NFL Off-Season Moves as Pop Culture Moments
While we *not* so patiently wait for the NFL to return, some major moves have been happening within the league. To break it down for you in the most Sportsish way, we have picked a few of these off season decisions and related them to the most iconic pop culture moments in history.
Cooper Kupp’s “Divorce” with the Rams as Brad Pitt and Jennifer Aniston’s Split
With maybe the most shocking news in the league, Cooper Kupp was released by the Los Angeles Rams in February of this year, leaving our jaws on the floor. Playing for the team since 2017, Cooper was a star player during the Rams' Super Bowl win in 2021. This news rocked Rams fans to the core and came as a surprise to Cooper and his family as well, but we can highly guarantee Cooper will continue his game at another great team.
The only way to best describe Cooper’s seemingly messy “divorce” with the Rams is to link it to the split that rocked pop culture to its core. In 2005, power couple Jennifer Aniston and Brad Pitt announced they would be separating, and once again, jaws hit the floor. This couple was on top of the celebrity world, starting with a powerful romance in 1998, which led to a marriage in 2000. Brad even guest starred next to Jen in her hit show “Friends” in 2001.
The couple ultimately broke up four years later, with news that Pitt was attracted to his Mr. & Mrs. Smith costar Angelina Jolie. To most, that made their divorce sound pretty messy, similar to that of Kupp and the Rams.
Deebo Samuel Sr.’s Trade from the 49ers as Zayn Malik Leaving One Direction
For many 49ers fans, the news of Deebo Samuel being traded to the Washington Commanders stung a little. Deebo has played for San Francisco since 2019 and has been a trivial team member during their multiple playoff runs and Super Bowl appearances. Being traded to the Commanders for a fifth-round draft pick might seem like Washington was the winner, but we are very willing to see how this trade plays out!
However, if you are a 49ers fan and grew up as a fan of the worldwide sensation One Direction, this news might feel a little like that fateful day in 2015 (TEN YEARS AGO ALREADY?). Zayn Malik, One Direction’s “bad boy,” broke so many hearts when it was announced in March 2015 that he would be leaving the group. A crucial part of the band, Zayn, brought his incredible voice and even more incredible looks that took being a “directioner” to a whole new level.
As we all know, One Direction continued with major success after Zayn’s absence, and we are positive we can expect the same from the 49ers. Isn’t it crazy how fast the “Night Changes”?
Josh Allen the Highest Paid NFL Quarterback as Taylor Swift’s Highest-Grossing Eras Tour
In recent news, Josh Allen has become the highest-paid quarterback in NFL history. His $330 million contract, with $250 million guaranteed, is a massive contract that Josh fully deserves. After carrying his Buffalo Bills team to the AFC Championship this past season, this six-year contract seems to come at the right time. The King of Buffalo will be sticking around for a few more years, and with his athleticism, he made the money to prove it!
Another superstar who got paid and deserved it is our girl, Taylor Swift. During her worldwide Eras Tour, Taylor became the performer with the highest-grossing tour in history. Bringing in a whopping $2.2 billion during its nearly two-year run, this tour earned this title for its second year in a row. Taylor made her mark on the world with her stunning tour and showed her stamina during these nearly four-hour shows. We are sure Josh and Taylor have one thing in common– they make money that they deserve. We cannot wait to see these stars in their future endeavors!
Darius Slay Jr. Released from Championship Team as Adele’s Final Tour
Darius Slay made headlines recently when it was announced he was being released from the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles finished their season as world champions after beating the Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX, with Darius earning himself a ring. Slay joined the Eagles in 2020 after signing with the Detroit Lions back in 2013. Darius has been in the league for a long time, and the idea of retirement doesn’t seem too far off for him. There is a possibility the Eagles may re-sign Slay with their larger cap space now, but there are no guarantees. With this upcoming season possibly being the last, we are eager to see where Darius takes his talents next!
Another famous name that took their last lap after an incredible career is outstanding vocalist Adele. Announcing she would be stepping down from the spotlight during her last show at The Colosseum in Las Vegas in November of 2024, Adele said she wanted to take a break and live her new life. Performing her 100th show of her residency in Vegas, Adele stunned during her final tour, and her voice brought tears to our eyes. With what sounds like an indefinite hiatus, we will miss this British beauty and her ethereal presence, but retirement isn’t permanent!