As we get closer to 2024 NFL training camps, preseason rankings are dominating the sports news in Detroit with former Oregon Ducks lineman, Penei Sewell leading the way. He has been a dominant force dating back to his days when he anchored the offensive line for the Oregon Ducks and is now recognized as the highest rated lineman in the NFL. In addition, his Lions’ offensive line is also best in the NFL.

Sewell’s full college resume is far too long for inclusion here, but several of his accomplishments stand out. He was the first Polynesian, first sophomore offensive lineman and first Duck to win the Outland Trophy. Sewell joined LaMichael James (2010) and Marcus Mariota (2014) as the only Oregon players to be unanimous first-team All-Americans.

He finished his sophomore campaign as the top-graded offensive lineman in Pro Football Focus (PFF) history (since 2014). Sewell allowed just one sack over 1,376 snaps in two seasons as a Duck, and Oregon went 17-3 in the two seasons with him in the starting lineup.

Sewell opted out of his junior year in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and was Detroit’s 7th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. To no one’s surprise, his dominance has continued into the NFL. Sewell has allowed just three sacks over the past two seasons with the Lions, per PFF. Sewell has also earned back-to-back Pro Bowl honors and was named a 2023 first-team All-Pro.

As a result of his stellar play, the Lions and Sewell have agreed to terms on a four-year, $112 million contract extension that includes $85 million guaranteed, keeping him under contract through the 2029 season after factoring in Sewell’s fifth-year option, according to NFL Network Insider Mike Garafolo. The $28 million in new-money average over four years makes Sewell the highest-paid offensive lineman in the NFL, besting Laremy Tunsil’s $25 million per year mark.

Of course, Sewell is not the only highly ranked lineman in Detroit. PFF offered this rationale in naming Detroit’s line best in the NFL.

“When healthy, the Lions’ offensive line was arguably the best unit in the NFL last season. Right tackle was the league’s highest-graded offensive lineman, and earned the top spot among centers. The Lions only loss through free agency was right guard, Jonah Jackson. In response, Detroit signed veteran guard, Kevin Zeitler, who ranked 15th in PFFs grade among guards in 2023.”  

In fact, all of Detroit’s 2024 projected starters rank in the top 15 at their respective positions.

LT: Taylor Decker — 81.1 (9th out of 81 offensive tackles ranked)

LG: Graham Glasgow — 74.9 (8th out of 79 offensive guards ranked)

C: Frank Ragnow — 88.8 (1st out of 36 centers ranked)

RG: Kevin Zeitler — 71.6 (15th out of 79 offensive guards ranked)

RT: Penei Sewell — 92.8 (1st out of 81 offensive tackles ranked)

Sewell is without a doubt the leader of this elite unit and has impressed coach Dan Campbell with his work ethic and attitude.

“I can’t say enough great things about Sewell,” Campbell said. “He’s our foundation. He’s one of those pillars that we talk about. He’s something else. He’s a man on a mission. I feel like we’re a team on a mission, but he is a man on a mission. You talk about being wired right, a guy that comes in every day, puts in the work, and he’s got so much ability but he’s got the right attitude, too, and I think that’s what makes him dangerous if you’re the opponent.”

Right tackle on a football team is not known as a glamorous position and usually only gets noticed when a mistake was made. In the case of Penei Sewell, he may not have raised awareness of the position, but he goes about his business, not looking for awards or recognition, but rather chasing championships. Ducks’ fans had a relatively brief view of what this man can do and now Detroit has that luxury with a Super Bowl title lurking in the future.   

“Utah Black Diamonds Pickleball Center” Coming to Utah Summer 2025, Establishing the First-Ever Home Facility for a Professional Pickleball Team

Facility will be home to Utah’s Major League Pickleball team and will serve as a high-end pickleball club for players of all levels.

Salt Lake City, Utah–April 12, 2024 –The Utah Black Diamonds, a Premier Level team within Major League Pickleball, have partnered with GCTM Investments to bring a $25 million state-of-the-art pickleball center to the Salt Lake Valley in Utah. This marks the first high-performance facility that will be the dedicated home base of a professional pickleball team. The center, powered by The Picklr, who have a strong track record and expertise for designing premium indoor facilities, will also serve as a high-end club for pickleball players of all levels.

The Utah Black Diamonds Pickleball Center, which will be located in the city of South Jordan, just south of Salt Lake City off of I-15, will feature:

• 36 pickleball courts (30 indoor and 6 outdoor)
• A 1,500-seat Championship Court with VIP Box Seating
• Two Grandstand Courts with 500 seats apiece
• A full gym and recovery center with cold plunges, steam rooms, saunas and more
• A café, bar, and social centers
• A Pickleball Central Pro Shop

“This is a seminal moment in pickleball – for both the professional and amateur levels – to be able to construct and operate the first home base dedicated to high-performance pickleball training and competition,” said Connor Pardoe, Owner of the Utah Black Diamonds and Founder and CEO of the Professional Pickleball Association. “The Utah Black Diamonds are leading the charge in dedicating time and resources to grow the sport and advance the level of play for its professionals, and we cannot be more excited to bring this one-of-a-kind facility to life.”

Already known as the purveyor of North America’s best indoor pickleball facilities, The Picklr will partner with The Utah Black Diamonds to operate the Utah Black Diamonds Pickleball Center. Programming for the 2,500 members of all ages and levels will include open play, clinics, tournaments, league play, ladders, and more. Members will be able to access the professional-style courts, and all of the club’s perks and amenities with unlimited pickleball play for one price, just like the 300+ Picklr locations being constructed across the country.

“We are thrilled to partner with the Utah Black Diamonds to launch this pioneering facility, which represents a significant milestone not just for professional pickleball, but for enthusiasts at every level. The Utah Black Diamonds Pickleball Center will set a new standard for professional pickleball with its state-of-the-art design and comprehensive amenities that cater to both the casual player and the professional athlete,” said Jorge Barragan, CEO and Co-Founder of The Picklr. “At The Picklr, we are dedicated to growing the sport of pickleball by providing unparalleled access and exceptional experiences. This partnership exemplifies our commitment to enhancing the pickleball community, offering an all-encompassing hub for training, competition, and enjoyment of the game.”

Construction of the Utah Black Diamonds Pickleball Center is set to begin in October 2024 and has a planned completion date in 2025. See more of the facility here.

ABOUT THE UTAH BLACK DIAMONDS:

The Utah Black Diamonds are a Major League Pickleball (MLP by Margaritaville) Premier Level team owned by the Pardoe Family. The roster comprises some of the world’s best pickleball athletes, including Utah’s own Tyler Loong, Callie Jo Smith, Alix Truong, and French sensation Jay Devilliers. MLP by Margaritaville is the preeminent team-based professional pickleball league, featuring over 100 of the best athletes across 24 teams, a unique coed format, easy-to-understand scoring, iconic team owners, and the most electric live events and fan experience in the sport.

ABOUT THE PICKLR:

At The Picklr, pickleball is more than just a sport; it’s a lifestyle that fosters community, competition, and fun. With more than 250 state-of-the-art clubs, professional coaching, and a vibrant atmosphere, The Picklr offers an unparalleled pickleball experience for players of all skill levels. All locations offer professional-grade outdoor surfacing, best-in-class technology, and access to free leagues, tournaments, and clinics. Follow The Picklr on Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook, and TikTok for news on locations and tournaments, or visit https://thepicklr.com/franchise/to learn more about owning a franchise.

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2023-24 Area Conference Schedules: Conference and Team Links

The Washington Post editorial board published a scathing editorial this week offering President Joe Biden a mock speech for how he could drop out of the presidential race on July 4th.

The editorial titled, “What if Biden spoke these words?,” was published on Wednesday evening and begins traditionally enough for a president marking the 4th of July.

“The framers were shaped by hardship — they carried out a revolution at the edge of a wild frontier. They knew there are seasons to a life — and seasons of service. They knew, too, that relying on a single individual, a king, might create the illusion of strength but would be at its core fragile,” the mock speech read a few minutes in and adds:

Over the past few days, I have been reflecting on all this. My season of service is nearing its close. This was a hard truth to face. But it is the natural course of things — as evident as the progression from spring to summer, from fall to winter. This is why I have decided to withdraw from the campaign for president of the United States.

The remarkable op-ed goes on to offer a scenario for how to best to replace Biden atop the Democratic ticket.

“The Democratic National Committee, senior Democratic leaders and I have agreed on an orderly process to select our next nominee, which will include debates between now and our convention in August. My vice president, Kamala Harris, has graciously and courageously agreed to participate. Though Democratic primary voters cannot be included at this late date, their delegates will make the final choice,” the board wrote, specifically including VP Harris as an option.

The speech ends with a swipe at Donald Trump and a call for the country to turn the page on this dark chapter in its history. The board says that Biden won the presidency in the first place as Americans were “exhausted by Mr. Trump’s chaos” and concludes:

Americans, I invite you to search your soul as I have. Are we so unsure of ourselves that we will empower a would-be king, one who has been given expansive powers by an activist Supreme Court? Or will we look back on Washington’s example, in the spring of American life, and recognize that our independence is built on service, sacrifice, a willingness to assume the best in one another and the belief there will be better seasons to come?

Read the full editorial here.

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