Ty OKeefe

Inexperienced Quarterbacks Leading Denver Broncos Into Battle

Less than seven months ago, the Denver Broncos were celebrating a Super Bowl win over the Carolina Panthers while quarterback legend Peyton Manning enjoyed one last moment in the spotlight before calling it quits and handing the torch to capable backup Brock Osweiler. But just two days after Manning’s retirement became official, Osweiler decided to […]

7y ago

denver broncos

Can Dak Prescott Carry The Dallas Cowboys Back To NFL Playoffs?

As the top running back and fourth overall selection in this June’s NFL Draft, Dallas Cowboys’ rookie Ezekiel Elliot has been watched, analyzed, and discussed as much as any member of ”America’s Team” through training camp and the first three weeks of the preseason. But while Elliot has drawn the lion’s share of attention thus […]

7y ago

Dak Prescott|Dallas Cowboys|tony romo

Conor McGregor Has Second Chance At MMA History In Lightweight Title Shot

Now that the ongoing battle between dual-weight contenders Conor McGregor and Nate Diaz has reached a standstill and the UFC doesn’t seem too interested in booking a trilogy bout, speculation about the Irishman’s next opponent has made its way into the headlines, and some intriguing options have surfaced. Among the names already mentioned, newly-crowned UFC […]

7y ago

Conor McGregor|Jose Aldo|ufc

Can Quarterback Controversy Hurt Notre Dame?

With the first week of college football looming, we expect to see a top-25 program like the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the headlines. Unfortunately, head coach Brian Kelly’s crew has made headlines for all the wrong reasons thanks to two separate and unrelated incidents that’s left six different players in varying degrees of legal […]

7y ago

Notre Dame

Ryan Fitzpatrick, Matt Forte Will Decide Fate Of 2016 New York Jets

Following a 10-6 finish and a relatively painless off-season, the New York Jets and their forgiving fan-base have a lot to be excited about as they enter the 2016 regular season with a real shot to finally dethrone the hated New England Patriots in the AFC East. But if Gang Green is going to turn […]

7y ago

New York Jets|Ryan Fitzpatrick

UFC 202: Has Conor McGregor Been Led Down Disastrous Path In Rematch With Nate Diaz?

Since earning one of the biggest upset victories in MMA history on less than two weeks notice by submitting UFC featherweight champion Conor McGregor at UFC 196 in March, Nate Diaz has occupied the center of the sport’s spotlight and seen his stock rise accordingly. But for McGregor, that loss sparked an obsession with revenge […]

7y ago

Conor McGregor|dana white|Nate Diaz

Jameis Winston And Marcus Mariota Ready To Top Historic Rookie Seasons

Entering last season, the eyes of the NFL were focused on the league’s newest young quarterback prodigies as Tampa Bay Bucs’ rookie Jameis Winston and fellow first-year pro Marcus Mariota of the Tennessee Titans were handed the reigns of their first NFL offenses. But even after surviving a steep learning curve and avoiding all-out disaster […]

7y ago

Jameis Winston|marcus mariota|tennessee titans

Does Nick Diaz Really Deserve Shot At UFC’s Welterweight Title?

Despite winning just one UFC fight in more than nine years, and none since the fall of 2011, MMA veteran Nick Diaz believes that he’s one of the sport’s hottest tickets now that he’s finally returned from an 18-month suspension for a third failed drug test. But as crazy as it may sound, Diaz might […]

7y ago

Contrary To Popular Opinion, Colin Kaepernick Early Favorite To Win Forty-Niners’ QB Battle

Entering last summer’s training camp, Colin Kaepernick had a fairly firm hold on the San Francisco Forty-Niners’ starting quarterback gig following two straight seasons of worthy production. The team itself hadn’t done very well during a mediocre 8-8 2014, but Kaepernick wasn’t in any real danger of losing his day job. While it’s only a […]

7y ago

blaine gabbert|Chip Kelly|Colin Kaepernick

Instant Success Isn’t Part Of The Plan For Jared Goff And L.A. Rams

While many rookies will be facing the most pressure of their football lives when the NFL’s regular season begins next month, few will feel the squeeze quite like L.A. Rams quarterback Jared Goff. Chosen by Los Angeles as the top pick in this past June’s NFL Draft, Goff’s transformation from college standout to NFL starting […]

7y ago

Jared Goff|los angeles rams|Todd Gurley

Overcoming Off-Field Distractions Key For Dallas Cowboys

While the Dallas Cowboys have been known as ”America’s Team” for years, it’s been quite some time since the unofficial title was accurate, and last year’s 4-12 finish, a seemingly constant stream of controversy, and an aging star under center, are only a few of the issues currently preventing the famous franchise from returning to […]

7y ago

Dallas Cowboys|Ezekiel Elliott|jason garrett|Jerry Jones|tony romo

Are Packers’ Hopes For 2016 Really Hinging On Health Of Jordy Nelson?

If fans of the Green Bay Packers were forced to name one thing that hindered their beloved team’s ability to defend its NFC North crown and move beyond the second round of last year’s playoffs, it would undoubtedly be the injury-fueled absence of wide receiver Jordy Nelson. But with Nelson closing in on his highly-anticipated […]

7y ago

Aaron Rodgers|Green Bay Packers

Following Disappointment Of UFC 200, Fight Fans May Want To Steer Clear Of UFC 201

The overall popularity of mixed martial arts, and more specifically, the UFC, has risen to new heights in 2016 due largely to a recent rash of unprecedented upsets in some of the sport’s biggest bouts. But after the disappointment of UFC 200, fight fans might want to pass on paying for this weekend’s main card […]

7y ago

Cleveland Browns Betting Big That Robert Griffin III Can Resurrect Career

Thus far, 2016 has been a pretty good year for sports fans from the supposedly cursed city of Cleveland. LeBron James made good on his promise to deliver an NBA Championship in June, UFC heavyweight and proud city son Stipe Miocic claimed the UFC’s heavyweight title a month earlier, and as of Monday, even baseball’s […]

7y ago

Cleveland Browns|Josh McCown|robert griffin III

Will Emergence Of Deadly Trio Push Ronda Rousey Out Of Women’s Bantamweight Title Picture?

Less than five months removed from the most devastating loss of her MMA career, former UFC women’s bantamweight queen Holly Holm paid a steep price for stepping into the Octagon with striker-extraordinaire Valentina Shevchenko in the main event of Saturday’s UFC Fight Night Chicago and suffered a loss that will be felt throughout the entire […]

7y ago

amanda nunes|holly holm|ronda rousey

Can The Minnesota Vikings Defend Division Title And Compete For Spot In Super Bowl?

As current players, politicians, local legends, and football fans gathered in the Twin Cities to celebrate the long-awaited opening of U.S. Bank Stadium this week, there was one unofficial theme that dominated the festivities—these days, it’s good to be in business with the Minnesota Vikings. From the $1 billion worth of new apartments and office […]

7y ago

Adrian Peterson|Minnesota Vikings

Why Has Addition Of Kevin Durant Turned NBA Fans Against Warriors?

During the last two years, the Golden State Warriors have won their way into the hearts of basketball fans everywhere thanks to the play of second generation NBA’ers Steph Curry and Klay Thompson and a pair of appearances in the NBA Finals. Despite dropping their second seven-game showdown with the Cleveland Cavaliers in this year’s […]

7y ago

Golden State Warriors|kevin durant|Oklahoma City Thunder|steph curry

Where Will The New York Jets Land Without Ryan Fitzpatrick?

As the beginning of NFL training camp draws near and the New York Jets prepare to descend upon their summer stomping grounds in Florham Park, New Jersey, the surprisingly sticky contract negotiations between Gang Green and starting quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick continue to drastically dampen team morale. Last summer, a locker room dust-up between then-projected starter […]

7y ago

Brandon Marshall|Geno Smith|New York Jets|Ryan Fitzpatrick

Can Holly Holm Earn Title Shot With Win At UFC FN Chicago?

With a trio of title fights and the emergence of several new champions, the UFC’s women’s bantamweight division has been one of MMA’s most entertaining weight classes since the fall of former undisputed bantamweight queen Ronda Rousey last November. But for Holly Holm — the woman who personally knocked the division into months of entertaining […]

7y ago

holly holm|miesha tate|ronda rousey

Can Oklahoma City Compete In Western Conference Without Durant And Westbrook?

As the final buzzer sounded on Game 7 of the Western Conference Finals and the Oklahoma City Thunder said goodbye to another relatively successful season, basketball fans across the Sooner State knew that the next few months could decide the future of their beloved franchise. After nine years and several significant playoff runs, Kevin Durant […]

7y ago

Golden State Warriors|kevin durant|Oklahoma City Thunder|Russell Westbrook

Where Does Ronda Rousey Fit In New Women’s Bantamweight Division?

Although the UFC’s attempt to surpass even the most ridiculous expectations with the biggest event in its history fell flat at last weekend’s UFC 200, the effects of Amanda Nunes’ title-winning performance against Miesha Tate in Saturday’s main event will be felt long after fight fans have forgotten about the promotion’s high-priced disappointment. After all, […]

7y ago

amanda nunes|dana white|miesha tate|ronda rousey

Can Jon Jones Ever Reclaim Status As UFC Champion And MMA’s Best?

Less than three days before Jon Jones was scheduled to headline the biggest event in UFC history, reports of a failed drug test rocked the world of mixed martial arts and forced the UFC to cancel what would’ve been one of the most important fights of his entire career. In what was supposed to be […]

7y ago

dana white|daniel cormier|jon jones

Will Jose Aldo Retire With Loss At UFC 200?

Until stepping into the Octagon for the main event of UFC 194 on December 12, 2015, Jose Aldo was seen as an immortal featherweight force, and more importantly to some, the one man whom Conor McGregor haters could count on to finally silence the Irishman. However, just 13 seconds into a 145-pound title fight that […]

7y ago

Conor McGregor|Jose Aldo

Where Does Knicks’ Sudden Rebuild Leave Kristaps Porzingis?

Six months ago, breakout rookie Kristaps Porzingis was quieting his critics as a member of the Derek Fisher-led New York Knicks who were flirting with the.500 mark thanks to a rare, 6-2 run before beginning their second-half slide into a 32-50 finish and a future full of question marks. Now, two head coaches, a former […]

7y ago

Can Daniel Cormier Finally Earn Light Heavyweight Title By Defeating Jon Jones At UFC 200?

The minute that he decided to drop down to the UFC’s 205-pound division in late 2013, the life of current UFC light heavyweight king Daniel Cormier has revolved around his rivalry with former champ Jon Jones. Even when Cormier was training for another opponent, the thought of defeating Jones fed the former Olympian’s fire. And […]

7y ago

daniel cormier|jon jones

Hassan Whiteside Open To Abandoning Miami Heat In Free Agency

Entering the offseason, Hassan Whiteside was already tagged as the Miami Heat’s top free-agent priority despite the fact that the reigning Southeast Divisions champions are facing the potential departures of as many as nine players including franchise cornerstone Dwyane Wade and veteran forward Luol Deng. But thanks to a veteran-heavy market of free agent big […]

7y ago

Hassan Whiteside|Miami Heat

Dwyane Wade Considering Free Agent Options, May Leave Miami Heat

With the start of free agency looming and the market running low on superstars, rumors regarding potential big-money moves and inevitable paydays have dominated this week’s NBA headlines. But while some of those rumors have come as absolutely no surprise, the same can’t be said for rumors involving Dwyane Wade’s possible departure from the Miami […]

7y ago

dwyane wade|Miami Heat

Joakim Noah Is Perfect Fit For New-Look New York Knicks

Now that team president Phil Jackson has secured the services of a starting point guard with last week’s acquisition of Derrick Rose, the New York Knicks have their sights set on a low-post presence capable of working with their star-studded starting five, and soon-to-be free agent center Joakim Noah of the Chicago Bulls would be […]

7y ago

Chicago Bulls|Derrick Rose|Joakim Noah|new york knicks|phil jackson

The Knicks Will Regret Trading For Derrick Rose

While the rest of the league was knee-deep in preparations for this year’s NBA Draft, the New York Knicks were busy putting some recent rumors to rest by pulling the trigger on an interesting five-player trade with the Chicago Bulls to acquire former All-Star and league MVP Derrick Rose. In a deal that also netted […]

7y ago

Carmelo Anthony|Derrick Rose|new york knicks|phil jackson

Georges St. Pierre Is Finally Returning To The UFC

After 31 months away from a sport he once dominated, former welterweight champion Georges St. Pierre has finally announced his intention to return to the UFC, and although the specifics of the Canadian’s comeback are not yet known, there’s a very intriguing list of potential opponents. During a phone interview with Ariel Helwani on Monday’s […]

7y ago

Conor McGregor|Georges St. Pierre

Is Dana White Leaving The UFC?

Oddsmakers have set betting lines on it, every related publication has written articles about it, and those closest to the deal have even denied its existence. But the rumored sale of the UFC appears to be born from reality, and the biggest question surrounding its future concerns company president Dana White. During the past week, […]

7y ago

dana white|ufc

Brock Lesnar’s Return To The Octagon Will Seriously Hurt The UFC’S Heavyweight Division

Despite the UFC’s solid summer schedule featuring a ton of top talent, it seems as though news of Brock Lesnar’s temporary comeback is one of the only things fight fans care about these days. While undeniably intriguing, and possibly even worth your hard-earned pay-per-view dollars, Lesnar’s one-night return to the peak of the MMA pyramid […]

7y ago

brock lesnar|ufc

Rory MacDonald’s Future Riding On Results Of Welterweight Showdown With Stephen Thompson

The last time that Rory MacDonald graced the octagon with his heavy-handed presence, the top-ranked welterweight contender was favored to take the UFC’s 170-pound crown from current king Robbie Lawler at UFC 189 in July of 2015. But despite battling Lawler for more than 20 crowd-pleasing minutes, MacDonald was left with nothing more than a […]

7y ago

ufc

How Brothers Klay And Trayce Thompson Are Conquering The West

During the Golden State Warriors’ relatively recent rise to the pinnacle of pro basketball, the world has become fairly familiar with long-distance assassin Klay Thompson. But 370 miles south of Oakland, another Thompson is starting to take the west coast sports scene by storm as younger brother Trayce lives out his big-league dreams as an […]

7y ago

Golden State Warriors|Klay Thompson

Why Kentucky’s Jamal Murray Is The Best Player In This Year’s NBA Draft

Since showing flashes of NBA potential and displaying LeBron-like athleticism during his first and only year in the NCAA, LSU’s Ben Simmons has been the odds-on favorite to be selected first overall in the upcoming NBA Draft. But there’s another young gun eyeing the NBA who’s worthy of the draft’s highest honor, and while he […]

7y ago

Ben Simmons

Draymond Green: From Second-Rounder To NBA Superstar

If it was somehow possible to combine the on-court talents and personalities of Anthony Mason, Kevin Garnett, Chris Mullin, Robert Horry, and Charles Oakley, you’d have Golden State Warriors’ super-forward Draymond Green. Throughout Golden State’s current playoff run, Green has been everything to his Warriors. Floor general, defensive specialist, leading-scorer, muscle, LeBron-stopper, outside threat, offensive […]

7y ago

cleveland cavaliers|Draymond Green|Golden State Warriors

McGregor Rematch Saved Nate Diaz From Returning To World Of UFC Irrelevancy

Last week’s MMA headlines may have been littered with rumors regarding the likely cancellation of a Conor McGregor-Nate Diaz rematch, but contrary to recent reports, it now appears as though the highly-anticipated bout will indeed take place at UFC 202 on August 20 in Las Vegas. And for Diaz, the news couldn’t have come at […]

7y ago

Conor McGregor|dana white|Nate Diaz

Kevin Love Holds Key To Cavaliers’ Title Hopes

As the Cleveland Cavaliers entered last year’s NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors without Kevin Love, LeBron James and the Eastern Conference champs knew that the absence of their injured all-star could be enough to lose the seven-game series before it even began. One year later, the star-studded Cavs have dropped the opening game […]

7y ago

cleveland cavaliers|kevin love

LeBron James May Be Headed To Sixth Straight NBA Finals, But We Don’t Have To Like It

By now, you’ve undoubtedly heard that the NBA has dodged a ratings fiasco, and LeBron James has led the Cleveland Cavaliers back to the NBA Finals for a rematch with Steph Curry’s Golden State Warriors. But even if we can’t help but be impressed by the fact that James will be making his sixth straight […]

7y ago

Golden State Warriors|LeBron James|steph curry

Urijah Faber Earned UFC 199 Title Shot With Patience And Perseverance

After fading from the 135-pound title picture during the past two years, patience and perseverance finally paid off for Urijah Faber when he was awarded a fourth UFC title shot and a third crack at UFC bantamweight champ Dominick Cruz in the co-main event of UFC 199 on June 4th. With the WEC’s featherweight belt […]

7y ago

UFC 200 Represents Frankie Edgar’s Last Chance To Reclaim UFC Title

With a star-studded main card, a trio of title fights, and the world of mixed martial arts watching every second, July’s UFC 200 will offer many of those fortunate enough to participate in the historical event a potentially career-changing opportunity. For octagon great Frankie Edgar, UFC 200 and a rematch with Jose Aldo for the […]

7y ago

Conor McGregor|Jose Aldo

Kyle Lowry’s Performance In 2016 Playoffs Will Be Remembered For Inconsistency

Even before the Toronto Raptors’ 105-99 series-tying win over the Cleveland Cavaliers became official, Kyle Lowry was being praised for an offensive effort that would ultimately help to save the Raptors from falling into a 3-1 hole ahead of Game 5 and a return to the land of Lebron. In this case, Toronto’s favorite floor […]

7y ago

cleveland cavaliers|demar derozan|kyle lowry|Toronto Raptors

Replicating High-Octane Offense Only Path To Playoffs For 2016 New York Jets

Fresh off of a 4-12 campaign, plagued with questions at quarterback, and under the guidance of new head coach Todd Bowles, nobody really knew what to expect from the 2015 New York Jets. But after finishing 10-6 and narrowly missing the playoffs, the doubt that surrounded last year’s Jets has been replaced by high hopes […]

7y ago

Brandon Marshall|eric decker|New York Jets|Ryan Fitzpatrick

Conor McGregor’s Image Will Never Fully Recover From UFC Standoff

While rumors surrounding a potential mega-fight with retired boxer Floyd Mayweather have been hogging the Conor McGregor-related headlines for the past few weeks, serious concerns regarding his future as the UFC’s featherweight champion and the promotion’s biggest cash cow have been gaining momentum since his unexpected loss to Nate Diaz at UFC 196 in March. […]

7y ago

Conor McGregor|dana white|Nate Diaz

Russell Westbrook Flourishing As NBA’s Super-Villain and Anti-Steph Curry

Oklahoma City’s Russell Westbrook has been called everything from an all-star and an artist to an arrogant agitator during his NBA career. But if the Thunder and their fearless floor general manage to eliminate Steph Curry and the ever-popular Golden State Warriors from this year’s post-season, Westbrook will officially become the most hated super-villain in […]

7y ago

Golden State Warriors|Oklahoma City Thunder|Russell Westbrook|steph curry

UFC Has Become Land Of Late-Blooming Champions

After nearly five years of fighting his way to the top, 33-year old Stipe Miocic knocked-out Fabricio Werdum at Saturday’s UFC 198 to win the heavyweight title and further prove that the promotion has recently become the land of late-blooming champions. Although the sport has always had at least a few aging champions and its […]

7y ago

miesha tate

Klay Thompson More Critical To Golden State Warriors’ Playoff Success Than Ever Before

Usually, when we think of the Golden State Warriors, Steph Curry is the first name that comes to mind. But the reigning NBA champs are far from a one-trick pony, and without the services of Klay Thompson, the Western Conference power simply wouldn’t be where it is today. Most often described as quiet and unassuming, […]

7y ago

Golden State Warriors|Klay Thompson|Oklahoma City Thunder|steph curry

Can Ronda Rousey Reclaim UFC Women’s Bantamweight Crown?

Once considered to be the undisputed queen of mixed martial arts, former UFC women’s bantamweight champion Ronda Rousey no longer resides at the center of the MMA universe since losing her title to Holly Holm last November. But as the world of MMA turns its collective attention to this weekend’s UFC 198 in Curitiba, Brazil, […]

7y ago

miesha tate|ronda rousey

Ty OKeefe

Ty currently covers MMA, the NBA, NFL, NCAA Football, and NCAA basketball, with past work shown on sites such as USA Today Sports, Fox Sports, ESPN Truehoop, Rant Sports, and Yardbarker. Twitter-@abovethefoldty