spirit back to the golf course from Wednesday, July 10th through Sunday, July 14th, airing on NBC, with special coverage on Peacock and GOLF Channel.

Chiefs Wire’s Ed Easton Jr. spoke to Allen to discuss his ambitious mentality on the football field during his career and his thoughts on the Chiefs’ chances for a Super Bowl three-peat.

“Well, my number one goal was to be one of the greatest players that ever played,” said Allen, “you have to do that over time. You have to have consistency, certainly. You have to be a champion, at least in your effort, for as long as you know you play the game; you don’t win a couple of awards and then turn it off again if your goal is to be one of the greatest players ever played, that takes a long career. It takes consistency and an extra effort, which is uncommon among most players. That was my ultimate goal: to walk away and say you don’t mention the game without mentioning my name. That was always my goal.”

After winning Rookie of the Year, league MVP, and Super Bowl MVP awards early in his career with the Los Angeles Raiders, Allen expressed his desire to strive for more success on the field and prove doubters wrong.

“I wanted to win some awards along the way, starting with the Rookie of the Year,” Allen explained. “You only get one opportunity to win that, and I wanted to do that, especially coming out of my senior year. And even though I was a Heisman Trophy winner, many naysayers said my success was only because I played behind a great offensive line at USC and knew differently.

“If anybody had common sense, they would say the guy’s only been playing running back for two years. Remember, I got moved from DB (defensive back) to running back, but I didn’t play. And then, the next year, I got moved to fullback. Fullback is nothing like playing tailback, So it’s completely different. Then I turn around and get the running back possession, which is, again, a different animal.”

Allen used the versatility of his college career at USC to benefit his NFL career ambitions. The Heisman Trophy winner would go on to break multiple records with the same unsatisfied mentality, never settling for less than the best.

“I always thought that I was still in my infant stage of learning the position. And so I thought my best years were still ahead of me,” Allen continued. “Some people doubted that, so winning the Rookie of the Year proved right. And so then you go on. Well, you know, you want to go to the Super Bowl. You don’t go to the Super Bowl to hang wallpaper. You want to be the guy. And then that happens, you know?

“Then, obviously, if you want to be the best that ever played, you know, you say there’s the MVP of the league. It was always fueled by wanting to be the greatest player that ever played. I wanted to walk away by saying that when you talk about the NFL, you have to mention him.”

Allen played five seasons for the Chiefs to end his NFL career and continues to follow the team’s current success. He firmly believes that a three-peat is in the cards for the 2024 season.

“Absolutely. They have the infrastructure in place, from the coach to the quarterback to the defense; it really gets talked about. They have it all, and certainly, the ownership is where everything starts,” said Allen. “They certainly can be the best in the business right now. Until somebody dethrones them, the Chiefs are the team you must go through to win. And if somebody doesn’t realize that, they’re not very smart.”

Check out the website for more information about the American Century Championship.

Marcus Allen discusses modern running backs, Isiah Pacheco’s running style

#Chiefs Wire’s Ed Easton Jr. spoke to Marcus Allen, discussing the value of running backs in today’s NFL and his thoughts on Isiah Pacheco. | @EdEastonJr

When the Kansas City Chiefs signed Marcus Allen to be their staring running back in the early 1990s, he was already older than most running backs in the NFL today.

Chiefs Wire’s Ed Easton Jr. spoke to Allen ahead of his participation in the American Century Championship golf tournament and discussed the diminishing financial value of running backs in the modern NFL and his thoughts on Isiah Pacheco.

“You never took yourself out on occasion, but I mean not as often as you do now,” Allen said of contemporary rushers. “To me, when you take yourself out, you take yourself off the field, then allow somebody else to play, which sometimes gives them an idea of somebody else in mind.

“Our mindset was that we were never leaving the field. We’re making ourselves so valuable they can’t live without us. But today, guys make one or two runs, and they’re waving their hand and bringing somebody else in. So it almost allows this whole running back by committee to take shape and form.”

Allen was the NFL’s MVP in 1985 after leading the league in rushing with 380 carries for 1,759 yards. He holds the record for most consecutive seasons with a rushing touchdown, finishing with 16.

“Unfortunately, the league is sort of a me-too product, and if one team has success, everybody else copies it,” Allen explained. “There are running backs that, I think, are special and stay in the game, but they’re getting penalized by a mindset that guys only last so long, or they are only productive for so long.

“I played for 16 years. I like to think I was productive for 16 years and could still play for 17, but I decided not to. Me and Frank Gore, and I don’t know, whoever else played that long. They were the exception and not the rules. So I don’t know, but I like to think that if you have a great running back, you can’t help but utilize him and pay him well.”

Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco has earned a reputation as a hard-nosed runner who is willing to make contact with defenders in pursuit of extra yardage. Pacheco has dealt with injuries due to this propensity for contact over his first two seasons, as Allen chimed in on his approach per carry.

“He runs extremely hard; I’ve always had this thing: if you carry the ball and you attack every single one, you’re hit, let’s say, four times by four defenders, after 11 straight plays… you’ve been hit 44 times,” said Allen. “Being elusive is good, not trying to run everybody over on every play. I’ve always picked a side; you pick a shoulder, you try to but never make full contact, and you’ll get hit. I mean, you play this game. It’s no avoiding it.

“The good ones, obviously, instead of giving up 100 percent of their body, they give up 98.5 percent. They sometimes feel like they never played, even though they are running hard. Everybody used to criticize Franco Harris for running out of bounds on occasion; you have to. So there are times that you have to avoid contact.”

Current and former NFL stars will join Allen in this year’s tournament, including Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce, Aaron Rodgers, Davante Adams, Josh Allen, Doug Pederson, Steve Young, John Elway, Jerry Rice, and more.

The 35th annual American Century Championship occurs from Wednesday, July 10th, through Sunday, July 14th. It airs on NBC, with special coverage on Peacock and GOLF Channel.

Check out the website for more information about the American Century Championship.

Marcus Allen reflects on Chiefs tenure: ‘It was an incredible five years’

#Chiefs Wire’s Ed Easton Jr. spoke to Marcus Allen about the annual American Century Championship and his tenure in Kansas City in the 1990s. | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs have hosted many talented running backs over the years, but few can match the immediate impact of Pro Football Hall of Famer Marcus Allen, who joined the team in 1993 after 11 seasons playing for the Los Angeles Raiders.

Chiefs Wire’s Ed Easton Jr. spoke to Allen about his involvement in and enjoyment of the annual American Century Championship golf tournament and his five-year stint with the Chiefs in the 1990s.

“It’s an event that everybody looks forward to in the American Century, and it has done an amazing job since it became the title sponsor,” Allen explained. “It’s just, it’s incredible. I think for me, this is 26 years now. I’m not one of the originals, I think the originals are still Jack Wagner and Jim McMahon. I think [I am] maybe the third longest-tenured person there. I love going, playing, competing against my fellow athletes and friends, and it’s just an outstanding event. NBC does an amazing job. It’s a lot, it’s been a lot of fun, and it’s something we look forward to every year.”

A turning point in Allen’s NFL career was signing with the Chiefs before the start of the 1993 season. The move to Kansas City was rejuvenating for the veteran, as it helped lead the franchise to become a contender.

“They accepted me immediately,” Allen said of the Chiefs’ fanbase. “Going out and playing hard certainly helps that, right? Also, playing the game the right way, hard and as tough as possible, and keeping it simple, the fan base was incredible. And then to play alongside some great players like Joe Montana and Derrick Thomas, John Alt, and Kimble Anders, and just several guys I played with. I remember getting so close on a couple of occasions but not being able to finish there.

“Those were the high points, just being involved and playing those games no one else thought we could win. And then there were some games we obviously let get away from us, which we should have won. And then I think about the Hunt family and just how gracious they are, and just provided a great opportunity for the players to succeed there.”

During his five seasons in Kansas City, Allen was named a Pro Bowler and, in his final year, at 37, became the oldest player to score ten or more touchdowns in a season.

“The city was great. It was an incredible five years for me,” Allen said. “I know they’re experiencing great success now, and rightfully so. They should get all the credit. But I do feel like, yeah, we early on. I think we sort of changed the dynamic there. That’s at least what I was told by a lot of people, you know, a lot of fans there and stuff like that.

“We brought back the love and interest in the fire amongst the fans. 1993 was amazing; we went all the way to the AFC Championship game. Unfortunately, we lost that game. If Joe doesn’t get knocked out of that game, I think we go in and beat Buffalo [Bills], which is one of the hardest things to do in Buffalo.”

Allen joins other retired NFL players and celebrities for the annual American Century Championship at Lake Tahoe from Wednesday, July 10th through Sunday, July 14th, airing on NBC, with special coverage on Peacock and GOLF Channel. The 54-hole tournament raises funds for local and national charities with a purse of $750,000, including a $150,000 first prize.

Check out the website for more information about the American Century Championship.