Oakland Raiders: a longstanding NFL franchise now in Las Vegas, known for a Super Bowl-era legacy and a recent, high-profile news cycle.
Barret Robbins, a former Raiders player and 2002 All-Pro, died peacefully in his sleep. Robbins played nine seasons, was known for his bipolar disorder struggles, and was suspended before the 2003 Super Bowl. His death was announced by ex-teammate Tim Brown.
The Raiders have positioned quarterback Fernando Mendoza as a potential franchise-altering pick after drafting him No. 1 overall, while surrounding him with veteran guidance and additional talent. Mendoza has led Indiana to a national championship and is entering a high-pressure environment with a veteran cohort and a mix of high-ceiling NFL-ready players in the draft.
Hilary Knight has been traded to Detroit as part of a sign-and-trade with Las Vegas after signing a foundational contract with the expansion team. The move follows Knight’s Olympic gold in Milan and positions her as a cornerstone for Detroit’s inaugural season, with Las Vegas acquiring Detroit’s first-round pick.
Aldon Smith, the former NFL standout, has died at age 36. The 49ers picked him seventh overall in 2011 and he became one of the league’s most explosive edge players, setting franchise records early before off-field issues curtailed his career. The team has offered condolences. The cause of death has not been disclosed.
NFL star Aldon Smith has died after delivering pizzas for a homeless charity in the San Francisco Bay Area. Attorneys say his brain will be examined for CTE as part of ongoing family-initiated investigations into the death.