Detroit Lions defensive tackle Mike Daniels (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Pro Bowl defensive tackle Mike Daniels is thrilled to be a Detroit Lion. He was drafted by and spent seven seasons with the Green Bay Packers, but was surprisingly cut by the team last week. Signed on Friday by the division-rival Lions, Daniels joined his new team for practice Sunday.
He spoke with the media following workouts and explained why he chose Detroit over at least 13 other teams that expressed interest in adding him. Daniels said he picked the Lions for the opportunity to work with the Lions defensive-minded head coach, Matt Patricia.
“I knew everything about him and I’ve always respected him and I’ve always respected his work, and now I just thank God,” Daniels said via the Detroit Free Press. “I thank God that I got cut and I have an opportunity to play with a defensive genius.”
Daniels’ deal is reportedly a one-year contract totaling $9.1 million, with $7.8 million fully guaranteed.
In 2012, Daniels was drafted in the fourth round by the Packers and became a fan favorite in his seven years with the team. He was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2017 and placed 84th by his fellow players on the NFL’s Top 100 list that same year. However, Daniels’ production dipped in 2018, as he missed the final six games of the season with a foot injury he’s still recovering from.
In a lengthy and emotional Instagram post on Saturday, Daniels thanked both God and the Green Bay fans:
https://www.instagram.com/p/B0bfklJAwi_/
“Packers fans, win or lose, you all filled Lambeau with the most amazing energy! To everyone who showed up to games wearing a 76 jersey, that means more than you’ll ever know! Thank all of you for your continued support. The outpour of love you all have shown these past few days has not gone unnoticed. I am truly grateful. I couldn’t have asked for a better fan base. #GoPackGo. As I close this chapter and begin the next, I do so with great appreciation and humility as this opportunity would not be possible without GOD.”
Daniels’ Twitter feed is filled with references to his Christian faith, and currently the pinned tweet quotes Revelation 3:8: “I know your works. Behold, I have set before you an open door, which no one is able to shut. I know that you have but little power, and yet you have kept My word and have not denied My name.”
Houston Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans smiles during an NFL wild-card playoff game, Jan. 12, 2026. (AP Photo/Matt Durisko)
Defense travels.
That was certainly the case Monday night, as the AFC’s No. 5 seed — the Houston Texans — traveled to Pittsburgh and defeated the No. 4-seeded Steelers in decisive fashion, 30-6, to complete the final piece of the NFL divisional-round playoff puzzle. It was the Texans’ first road playoff win in the franchise’s 24-year history. Previously, they were 0-6.
Leaning on the league’s stingiest defense built by third-year head coach (and former Texans defensive star) DeMeco Ryans, Houston had built a white-hot nine-game winning streak to finish the regular season. It extended the streak to 10 by doing the exact same thing on Monday.
Houston clung to a tight 7-6 lead entering the fourth quarter, and then came alive. Ka’imi Fairbairn hit a 51-yard field goal with 13:07 left. Then on the ensuing Pittsburgh possession, Texans defensive end Will Anderson hit Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who fumbled. Fellow defensive lineman Sheldon Rankins picked up the loose ball and ran it back for a 33-yard touchdown.
The Texans’ defense forced Pittsburgh to punt and the offense then responded with an 11-play, 87-yard drive capped by a 13-yard touchdown run by running back Woody Marks. But it was the defense, again, which put the finishing touches on Houston’s historic victory.
With less than three minutes remaining, Rodgers launched a pass deep downfield that was intercepted by Houston safety Calen Bullock Jr. at the 50 yard-line. Bullock returned it down the left sideline for the Texans’ second defensive touchdown of the game and their final points in the 30-6 win.
It was a dominant defensive performance indeed, but one that was by no means surprising. The Texans boasted the NFL’s No. 1 defense in 2025-26, leading the way with the fewest yards allowed per game (277.2) during the regular season. They also forced the third-most turnovers (29) and allowed the second-fewest points per game (17.4).
“First and foremost for me,” Ryans said to begin his press conference, “I just want to give all praise, honor and glory to our God, who’s been gracious to us, and our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
“What a game. What a performance by our guys. Guys just continue to let their light shine through how they’re playing.”
On the back of his great defense that shined once again on Monday, Ryans led his team to an incredible mid-season turnaround to reach the playoffs for the third time in his three seasons at the helm. The Texans began this season with three straight losses but finished 12-5, becoming only the fifth team since 1990 to start a season 0-3 and reach the playoffs. Houston is now the first franchise to do it twice, having accomplished the feat in 2018 as well.
Houston’s players and coaches have seemed to rally around the Biblical concept from Matthew 5:16 of letting their light shine as they’ve compiled their impressive winning streak. Ryans expanded a bit about it after a Dec. 27 win against the Los Angeles Chargers.
“The light is shining bright on the Texans, but that light is really reflective of our guys’ belief in the Lord and Savior — our Lord and Savior — Jesus Christ,” he told the media that day. “That’s what’s driven our team, and I’m so proud of our guys and thankful to the Lord for allowing us to allow our lights to shine through Him.
“Just all praise and honor goes to Him.”
Anderson alluded to Matthew 5:16 in the aftermath of Monday’s game.
“First, I gotta give all glory to God,” Anderson told ESPN. “Thank You, Jesus Christ. We have a Scripture saying, ‘Let our light shine before You, God,’ that when people see us play, they glorify Your name. Just a shoutout to Jesus Christ.”
Ryans made it clear from his introductory press conference as head coach that, as he sought to lead his beloved Texans to greatness, he’d never forget to praise God or thank Him for the gift it is to have the opportunity.
“I’m thankful to God that He’s just paved the way for me through everything that I’ve been through in life,” Ryans said in February 2023.
Before the Super Bowl in 2020, when he was a San Francisco 49ers’ defensive assistant, Ryans revealed to Sports Spectrum his deepest motivations as a coach.
“You’ve got to keep the main thing the main thing, and that’s why we’re all here — and that’s by the grace of God,” Ryans said. “Why are we in the position that we’re in? Why are we able to do what we do? That’s by God blessing us with this awesome opportunity to reach back and teach these young men, help these young men, but we have to stay grounded in the Word.
“We can get caught up in our work, a lot of long hours, a lot of long days, but you can’t forget what sustains us, and that’s Jesus Christ.”
Ryans will lead the Texans on the road again in their divisional-round matchup against the No. 2-seeded New England Patriots, hoping for a repeat performance from his defense to earn Houston’s first AFC Championship Game appearance in franchise history. Yet all the while, he will continue to seek to integrate Biblical principles into his coaching, knowing that a win would be in vain if it doesn’t bring glory to Jesus Christ.
Kickoff from Foxborough is set for Sunday at 3 p.m. ET.
San Francisco 49ers RB Christian McCaffrey runs against the Philadelphia Eagles, Jan. 11, 2026. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams)
With much still to be decided in this year’s NFL playoffs, one thing is already certain coming out of wild-card weekend: A new champion will be crowned.
The No. 6 seed in the NFC, the San Francisco 49ers upended the defending-champion and No. 3-seeded Philadelphia Eagles, 23-19, on Sunday in Philadelphia behind the strength of two fourth-quarter touchdowns from superstar running back Christian McCaffrey.
Trailing 16-10 on the first snap of the fourth, the Niners dialed up a trick play. The ball was pitched to wideout Jauan Jennings on what appeared to be an end-around, but the receiver rose up to pass and found an open McCaffrey for a game-tying 29-yard touchdown.
The Eagles re-took the lead on a field goal with eight minutes remaining, but it wasn’t enough. The 49ers capped a 10-play, 66-yard drive with a four-yard TD pass to McCaffrey with 2:54 to go. McCaffrey’s second touchdown reception of the contest proved to be the game-winner.
McCaffrey finished the day with 15 rushing attempts for 48 yards and six receptions (including his two touchdowns) for 66 yards — 114 total yards from scrimmage.
McCaffrey made sure to praise God in his first public comments after his clutch performance on Sunday.
“God is good,” he told Fox Sports’ Tom Rinaldi on the field moments after the final whistle blew. “Our team fights. We take it each day at a time and go as hard as we can every single time. … I love this group so much. I don’t have enough good things to say about them. I’m proud to be a part of this team.”
His 49ers now advance to the divisional round, where they will take on the NFC’s No. 1 seed and their bitter division rivals, the Seattle Seahawks. The teams split their regular-season meetings, with the 49ers winning in Seattle in Week 1 and the Seahawks winning in San Francisco in Week 18.
At 29 years old, McCaffrey is in his third full season with San Francisco. He was traded to the 49ers mid-season in 2022 after spending the first five and a half years of his pro career with the Carolina Panthers. The former Stanford Cardinal was named to the Pro Bowl for the fourth time of his career in late December, and on Sunday, he became a first-team All-Pro selection for the fourth time. He was also named the NFL Offensive Player of the Year in 2023.
The 2025-26 campaign has been one of McCaffrey’s best in the NFL, playing all 17 games (after being limited to only four in 2024 due to injuries) and accumulating 1,202 rushing yards with 10 TDs and 924 receiving yards with seven TDs. His 2,126 regular-season scrimmage yards this season were the second-most in his decorated career (behind 2,392 in 2019) and the third time overall he’s eclipsed the 2,000-yard mark.
McCaffrey’s incredible football skill is undeniable, and his accomplishments are abundant. His fame is international. Still, he says none of that sits on the throne of his heart.
“[My faith in Christ] means everything to me,” McCaffrey told Sports Spectrum at the Super Bowl in February 2024. “My faith has gotten me where I am in life and through all the ups and downs when I rely on God. Anytime I’m having a tough day or having a bad time in my life, I just get back to getting into the Word — it’s got all the answers. So it’s the most important thing in my life and it’s something that I know I’ll always have to lean back on and to make a priority.”
The son of former Denver Broncos receiver Ed McCaffrey, Christian grew up in a football-crazed family with three brothers who went on to play Division-I football as well. But as important as football was to Christian, his relationship with Christ was much more so.
The star running back is often seen praying before or during each game, knowing he’s called to surrender to the One who holds all things in His hands. Leading up to the wild-card matchup with Philadelphia, he cited the Bible verse 2 Corinthians 4:16 in one of his Instagram posts.
McCaffrey isn’t shy to speak about his faith publicly and often posts Bible verses on Instagram for 2.7 million followers to see. He wants others to know that, as badly as he wants to add a Super Bowl title to his growing list of accolades, his faith is what ultimately motivates him.
“My faith is very important to me, and that’s why I’m praying all the time,” he told the San Francisco Chronicle in October 2023. “When you have a bunch of people chanting your name, it’s important that you give the honor and glory back to the Person — God — that’s allowing me to do this.”
As usual, the 49ers will rely heavily on McCaffrey against Seattle to avoid the fate they suffered the last time they faced the Seahawks, when San Francisco managed to score only three points. Saturday’s matchup will kick off at 8 p.m. ET.
Jordan Babineaux in 2008. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
THIS IS THE SPORTS SPECTRUM PODCAST WITH MATT FORTE, FEATURING JORDAN BABINEAUX
Jordan Babineaux played nine seasons in the NFL with the Seattle Seahawks and Tennessee Titans. He was undrafted after playing college football at Division-II Southern Arkansas.
Nicknamed “Big Play Babs,” Jordan played in Super Bowl XL with the Seahawks and made the famous tackle on Tony Romo after a botched field-goal attempt in the 2006 NFC Wild-Card Game between Seattle and Dallas.
Matt Forte welcomes Jordan Babineaux to the podcast to discuss his miraculous journey to the NFL and how he was able to overcome the loss of his dad to achieve success. Jordan also discusses his retirement and transition away from the game, and the importance of pivoting well.
#27 Jordan Babineaux was signed as a UDFA by the #Seahawks in 2004, making 10 interceptions, 7 forced fumbles, 32 PBUs, 4 sacks & a safety in 7 seasons pic.twitter.com/18dak4460x
Oregon quarterback Dante Moore passes during the Orange Bowl, Jan. 1, 2026. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)
For more than three decades, Oregon has been one of college football’s model programs. With flashy uniforms, rosters full of future NFL stars, and an imposing home atmosphere, the Ducks have become one of the country’s premier teams.
In its 108-year history, Oregon has won 14 conference championships and 17 bowl games. The program has been particularly successful during the 2000s, including two national runner-up finishes in 2010 and 2014, and the program’s only Heisman Trophy winner in quarterback Marcus Mariota.
Yet one thing has always eluded the Ducks: a national championship. That’s the drought No. 5 Oregon is trying to end this season as it faces conference-foe and No. 1 Indiana in the Peach Bowl on Friday night.
And if the Ducks are finally going to break through, quarterback Dante Moore will be a central reason why. After transferring from UCLA to Oregon in 2024, Moore sat behind future NFL quarterback Dillon Gabriel last season before taking over the starting job this season. Heading into Friday, he’s amassed 3,280 passing yards with 28 touchdowns (10th in the nation) and nine interceptions in 2025-26.
His breakout season has skyrocketed his NFL stock, with ESPN projecting him as the No. 2 pick in the 2026 draft in its latest mock draft — though he could return to Oregon for another season.
He felt comfortable immediately upon arriving in Eugene, both on and off the field. Shortly after he enrolled, he connected with the team chaplain, where a conversation led to Moore getting baptized.
“Coach (Dan) Lanning asked me ‘what’s my why’ recently, and it’s to glorify God,” Moore said last March on the “Ducks of a Feather” podcast, hosted by former Oregon and NFL players Jonathan Stewart and Kenjon Barner. “God has blessed me with the body I have just to compete and play the game of football that I love, be around people that I’m building connections with for the rest of my life. I’m just doing everything to glorify Him.
“That can be being an athlete, it can be being a student. That’s why recently my Instagram for the past year-and-a-half now has been a lot of verses, a lot of me reading the Bible.”
Indeed, Moore’s social media presence reflects his faith. His Instagram bio says he’s a “Follower of Christ,” and those who follow Moore will often see pictures of what he’s reading in the Scriptures that day. He was also seen praying with his teammates ahead of Oregon’s Orange Bowl win over Texas Tech.
“I just want to do everything He’s blessed me to do,” Moore said on the podcast. “He gave His Son Jesus Christ to die for our sins, so just understand that every day that’s what drives me to be thankful for that situation and the opportunity to be where I’m at.”
His spiritual journey started with a rollercoaster freshman year at UCLA, where he said he quickly learned from some difficult stretches.
“My freshman year, my first three games were amazing. Then everything goes downhill from there and I feel like, I’ve been at the lowest of lows and the highest of highs,” Moore told 247Sports’ Duck Territory blog in October. “Coach (Chip) Kelly did a great job of making sure that I stayed positive as a mindset, but it’s just hard when you’re a freshman and you’re a young guy and you’re 17 years old in L.A. and far away from home, to stay positive and smile through it all.”
For some athletes, a change of scenery can make all the difference. That seems to be the case for Moore. At Oregon, he found not only a fresh start, but a culture that emphasized trust, joy and purpose.
“Being here with Coach Lanning, a great coach who I love to death and who I’m blessed to have him — the way he talks, communicates and calls me, just having a head coach who I trust,” Moore told 247Sports. “He’s just always telling me like code words on the field to remember my childhood self playing football in little league smiling. At the end of the day, I play the game to glorify God and if it’s a loss or a win, it doesn’t matter as long as I play my 100% hardest — that’s where my smile comes from.”
That perspective will be tested again Friday night. Indiana handed Oregon its lone defeat earlier this season, 30-20 in Oregon on Oct. 11. Their rematch comes on the big stage of the College Football Playoff semifinals. The quarterback on the other sideline is Heisman Trophy winner Fernando Mendoza, whom many experts believe will be the No. 1 overall pick in the upcoming NFL Draft.
But Moore isn’t approaching the moment with bitterness or pressure — rather, with gratitude and high praise for his counterpart, who is also not shy about sharing his faith in Jesus.
“He’s somebody that works his tail off, a very smart quarterback,” Moore said about Mendoza to reporters this week. “But I think the biggest thing that I take away from him is he gives glory to God through his success, through his accolades, through his wins, he always gives time to glorify God, and that’s something I appreciate. Respect towards him.”
Oregon and Indiana will kick off at 7:30 p.m. ET Friday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. The winner moves on to the national championship game.
