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Ex-Jets RB Vows to Make New York Regret Letting Him Go, Sends Tribute to Packers

GREEN BAY, WI — August 8, 2025 — Former New York Jets running back Israel Abanikanda is gearing up for a personal mission in the Green Bay Packers’ preseason opener against his old team on Saturday. Cut by the Jets at the end of the 2024 season, Abanikanda, who signed with the Packers in the offseason, views this game as a chance to “settle the score” and prove New York made a costly mistake by letting him go.

A fifth-round pick from Pittsburgh in the 2023 NFL Draft, Abanikanda showed promise with the Jets, rushing for 112 yards on 22 carries in limited action during his rookie year. Despite his potential, the Jets released him, leaving the 22-year-old determined to make a statement. Now fighting for a roster spot in Green Bay’s backfield alongside Josh Jacobs, Abanikanda is ready to seize his opportunity. “I’m not going easy, even if it’s my old teammates,” he said during a press conference at Lambeau Field. “The Packers gave me a chance to come back, and I’m paying them back with a touchdown to prove I belong here.”

Abanikanda’s explosive running style and knack for breaking tackles have turned heads in training camp, earning him significant reps with the second unit. His hunger to prove himself aligns with the Packers’ culture of discipline and opportunity under Head Coach Matt LaFleur. “Israel’s got that fire,” LaFleur said. “He’s fighting for every carry, and we love that mentality. This game means something extra to him, and we expect him to show it.”

The Packers, aiming to build on their 2024 playoff run, see Abanikanda as a potential spark in their offense. Facing the Jets, he has a chance to showcase his speed and vision against a defense that once called him teammate. With the regular season less than a month away, a strong performance could solidify his role in Green Bay’s crowded backfield.

Abanikanda’s determination to score against New York underscores his drive to rewrite his NFL story. As the Packers prepare for a competitive season, his vow to deliver a touchdown signals his intent to make the Jets regret their decision. Fans at Lambeau will be watching closely to see if Abanikanda can back up his words with a game-changing play.

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Jared Goff’s Heartwarming Gesture Leaves Dak Prescott in Tears After 44–30 Loss as Cowboys’ Playoff Hopes Hang by a Thread
Detroit, Michigan – The final whistle had barely sounded on the Cowboys’ crushing 44–30 defeat to the Lions when the atmosphere at Ford Field became two different worlds. While his teammates headed to salute the crowd, Dak Prescott quietly sat on the bench and buried his face in a towel. He was hurting from a performance that fell short of expectations and from the guilt that his team’s playoff chances were slipping away after this game. Prescott, a quarterback who rarely shows emotion in public even under constant pressure, was carrying a heavier loss than usual. As the stadium noise faded, Dak remained motionless, as if facing the deepest blow to his pride and leadership responsibility. He believed he had to do more to pull the Cowboys back from the brink and couldn’t forgive himself. In the moment Dak thought he was completely alone in his despair, a figure in Honolulu blue walked over. Not a teammate, not a coach — Jared Goff. The Lions quarterback — the man who had just led Detroit to a huge victory — gently sat down beside Dak, placed a hand on his shoulder, and said something no one expected. That gesture made Dak break down in tears, not because of the loss, but because of the respect coming from an opponent. “I didn’t think I deserved to hear those words, especially after a game like this. But the way he looked at me, the way he encouraged me… it really touched my heart. In that moment, I felt like I wasn’t alone,” Dak later shared. Jared Goff, known for his calm demeanor, showed a rare moment of pure sportsmanship. Instead of celebrating, he spent several minutes sitting next to a broken opponent, telling Dak he had fought to the end and shouldn’t beat himself up. Goff reminded him that every quarterback has bad days, but what defines them is how they get back up. The sincerity in his words was too much for Dak to hold back the tears. That moment spread across the NFL like proof of the value of brotherhood and respect in this brutal sport. Prescott still has to face the reality that the Cowboys are on the brink of missing the playoffs, but he walked off the field with a lighter heart thanks to Goff’s comfort. This game may change the direction of the season, but the moment between the two quarterbacks has already changed how many people view the spirit of the NFL.