Murphy's Multiverse

Author: meghanlhall

  • The Morning After Huddle: June 15, 2022

    The Morning After Huddle: June 15, 2022

    Welcome to your Hump Day edition of The Morning After Huddle! Remember when Richard Sherman told Skip Bayless, “I’m smarter than you”? Or when he famously told Erin Andrews, “We’ll, I’m the best corner in the game. When you put a sorry wide receiver on me like Crabtree, that’s what you’re going to get”? It seems Mr. Sherman is back for more airtime. 

    Here’s what you need to know:

    • Prepare the others because the other former Legion of Boom member will be bringing all of his hot takes and instant analysis right to your TV screen! Richard Sherman is signing on to be the new voice at Amazon Prime Video’s Thursday Night Football. Sherman will work along side Hall of Fame TE Tony Gonzalez, Al Michaels and Kirk Herbstreit.
    • Pizza! Pizza! Little Caesars is replacing Pizza Hut as the official sponsor of the NFL. The agreement will offer Little Caesars a set of exclusive marketing rights designed to connect the pizza brand with the NFL, its events, and fans. I hope everyone can eat fast because once that pizza is HOT-N-READY (elite dad joke there), you have approximately 10 minutes before it turns to cardboard.
    • At long last, your Key Signings Roundup: 
      • Former Georgia Southern running back Jerick McKinnon is signing a 1-year deal to remain with the Chiefs.
      • The Detroit Lions are signing free agent TE Devin Funchess.
      • The Packers have claimed K Gabe Brkic off waivers from the Vikings.
      • DE Wyatt Ray is signing with the Jags.
      • LB Travin Howard is signing back with the Rams on a 1-year deal.
      • The Commanders are signing DT Justin Hamilton and OT Willie Beavers.

    Thanks for breaking down the huddle with us today! Catch us tomorrow for more news that you want to know. 

    ICYMI: Tuesday, June 14, 2022 Edition

  • Deshaun Watson: What It All Means

    Deshaun Watson: What It All Means

    In 2017, Houston Texans owner Bob McNair told tother NFL owners that they “can’t have the inmates running the prison.” Since that day it’s always disturbed me that the Texans have run their franchise, well, like a prison. On the surface, they seem like a model team. However, what’s done in the dark will soon come to light. We’ve learned this Summer that numerous things have gone unchecked and much to the surprise of no one, their star quarterback has been able to do what he wanted as long as he performed and abided by the guardrails the team had in place.


    All of that came crashing down late last year when Deshaun Watson decided he wanted out of Houston. Watson‘s demands weren’t received warmly and shortly after that, we heard news of several lawsuits related to sexual assault and harassment. In the depths of my mind, I wondered, “why did we just now hear about this?” For all we know, Watson has been a model citizen with no issues whatsoever up until this point. How did this information come to light?


    It’s because the Texans built a culture that enabled it. Everything from NDAs to hotel rooms to whatever Watson needed and wanted. It was all fine as long as he stuck to his end of the bargain. Of course, we know how the story goes: Watson eventually forced his way out of Houston and into the desperation of the Cleveland Browns.


    And while the Browns fawned over Watson and offered the keys to the kingdom, they alienated their fanbase, particularly women. From the way that they structured Watson’s contract to the way they trotted him out there at a press conference and swore they had done their homework, they told every woman that might ever root for them, or be a fan of the NFL, that what happened to them “wasn’t that big of a deal.” As Watson’s lawyer put it this week, “a happy ending wasn’t illegal as long as no money was exchanged”…anything to shift the blame away from Watson and his teams and onto the women who he preyed upon. As a woman and mom of two boys, as a fan of the NFL, I’m completely disgusted.


    Somewhere, The NFL and Deshaun Watson decided that talent was better than integrity. Talent was better than morals. Talent was better than the truth because there are seats to fill. And talent, mattered more than these women. You see, the pattern was created by Deshaun Watson, enabled by the Houston Texans and perpetuated by the Cleveland Browns. The value they associated with talent was worth far more than a woman.


    So, I ask: what is the worth of a woman to the NFL?

  • The Morning After Huddle: June 14, 2022 

    The Morning After Huddle: June 14, 2022 

    Welcome to your Tuesday edition of The Morning After Huddle! Minicamp is underway and some familiar faces have shown back up.

    Here’s what you need to know:

    • Minicamp Updates: Cardinals QB Kyler Murray graced minicamp with his presence. The franchise QB showed up for his physical. Not to be outdone, Ravens QB Lamar Jackson also attended minicamp yesterday. Off-season headlines have been filled with rumors about contacts for both QBs. However, both sides appear to be showing good faith. Another good show of faith: Packers WR Allen Lazard signed his tender. Lazard had also been holding out for a new contract.
    • Faster than a speeding bullet. He can leap hurdles in a single bound! He’s no Clark Kent, but he’s Devon Allen. The rookie wide receiver won the 110-meter hurdles at the USA Track and Field NYC Grand Prix on Sunday, finishing with a time of 12.84 seconds — the third-fastest time in history. Allen signed a 3-year contract with the Eagles earlier this year.
    • Last, but certainly not least, your Key Signings Roundup:
      • The Bills are signing Greg Van Roten to a 1-year deal.
      • My Indianapolis Colts are signing veteran DE Ifeadi Odenigbo.
      • The Raiders are signing CB Chris Jones.
      • Minnesota is signing OLB Andre Mintze.

    Thanks for breaking down the Huddle with us today! Come back tomorrow for more news you absolutely want to know!

  • The Morning After Huddle: June 13, 2022 

    The Morning After Huddle: June 13, 2022 

    Happy Monday, teammates! Welcome to another edition of The Morning After Huddle! Everybody wants a piece of the pie.

    Here’s what you need to know:

    • Add Terry McLaurin to the growing list of stars that want to be paid. It was reported over the weekend that McLaurin will not attend minicamp. Terry is seeking a new contract as he is in the last year of his rookie deal.
    • The case against Henry Ruggs has a twist. Lawyers for Ruggs plan to argue that the blood sample used to confirm that he was legally intoxicated should be excluded from his trial. They say that police lacked basis for having a judge authorize a warrant to obtain blood from Ruggs without his consent.
    • Last, but certainly not least, your Key Signings Roundup: 
      • Lions DT John Penisini is announcing his retirement after two years of playing football. Selected in the sixth round of the 2020 draft, Penisini started in 12 of 32 career games.

    That’s it for today’s huddle. Catch us tomorrow with more news you want to know!

    ICYMI: Saturday -June 11, 2022 Edition

  • The Morning After Huddle: June 11, 2022 

    The Morning After Huddle: June 11, 2022 

    Welcome to your Weekend edition of The Morning After Huddle! The Raiders are all chips in on Hunter Renfrow.

    Here’s what you need to know:

    • The Las Vegas Raiders and Hunter Renfrow agreed to a multi-year extension worth $32 million. Renfrow was in line for a new deal after catching 103 passes in 2021, the second-highest single-season total by a receiver in franchise history. This new deal includes $21 million guaranteed.
    • Foot meet mouth. Commanders defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio is paying the price for words said earlier this week. Del Rio took to Twitter to voice his opinion about the January 6th hearings, calling the events that took place last year a “dust up.” Head coach Ron Rivera took exception to his words and Del Rio will pay a $100,000 fine that will be donated to the U.S. Capital Police Memorial Fund.
    • Next, Chargers owner Dean Spanos is in some pretty hot water. His sister has filed a lawsuit accusing him of repeated breaches of fiduciary duty and misogynistic behavior. The filing escalates the ongoing battle among the Spanos siblings over control of the franchise.
    • Finally, your Key Signings Roundup:
      • Morocco Brown is being elevated to the Colts’ chief personnel executive. 
      • The Indianapolis Colts are also signing DE Bryan Cox Jr. and OT Jason Spriggs.
      • The Texans are signing former Bengals TE Mason Shreck.
      • The New England Patriots will sign a kicker: former Chargers player Tristan Vizcaino.
      • The New York Giants are signing former Raiders WR Keelan Doss.

    That’s it for today’s huddle. Enjoy your weekend and come back Monday for more news you want to know!

    ICYMI: Friday -June 10, 2022 Edition

  • The Morning After Huddle: June 10, 2022

    The Morning After Huddle: June 10, 2022

    Tag team back again! Check it to wreck it, let’s begin! Welcome to another edition of The Morning After Huddle! Shout out to my partner-in-print, Dalbin, for covering the Huddle yesterday. It seems this offseason has a recurring theme of NFL players giving back and Darius Leonard has joined the charge.

    Here’s what you need to know:

    • I’m totally biased, but as if Darius Leonard couldn’t be any better of a player, he is donating $15,000 to the victims of Uvalde. His Maniac Foundation is covering the cost of custom caskets for several children. Leonard told reporters, “Once I heard the terrible news about the Uvalde school shooting, I knew that I wanted to do something to help those suffering.”
    • Hopefully, Jason Garett is better off the field than he was on (maybe he should call up Tony Romo for advice) because Garrett will reportedly join Maria Taylor and Tony Dungy on Football Night in America. It’s still currently unknown if Garrett will still replace Drew Brees as an analyst on Notre Dame games.
    • Finally, (I know you have been waiting with bated breath) your Key Signings Roundup: My Indianapolis Colts signed defensive tackle Caeveon Patton. Patton participated in the Colts’ 2021 veteran mini-camp and rookie mini-camp on a tryout basis. 

    That’s it for today’s Huddle. Catch us on the flip side tomorrow morning, with your coffee, for your Saturday edition of more news you want to know.

    ICYMI: Thursday – June 9, 2022 Edition

  • The Morning After Huddle: June 8, 2022

    The Morning After Huddle: June 8, 2022

    It’s another day to be great and that means another chance to catch up with us. Welcome to The Morning After Huddle! The NFL is coming to Africa and a former Giants great is leading the charge.

    Here’s what you need to know:

    • Osi Umenyiora is leading the NFL’s quest for more talent. The former All-Pro DE is spearheading efforts in traveling to Ghana for the league’s first official events starting June 21. A talent identification camp will be the centerpiece of the program. ESPN’s Jason Reid has more.
    • Twelve teams are conducting mandatory mini-camp this week and there are several noteworthy storylines: Seahawks WR D.K. Metcalf was not present at minicamp on Tuesday as contract talks have not yet resulted in a new deal. 49ers WR Deebo Samuel did show up, which is a good sign that things with the team are not as frayed as we think. His teammate, DE Dee Ford, did not fair as well. Coach Kyle Shanahan said Ford will report to camp to take his physical, but will not be joining the team, suggesting Ford could be released. Across the league, Colts All-Pro LB Darius Leonard underwent successful surgery for lingering back issues and is expected to miss the start of training camp. Another Colts player to monitor – Pro Bowl CB Kenny Moore II. Though he showed up to mini-camp, Moore did not participate in voluntary OTAs because he is unhappy with his current contract.
    • Finally, your daily Key Signings Roundup: The Raiders are signing free agent TE Jesper Horsted. Horsted has spent the last three seasons in Chicago.

    Try not to think about us too much until tomorrow’s Huddle. We promise we’ll have plenty of news you want to know!

    ICYMI: Tuesday, June 7, 2022 Edition

  • The Morning After Huddle: June 7, 2022

    The Morning After Huddle: June 7, 2022

    The Morning After Huddle is back with all things NFL. California love! The Rams are dropping $40 million more reasons why they love Aaron Donald!

    Here’s what you need to know:

    • Aaron Charles Donald is now the highest-paid non-QB in NFL history! The Rams are reworking his current contract and he will get $95 million through 2024, with $65 million of that guaranteed. As previously reported, retirement has been a strong possibility and the Rams (rightly so) won’t let that happen. Get paid, big fella! Get paid!
    • Next, Texans assistant coach Romeo Crennel is retiring! After 50 years of coaching, 39 seasons in pro football, and 5 Super Bowls, he will call it quits. “Football has been my entire life and it’s been a dream come true to coach for 50 years,” Crennel said in a statement.
    • Finally, your Key Signings Roundup is on deck: WR Keith Kirkwood is re-signing with the Carolina Panthers. Kirkwood is a quality depth piece for the team. The Houston Texans announced that they have signed free agent OL Tre’Vour Wallace-Simms.

    That’s it for today’s Huddle breakdown. Come back tomorrow and join us for more things you want to know!

    ICYMI: Monday, June 6, 2022 Edition

  • The Morning After Huddle: June 7, 2022

    The Morning After Huddle: June 7, 2022

    Happy Monday and welcome to the Morning After Huddle, your favorite news source for NFL content. Stop us if you’ve heard this before – another lawsuit will be filed against Deshaun Watson.

    Here’s what you need to know:

    • On today’s episode of “As Deshaun Watson Turns”, a twenty fourth – yes, TWO-FOUR – lawsuit is expected to be filed today against Deshaun Watson. Predictably, more details about the other ongoing lawsuits spilled out over the weekend. A Houston spa owner recently testified that Watson paid her $5,000 because he’s a “nice guy.” Another plaintiff who is also suing Watson (and works for the spa owner), said that the owner facilitated massages for Watson and knew Watson was attempting to have sex with his massage therapists. The owner also invoked the Fifth Amendment when asked about text messages she exchanged with Watson. Holy strawberries, Batman! The Browns are in a jam!
    • Other than that, it was a quiet weekend. Here is your Key Signings Roundup: The Browns and RB D’Ernest Johnson agreed to terms on a one-year deal worth up to $2.4 million. Johnson has carved out a role for himself with recent injuries to Chubb and Hunt.

    That’s it for today’s Huddle! Jump in with us tomorrow for more news you want to know.

    ICYMI: Saturday – June 4th, 2022 Edition

  • The Morning After Huddle: June 4, 2022

    The Morning After Huddle: June 4, 2022

    Welcome to your Saturday edition of The Morning After Huddle! Grab your coffee and settle in.

    Here’s what you need to know:

    • On National Gun Violence Awareness Day, ten teams participated in events to call more attention to recent shootings. Eagles Owner Jeffrey Lurie said, “These unspeakable tragedies wreak havoc in our communities…As we search for ways to effect positive change in our society, we pray for those grieving…”
    • Next, with mandatory mini-camps on the horizon, NFL.com’s Judy Battista covers the most interesting teams and issues to watch. On her list is everyone from Kyler Murray to the Buffalo Bills and some sleeper situations.
    • As you know, this might be the wildest free agency period ever and we are barely 3 months in. So, who is left and worth dropping some cash for? Alex Kay at Bleacher Report has your list.
    • Finally, Let’s chat about the Key Signings Roundup: NBC is eyeing Jason Garrett to replace Drew Brees as the game analyst on Notre Dame football and possibly on “Football Night in America”.

    Thanks for breaking down the final Huddle of the week with us. Of course, take it easy like Sunday morning and we’ll catch you next week!

    ICYMI: Friday – June 3, 2022 Edition