Colin Kaepernick is collaborating with ESPN to bring Black voices to the forefront.

While Colin Kaepernick’s NFL career reached its end to an array of controversy, his influence has continued to grow since. Now, that influence is set to jump to new heights through a partnership with ESPN Films.

Earlier, the Walt Disney Company announced a deal with Kaepernick, specifically, his production company, Ra Vision Media. The ensuing projects will provide opportunities for Black and Brown voices and detailed stories about race and social justice in an effort to continue the conversations surrounding the nation long into the future.

The deal stretches across a multitude of Disney properties, including ESPN, Hulu, even Pixar, and The Undefeated. The latter will be much of the focus, as Disney looks to expand its influence within the company.

ESPN partners with Colin Kaepernick.

The first part of the deal will be a docuseries focusing on Kaepernick’s journey, specifically over the last five years of his life. Many notable ESPN figures will produce the project, including Jemele Hill, who’s relationship with ESPN has been contentious in the past.

In a statement about the deal, Kaepernick said,

I am excited to announce this historic partnership with Disney across all of its platforms to elevate Black and Brown directors, creators, storytellers, and producers, and to inspire the youth with compelling and authentic perspectives. I look forward to sharing the docuseries on my life story, in addition to many other culturally impactful projects we are developing.

The timing here is especially interesting, as it comes after many fans began to plot Kapernick’s return to the NFL following the league’s change in tone on social justice issues. This move puts the nail in the coffin on Kaepernick’s playing career, showing that his influence will be exclusively off the field.

Coming off the heels of a Netflix partnership, a deal with ESPN with seemingly massive resources and expectations will only catalyze the process of shining light on Kaepernick’s real message that has been overshadowed far too often in the past.

The post Colin Kaepernick makes his latest move with an ESPN Films partnership appeared first on Bet Sunday.

Watching the Chicago Bears with my dad was everything.

To celebrate Father’s Day and the end of Dad Week, the FanSided.com editorial staff is looking back at the sports and entertainment we will forever associate with our dads.

Baseball was my first love as a sports fan. Watching the Chicago Cubs with my dad and my two younger brothers was my entry point into sports. Summers, vacations and birthday parties were planned around Cubs games. My dad’s 50th birthday was spent in the Wrigley Field bleachers with all of his brothers, sisters, nieces, nephews, his sons and his dad, my grandpa. It was a day I’ll never forget.

But as I got older, I stopped playing baseball and started to get more into football. Watching the Chicago Bears games on Sunday with my dad became our national pastime.

Coming back from church and flipping on the TV while my dad made a breakfast that I still strive to emulate in the kitchen form some of the best memories I have from my adolescence.

The Bears weren’t memorable for most of my youth and adulthood, but it didn’t matter whether they won or lost. It didn’t matter if our quarterback couldn’t throw a spiral. All that mattered was being with my dad for the three or four hours the game was on.

I was probably around 10 or 11 when I really started understanding the gameplay and we would talk about what was happening, predict what may happen next and react to the big hits and game-changing plays. That blossomed into me wanting to play football. I kinda wanted to do it to impress my dad. Have him watch my games and be proud of what I was doing.

Now, I have a career writing about football. That doesn’t happen without those Sundays watching the Bears with my dad.

Sunday, Sept. 17, 2006: Bears vs. Lions

The Bears hosted the Detroit Lions at Soldier Field for a Week 2 game on Sept. 16 in 2006. Chicago had a good roster but questions about quarterback Rex Grossman lingered.

Grossman threw four touchdowns in a 34-7 win as the Bears got off to a 1-0 start when Jon Kitna and the Lions came to the lakefront. It was a game I’ll never forget.

I remember Bernard Berrian streaking up the field on his 41-yard touchdown catch in the second quarter. It was a career game for Grossman and arguably the best performance either my dad or I had seen from a Bears quarterback.

I remember leaving my dad’s, telling him I love him and waving from my car as he waved back from the driveway.

That was the last game we watched together.

Two days later, my dad was killed in a car accident on his way to work.

The next few days were an absolute blur but I remember most every second of them. From telling people what happened to picking the casket and dropping off the suit my dad would be buried in to meeting with our pastor to the funeral and service on Saturday.

And then it was all over, just like that by Saturday afternoon. I should have known what I was doing that Sunday afternoon. I would have gone to my dad’s to watch the Bears play the Vikings.

Now, what am I supposed to do?

It’s insane to think about what happened in my life in between Bears games.

While they were game-planning for the Vikings, I was writing a eulogy for my dad and planning a funeral. They were trying to figure out the injury report designations and what plays to run on third down. I was 24 years old and trying to figure out what to do with the rest of my life, without my best friend and biggest supporter by my side.

From that point on, sports seemed entirely insignificant to me.

I care about sports and how people use them to come together like my dad and I did, but I don’t love them to the same degree as before.

Sunday, Sept. 24, 2006: Bears vs. Vikings

That Sunday, my brothers and I went to Buffalo Wild Wings with a couple of my cousins for the game vs. the Vikings. They didn’t want us to be alone that day. I did want to be alone. I didn’t want to do anything. But I’m glad I did.

We didn’t watch the whole game there, my brothers and I went to my dad’s for a few minutes to take care of a few things, but none of us could stomach being at our dad’s for long without our dad there.

On the drive home, we listened to the end of the Bears game on the radio. The Bears were losing the whole game. It looked like it was going to be the first loss of the year after Ryan Longwell kicked a field goal to extend the Vikings’ lead to 16-12 midway through the fourth quarter.

I remember sitting in the car and hoping the Bears could find a way to win. I wasn’t praying for the Bears to win, but I was doing what sports fans do when they wish and hope for something good to happen.

And like that, Tommie Harris forced a fumble and Adewale Ogunleye scooped it up. The Bears had a chance. It wasn’t some miracle or divine intervention. I didn’t think my dad was looking down and saying, let’s give them a chance to win, but Grossman threw the game-winning touchdown to Rashied Davis and I remember crying again.

The Bears won that day. I watched a lot of the games the rest of the season at my cousin’s house. My dad would have loved that we were spending so much time together.

Sunday, Feb. 4, 2007: Bears vs. Colts

The Bears kept winning that season. They ended up going to the Super Bowl. Of all years, why did that have to be the year they go to the Super Bowl?!

Pretty much the entire Schmidt family that lived in Illinois at the time was together for the Super Bowl. I don’t know how many times someone said, “your dad would be loving this right now.” I know the intentions were good, but at the moment, it just made me sad.

When Devin Hester returned the opening kickoff for a touchdown, I had an out-of-body experience, where I could see everyone celebrating around me, I was standing and celebrating too, but at the same time, I don’t remember hearing anything and I remember tears welling up in my eyes and I knew he was with me, with us.

I don’t get to watch the Bears games with my dad anymore, but I still have his number in my phone. There are times when I still reach for it and want to call him. I don’t know if that goes away.

When I get to watch Bears games with my brothers and people in my family, it’s not a sad occasion anymore, it’s carrying on a tradition and keeping the memories of my dad alive.

And someday if I’m a dad with kids of my own, I look forward to doing the same with them and telling them stories about their grandpa.

Happy Father’s Day, Dad. I wish we could catch a game today.

For more stories like this, explore our Dad Week hub on FanSided.com.

The post My dad, the Chicago Bears and me appeared first on Bet Sunday.

If your company has decided to recognize Juneteenth as a paid holiday, you’re not alone. Here are all the companies across sports and entertainment celebrating.

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Juneteenth has long been an unofficial American holiday, celebrated by many Black Americans across the U.S.

On June 19, 1865, a Union army general read federal orders in Galveston proclaiming all enslaved persons in Texas were free. Texas was the last state in the Confederacy with slavery, and so the emancipation of enslaved Texans marked the emancipation of the last remaining Black Americans. Juneteenth, which draws its calendar date from this event, is just one of many days of historical significance on the path to freedom, but it is the most widely celebrated.

While Juneteenth celebrations spread out of Texas long ago, an unprecedented number of companies are choosing to recognize the day as a paid holiday in 2020 in ongoing attempts to fight racism on every front.

Here are the companies in sports and entertainment who have announced Juneteenth as a paid holiday.

We will update this list as needed.

Sports teams and companies recognizing Juneteenth as a paid holiday

Nike

NFL (League Office)

Chicago Bears

Cincinnati Bengals

Buffalo Bills

Denver Broncos

Cleveland Browns

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

L.A. Chargers

Pittsburgh Steelers

Kansas City Chiefs

Indianapolis Colts

Dallas Cowboys

Philadelphia Eagles

Atlanta Falcons

New York Giants

Jacksonville Jaguars

Houston Texans

New Orleans Saints

New York Jets

Detroit Lions

Carolina Panthers

Las Vegas Raiders

Baltimore Ravens

Washington Redskins

New Orleans Saints

Minnesota Vikings

Cleveland Cavaliers

Sacramento Kings

Atlanta Hawks

Utah Jazz

New Orleans Pelicans

Miami Heat

Dallas Mavericks

Dallas Stars

Sky Blue FC

Minnesota United FC

L.A. Dodgers

Entertainment companies recognizing Juneteenth as a paid holiday

Spotify

Lifestyle companies recognizing Juneteenth as a paid holiday

Best Buy

General Motors

Google

J.C. Penney

JPMorgan

Lyft

Mastercard

Postmates

RXBar

Target

Twitter and Square

Uber

Read more on FanSided.com.

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Nine Mexican-inspired cocktail recipes to make your stay-at-home Cinco de Mayo extra spicy.

Cinco de Mayo falls on a Taco Tuesday this year and as fate would have it, the world is under a pretty rigid quarantine forcing the closures of your favorite taquerias and carniceria so you won’t be able to order $2 tacos or jumbo pitchers of strawberry margaritas. But don’t fret, grab some chips the next time you go to the grocery store and the supplies for your favorite cocktail recipe (provided below) and host your own Cinco de Mayo from the comfort of your couch.

Spicy Cucumber Margarita

• 2 ounces Corralejo Silver Tequila
• 4 slices of cucumber
• 2 slices of jalapeno
• ¾ ounce agave syrup
• 1-ounce lime juice

Method:

Rim your glass with salt
Add cucumber and jalapeno to the shaker and gently muddle
Add the rest of the ingredients to the shaker
Shake to chill and combine ingredients
Fine strain into a low-ball glass
Garnish & Enjoy!

Tanteo Tequila Spicy Sandia Margarita

• 2 ounces Tanteo® Jalapeño Tequila
• 2 ounces  Watermelon Purée
• 1/2 ounce Simple Syrup (Or Agave Nectar)
• 1/2 ounce Fresh Lime Juice

Method: 

Combine ingredients in a shaker with ice.
Shake well and strain into a chilled Champagne Coupe Glass.
Garnish with a watermelon slice

Spicy Ginger Margarita

• 2 ounces Los Arango Blanco Tequila
• 1-ounce lime juice
• ½ ounce ginger simple syrup
• 3 slices fresh cut jalapeño
• Tajín for rim

Method:

Rim your glass with Tajín
Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice
Shake to chill and combine ingredients
Fine strain into a rocks glass over fresh ice
Garnish & Enjoy!

Corralejo Tequila Spicy Pineapple Paloma

• 2 ounces Corralejo Silver Tequila
• ½ ounce grapefruit juice
• ½ ounce lime juice
• ½ sliced Serrano pepper
• ¾ ounce agave syrup
• Pineapple soda (to top)
• Tajín (for rim)

Method:

Rim your glass with Tajín
Add all ingredients except the bitters into a cocktail shaker with ice
Shake hard to chill and combine ingredients
Strain into your glass over fresh ice
Top with pineapple soda
Garnish & Enjoy!

Tanteo Tequila Dove Love Paloma

• 2 ounces Tanteo® Jalapeño Tequila
• 1 ounce Fresh Lime Juice
• 2 ounces Grapefruit Juice
• 1/2 ounce Agave Nectar

Method: 

Combine ingredients in a shaker with ice
Shake well and strain into an ice-filled rocks glass
Garnish with a lime slice or a Jalapeño slice

“In Mexico, margaritas are reserved for the Gringos (a non-hispanic – usually American). The Paloma (Dove in Spanish) is the classic Mexican drink. We do a slight twist by using fresh grapefruit juice and Tanteo Jalapeno for a little extra kick.”

Strawberry Basil Paloma

• 2 ounces Los Arango Reposado Tequila
• 1 ounce grapefruit juice
• ½ ounce agave syrup
• 2 chopped strawberries
• 5 basil leaves
• Soda to top
• Smoked sea salt for rim

Method:

Rim your glass with smoked sea salt
Combine all ingredients except soda in a cocktail shaker with ice
Shake to chill and combine ingredients
Fine strain into a hi-ball glass over fresh ice
Top with soda
Garnish & Enjoy!

Los Arangos Rose

• 2 ounces Los Arango Añejo Tequila
• ¾ ounce lime juice
• ½ ounce agave syrup
• ½ ounce grenadine

Method:

Combine all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice
Shake to chill and combine ingredients
Fine strain into a coupe glass
Garnish & Enjoy!

Corralejo Tequila Pineapple & Blackberry Margarita

• 2 ounces Corralejo Reposado Tequila
• 1 ounce pineapple juice
• 1 ounce lime juice
• ½ ounce agave syrup
• 5 fresh blackberries
• Salt (for rim)

Method:
Salt the rim of your glass
Add all ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice
Shake hard to chill and combine ingredients
Strain into your glass over fresh ice
Garnish & Enjoy!

Corralejo Tequila Spicy Grapefruit Sour

• 2 ounces Corralejo Reposado Tequila
• 1 ounce grapefruit juice
• 1 ounce lime juice
• ½ ounce jalapeño simple syrup
• 1 egg white

Method:

Add all ingredients to a cocktail shaker with ice
Shake hard to chill and combine ingredients
Strain out ice and shake hard again
Strain into your glass
Garnish & Enjoy!

Drink responsibly and enjoy your stay at home Cinco de Mayo. Follow along with FanSided for all your sports and entertainment news from around the world.

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Couples come in all shapes and sizes and from all sports and entertainment mediums. FanSided is looking at some of the best couples in sports and entertainment.

Valentine’s Day is that wonderful time of year where we all sit back and smell the roses. Why? Because love is in the air! Love can take all kinds of forms, of course, and there’s nothing better than a power couple who knows what they’re about. Strictly platonically, these couples invigorate us, inspire us, and are just all-around great team players that we aspire to be.

There’s no need to get sappy, but if you’ve got love for your favorite power couple, we definitely won’t judge if you shed a few tears or two over them. (Looking at you, Kansas City Chiefs fans.)

And thus, as we indulge in our chocolates and hug our teddy bears, let us read on with heart-eyes as we look at some of the best couples in sports and entertainment handpicked by FanSided’s very own.

Devon Dotson and Udoka Azubuike

Devon Dotson and Udoka Azubuike are basketball opposites with Dotson the diminutive point guard and Azubuike the 7-foot big man who dominates in the low blocks. Together, they’ve led Kansas toward the top of the AP Poll and in position to make a deep run in the NCAA Tournament. The inside-outside attack makes them a dangerous duo for opposing teams to contend with. — Patrick Schmidt

Shakira and Jennifer Lopez

One of the most unlikely duos to make a splash this year was Shakira and Jennifer Lopez. Some might say the Chiefs were the winners of the Super Bowl, but for others, it was definitely Shakira and J. Lo who dominated the football field. The two brought to Miami songs like “Hips Don’t Lie,” “Jenny from the Block” and “Let’s Get Loud.” If it wasn’t possible to make Miami any hotter already, these ladies definitely turned up the heat and made the halftime performance at Super Bowl 54 one of the best halftime performances, hands down. — Mia Johnson

Lionel Messi and Ansu Fati

Lionel Messi and Ansu Fati are the soccer world’s most wholesome “couple.” Just look at those hugs:

Since the 17-year-old Fati joined Barcelona’s first team, he and Messi seemed to bond instantly. Both clearly know the value of their partnership. Messi has taken the young player under his wing and Fati has provided a spark that could help Messi win another few trophies in his prime. The duo shined brightest recently when Messi assisted on both of Fati’s goals as he became the youngest player to ever score a brace in La Liga.

Honorable mention to: All of us and the USWNT; Inter Milan and Premier League castoffs; Erling Haaland and goals; Antoine Griezmann and any American sports star.  — John Wilkinson

Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes

Andy Reid and Patrick Mahomes are clearly the class of professional football when it comes to couples. One has the jovial press conferences and the other has the haircut of a mop, the voice of Kermit with strep throat and the arm of a god. Somehow, the two have come together to win the Super Bowl, toppling 50 years of misery for the Kansas City Chiefs. — Matt Verderame

Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl

It’s hard to think of a hockey “couple” more suited for this honor than Edmonton’s Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. This season, the duo are the NHL’s top two point scorers and have a combined 163 points in 54 games for the Oilers. McDavid and Draisaitl are a two-headed monster that have catapulted the Oilers into playoff contention, a pair that combines speed and creativity in ways that take your breath away. Though Edmonton has yet to achieve a Stanley Cup with this duo, the pair are the NHL’s most fun and engaging linemates every time they step out on the ice together. — Mary Clarke

Baby Yoda and the Mandalorian

Sorry, Claire and Jamie. Sorry, Peter and… whoever you choose on The Bachelor. The best “couple” on television is Star Wars’ very own Baby Yoda and the Mandalorian. These two have taught us everything about what it means to be good human beings and… whatever species The Child is. Mando’s heart grew three sizes on the day he decided to save Baby Yoda. And Baby Yoda is teaching Mando something new about love with each adventure. We could all learn to be a little more like Baby Yoda and the Mandalorian. — Mia Johnson

Ed Orgeron and Joe Burrow

Ed Orgeron and Joe Burrow were the top power couple in college football this year. The LSU head coach and quarterback shared a past history of being overlooked and underappreciated. Together, they were an unstoppable duo who are the current kings of the sport. Burrow won the Heisman en route to shattering passing records as the Tigers won the national championship. Orgeron won practically every Coach of the Year Award and won over our hearts with his famous “Go Tigers” catchphrase. — Patrick Schmidt

The Dodgers and Mookie Betts

The happiest couple in baseball right now is the Dodgers and Mookie Betts. Sure, this romance is new, untested, and maybe a product of circumstance, but a two-MVP outfield with Betts and Cody Bellinger is enough to get hearts racing in LA. It’s early days, but Dodgers fans can dream of Betts helping snap their 32-year World Series title drought. Don’t ask Red Sox fans how they feel about their front office breaking up with Betts for financial reasons, but for now, Angelinos are happy to give Betts a place to crash at Chavez Ravine. — John Wilkinson

The post FanSided’s best ‘couples’ of sports and entertainment appeared first on Bet Sunday.

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Nobody wants birds. Here are FanSided’s 12 Days of Christmas, in accordance with the gifts our favorite sports and movies have given us this holiday season.

As Andrew Bernard learned the hard way, most of the gifts given in the famous “12 Days of Christmas” are just birds. In fact, if there are any wealthy bird fanatics out there who could afford it, giving your loved one the actual 12 Days of Christmas would amount to 184 birds in total. Nobody wants 184 birds for Christmas.

In light of this undeniable truth, our FanSided staff decided to get together and examine the real gifts our favorite sports and movies have given us this holiday season.

From college football to the NFL and NBA to the entertainment industry and beyond, we proudly present FanSided’s 12 Days of Christmas!

On the first day of Christmas, college football gave to me: a competent LSU quarterback

LSU quarterback Joe Burrow came out of nowhere this year to win the Heisman Trophy and lead the Tigers to the College Football Playoff. He’s the SEC record-holder for yards and touchdowns in a season and easily the best quarterback in LSU history. Then again, the bar was so low you could reach it without standing up. LSU quarterbacks have always held the team back and got Les Miles fired. This year was different, as Burrow was the best present LSU fans could have asked for. — Patrick Schmidt

On the second day of Christmas, the UFC gave to me: two Baddest Motherf–kers in the game

We have been so good this year and as a tasty reward, the UFC gave the fans something it wanted so much: a real Baddest Motherf–ker title, complete with its own belt at the biggest fight card of the year. Jorge Masvidal faced off with Nate Diaz to crown the official BMF in the UFC and when the dust finally settled, we saw Masvidal with the strap around his waste and a potential second BMF fight for next year … and his opponent might be none other than Nate’s big brother, Nick. — Amy Kaplan

On the third day of Christmas, the NFL gave to me: an understanding of what a catch is

The NFL has long been flummoxed when trying to describe what a completed catch is in the rule book. No NFL fan or pundit could be given a better gift than making this a simple rule that was obvious in real time. Commissioner Roger Goodell comes through. — Matt Verderame

On the fourth day of Christmas, college football gave to me: four playoff teams

Four is the magic number when it comes to the college football postseason. LSU, Ohio State, Clemson and TK make the field this year. It’s the first time Alabama has not made the College Football Playoff, so that’s a gift right there if you’ve suffered from Alabama fatigue the last few years. — Patrick Schmidt

On the fifth day of Christmas, the NHL gave to me: five head coaches fired

The NHL is in a bit of turmoil as the holiday season rolls around. Between poor performances and a coaching abuse scandal that is rocking the foundation of the sport, the NHL has seen five head coaches relieved of their duties in just a few weeks. Watch out, your team may be next! — Mary Clarke

On the sixth day of Christmas, Hollywood gave to me: six feet of Adam Driver.

With The Report and Marriage Story already out, fall 2019 has been Adam Driver season and it all culminates in the release of Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker. The internet loves talking about Driver — Is he a good actor? Is he hot? Or is he just distractingly tall? From movies to memes, all six-feet(-two) of Adam Driver is the gift that keeps on giving. — Shea Corrigan

On the seventh day of Christmas, Luka Doncic gave to me: seven(ty-seven) marks of perfection

Seven is considered the perfect number, so it’s no wonder Luka Doncic wears two of them on his jersey. No. 77 on the Dallas Mavericks was already likable, and exactly no one should be surprised what he’s doing given how much he accomplished as a professional overseas before coming to the NBA, but his production at age 20 is literally unprecedented. Averaging 29.3 points, 9.6 rebounds and 8.9 assists per game is flirting with triple-double territory that only Russell Westbrook and Oscar Robertson have ever ventured into for a full season, but he’s doing it on 61.8 percent true shooting as the primary reason the Mavs own the best offense in the league and a 19-10 record. Also, guess how many triple-doubles he had on the season? Not seven, but eight, literally one-upping perfection. Luka Doncic is incredibly fun to watch, easy to root for and right now, he’s the spirit of Christmas embodied on a basketball court. That spirit is perfect, and it wears two No. 7s across the chest. — Gerald Bourguet

On the eighth day of Christmas, in my nightmares Tom Hooper gave to me: eight stars as cats in Cats.

There are more than eight cats in the movie Cats (I Googled it) but there are eight legitimate stars — full-on award-winning, chart-topping movie and/or pop stars — donning the most deranged catsuits/fur technology you will ever see in Tom Hooper’s “musical fantasy” adaptation. (They are Idris Elba, Taylor Swift, Ian McKellen, Rebel Wilson, James Corden, Judi Dench, Jennifer Hudson and Jason DeRulo.) — Shea Corrigan

On the ninth day of Christmas, the Phoenix Suns gave to me: (hopefully!) turning the corner on nine years of misery

The Phoenix Suns haven’t been to the playoffs since 2010 (the second-longest active playoff drought in the NBA), they haven’t won 30 games since 2015, and even mentioning the names of draft whiffs like Josh Jackson, Marquese Chriss or Dragan Bender is enough to make the most diehard of supporters wince. But for the first time in Devin Booker’s career, he’s got NBA-caliber teammates and a legitimate head coach. The result? Career-best efficiency for Book, a Suns team that’s 11-19 despite facing one of the league’s hardest schedules and missing Deandre Ayton for all but two games, and a shot at finally taking the first step in a prolonged rebuild. This fanbase has continually been put through the ringer, but between having an actual point guard in Ricky Rubio, Kelly Oubre’s Valley Boyz wave and Aron Baynes filling in for the suspended Ayton, the Suns are taking their first step toward legitimacy by simply competing. Maybe the playoffs won’t happen after a hot start raised expectations, especially during a seven-game losing streak, but even cracking 30-35 wins would be encouraging. — Gerald Bourguet

On the 10th day of Christmas, soccer gave to me: a 10-point lead that Liverpool surely can’t let slip this time, right?

Sure, it would be nice for our true love to deliver us a compelling Premier League title race like we saw last season, but in the absence of that, we get to watch a buzzsaw Liverpool team that looks absolutely determined to snap the storied club’s 30-year league title drought. The Reds lead the Premier League by 10 points (with a game in hand) at Christmas. Of all teams though, Liverpool won’t be assuming it’s over, after they blew a Christmas lead last season. And the Ghosts of Christmas Past run even deeper since, via Opta “each of the last three sides to fail to win the title after being top at Christmas have all been the Reds (2008-09, 2013-14 and 2018-19).” For Liverpool fans, this could be the year they finally win the Premier League, and for us neutrals, we get to watch them hold their breath and see if maybe they can become the next Invincibles in the process. — John Wilkinson

On the 11th day of Christmas, the NFL gave to me: awesome young quarterbacks

After what feels like a century of Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, Drew Brees and Ben Roethlisberger, the league is finally churning the mix. Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson, Deshaun Watson and others are leading the way, ushering in what should be the standard for 15 years moving forward. More athleticism, more excitement and more possibilities. Great stuff. — Matt Verderame

On the 12th day of Christmas, MLB gave to me: So, so, so many presents because free agents are actually getting signed before Christmas

After a frigid market last winter left the top free agents unsigned through the holidays (and well beyond), it was refreshing to see big-ticket items Stephen Strasburg, Gerrit Cole and Anthony Rendon go off the board this December. Now, as we wait to see if contending teams open the checkbook for mid-level free agents too, let’s hope we can find a way onto the gift-giving list of those three. — John Wilkinson

The post FanSided’s 12 Days of Christmas appeared first on Bet Sunday.

Christmas gifts can be incredible, or they can be downright disappointing. For the holiday season, our FanSided staff decided to compare our favorite sports teams, athletes, movies and TV shows to what might be waiting under the tree.

From articles of clothing to gift cards to more exciting and unique presents, Christmas gifts can be thrilling or disappointing, often with little ground in between. We’ve all had that one aunt who insists on giving you socks when you wanted toys to play with, that one godchild who continues to give mom essential oils she’ll never use, or that cool relative who just asks your parents what to shop for so they actually get it right.

Across the major sports and entertainment industry in general, 2019 has been jam-packed with teams, athletes, movies and TV shows that have captivated us as well as underwhelmed us.

With the peak of the holiday season fully upon us, it’s time to take a look at FanSided’s favorite teams, players and binge-able content and compare them to the types of Christmas gifts we can expect to find under the tree this year.

New England Patriots are a tie for dad

Dad doesn’t really want a tie for Christmas, but it doesn’t matter because he’s getting one anyway and the same thing keeps happening to every NFL fan outside of New England. Nobody wants them around anymore, but they will damn sure be there in the end. — Patrick Allen

Joe Burrow is a shiny new video game console

There’s always going to be one marquee present waiting for you under the Christmas tree. Sometimes you think you have a good idea of what it might be based on the size, shape and weight of the gift. But most times you really have no clue what is waiting for you under the wrapping paper. That’s what LSU quarterback Joe Burrow was en route to his Heisman season. He is the biggest revelation in college football, and LSU fans will never forget the moment they got this present. — Patrick Schmidt

Star Wars is a 1977 Chevy Impala

Take a look at this old classic. It’s from a well-known brand, and it keeps getting updated over the years. That is, you were excited to see this old car back in the late ‘90s because it’s such a classic, but it kind of disappointed you. Now, it’s trying to live up to its old reputation, and naively, you expect it to be good once again. Strange enough, this old thing still runs pretty well, and you’re happy to have it back! — Mia Johnson

The New York Knicks are an ugly woolen sweater from grandma

Remember over the summer, when the New York Knicks were supposed to land all these big fish in free agency? And then how they didn’t and settled for Julius Randle and the rest of the league’s veteran power forwards? And then how they started the season 4-13 and hosted a press conference to essentially throw their head coach under the bus? Like the oversized, woollen sweater that grandma knitted herself, you feel bad, but the Knicks are just flat-out embarrassing. In the words of Kevin McCallister, “You can get beat up for wearing something like that.” That’s what it’s like to be a Knicks fan in 2019. — Gerald Bourguet

Game of Thrones is a Red Ryder air rifle

In A Christmas Story, all young Ralphie wants in the world for Christmas is a Red Ryder air rifle. After brief disappointment in which his parents subvert his expectation, he gets the gun. Unfortunately, when he goes to play with it, he shoots himself in the face (well, kind of) and then breaks his glasses. Still, when he goes to bed, he declares it the best gift ever.

All anyone could talk about this spring was the highly anticipated final season of Game of Thrones, but the last act went over like a BB pellet to the face. (Startling, undesirable, ultimately harmless.) Still, fans will tell you it’s the best show ever. — Shea Corrigan

Lionel Messi is an extremely generous check from your grandma

It’s the same every single year, to the point where you kind of forget how amazing it is, but in terms of what you’re actually getting, it can do things that no other gift can. Sure, it used to be part of an elaborate package and now it just comes tucked into a simple card, but the value is still there and it should be appreciated. Don’t forget to write your grandma a thank you note, and don’t forget to fully appreciate Messi, whether or not you think he’s the GOAT. — John Wilkinson

BoJack Horseman is that therapeutic self-help book you didn’t know you needed

When you first receive this kind of gift, your initial reaction is feeling shocked and possibly even insulted. This couldn’t possibly be for me, you think to yourself. But when you dive in, you find it to be charming and insightful. It’s laugh-out-loud funny at times and thoroughly heart-wrenching at others as you discover things about yourself. No one is claiming BoJack Horseman has all the answers, just as no self-help book can cure all that ails anyone … but damn it if this story about an animated anthropomorphic horse’s struggle with celebrity, depression, substance abuse, relationships and self-acceptance hasn’t blown away expectations for those who’ve given it more than a passing glance.   — Gerald Bourguet

Avengers: Endgame is a brand new iPhone

This is something that you’ve been waiting for forever to come out, and you’ve been counting down the days ‘til you could have it or see. Everyone’s been hyping it up, and it’s going to be bigger and better than the last one. Endgame certainly did blow past everyone’s expectations, and the iPhone 11 offered another powerful update to the long-running line. They’re exciting, they’re expensive, (and there’s a lot of them), but you love them either way. — Mia Johnson

The Houston Rockets are cash

Getting cash for the holidays is uninspiring, and nowhere near as exciting as receiving an actual gift. In short, it’s not everybody’s cup of tea. With that being said, it still gets the job done at the end of the day. James Harden and the Rockets’ ability to rack up regular season wins are a lot like getting a $20 bill in a Christmas card: Not everybody loves their style, but at the end of the day, it’s still a W. — Gerald Bourguet

The Mandalorian is a fuzzy blanket

Baby Yoda….that is the only explanation needed! — Carrie Bennani

The Pittsburgh Penguins are a sweater that accidentally got a bunch of holes in it

The Pittsburgh Penguins have been a constant playoff presence in hockey for years. The last time they missed the postseason was the 2005-06 season, a lifetime ago for some of us. This year, however, the team has sustained injury upon injury, to the point where their lineup each game looks like it was pulled out of a hat at random from across the NHL’s bottom six. This is certainly not the way Pittsburgh planned this season, much like how your aunt did not plan to have moths eat the sweater she worked tirelessly on all fall for you. The good news, though, is that Sidney Crosby may be able to patch the holes in the Penguins’ lineup through sheer force of will, though it may take some time. — Mary Clarke

Alabama is an Amazon gift card

Gift cards are what you get people when you don’t know what to get them. They’re also what you get people when you’re too lazy to get them a personalized or meaningful gift. It’s boring. It’s unoriginal. It’s been around forever. It’s definitely not exciting or something you rush to play with or use on Christmas morning. — Patrick Schmidt

The Oakland A’s are a rented video game

You know what’s fun? Opening up a gift. You know what isn’t fun? Being told that the gift is only yours for a few years, and then you have to give the gift away to the richest kid on the street. This is what it’s like rooting for the A’s. You have Marcus Semien, Matt Olson and Matt Chapman in your infield? Damn! Enjoy that, they’ll all be wearing pinstripes and underperforming in four years. — Matt Verderame

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