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Sports Illustrated’s Jonathan Jones wrote an intersting piece this morning. He wrote a letter to Philip Rivers asking him to please consider waiving his no-trade clause and move on from the Chargers.

On one hand you admire the former Wolfpack legend’s loyalty to the Chargers, but that doesn’t mean Sports Illustrated doesn’t have a point. Rivers is an elite quarterback stuck on a team that simply can’t do much right lately.

Is playing for the Chargers hurting his stock? Is it hurting his standing as a potential hall of fame quarterback? These are a few questions that maybe we should start thinking about as State fans. Rivers has the potential to be NC State’s first NFL hall of famer, but losing season after losing season isn’t going to help that cause. So obviously we should be wanting him to leave San Diego, right? …Well, not so fast.

When Rivers decided to come to NC State over several other top tier schools, we applauded his confidence and drive to take an underdog and make them a contender. Now, however, are we asking him to do something different in San Diego because it benefits us (so we can brag that we have a QB in the NFL Hall of Fame)? As State fans, do we only root for the underdog and for loyalty when it’s self-serving, or are those qualities that we truly have regardless.

Just a few things to ponder as you read what SI had to say.

Here are some highlights of that letter:

“You may not know it because you love San Diego so much. You may not understand it because of your deep loyalty to the Chargers and their fans. But it’s time, Philip. It’s time for you to leave.You’re not getting any younger and your team isn’t getting any better. As bad as last season’s 4–12 record was, 2016 may be even worse.”

“You’ve given so much to this franchise, including your ACL in the 2007 AFC Championship Game. The 42,557 passing yards are the fifth-most among active quarterbacks, and the four in front of you are guaranteed to go into the Hall of Fame. And of the 13 players in front of you on the all-time list, 11 are either in the Hall or will eventually find their way there. But my concern here is for you. I’m not convinced you’re going to make it to Canton if you don’t get out of your current situation. The statistics are there, but your final years where you can really state your case are washing away into the Pacific.”

“Your loyalty to this franchise is unquestioned. You signed a four-year extension last year with the specter of a team moving to Los Angeles staring the Chargers in the face. You believed in the team and stuck around, and you’re being repaid with heartbreaking loss after heartbreaking loss.“You try to laugh to keep from crying,” you said after your team fumbled away another fourth-quarter lead. You deserve better, Philip.”

What do you think? Should Rivers stay loyal to the Chargers, or should he look for a better opportunity to play out his final years in the NFL?

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NC State Baseball

All But 1 of NC State’s 2024 MLB Draft Picks & UDFA’s Have Signed

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11 hours ago

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July 26, 2024

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All but 1 of NC State’s 2024 MLB Draft Picks and Undrafted Free Agents have signed with their respective teams.

Center Fielder Eli Serrano III was drafted in the 4th round with the 111th overall pick by the New York Mets. He signed for $697,500, which was $41,400 more than the slot value for the pick. Serrano III had 2 more years of college eligibility, but opted to turn pro.

 

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Shortstop Brandon Butterworth has signed with the Padres, who drafted him the 12th round with the 360th overall pick. Butterworth had one more year of college eligibility, but opted to turn pro.

 

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Pitcher Sam Highfill has signed as an Undrafted Free Agent with the Phillies.

Pitcher Logan Whitaker was drafted by the Twins in the 19th round with the 578th overall pick. He signed for $10,000.

An event that majority of people told me was nearly impossible. Here’s to the end of an era and a start to a new adventure. Time to get to work. pic.twitter.com/HdOsDmU6vB

— Logan Whitaker (@_whitaker_10) July 25, 2024

3rd Baseman Alec Makarewicz signed as an Undrafted Free Agent with the White Sox.

1st Baseman Garrett Pennington signed an Undrafted Free Agent Deal with the Tigers.

Shortstop Devin Fitz-Gerald, who was going to be an incoming Freshman in 2025, was drafted by the Rangers in the 5th Round. He signed his deal, with a signing bonus worth $900,000.

Catcher Jacob Cozart was drafted by the Guardians in the 2nd Round with the 48th overall pick. He has yet to sign his deal. The slot value for his deal is $1.94 million. Cozart has 1 year of college eligibility remaining, but there’s no expectation that he will be returning next season for the Wolfpack.

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Pack in the Pros

NFL.com Ranks NC State Legend Bradley Chubb as 1 of the Top-100 Players in 2024

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1 day ago

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July 25, 2024

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Every year, NFL.com ranks the Top-100 players heading into the season, and the voting is done by the players. Former NC State All-American Bradley Chubb didn’t crack the Top-100 heading into last season, but heading into 2024, he ranks 62nd.

Bradley Chubb
Bradley Chubb
Miami Dolphins · OLB

Whether you were a quarterback or running back who went against the Dolphins, Chubb’s presence in the trenches was potent. He led the league with six forced fumbles while also recording 73 tackles, 22 QB hits, 11 sacks and 11 tackles for loss. He reached the double-digit sack mark for the first time since his rookie season in 2018. Chubb suffered a torn ACL late in the 2023 season and there hasn’t been a timeline on when he’ll return for the 2024 campaign, but he certainly left his mark last year.

(NFL)

In 2017, Chubb was named the ACC Defensive Player of the Year, becoming only the 2nd NC State player to earn the honor. He also was named a Consensus 1st Team All-American. Chubb took home the Bronko Nagurski and Ted Hendrick’s awards. He is NC State’s career leader in Sacks and Tackles for Loss.

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Pack in the Pros

Former NC State All-American’s Thuney & McNeill Make CBS Sports’ Top-100 NFL Players of ’24

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2 days ago

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July 25, 2024

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Pete Prisco of CBS Sports shared his Top-100 NFL Players heading into the 2024 season, and two former NC State All-Americans made the list: Offensive Guard Joe Thuney (Chiefs) & Defensive Tackle Alim McNeill (Lions).

86
player headshot
Joe ThuneyKANSAS CITY CHIEFS OG
As part of the best interior-line group in the league, he excels in pass protection. He did miss time last season and in the playoffs, which is concerning since he turns 32 in November. (Last season: No. 80)
89
player headshot
Alim McNeillDETROIT LIONS DT
He had his breakout season in 2023, flashing ability as a run stopper but also as a player who could push the pocket inside. He had five sacks, but I expect that number to be higher this season. (Last season: NR)

(CBS)

Thuney is coming off a season in which he earned 1st Team All-Pro honors, a Pro Bowl invite and a Super Bowl ring. In 2015, Thuney earned 1st Team All-American honors at NC State from the USAToday, and 3rd Team honors from the AP.

McNeill’s PFF Grade of 86.8 was the 2nd best on Detroit’s defense, and the 7th best at his position in the NFL. In 2020, McNeill earned 1st Team All-American honors at NC State from PFF, and 2nd Team honors from the AP.

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NC State Basketball

NC State Legend Julius Hodge Named Head Coach at Lincoln University

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2 days ago

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July 24, 2024

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NC State Legend Julius Hodge has been named the Head Coach at Lincoln University.

This marks Hodge’s first stint as a Head Coach.

Hodge has been in the Coaching world since 2015, when he served as Director of Player Development at the University of Buffalo under Bobby Hurley. Then, he spent 2016 and 2017 as an Assistant Coach under Herb Sendek at Santa Clara. From 2018-20, Hodge served as an Assistant Coach at San Jose State. Hodge has spent the past three seasons as an Assistant Coach at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock.

At NC State, Hodge earned 1st Team All-ACC honors in 2003 & 2004, and 2nd Team honors in 2005. Hodge was named the ACC Player of the Year in ’04. He earned the All-Freshman Team in 2002.

Hodge is 1 of 11 players in NC State history to earn 1st Team All-ACC honors more than once.

His 2,040 career points scored rank 3rd in NC State history. Hodge also ranks 1st in Free Throws Made, 14th in Rebounds, 7th in Offensive Rebounds, 6th in Assists and 7th in Steals.

Congrats Julius! You deserve this!

 

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