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Chiefs’ Charles Omenihu appears upset over Peacock playoff game: ‘Insane I won’t lie’

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The Kansas City Chiefs will host the Miami Dolphins on Saturday night in the AFC wild-card round of the NFL playoffs, but the game will exclusively be on NBC’s streaming service Peacock.

Chiefs defensive end Charles Omenihu appeared to be taken aback when he realized the game was only going to be on the streaming service.

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Charles Omenihu, #90 of the Kansas City Chiefs, looks on during the national anthem prior to an NFL football game between the Denver Broncos and the Kansas City Chiefs at Empower Field At Mile High on Oct. 29, 2023 in Denver. (Michael Owens/Getty Images)

“Us playing on peacock ONLY is insane I won’t lie,” he wrote on X.

KSHB-TV general manager and Vice President Kathleen Choal confirmed after the Chiefs wrapped up the No. 3 seed in the playoffs that the game will air on the NBC affiliate.

“As the GM of @KSHB41 I can confirm the game will air on linear TV for the hometown teams. So yes we will have the @Chiefs game on our station next Saturday for all our viewers!” she wrote on X.

Charles Omenihu vs Bengals

Charles Omenihu, #90 of the Kansas City Chiefs, celebrates during an NFL football game against the Cincinnati Bengals at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium on Dec. 31, 2023 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Ryan Kang/Getty Images)

RAVENS, 49ERS FINISH ON TOP OF NFL AS PLAYOFF PICTURE BECOMES CRYSTAL CLEAR

The game will be seen on local markets, but for the rest of the country, they will need to have Peacock to watch the game. It will be the first time an NFL playoff game will only be available primarily through streaming.

According to The Wall Street Journal, NBCUniversal and the NFL reached a one-year, $110 million deal to bring the playoff game to the streamer.

Tyreek Hill vs Bills

Tyreek Hill, #10 of the Miami Dolphins, celebrates with Cedrick Wilson Jr., #11, after a touchdown during the second quarter against the Buffalo Bills at Hard Rock Stadium on Jan. 7, 2024 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Rich Storry/Getty Images)

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The Chiefs will welcome Tyreek Hill back to Arrowhead Stadium for the playoff game. The Dolphins are coming off a season-finale loss to the Buffalo Bills, costing them an AFC East division title.

Bullfighting returns to Mexico City after ban is lifted

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  • Bullfighting in Mexico City faced a ban in June 2022, but the Supreme Court of Justice has officially overturned it.
  • Animal rights activists had filed a legal complaint against bullfighting, citing violence and animal cruelty in Mexico City.
  • The Supreme Court ruled unanimously that the ban did not prove “imminent and irreparable damage” caused by bullfights.

In the center of a desolate and cold Plaza Mexico stadium, a young matador raises a red cape and leaps to the right as he gets charged — not by a bull, but by a bull’s head on a cart.

A bellowing colleague is pushing the wheeled contraption to breathe a bit of realism into training in anticipation of bullfighting’s return to Mexico City.

The traditional spectacle took a critical blow when a judge banned it in the city in June 2022. Now that the country’s Supreme Court of Justice has overturned the ban, the capital that is home to what is billed as the world’s largest bullfighting ring plans to host “fiesta brava” events once more.

COLOMBIA SET TO VOTE ON BULLFIGHTING BAN IN THE COMING WEEKS

“To know that the dream is even closer pushes me further,” said Juan Esteban Arboleda Gómez, an aspiring bullfighter, or “novillero,” from Colombia who moved to the Mexican capital to pursue a career that the lower court’s indefinite injunction delayed.

A bullfighter practices at the Plaza de Toros Mexico bullring in Mexico City, on Dec. 12, 2023. The spectacle took a critical blow in 2022 when a judge banned bullfighting in Mexico City, but now that the country’s Supreme Court of Justice has overturned the ban, the controversial sport is set to return to the capital. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano)

Arboleda Gómez, who is known professionally as Juan Gómez “Dynasty,” is among thousands of people who struggled to make ends meet during the past year and a half. For them, and for fans of, the high court’s ruling last month was a source of relief and celebration.

No dates have been announced yet for new bullfights. But their expected resumption in Plaza Mexico has renewed the worries of animal rights activists. The hiatus stemmed from a legal complaint brought by the organization Justicia Justa, which alleged that bullfights created an unhealthy environment by subjecting Mexico City residents to violence and animal cruelty.

Justicia Justa’s push to end the controversial sport in Mexico, where it flourished for more than 500 years, is part of a global movement. While such fights are held in most of the country, they remain blocked by judicial measures in the states of Sinaloa, Guerrero, Coahuila and Quintana Roo, as well as in the western city of Guadalajara.

Jorge Gaviño, a member of the Mexico City Congress who has unsuccessfully pushed three local measures against bullfighting, said he considered the lifting of the court ban a blow for animal rights but said he was working with other groups to present new appeals to stop the practice.

“It’s very complicated, but it doesn’t discourage us because sooner or later we’re going to achieve the thing we set out to do. This is irreversible,” Gaviño said. He observed that “bullfighting festivals have fewer and fewer followers” because humans have learned to recognize the pain of other sentient creatures.

Globally, around 180,000 bulls are killed in bullfights every year, and even more are killed or injured in connected events like bull parties, according to Humane Society International. The organization claims “bulls suffer from a protracted death in the bullfighting arena, weakened and tormented both physically and mentally.”

At the same time, bullfighting generates 80,000 direct jobs, and 146,000 indirect jobs across the country, according to figures of the National Association of Breeders of Fighting Bulls in Mexico. Overall the industry generates approximately $400 million a year. Mexico City’s massive bullfighting ring, Plaza Mexico, is considered the cathedral of Mexican bullfighting and is one of the three main bullrings in the world along with Las Ventas in Madrid and La Maestranza in Spain’s city of Seville.

BULLFIGHT STAND COLLAPSE: AT LEAST 4 KILLED, HUNDREDS INJURED IN CENTRAL COLOMBIA DISASTER

The bullfighting ban was railed against by fans like Daniel Salinas, a 63-year-old writer whose work has documented the more than 70 years of history in Plaza Mexico. On a recent day, he considered the empty plaza, which in its time would rumble with the cry of “Ole!” ringing out from some 40,000 people in the 50-foot-high stands. He said after watching the fights as a child, he was struck by the desolation of the famous ring.

“That they took away your right to come, well, the truth is that you feel your freedom has been curtailed,” Salinas said.

Four members of a Supreme Court panel ruled unanimously in the Dec. 6 ruling, which said the organization that brought the case didn’t prove that the fights caused “imminent and irreparable damage.” The panel also held that prohibiting bullfights restricted the rights of people connected to the industry.

Fugitive the size of NFL lineman fails badly at blending into Florida swamp, cops say

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A potentially dangerous manhunt in a Florida swamp took a strange turn when deputies spotted a human stomach and mouth sticking out of the water, investigators say.

It proved to be their suspect — a 6-foot, 7-inch tall, 370-pound man — making a bad attempt at hiding underwater like a Navy SEAL.

He was rescued and arrested before encountering the alligators or venomous snakes that also like to submerge and hide in the swamp.

The pursuit began around 3:20 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 7, when deputies responded to a single-vehicle crash near Lakeland, the Polk County Sheriff’s Office said in a Jan. 8 news release. Lakeland is about 35 miles northeast of Tampa.

“When the deputies arrived, they discovered (the car’s owner) had fled on foot from the crash,” the sheriff’s office said.

“(He) could be heard walking through the swampy woods. … Plus, he was using his cell phone to navigate and attempting to phone a friend, and the deputies could see the light from the phone.”

Deputies tracked the ruckus but lost sight of the 20-year-old man when things suddenly got quiet.

He was eventually found “almost completely submerged in the water with only his stomach and mouth visible,” officials said.

“It was noted that (his) eyes were dilated, blood shot, and watery. Granted, he just came out of the swamp, so his whole body was watery, but his breath also smelled of alcoholic beverage,” the sheriff’s office said.

The suspect was given two breath sample tests and charged with hit and run, DUI and resisting arrest, officials said.

Two hikers spent hours lost in alligator-filled Florida swamp. See the rescue video

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Hall of Famer Brian Dawkins rips Broncos for Russell Wilson benching: ‘Absolutely poorly handled’

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Russell Wilson has been receiving waves of support from many after he was benched by the Denver Broncos in what’s become a debacle for the franchise’s quarterback.

It was head coach Sean Payton’s decision to sit Wilson for the final two games of the regular season despite this past week seeing a chance at making the playoffs. Jarrett Stidham led Denver to a needed victory. However, the playoff picture dropped the Broncos into elimination, rendering Week 18 a meaningless game.

The likes of Aaron Rodgers, as well as Jason and Travis Kelce, have shown sympathy toward Wilson for what’s going on in Denver.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton talks to Russell Wilson prior to the game against the Miami Dolphins, Sept. 24, 2023, in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

Hall of Famer Brian Dawkins, who played for the Broncos, can’t fathom watching what’s gone on in the facility either. 

“Absolutely poorly handled, absolutely,” he told Fox News Digital while discussing the benefits of Nirvana Super wellness beverages have had in his fitness journey post-career. “Once again, you talk about the leader of a team. The leader of a team is also the coach. How the coach then goes about doing things goes a long way into speaking to everybody on how they will be treated, or can be treated, at any given time.”

“As a player, there’s no way I want to see my quarterback being done the way Russell has been done and believing and trusting in that dude, ultimately, from a grand perspective, is what I’m talking about. So, to me, it was absolutely butchered the way that thing was handled and how Russell has been treated in that organization, especially by the head coach.”

FROM OUTKICK: RUSSELL WILSON REACTS TO BENCHING WITH SIMPLE STATEMENT

Dawkins noted that if he was a player in the locker room, he would continue to keep his head down and play for victories. That’s what the Broncos did, including Wilson, who led Denver to three straight wins after he said they came to him with the contract ultimatum.

But the Broncos lost three of his last four starts before Stidham took over in Week 17.

The primary reason for Wilson’s benching has to do with his massive contract, and Wilson said he refused to take a pay cut when asked by the team. While speaking to reporters, he said the team would bench him if he didn’t change his contract or injury guarantee.

“We beat the Chiefs. They came up to me at the beginning of the bye week, Monday or Tuesday, and told me that if I didn’t change my contract, my injury guarantee, that I’d be benched for the rest of the year. … I was definitely disappointed about it.”

Russell Wilson vs Texans

Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson is shown during the game against the Texans at NRG Stadium in Houston on Dec. 3, 2023. (Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports)

Wilson said the league and the NFLPA got involved.

“I understand all the speculation and everything that surrounds a move like that, and I can tell you we’re desperately trying to win,” Payton said of the situation. “Sure, in our game today there are economics and all those other things, but the No. 1 push behind this … is to get a spark offensively.”

Wilson’s five-year, $245 million contract he signed last year kicks in next season, but his estimated $37 million in 2025 salary will become fully vested in March. An injury to Wilson during the season would then put the Broncos’ financial situation in a bind.

“It definitely hurt. It was a low blow for a bit,” Wilson said of the contract request by the Broncos. “At the end of the day, I just want to keep my head down and try to do what I can do each play, each game, each moment.”

And perhaps the 35-year-old Wilson sees his fate in the NFL after posting to X.

“God’s got me,” he wrote this past Thursday. “Looking forward to what’s next.”

Russell Wilson vs Patriots

Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson (Andy Cross/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images)

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What Wilson’s NFL future looks like is in limbo, but he has many in his corner, including Dawkins, who believe this business tactic by Denver was a cruel one.

Scott Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.

End of annoying robocalls? FTC cracks down on deceptive practices

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The Federal Trade Commission reached a settlement with XCast Labs after the Voice over Internet Protocol provider was accused of facilitating billions of robocalls. Federal regulators sued the California-based company, claiming it helped other companies navigate around the Do Not Call Registry.

Now, XCast Labs might have to pay a $10 million fine and must start screening companies to make sure they’re following U.S. telemarketing laws.

CLICK TO GET KURT’S FREE CYBERGUY NEWSLETTER WITH SECURITY ALERTS, QUICK VIDEO TIPS, TECH REVIEWS, AND EASY HOW-TO’S TO MAKE YOU SMARTER

End of annoying robocalls? FTC cracks down on deceptive practices

Woman talking on cellphone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

How XCast Labs is accused of helping scammers make millions of fake calls

XCast Labs is accused of aiding other companies to make more than a hundred million robocalls. The California-based voice provider denies any wrongdoing in the settlement. The FTC has been on the case since 2020. That’s when it sent out a letter to Voice over Internet Protocol providers, including XCast Labs, reminding them that aiding illegal telemarketers is against the law.

It filed a complaint back in May, claiming the company still transmitted illegal robocalls. Some of those calls even involved telemarketers posing as government officials, including from the Social Security Administration.

Not only will XCast Labs face a proposed $10 million fine and begin screening companies, but it also has to cut business ties with illegal telemarketers.

End of annoying robocalls? FTC cracks down on deceptive practices

Woman talking on cellphone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

MORE: HOW HACKERS CAN SEND TEXT MESSAGES FROM YOUR PHONE WITHOUT YOU KNOWING

How to protect yourself from robocalls

There are 7 things you can do to keep robocalls away.

1) Register your phone number with the National Do Not Call Registry

You can register your phone number with the National Do Not Call Registry using this link. While this settlement proves there are ways around the registry, it’s still an additional layer of security.

2) If you don’t recognize the number, don’t pick it up

Simple as this sounds, this is the easiest way of avoiding a potentially dangerous call. Most carriers now have a way of identifying robocalls by identifying them as “Spam Risk” or the like. Another way they try to get you is by using your local area code, sometimes even the first three digits of your or a family member’s phone number, to entice you to answer. Making it all the more important for you to take an extra careful look at the number on your screen.

3) You should also consider blocking numbers in your phone settings

Another way around this is by blocking unknown phone numbers in your phone settings

For iPhone users: To silence unknown callers:

*Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer

  • Tap Settings
  • Tap Phone
  • Tap Silence Unknown Callers
  • Then toggle to turn it on – it will turn green
  • If a 911 call is placed, this feature is disabled for 24 hours so that emergency calls to you can ring through
End of annoying robocalls? FTC cracks down on deceptive practices

Silence Unknown Callers feature on iPhone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

For Android users: To silence unknown callers:

  • Tap Settings
  • Tap Block numbers
  • Turn on the Block Unknown Callers feature

One thing that is important to remember should you use this feature is that it not only blocks potential SPAM callers, but it also blocks any unknown phone number you have never called or texted. So, you might want to think twice about enabling this if you’re expecting a call from someone from whom you haven’t received a call or text.

4) Telemarketers and spammers could be getting your phone number online

Your personal information is out on the web. If you want to make your personal information inaccessible, you might want to look into removal services. While no service promises to remove all your data from the internet, having a removal service is great if you want to constantly monitor and automate the process of removing your information from hundreds of sites continuously over a longer period of time. Check out my top picks for removal services here.

5) Manually block numbers from spam robocalls

Should an unknown number have called you and not left a voice message, it’s more than likely it was a robocall. While other robocalls go directly to voicemail with a threatening or enticing message, urging those truly vulnerable to act fast. Either way, you can manually block these numbers on an iPhone by:

  • Tapping the unknown number
  • Scroll down on your screen and tap “Block This Caller”
  • Tap “Block Contact”

MORE: HOW TO SEND SPAM CALLS DIRECTLY TO VOICEMAIL

6) Use your wireless carrier’s free spam and robocall-blocking service

Several wireless carriers provide their own free robocall scanning and blocking services. Among them:

  • AT&T Call Protect – Available for iPhones and Androids, it lets customers manually block unwanted calls and labels suspected robocalls as a “spam risk,” as well as making efforts to prevent unwanted calls from reaching you.
  • Sprint/T-Mobile Scam Shield – An app that labels all potentially dangerous calls as “Scam likely” and opens free controls for several anti-scam protections, including Scam ID, Scam Block and Caller ID. Additionally, the app also provides you with a second phone number for use instead of your private one, ideal for online shopping and helping you avoid calls from scammers as well as telemarketers.
  • Verizon Call Filter app – Helps protect you from unwanted calls and lets you decide who can reach you. Call Filter also detects spam and blocks high-risk spam calls by forwarding them to voicemail.

7) Third-party spam-blocking apps

Several third-party apps can help protect you from scam artists. Among our most recommended include:

  • RoboKiller is an app that claims to reduce 99% of unwanted calls or texts. The app is not free for iPhone and Android users. However, it comes with a 7-day free trial, which might be worth checking out before investing.
  • Call Control is an app currently only available to Android users; the app helps you filter out unwanted callers by manually adding them to a blacklist.
  • Nomorobo: For those of you who still have a landline, thanks to a package deal with your internet providers, this app helps prevent robocalls from reaching you both at home and on the go. Currently free for VolP landlines, the basic mobile package currently starts at $1.99 a month.
End of annoying robocalls? FTC cracks down on deceptive practices

Woman using her cellphone (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)

MORE: HOW TO IGNORE YOUR FRIEND’S TEXT MESSAGES AND PRETEND YOU NEVER SAW THEM

What about spam texts?

You might recall all 51 attorney generals backing a proposal by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to put an end to illegal and malicious texts. Since then, the FCC has included spam texts in do-not-call protections. More companies are also looking for ways to fine spammers. T-Mobile just introduced new fines for illegal spam texting this year. You can also block spam texts on an iPhone and Android following these steps.

How to block spam texts on an iPhone

  • Open the Messages app on your iPhone and then the message from the number you want to block
  • Tap the number or contact name at the top of the conversation
  • Tap Info
  • Scroll down and tap Block this Caller

How to block spam texts on an Android

Settings may vary depending on your Android phone’s manufacturer. 

  • Open the messaging app on your Android device
  • Find the spam message you want to block
  • Tap and hold the message until a menu appears
  • Look for an option like Block or Spam and select it
  • Confirm you want to block future messages from that sender

How to block texts using your carrier

Most carriers also offer options to block spam calls and texts, such as Verizon’s Block Calls & Messages, AT&T’s Secure Family and T-Mobile’s Message blocking. The exact steps to use these features will vary depending on your carrier.

Kurt’s key takeaways

While this settlement proves there are ways around the National Do Not Call Registry, it also highlights how important it is to have as many layers of security as you can. Each one protects you at a different level, ensuring spam calls and texts likely won’t head your way.

Are you worried about more companies skirting past the National Do Not Call Registry? How do you keep robocalls at bay? Let us know by writing us at Cyberguy.com/Contact.

For more of my tech tips & security alerts, subscribe to my free CyberGuy Report Newsletter by heading to Cyberguy.com/Newsletter.

Ask Kurt a question or let us know what stories you’d like us to cover.

Answers to the most asked CyberGuy questions:

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Copyright 2024 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.

Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson is an award-winning tech journalist who has a deep love of technology, gear and gadgets that make life better with his contributions for Fox News & FOX Business beginning mornings on “FOX & Friends.” Got a tech question? Get Kurt’s CyberGuy Newsletter, share your voice, a story idea or comment at CyberGuy.com.



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‘They have to get it done’

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The San Francisco 49ers headed into Week 18 in a position every team in the NFL wishes they had: owning the No. 1 seed in their conference with the luxury of resting key players for the playoffs.

San Fran is taking full advantage of that this week, especially with star running back Christian McCaffrey dealing with a calf strain. 

However, this moment of rest and recovery is only temporary. The 49ers know they are among the favorites to win the Super Bowl this year, something they’ve come close to but couldn’t achieve in the past few seasons. 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

San Francisco 49ers legend Patrick Willis flexes after sounding the San Jose Earthquakes siren before a match against Los Angeles FC at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, California. (Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports)

Niners legend Patrick Willis, who made seven Pro Bowls and five All-Pro teams in his eight seasons with San Fran, has been in this position before. 

The 49ers made a run from 2011 to 2013 under then-head coach Jim Harbaugh. They appeared in three straight conference championships, losing two of them with a Super Bowl in between that resulted in a loss to the Baltimore Ravens.

Willis spoke to Fox News Digital about his hopes for the 49ers to win the Super Bowl for the first time since 1994, and he couldn’t help but relive what could’ve been when he was playing.

However, failure is still a teacher, and Willis knows what he would like to tell this Niners squad before they play in the divisional round.

FROM OUTKICK: 6 NFL TEAMS RESTING THEIR STARTING QUARTERBACKS WHILE VIKINGS, FALCONS CONTINUE JUGGLING

“The only thing that’s guaranteed is what you have right now and what you do with right now,” Willis said while discussing how Nirvana Super’s wellness beverages have helped his fitness goals post-career. “Only thing I can say to them is: Don’t let it pass you by. The last few years, they’ve been knocking right at the door, and I said it before the season started and I’ll say it again: I feel like this is the year they have to get it done. You don’t put all those pieces together and have all those pieces to just come up short, and we did. That’s the unfortunate thing.”

“Don’t let it pass you by, you all. Go get it done, Niners.”

Kyle Shanahan’s group has been to back-to-back conference championship games, but hasn’t been able to make the final game of the NFL season. He did, however, in 2019, but Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs spoiled the chance to hoist the Vince Lombardi Trophy at the end of it. 

Patrick Willis looks on field

Patrick Willis of the San Francisco 49ers is shown prior to the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Candlestick Park, Dec. 12, 2010, in San Francisco. (Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images)

The 49ers certainly have the group to make it to Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas, but the pressure is certainly on to do so. One win gets them to the NFC Championship (they’ll get a first-round bye), two gets them the chance to play for the title, and the third and final win is what they hope to achieve. 

But as Willis noted, the championship window can only stay open for so long. It’s a luxury that “Mr. Irrelevant” quarterback Brock Purdy has become the team’s franchise quarterback at such a low price point.

That’s one of the reasons why the team can afford guys like McCaffrey, Deebo Samuel, George Kittle, Trent Williams and many other key cogs that have high cap numbers. GM John Lynch knows that means nothing if no hardware graces the team’s facility in the end.

49ERS’ KYLE JUSZCZYK MAKES HISTORY WITH 8TH PRO BOWL SELECTION

The pressure may be high, but Willis isn’t worried about the 49ers answering the bell. He sees a lot of similarities with this group compared to his teams a decade ago.

“They have similarities on both sides of the ball and special teams,” he explained. “In all three phases, they can get it done, and that’s how I felt with the offensive side of the ball when I’d watch guys at practice. I would always study the offense because I wanted to know what was going on on the offensive side and what they’re working on. I would be like, ‘Man, which one would I cover on this [play]? Uh, uh, uh.’ That’s what it feels like going against the Niners [today].”

Fred Warner tackles Dak Prescott

San Francisco 49ers linebacker Fred Warner (54) sacks Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott during the second quarter, Oct. 8, 2023, in Santa Clara, California. (Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports)

“On defense, there’s no debate who two of the best tandem linebackers are in the NFL in Dre Greenlaw and Fred Warner. Those guys have been playing phenomenal. The D-Line has been playing phenomenal. I feel like they have a few things they can tighten up a little bit, but it’s no different than having Barry Bonds or Mark McGwire or Sammy Sosa or whoever – or some of the new guys – to get up there and be home-run hitters.”

There’s talent galore in San Fran, but the same can be said about other NFC teams, let alone who makes it out of the AFC in the playoffs. Willis noted the Detroit Lions, Dallas Cowboys and reigning NFC-champion Philadelphia Eagles as teams that could give the Niners fits. 

In the end, though, this group has proven to be a powerhouse in the conference, one that has earned the right to sit and wait for their opponent to begin the postseason.

What they do from there is the question, but it’s one Willis says must be answered with each game.

“They only got two games to get to the championship and a third game to win it,” he said. “So, I feel like they have the squad, and I’ve been saying it all along, I just wanted them to hit that stride and come in hot. I think them getting the bye week, getting guys fresh, the veteran leadership, I think they’re going to come in and get it done.”

Christian McCaffrey and Brock Purdy celebrate a score

Christian McCaffrey and Brock Purdy of the San Francisco 49ers celebrate a touchdown during the third quarter against the Seahawks in Seattle on Dec. 15, 2022. (Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

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“At the end of the day, they got to go out there and play. And it’s any given day in the playoffs.”

Arthur Smith exit headlines coaching staff turnovers after regular season ends

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The 2023 regular season has come to an end and, unfortunately for some, so has their time as NFL coaches. 

While some will find new homes, others may stay on the market. 

“Black Monday” began this year with the early morning firing of Falcons head coach Arthur Smith, who just hours earlier made headlines following the New Orleans Saints blowout victory – and garbage-time touchdown – against Atlanta on Sunday. 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

The Washington Commanders soon followed suit and expectedly moved on from Ron Rivera. 

With the final week of the regular season completed, here is a breakdown of the coaches that didn’t survive the dreaded “Black Monday” firings.

Atlanta head coach Arthur Smith reacts following the conclusion of the NFL game between the Indianapolis Colts and the Atlanta Falcons on December 24, 2023, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. (Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Arthur Smith’s first gig as a head coach in the NFL came to an end just after midnight on Monday when the Falcons announced they would be parting ways with him after three seasons. 

“Decisions like this are never easy and they never feel good,” owner Arthur Blank said in a message shared by the team. 

“We have profound respect for Coach Smith and appreciate all the hard work and dedication he has put into the Falcons over the last three years. He has been part of building a good culture in our football team, but the results on the field have not met our expectations. After significant thought and reflection, we have determined the best way forward for our team is new leadership in the head coaching position.”

The decision followed the Falcons’ 48-17 loss to the Saints. It marked a 7-10 finish for Atlanta, the third consecutive season with the same result. It also marked the Falcons’ sixth straight losing season. 

“We know the industry we’re in. Love doing what I’m doing,” Smith said after Sunday’s loss when questioned about his future with the team. “Obviously, that wasn’t the result we wanted today.”

Ron Rivera looks on the field after halftime

Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera looks on during the second quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at FedExField on January 7, 2024, in Landover, Maryland. (Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)

In an unsurprising move, the Washington Commanders parted ways with veteran head coach Ron Rivera on Monday morning, following his fourth season with the team.

Rivera, who struggled to ever achieve the same level of success he did in his first season with the Commanders where he coached them to a division title in 2020, finished his career in Washington with a last-place finish in the NFC East for the second consecutive season after a loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday. 

FROM OUTKICK: DOLPHINS ONCE HIGH FLYING OFFENSE HAS BEEN GROUNDED BY PLAYOFF TEAMS

“As we look ahead, we recognize the results this season were not good enough and a strategic shift in leadership and approach is necessary,” majority owner Josh Harris said in a statement provided by the team. 

“This is a crucial offseason for the Commanders, and we continue to be motivated and inspired by the way the fans have responded since we took ownership last summer. Stewarding this franchise is a responsibility we don’t take lightly, and we’re eager to lay the foundation for the next chapter of Commanders football.”

Rivera said in a lengthy statement released by the team that he was “truly disappointed” by the results of the past three seasons, but he said it was “one of the greatest honors” of his career to coach in Washington.

After nearly a decade with the Carolina Panthers, Rivera was hired by the Commanders in 2020. He finished there with a 26-40-1 record.

Wink Martindale reacts to play

Defensive coordinator Don Martindale of the New York Giants reacts during the third quarter against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on October 15, 2023, in Orchard Park, New York. (Bryan Bennett/Getty Images)

The New York Giants closed out the regular season with a 27-10 win over the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday to finish the season 6-11. On Monday, the team announced two coaching changes, which included moving on from special teams coordinator Thomas McGaughey and offensive line coach Bobby Johnson.

“I want to thank those guys for what they’ve done the last two years. This is the hard part of the job, I have a lot of respect for them,” head coach Brian Daboll said at a press conference Monday.

“Just felt like we’re going to move in a different direction, not going to add anything to it,” he continued. “These were private conversations, but I do respect both of those guys and what they’ve done the last two years, their commitment to the team, their work ethic, but [we] wanted to make a change.”

McGaughey, who in a previous stint with the Giants served as assistant special teams coach under Tom Coughlin, was in his sixth season in New York. Johnson followed Daboll after serving as an offensive line coach with the Buffalo Bills.

GIANTS’ WINK MARTINDALE RESIGNS AS DEFENSIVE COORDINATOR DESPITE INDICATIONS HE’D BE BACK: REPORTS

Daboll noted that defensive coordinator Wink Martindale and offensive coordinator Mike Kafka were both expected to be back next season.

“I think they’re good coaches, so it’ll be good to have some continuity and bring them back,” he said.

Hours later, reports emerged that Martindale would resign from his position after just two seasons with the team.

The changes came after New York allowed a league-high 85 sacks, 20 more than any other team in the league.

Scott Fitterer talks Scouting Combine

General manager Scott Fitterer of the Carolina Panthers speaks to the media during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 1, 2023, in Indianapolis. (Justin Casterline/Getty Images)

After the disappointing season the Panthers had, it was no surprise that more changes were ahead following the end of the regular season. 

Frank Reich was fired in November after just 11 games and a 1-10 record. He was hired after the Panthers fired former head coach Matt Rhule a few weeks into the 2022 season after two losing seasons and a 1-4 record to start his final year with the team.

On Monday, the Panthers announced that they would be parting ways with general manager Scott Fitterer after three seasons.

“As we move forward with the new direction for our franchise, I have made the decision that Scott Fitterer will no longer serve as our general manager,” Panthers owner David Tepper said in a statement provided by the team.

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“I appreciate Scott’s efforts and wish the best for him and his family.”

The Panthers have gone 14-37 since Fitterer joined the team in 2021. He also led the charge in orchestrating a trade with the Chicago Bears last season that allowed Carolina to move to the No. 1 spot to get quarterback Bryce Young in exchange for wide receiver D.J. Moore and four draft picks — one of them that turned out to be the No. 1 overall pick in 2024.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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How designers are turning them into ‘sexy’ accessories

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Hearing aids have come a long way from the ones our grandparents used to wear. 

Some designers have added “bling” to hearing devices, transforming them into fashion statements rather than obligatory items to be hidden.

Fox News Digital spoke to several audiologists who often refer their patients to these designer merchants — including independent vendors on Etsy, Instagram and other websites — to find unique accessories that personalize and beautify their hearing aids. 

DEAF GIRL FINALLY TELLS SANTA WHAT SHE WANTS FOR CHRISTMAS AFTER ELF HELPS HER ‘SIGN’ HER WISH LIST

Available designs include diamond-encrusted attachments, crystal or silver charms and chains — even superhero charms for children. 

Some vendors even offer colorful and pearl-clasped molds worn around the ear to help people accentuate their style.

DeafMetal USA is an Indiana-based company that specializes in aesthetics in products for hearing loss (sample product shown above). Owner Jen Aslin (not pictured) said she hopes her work will help to erase the stigma surrounding hearing aids and hearing loss. (Jolene Broad Photography for DeafMetal USA)

The jewelry is typically attached through a clasp that hugs onto a piece of the hearing aid, several of these vendors told Fox News Digital.

“Not only do they look stunning, but our chains and cuffs offer a functional purpose by keeping the hearing aids from falling off the ear. They are also perfect for physically active individuals or sports enthusiasts,” the Indiana-based designer company Deafmetal USA states on its website.

Not your grandfather’s hearing aids

Suzannah Parker, owner of Purple Cat Hearing Aid Charms in Colorado, began designing charms and jewelry attachments for hearing aids when she became aware that her daughter was hard of hearing and needed to be fitted with hearing aids when she was three years old. 

MOMENT DEAF BABY HEARS MOM’S VOICE AFTER HEARING AIDS SWITCHED ON

Worried that her daughter would be teased by others, Parker began looking for ways to make hearing aids a fun experience. 

“I was able to fashion a way to hang earrings safely from the tubing of her aids,” Parker told Fox News Digital. “She loved them and so did the people in her audiologist’s office. She was so proud to show them off to strangers.”

DeafMetal USA

Multiple audiologists told Fox News Digital that fashionable hearing aids may appeal to younger adults as hearing loss becomes more prevalent. (Jolene Broad Photography for DeafMetal USA)

Parker began making these attachments for other children and later launched her company.

“I decided to do what I could to help make other girls and boys proud to wear their aids, to make it fun and to maybe stop bullying,” she said. 

Parker also designed attachments to hold the hearing aids in place and even attach to clothing in case they fall out.

“The charms are a doorway to the conversation about hearing aids and what they are.”

“My goal is for hearing devices to be looked upon as normally as glasses are,” she told Fox News Digital.

Another designer, Florida-based Nikki Seagraves, told Fox News Digital that she creates hearing aid charms to help instill confidence and pride in those who wear them.

NORTH CAROLINA BABY HEARS HER FATHER’S VOICE FOR THE FIRST TIME — IMMEDIATELY BURSTS INTO TEARS

“The charms are a doorway to the conversation about hearing aids and what they are, while still focusing on the fun,” said Seagraves, who launched a company called Whatnot and Wonder. 

“It gives other people an easier way to ask about hearing aids instead of shying away or making assumptions.”

DeafMetal USA

“You don’t have to hide your hearing loss or your hearing aids — there are options now,” an audiologist told Fox News Digital. (Jolene Broad Photography for DeafMetal USA)

Multiple audiologists told Fox News Digital that these fashionable hearing aids may have growing appeal to younger adults, among whom hearing loss is becoming more prevalent.

“Hearing loss is being detected in those in their 40s due to noise population,” Dr. Tanya Linzalone, an audiologist on Long Island, New York, and an adjunct professor in the Speech and Communications Department at Long Island University in Brookville, New York, told Fox News Digital. 

In addition to the more fashion-forward designs, advances in Bluetooth technology could help younger adults adjust to the notion of wearing hearing aids, Linzalone said. 

AS EYE DROP RECALLS CONTINUE, HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW TO PROTECT YOUR VISION

“They don’t have to finagle the device like their grandpa’s volume wheel,” Linzalone said.

Hearing loss can be socially isolating, said Dr. Leslie Rosenthal, director of speech and audiology and an audiologist at LIJ Northwell Health Hearing and Speech Center on Long Island, New York.

While a hearing aid is a necessity for some, Rosenthal believes it can double as an accessory — and that all patients, from children and young adults to older individuals, should wear them proudly.

DeafMetal USA

Hearing loss affects about 60.7 million Americans age 12 and older, and over 15% of adults 20 and older, according to a November report by the National Council on Aging. (Jolene Broad Photography)

“You don’t have to hide your hearing loss or your hearing aids — there are options now,” she said.  

Linzalone agreed that hearing aids have evolved a great deal over the decades.

“When I started over 34 years ago, hearing aids were only available in skin colors or hair colors to make them as invisible as possible,” she told Fox News Digital. “Now they come in colors like purple, fire engine red, neon green and yellow.”

‘ZOOM FATIGUE’ IS A COMMON STRUGGLE FOR REMOTE WORKERS. HERE’S HOW TO HANDLE IT, ACCORDING TO EXPERTS

Others reiterated that hearing aids have come a long way in terms of both features and style.

“Many are discreet and even fashionable — similar to today’s trendy headphones,” Dr. Maria Pomponio, an audiologist at Stony Brook University Hospital in New York, told Fox News Digital. 

“Ultimately, we hope that aesthetic changes to these devices will be useful in reducing the stigma associated with hearing loss and hearing aids.”

Hearing loss affects about 60.7 million Americans age 12 and older and over 15% of adults 20 and older, according to a November report by the National Council on Aging.

The condition affects some 31% of people age 65 and older and 40% of those 75 and older.

Audiologist

Regardless of style preferences, experts recommend consulting with an audiologist to be properly fitted for a hearing aid device. (iStock)

One of the major obstacles in addressing hearing loss is patients’ noncompliance with wearing a hearing aid, experts told Fox News Digital.

“If you bought it and don’t wear it, it’s useless. If making it more cosmetically appealing helps, then go for it,” Linzalone said.

People have a fundamental need to belong, said Dr. Nancy Frye, Ph.D., a psychologist and professor of psychology at Long Island University in Brookville, New York. 

ALL EYES ARE ON GLAUCOMA, THE ‘SILENT THIEF OF SIGHT’ — AND THE TRUTH BEHIND 7 MYTHS

“Because of that, people are reluctant to do things that might make them feel like they don’t fit in with others, including wearing a hearing aid,” she told Fox News Digital. 

In some cases, people might opt to miss out on conversations and downplay their hearing loss rather than stand out, Frye added.

Girl with hearing aid

Decorative hearing devices could satisfy an individual’s “need for uniqueness … as opposed to threatening their need to belong,” while also fostering connections with others, a psychologist said. (iStock)

Decorative hearing devices could satisfy an individual’s “need for uniqueness … as opposed to threatening their need to belong,” while also fostering connections with others, the psychologist said.

Unaddressed hearing loss contributes to social withdrawal and isolation, Dr. Jamie Cluna, an audiologist at Stony Brook University Hospital, agreed.

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“Older adults with hearing loss are also at a greater risk for depression, cognitive decline, falls and dementia,” she told Fox News Digital.

What to know when purchasing hearing aid accessories

Dr. Ashutosh Kacker, an ear, nose and throat doctor, and Dr. Haley Bruce, an audiologist — both of Weill Cornell Medicine in New York City — cautioned that if a person uses charms or accessories that attach to their hearing aid, it is important not to cover the microphone, as this will interfere with the hearing aid’s effectiveness.

woman with hearing aid talks to family

For those who prefer more subtle hearing aids, audiologists said the devices are becoming more discreet and tech-savvy. (iStock)

For those who prefer more subtle hearing aids, audiologists said the devices are becoming more discreet and tech-savvy. 

Some can even be adjusted through a smartphone app. 

Regardless of their style preferences, experts recommend consulting with an audiologist to be fitted properly for the hearing aid device.

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“An audiologist needs to communicate with their patients … and have a lifestyle analysis to pick the right unit for them,” Linzalone told Fox News Digital.

Based on their needs, preferences and activities, different people may need different types of aids even if their hearing loss is the same, she added.

For more Health articles, visit www.foxnews.com/health.

Launching on January 9, 2024  – ‘The Nine Shifts’ – Teaches a New Method For Achieving Lasting Change in the Body…by Starting With the Mind

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If Tony Robbins and Jillian Michaels Were To Have a Son, This Is The Book He Would Write.

Miami, Florida, January 9, 2024 – Transformation coach to over-40 professionals, Deekron Krikorian, announces the upcoming launch of his new book, “The Nine Shifts: The Mind-First Method To Transform Your Body and Your Life.”

The book confronts nine major challenges that over-40 professionals face when trying to achieve lasting change in their body. It then provides an easy-to-follow framework for overcoming these challenges and achieving a permanent transformation.

By guiding readers on how to take an “inside-out,” mind-first approach to their body transformation (vs focusing only on diet or exercise), The Nine Shifts empowers readers to prevent setbacks caused by mental obstacles such as emotional eating, limiting beliefs, and wavering motivation.

It then guides readers on how to elevate their metabolism in order to shed fat and boost energy through the mechanisms of strength training, optimizing their nutrition, and enhancing their sleep. To ensure lasting change, Deekron includes strategies for overcoming work and life-related obstacles that can derail us from staying consistent with our health habits, such as high stress, limited time, travel, or social events.

Readers will find case studies showing how Deekron’s clients, professionals over 40, were able to use the Nine Shifts Framework to overcome their obstacles in order to shed body fat, gain strength, boost energy, and improve their health for good.

The book features nine fillable Action Plans, covering each one of the nine major challenges, to support readers in making the nine shifts required for lasting change. By providing simple, actionable steps, The Nine Shifts gives readers a “playbook” to achieve a lasting mental and physical transformation. 

The Nine Shifts is published by Little Wings Press and will be available on Amazon, digital outlets, and in stores on Tuesday, January 9th, 2024.

About The Author:

Deekron Krikorian is a former corporate strategy consultant turned transformation coach. Since 2018, Deekron and his team have coached, one-on-one, more than 120 over-40 professionals on achieving a lasting, total transformation in both mind and body. In addition to doing deep mindset and transformation work spanning two decades, Deekron has certifications in Functional Nutrition & Metabolism (FNMS) as well as Pain Free Performance Specialist (PPSC). He holds an MBA from the University of Michigan.

He’s also the founder of the award-winning fitness app, Motion Traxx, which was featured by Apple in the App Store for over a year. At the age of 50 he competed in a natural bodybuilding competition, placing 2nd in his category. Thanks to a lifetime of consistent health and fitness habits, Deekron doesn’t look anywhere near his age and doesn’t mind keeping people guessing.

For more information, visit www.thenineshifts.com
Deekron is currently available for interviews with interested media.

Media Contact:

The Nine Shifts
Attn: Media Relations
Miami, FL
+1.786.551.4401
media@thenineshifts.com

nine shifts2
Launching on January 9, 2024  - ‘The Nine Shifts’ - Teaches a New Method For Achieving Lasting Change in the Body…by Starting With the Mind 43
nine shifts3
Launching on January 9, 2024  - ‘The Nine Shifts’ - Teaches a New Method For Achieving Lasting Change in the Body…by Starting With the Mind 44

Michigan wins College Football Playoff National Championship over Washington

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The Michigan Wolverines defeated the Washington Huskies, 34-13, to win the 2024 College Football Playoff National Championship. 

Michigan has won its 10th title in school history, capping a perfect 15-0 season under Jim Harbaugh in dominant fashion in Houston at NRG Stadium. 

Like they have so many times this season, the Wolverines used their bruising, explosive run game to set the tone all game long thanks to Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards, who both scored two touchdowns in this one. 

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Donovan Edwards #7 of the Michigan Wolverines runs for a touchdown during the CFP National Championship between University of Washington and University of Michigan at NRG Stadium on January 8, 2024 in Houston, Texas. (Steve Limentani/ISI Photos/Getty Images)

Meanwhile, Michigan’s defense disrupted Huskies star quarterback Michael Penix Jr. all game long, as he was held to just one touchdown pass and 255 yards passing on 27-for-51 through the air. 

The run game for Michigan had a whopping 303 yards on the ground – the most allowed by the Huskies all season – and immediately made an impact on the first drive of the game thanks to Edwards. 

Edwards hadn’t scored since the Penn State game back on Nov. 11, but he saw a giant hole on the left side of the line of scrimmage and used his blazing speed to go 41 yards for the score, quickly putting the Wolverines up 7-0. 

FROM OUTKICK: CFP COMMITTEE MEMBERS INFORMED FBI OF DEATH THREATS RECEIVED FOR FSU-ALABAMA DECISION

The Huskies looked to respond on the ensuing drive, and though they got to first-and-goal from the 10-yard line, Penix & Co. were forced to kick a field goal. And though it was points on the board to start the game, Michigan quickly found the colored paint again on the back of an even longer run from Edwards – 46 yards with yet another gaping hole to run through. 

After the Huskies went three-and-out, it seemed this game was going to get out of hand because they couldn’t stop Michigan’s run game. A field goal added by the Wolverines made it 17-3, and Penix continued to struggle to get a touchdown on the board. 

That was until this game got much closer when the Huskies forced a turnover on downs, and Penix used good field position to fire a touchdown pass to Jalen McMillan. 

Unfortunately for the Huskies, it was the only touchdown pass he’d throw in this game, where Michigan held them to just three points in the second half. 

Michael Penix Jr. throws ball

Michael Penix Jr. #9 of the Washington Huskies throws the ball in the second half against the Michigan Wolverines during the 2024 CFP National Championship game at NRG Stadium on January 08, 2024 in Houston, Texas.  (Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

Momentum could’ve swung to begin that half, with the Huskies getting the ball down one touchdown. But Will Johnson intercepted Penix’s first pass intended for Rome Odunze on the left sideline. 

While Michigan only got a field goal out of it, the momentum quickly swung back to the Wolverines’ sideline. 

A wave of punts thanks to good defense on both sides ensued until Corum finally got his crack at the end zone, going 12 yards on second-and-7 for his first of the night. 

Then, Penix threw his second interception of the half on fourth-and-13, which Mike Sainristil returned 81 yards to the Washington 8-yard line. Corum would bust his second in two plays later. 

Corum would finish the game with 134 yards on the ground on 21 rushes, while Edwards needed just six touches to go 104 yards. Colston Loveland was the top receiver for the Wolverines, catching three of McCarthy’s passes for 64 yards. McCarthy only passed 18 times, completing 10 of them for 140 yards. 

Blake Corum scores touchdown

Blake Corum #2 of the Michigan Wolverines scores a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Washington Huskies during the 2024 CFP National Championship game at NRG Stadium on January 08, 2024 in Houston, Texas. (Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)

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Questions about Harbaugh’s future in Ann Arbor will now take over the headlines, but until then, he and his Wolverines will be celebrating a rollercoaster season that ends with them hoisting the national title. 

Scott Thompson is a sports writer for Fox News Digital.

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