In the crazy world known as college sports, where thousands are entering the transfer portal chasing NIL deals guided by agents, imagine what it’s like for high school athletes preparing one day to join the chaos that shows no signs of ending any time soon.
“Times have definitely changed,” said junior quarterback Chris Fields III of Carson. “It’s time not to get discouraged. It’s a time to lock in, learn as much as I can and try to acclimate as fast as possible because if you don’t get with the times, you’re going to get lost. There’s too much money out there, too many opportunities to not take advantage fully.”
Fields was recently chosen the City Section offensive player of the year after leading Carson to the Open Division championship. He’s 6 feet 1, has a 4.0 grade-point average and is coming off a season in which he passed for 2,031 yards and 29 touchdowns and ran for 958 yards and 13 touchdowns.
He’s smartly joining Carson’s highly successful track and field team this spring to continue trying to gain speed. One good time that shows how fast he is will immediately get college recruiters taking notice.
It’s an interesting point in the year for quarterbacks. Fields competed in a weightlifting competition last weekend. He’s working out with a private quarterback coach. He’s lining up summer camp appearances. Yet his main focus is continuing to show his athletic skills that can separate him from others.
Asked what he’s trying to improve on, he said, “Everywhere, but more specifically in the passing game. I can make leaps and bounds sitting in the pocket, taking more time, trusting my reads, trusting my O-line, being more comfortable back there. Sometimes I felt a little rush and took off when I didn’t have to. I don’t want to be the guy who takes off for no reason.”
Quarterback Chris Fields III of Carson High passed for two touchdowns and ran for three touchdowns in a state playoff loss to Delano Kennedy.
(Craig Weston)
No one can play quarterback without having the ability to make split-second decisions. It’s the biggest challenge playing the position, and those who do it well are much in demand because they avoid mistakes and use their instincts to make something out of nothing.
“I’ve been doing this my whole life,” Fields said. “I’m kind of used to it. It took me a while to grasp how fast I have to make decisions. If you do not make a decision within two seconds, you can get your head knocked off. It’s imperative to be a fast decision-maker.”
When Carson won its 12th City title on Nov. 29, the Colts did it in dominating fashion. The Colts won their three playoff games 27-2, 40-7 and 36-0.
“It’s a true blessing,” Fields said. “This is testament to our hard work. A lot of things were unseen. We had a lot more social media presence. We practiced harder. We lifted harder. And we executed a lot better. Our playbook was deep this year. The energy was different. Guys clicked a lot better. We understood what we had to do better.”
The preparation has already begun for 2026, particularly in the weight room, where games can be lost or won in the offseason. Carson was really no match in the state playoffs along the line in a 35-33 loss to Delano Kennedy. It was all about brute strength.
Fields is a true team leader. It makes perfect sense why linemen would do anything to protect him. He always gives credit to others. He’s an inspiration and he’ll be leading the offseason charge.
“When I wake up in the morning, I know it’s not me. I know it’s God,” he said. “I carry that mindset everywhere. It has to be the higher power and the people he surrounds me with. It’s a team game. It’s not only me out there. There’s guys blocking for me, there’s the guys catching balls for me, guys have to slow other people down so we have a chance to win. It’s never only me. “
What a player for Carson to build around for 2026.
Composer Guy Moon, who scored a handful of popular animated TV series, and was most known for Nickelodeon’s “Fairly OddParents,” has died. He was 63.
The Emmy nominee was killed Thursday morning in a traffic collision, his family announced in a Facebook post on Saturday. Savannah Moon, the composer’s daughter, said in a phone interview that her father was riding his Vespa scooter when he died. The Los Angeles Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed on its database that Moon died of traumatic injuries.
Moon’s three children, daughters Chelsea and Savannah and son Dusty, fondly remembered the composer in phone interviews as a “walking jukebox” who had an accepting, playful and peaceful approach in his personal and professional lives. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather, his family said.
“There was always music but it was never about him being super good at music even though he was just so incredibly talented,” Dusty said. “The music was never about him. It was just about love and connection.”
“He was very good at highlighting other people and highlighting what was important, whether it was through music or whether it was through what he said to people,” Savannah said.
Guy Moon long scored the magical antics of “Fairly OddParents,” an animated series that tracks the adventures of Timmy Turner, a 10-year-old boy with fairy godparents who grant him wishes to solve his everyday problems. Moon was the show’s composer for more than a decade from 2001 to 2017 and scored more than 150 episodes, according to IMDb. He earned four Emmy nominations for his work on “Fairly OddParents.”
A Wisconsin native, Moon also worked on “Fairly OddParents” creator Butch Hartman’s other series “Danny Phantom” and “T.U.F.F. Puppy.” Hartman mourned Moon in an Instagram story Saturday.
“I have no words yet because there are none adequate enough,” Hartman said, adding that he will make a statement at a later time.
Moon, a graduate of the University of Arizona School of Music, started his career in the 1980s, contributing to projects including “The Land Before Time,” the animated “Addams Family” series, “Leave It to Beaver” and “Johnny Bravo.” In the mid-’90s and early aughts, Moon supplemented his series work with films including “The Brady Bunch Movie,” “Minority Report,” “Fight Club,” “Evan Almighty” and “Leap Year.”
His Nickelodeon credits also include “ChalkZone,” several “Fairly OddParents” and “Jimmy Neutron” crossover specials, “Back at the Barnyard” and “Big Time Rush.” In recent years, Moon turned his focus to live-action and independent projects including TV drama “The Green Veil” starring John Leguizamo and the 2024 film “Forty-Seven Days with Jesus.” He was last credited in 2025 as a composer for “The Artist,” a series from streaming service the Network.
Moon, an Annie Awards and BMI Film & TV Awards winner, incorporated his passions for music in family life, from expressing his daily observations in a sing-songy manner to playing the piano to entertain friends and family. Despite the accolades for work, Moon would have been most proud of his collaborations with his children, who all shared his musical passions, Chelsea said.
“We are his legacy. He was so proud of us and so proud to work with us,” she said, adding “he would probably say that was his greatest life’s accomplishments — to have us.”
Moon’s children underlined his devoted faith, which he balanced with his full-time career as a composer. His family said Moon often melded his faith with his love and his connections in the music world, from producing church musical events to introduce fellow worshipers to new forms of Christian music to directing his church’s youth ministry alongside his wife when his children were younger.
“He just embodied the heart of Jesus to welcome everyone. He just deeply loved God in a very simple way where there was never a moment where anyone felt excluded in his presence or othered,” Chelsea said.
Guy Moon’s three adult children described him as a “walking jukebox” who had an accepting, playful and peaceful approach in his personal and professional lives.
(Natalie Wright-Ruiz )
“He was not exclusive and he was not an elitist, “ Savannah said. “He was just so generous with his time and his acceptance of people.”
Moon incurred tinnitus following an injury to his eardrum in recent years, which impacted his ability to work. Still, he remained adventurous and enjoyed riding around San Pedro on his Vespa, Chelsea said.
In addition to his children, Moon is survived by his wife, Jennifer Moon, his parents, two older sisters and seven grandchildren with an eighth on the way.
The family said in its Facebook statement that they plan to celebrate Moon’s life on Feb. 7, the composer’s birthday. The memorial in Los Angeles will be followed by another in Wisconsin at a later date.
TRIBUTES have been paid to Nickelodeon composer Guy Moon after he was killed in a horror car crash in Los Angeles.
Moon’s heartbroken family said they are “overcome with grief” after his tragic death on Thursday morning.
Sign up for the Showbiz newsletter
Thank you!
Emmy-nominated Nickelodeon composer Guy Moon, 63, has died after a crash in LACredit: IMDBMoon was best known for his decades of work on NickelodeonCredit: YouTube/Speech Bubble w Butch Hartman
The Emmy-nominated composer was traveling in LA when he was involved in a traffic collision and died of traumatic injuries, the LA CountyMedical Examiner’s report said.
His family said: “We feel singularly blessed to have been able to call him dad and husband.
“As we stand together at the base of what seems to be an insurmountable grief, we are emboldened to grieve him with honor and courage with the tools that he equipped us with in his beautiful life.
“He has left an unmistakable legacy, and will be profoundly missed by us, his family, and countless others whose lives he impacted.”
Moon’s music featured on beloved shows across the Nickelodeon network – including The Fairly OddParents, Danny Phantom, Big Time Rush, and SpongeBob SquarePants.
He composed popular songs, including Bartmania!, Shiny Teeth, and the catchy theme song for Danny Phantom.
Moon was nominated for four Emmy awards in the Outstanding Music and Lyrics category from 2002 to 2004 as a composer for the Butch Hartman-created show The Fairly OddParents.
Hartman, who was a co-nominee with Guy at the Emmy Awards, said: “I have no words yet because there are none adequate enough. Guy was my friend. My brother. My family.”
Big Time Rush star Stephen Kramer Glickman paid tribute to the longtime “Nick” composer.
He said: “This is heartbreaking.”
Born in Wisconsin in 1962, Moon attended the University of Arizona School of Music before he moved to California.
He has credits in more than 70 works spanning four decades – across film, television series, animated series, TV movies, and shorts.
He was credited on films including The Brady Bunch Movie, and a producer on The Black Knight and Dr. Dolittle 2.
Guy Moon with director Albie Hecht in 2024 in Los AngelesCredit: Facebook/Guy Moon
Matthew Stafford remains among the frontrunners for the NFL most valuable player award, though his status took a hit after a three-interception performance in a defeat by the Atlanta Falcons.
On Sunday, the Rams’ veteran quarterback gets a final shot at making his case when he plays against the Arizona Cardinals at SoFi Stadium.
“Listen, I’m not too worried about it,” Stafford said when asked whether MVP talk enters his mind.
The balloting is in the hands of others.
“People are going to vote how they want to vote,” he said. “They’re going to say what they want to say.”
Share via
The Rams look to end their two-game losing skid and head into the wild-card playoffs with a win over the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday at SoFi Stadium.
So Stafford is focused on helping the Rams return to their winning ways.
“I’m just trying to put as good of a season together as I possibly can,” he said.
Stafford, 37, has enjoyed one of the best seasons of his 17-year career.
He has passed for a career-best and league-leading 42 touchdowns, with eight interceptions, while leading the Rams to an 11-5 record and third-place finish in the NFC West, the NFL’s toughest division this season.
His main competition seemingly is New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye. The second-year pro has passed for 30 touchdowns, with eight interceptions, while leading the Patriots to a 13-3 record and the AFC East title.
The NFL MVP award is voted on by a panel of 50 journalists who regularly cover the NFL, and the panel is assembled by the Associated Press. Los Angeles Times reporters do not participate in voting for awards.
Maye will start Sunday when the Patriots play the Miami Dolphins. If the Patriots win and the Denver Broncos lose to the Chargers, the Patriots will earn the AFC’s No. 1 seed and a first-round playoff bye.
The Rams and Stafford were on a roll, and held the No. 1 seed in the NFC, until they lost 38-37 in overtime to the eventual NFC West champion Seahawks on Dec. 18 in Seattle. Stafford played well in that defeat, passing for 457 yards and three touchdowns.
But last Monday against the Falcons, Stafford had one interception returned for a touchdown and two more that also cost the Rams in a 27-24 defeat.
Stafford ranks among the top 10 in several NFL career passing categories. But he ranks this season’s statistical performance among his best.
“It’s up there with some of the better ones I’ve played,” he said. “The cool thing about that is I have such a great group around me. … I have great teammates. I try to do my best to get the best out of those guys and help them succeed and help those guys have great seasons and great games as best as I can.”
Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford takes the field before a win over the Detroit Lions on Dec. 14.
(Eric Thayer / Los Angeles Times)
Coach Sean McVay said Stafford was a coach on the field.
“Do you elevate the people you’re around and the situations you’re a part of? He certainly does that,” McVay said. “And I think that’s been reflected from guys having their best years around him. He deserves a ton of credit for that.”
During seven of his 12 seasons with the Detroit Lions, Stafford combined with Hall of Fame receiver Calvin Johnson. In 2021, after being traded to the Rams, he helped Cooper Kupp capture the so-called triple crown of receiving: Kupp led the NFL in catches, yards receiving and touchdown catches.
Two years ago, Rams receiver Puka Nacua burst onto the scene with a record-setting rookie season, and this season he is tied for the league lead with 119 catches. Veteran Davante Adams, who is in his first season with the Rams, leads the NFL with 14 touchdown catches.
“Every single time I go play, I feel like I try to help our guys and our coaches and everybody, put everybody in the best position to succeed,” Stafford said.
Stafford, who sat out all of training camp because of a back issue, was never a scrambler in the mold of Patrick Mahomes or Josh Allen. But he continues to make plays out of the pocket and utilizes multiple arm angles to deliver passes.
“I still play with all the same feel and pocket movement and all that stuff that I used to,” he said. “It probably just doesn’t look the same.”
A few weeks ago, Stafford appeared on his way to his first NFL MVP award.
Now he is aiming to bounce back from his performance against the Falcons and help the Rams enter the playoffs with momentum.
“I would love to play perfect in every game, but I’m not a robot and it happens,” he said. “I’m proud of our team and I’m looking forward to another opportunity.”
‘This wants so bad to be Romancing the Stone, but it can’t even be Jewel of the Nile’
Content cannot be displayed without consent
A modern rom-com that harkens back to an 80s’ classic while featuring a pair of A-list stars is on British telly tonight (Sunday).
Starring Sandra Bullock and Channing Tatum, The Lost City was released in 2022 to generally positive reviews, earning back almost three times its budget.
Bullock plays Loretta Sage, a former archaeology researcher who writes romance-adventure novels. She reluctantly agrees to go on a book tour with a cover model for her fictitious hero, played by Tatum, but both find themselves embarking on an adventure, searching for a lost city that hides a priceless treasure.
The movie also features Brad Pitt in a rare supporting role, while Harry Potter star Daniel Radcliffe plays against type as an egotistical, eccentric billionaire who acts as the film’s ultimate baddie.
The Lost City has a 78% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, which says that while “The Lost City doesn’t sparkle quite as brightly as some classic treasure-hunting capers such as Romancing the Stone, its stars’ screwball chemistry makes this movie well worth romancing.”
One critic wrote: “The Lost City is every bit the romantic adventure we didn’t know we needed and then some. It’s fun and hilarious, and its on-the-nose praise of the romance genre is something we’ll never tire of exploring.”
Another was more circumspect, writing: “Sandra Bullock and Channing Tatum get blindsided by a wonky and aimless script better suited for the balls-to-the-wall performances of its side characters.”
Movie fans were also divided on the film, which has some big supporters but more than a few who were left unimpressed. One wrote: “Enough laughs to make it enjoyable. All the actors did great in it. Sandra Bullock is really good at doing clumsy slapstick.”
A second stated: “It was such a funny treat. All the cast and crew were amazing. It had the whole theatre laughing. I’d definitely recommend watching this film.”
A third said: “Very enjoyable adventure-romance-comedy movie. I loved it. Highly recommend!”
However, some thought it paled in comparison to the classics: “This wants so bad to be Romancing the Stone, but it can’t even be Jewel of the Nile… It’s fun enough to be a passable time-waster, but it’s not compelling or unique enough to leave a lasting impression.”
Another wrote: “Clicked play immediately upon seeing the cast – found myself extremely disappointed that such great actors would partake in such an overplayed, cheesy plot. Paying attention was a chore.”
The Lost City airs on E4 tonight (Sunday, January 4) at 9pm.
Tight end Tyler Higbee is on track to return on Sunday for the season finale against the Arizona Cardinals.
Safety Quentin Lake will be back for the playoffs. Star receiver Davante Adams also could be held out till then.
The Rams, coming off consecutive losses to the Seattle Seahawks and the Atlanta Falcons, might appear to be limping toward their seventh postseason appearance in nine seasons under coach Sean McVay.
But a team that was regarded by many as the class of the league midway through the season should be at or near full strength when they play an NFC wild-card game next weekend.
“We’re getting healthy at the right time,” McVay said Friday.
Lake agreed.
“The league and the world kind of knew where we were at when we were at full strength,” Lake said. “We’re getting guys back at the right time and I feel like we’re going to hit our stride at the right time.”
The Rams, who at one time were seeded No. 1 in the NFC, are currently seeded No. 6.
If the San Francisco 49ers lose to the Seattle Seahawks on Saturday, and the Rams defeat the Cardinals on Sunday at SoFi Stadium, the Rams will climb to No. 5.
Regardless, McVay reiterated Friday that starters would play against the Cardinals, though how much remains to be seen.
Several starters are questionable because of injuries, including running backs Kyren Williams and Blake Corum because of ankle injuries and left tackle Alaric Jackson because of a knee injury that kept him out of last Monday’s loss to the Falcons.
Right guard Kevin Dotson, who also sat out against the Falcons because of an ankle injury, will not play Sunday, and his status for the wild-card round remains uncertain.
The Rams also at some point will make a decision regarding veteran right tackle Rob Havenstein. The 11th-year pro has been on injured reserve since mid-November. Warren McClendon Jr. has played well in his place, but Havenstein would give McVay flexibility if Jackson were injured and McClendon moved to the left side.
The Rams’ 27-24 loss to the Falcons did not result exclusively because of injuries, but the holes left by missing starters were apparent and in some cases glaring.
Veteran tackle D.J. Humphries struggled in Jackson’s place, and guard Justin Dedich is not as big and strong as Dotson. Falcons running back Bijan Robinson ran roughshod through a defense that was missing Lake.
Rams offensive tackle Alaric Jackson, right, blocks Detroit Lions edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson during a Rams win on Dec. 14.
(Harry How / Getty Images)
“There is a reason why those guys that have been missed are starters,” McVay said, speaking generally, “because they give us the best chance to play at the optimum levels.”
Rams tight ends have played well during Higbee’s absence, but McVay and quarterback Matthew Stafford are eager for the 10th-year pro’s return.
Higbee caught 20 passes for 190 yards and two touchdowns in nine games before he was injured during a Nov. 16 victory over the Seahawks.
He is looking forward to getting back into the flow on game day.
“Just try to be myself, bring the energy, bring the physicality and try to make some plays when it’s my turn,” Higbee said.
Stafford has deftly utilized tight ends Colby Parkinson, Davis Allen and Terrance Ferguson. Now he said he will welcome back Higbee, “the ultimate team player,” who helps bind teammates.
“Everybody calls him a glue guy,” Stafford said, “probably an understatement.”
Lake, a team captain, also brings more than talent to the field, which the Rams formally recognized this week when they awarded him a three-year extension that includes more than $25 million in guarantees.
Lake has been sidelined since suffering a left elbow injury that required surgery. He began practicing this week, and said he would be ready for the playoffs.
“The doctor was saying, ‘You came back pretty fast, but if you feel good and you have all the strength and range of motion, go ahead and cut it loose.’
“That’s exactly what I’m going to do.”
Adams sat out the last two games because of a hamstring injury, but he still leads the NFL with 14 touchdown catches.
Adams was limited in practices this week.
“We want to make sure that we’re getting everything ready to roll and being smart with him because of the position that he plays and the stress that that hamstring takes with some of the different things that we activate with him,” McVay said.
Star receiver Puka Nacua is among those happy to see Higbee, Lake and Adams on the practice field again.
“It’s fun to have all those guys out there,” he said. “I’d say their presence is definitely missed.”
IN just a few weeks Guy Ritchie and Jason Statham will start work on their new movie, Viva La Madness.
And I can exclusively reveal the gangster flick is getting a very special supporting character — in the form of Vinnie Jones.
Sign up for the Showbiz newsletter
Thank you!
Jason Statham and Guy Ritchie are working on a new movie togetherCredit: GettyGangster flick Viva La Madness will also feature Vinnie JonesCredit: Getty
The trio last worked together in the amazing 2000 film Snatch and now former footballer Vinnie is going to be front and centre in the new movie alongside Jason.
A source said: “Viva La Madness is writer J.J. Connolly’s sequel to Layer Cake but the film is going to be a standalone production.
“Guy is thrilled to be back at the helm. And to have Jason on board, as well as Vinnie, is going to make for cinematic gold.
“This project feels so brilliantly British. It’s going to be loud, fast and unapologetically patriotic.
“Jason and Vinnie are so brilliant together on screen and everyone working on the film was thrilled to hear that Vinnie had signed up.”
‘Come a long way’
I’m told the exact details of the plot are being kept under wraps but it’s expected to closely follow J.J.’s novel.
The book returns to the story of the shady anonymous drug dealer — played by Daniel Craig in the film of Layer Cake — who is pulled back into the criminal underworld after hoping to retire.
But this time, the deals get more risky — with high-level electronic fraud and a bit of money laundering for good measure.
It’s not surprising that Guy has brought Vinnie on board for the film, after casting him in the next series of his Netflix hit, The Gentleman.
Guy previously admitted he and Jason credited Vinnie for helping them when times were tough — before they made it big with Lock, Stock And Two Smoking Barrels in 1998.
He said: “Vinnie was forever paying for taxis when Statham and I had no money.”
“We’ve come a long way since Lock, Stock.”
I absolutely loved Layer Cake so I cannot wait to watch Viva La Madness.
SEQUIN WHEN YOU’RE WINNING
MARIAH CAREY went into 2026 on Cloud Nine after her performance on Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve went off without a hitch.
Nine years ago, the superstar was on the very same stage when she was hit by technical difficulties, meaning she was off-beat when lip syncing.
Demi Lovato was on top form for Dick Clark’s Sin City gigCredit: GettyMariah Carey dazzles during her performance on Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ EveCredit: Getty
It got so bad that Mariah stopped pretending to sing, and said: “It is what it is. It just don’t get any better,” before stomping off stage.
This time around, fans watching in New York had a far better time, with Mariah – who wore a tiny pink dress adorned with sequins – sailing through her performance of her 2009 song, Obsessed.
Host Rita Ora stayed cosy in a leopard print coat as temperatures plunged to -2C in the Big Apple, while over in Las Vegas, Demi Lovato was on top form for Dick Clark’s Sin City gig.
She took to the stage in a shimmering sheer jumpsuit alongside stars including Diana Ross, Post Malone and 50 Cent.
Stars including Diana Ross also performedCredit: GettySinger Rita Ora stayed cosy in a leopard print coat for the occasionCredit: Getty
BUSY SIAN: I’M NOT WEDDY YET
Sian Welby is still no closer to walking down the aisleCredit: Brett D. Cove / SplashNews.com
THIS Morning and Capital Breakfast DJ Sian Welby got engaged to radio producer Jake Beckett two years ago, but they are still no closer to walking down the aisle.
When asked her if she has made any headway with preparations, Sian – who gave birth to daughter Ruby in June 2024 – admitted: “No, it’s an absolute shambles. I’ve honestly not got any brain capacity for wedding planning.
“I think what we’re doing: having a baby who’s waking up in the night, teething, the 4am alarms . . . combine that with trying to see friends and family up in the Midlands and the thought of trying to plan a wedding is quite daunting.
“I don’t want to be that person that’s engaged for years and years and I would love a big wedding, but it’s everything. Even the guest list fills me with anxiety.”
BACK IN THE PINK AFTER OP
Pink spent New Year’s Eve in hospital having surgery on her neck.Credit: Getty Images
THE brilliant Pink has told fans she spent New Year’s Eve in hospital having surgery on her neck.
Sharing a snap of herself from her hospital bed on Instagram, the So What singer, below, said: “I end the year giving reverence to, paying attention to, and to fixing my body.
“It may not be a fancy face lift, but I am getting two new shiny discs in my neck.
“A new scar – a reminder that I appreciate this vessel that I have and use it for all it’s worth.
“Rock ’n’ roll is a contact sport. And as I sit here by myself on New Year’s Eve in a hospital room while my family is happily snowboarding, I know that 2026 is going to be better because that is the choice that I have made.”
AFTER I revealed the Rolling Stones had cancelled their plans for a UK and European tour this year, Ronnie WOod says he just won’t be sitting at home and twiddling his thumbs.
Speaking at Jools Holland‘s Hootenanny, the guitar whizz said: “I just wanna play all the time, or paint. I have a big exhibition planned for the end of 2026 in Germany.”
NEW PIRATES? IT DEPPENDS
Johnny Depp could be set to star in another Pirates Of The Caribbean movieCredit: Alamy
THE fate of the Pirates Of The Caribbean franchise now rests in Johnny Depp‘s hands, it seems.
Talk of a sixth film has been swirling for years since the last instalment, Dead Men Tell No Tales, in 2017.
Now, actor Kevin McNally, who played seaman Joshamee Gibbs, has revealed the script is with Johnny, who starred as Jack Sparrow.
In an exclusive chat, Kevin said: “I would love to do a new Pirates movie. The only problem is that there are two realities in the world. There is reality, and there is social media.
“As far as social media is concerned, I started filming yesterday. As far as reality is concerned, tumbleweed, but I would love to be part of that again.
“The last two films weren’t great, but for me, if Johnny thinks it’s good enough and wants to do it, I will be there.”
While Kevin waits for the call, he is busy directing and starring in new sitcom Ketchup.
The series is based on author Joe Cawley’s More Ketchup Than Salsa memoirs and will follow a hapless British couple who attempt to run a bar on the Costa del Sol.
Scrutinized and criticized after a season-opening loss to Florida State, the Alabama Crimson Tide have spent the remainder of the season focused on growth, resilience and a shift in leadership mentality as they prepare for their College Football Playoff quarterfinal game against No. 1 Indiana on Thursday at the Rose Bowl.
Crimson Tide quarterback Ty Simpson said the early criticism served as motivation for the team.
“I think the first game everybody kind of wrote us off — especially me as being a problem — and that really made me feel some type of way,” Simpson said. “Adversity brings opportunity and this was an opportunity to make things right. I know that not only was I getting scrutinized, but our head coach was as well. As much respect as I have for him, I had to scratch and claw and find some way to get better. With more time, more reps, more games in general, I got better.”
Simpson’s leadership has evolved steadily over the course of the season, becoming a focal point of Alabama’s offensive identity.
Following the season-opening loss, Crimson Tide coach Kalen DeBoer emphasized areas of growth for his quarterback, particularly in decision-making and confidence.
“He’s gotta just trust his reads and just cut it loose sometimes and let it fly,” DeBoer said. “And then just some decision-making there in certain critical moments, that’s the things he’s going to learn from.”
DeBoer said Simpson’s ability to cope with adversity throughout the season helped Alabama as it prepares for for the Rose Bowl.
“There’s the ups and downs and every game is not going to be perfect, but his response and just what he’s played through, it can be the mental part the physical part,” DeBoer said. “Wins, losses he’s just continued to stay the course.”
”Everybody sees him as the guy and of course he won the Heisman Trophy. That’s motivation for me, I know I am going head-to-head with him, but the opportunity to go against the No. 1 team in the nation, sign me up,” Simpson said. “I am a competitor and I am excited for it and being able to play in this game against a good team is what I want.”
As the Crimson Tide prepare for Indiana’s physical rushing attack, Simpson and the offense continue working to put all the pieces together under pressure.
Receiver Ryan Williams has emerged as a key offensive weapon, using his speed to make defenders miss and create opportunities.
“We’re going to make sure we have plays to give him the ball and I have to make sure I understand my read and give him the ball,” Simpson said of Williams.” It’s my job to make sure the offense reads the ball, whether Ryan is the first read or the last read. I’m going to throw it to the open guy and make sure we’re in a good position.”
While Alabama may be fueled by external criticism and its underdog role, the team is spending its last stretch before the Rose Bowl focused on blocking out outside noise and embracing its internal standard.
“We write it on our whiteboard every game, ‘All about Bama,’ That’s all it’s ever about — Bama,” Simpson said. “All about these guys in here and the coaches. Alabama against the world, that’s kind of been our mindset of just making sure its all for one and one for all.”
Alabama understands that stopping Indiana’s powerful offense in the Rose Bowl on New Year’s Day starts with containing Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Fernando Mendoza.
“[Mendoza] is operating at a really high level,” Alabama defensive coordinator Kane Wommack said. “When you watch the tape and the challenge, really the cry for our guys [is] to have to operate at a really consistent level, and you’re going to have to take away those windows that he’s wanting to get the ball through.”
During top-seeded Indiana’s undefeated season, Mendoza threw for 2,980 yards and 33 touchdowns for a team that ranked eighth in total offense (472.8 yards per game). Despite his impressive numbers, ninth-seeded Alabama isn’t showing signs of being intimidated by Mendoza heading into the College Football Playoff quarterfinal showdown.
“He’s a man, just like me,” Alabama defensive lineman Tim Keenan III said. “He put himself in a position to achieve the accolades, so we need to make sure we do what we need to, to play our game.”
Added Alabama safety Keon Sabb: “Congrats to him for winning [the Heisman], but we’ll play our game.”
Alabama is planning to put pressure on Mendoza in an effort to force potential turnovers and limit Indiana’s attack, cornerback Zabien Brown said.
“I want to stop quarterbacks whether they’ve won the Heisman Trophy or not,” Wommack added.
