Commanders RB Austin Ekeler turns devistating injury into one unique opportunity for life after football
The Washington Commanders have been riddled with injuries this season, including season-ending ones to multiple starters.
Veteran running back Austin Ekeler was poised to have a massive season with a critical role on offense, but all of that was cut way too short. Ekeler went down in the second game of the season with a long road to recovery.
Instead of sitting back and just giving up, Ekeler does what he always does: keeps his head up and makes the most of it. While he's recovering, Ekeler has a very unique opportunity that not many players get.
Austin Ekeler to be a guest on Netflix during the Commanders' Christmas Day game
Just because Ekeler's season is over, that doesn't mean he can't take part in the team, just in a much different way. The Commanders are hosting the Dallas Cowboys at home for a rivalry game on Christmas Day, and Ekeler will be there. He won't be on the field, but instead he'll be working on his life after football skills as a desk analyst for the game on Netflix.
Ekeler will join Kay Adams, Devin McCourty, and Michael Irvin to discuss the Commanders vs. Cowboys game, which promises to be very entertaining. We all know Ekeler has a strong screen presence, and he's known for his activity in the fantasy football community, as well as podcasts and shows when he's not on the field. This gives him a big stage to show what he can do on the media side of football whenever he decides to hang it up. We aren't sure if Ekeler will come back to keep playing after his gruesome injury, and maybe this is it for him.
Austin Ekeler's injury might be the end of a magical run
It's weird to see a player in the media talking about a game involving a team he's still technically part of, even if his season is over. Ekeler tore his Achilles tendon during the Week 2 matchup against the Green Bay Packers, and that's a tough injury to come back from. He will also be 31 heading into next season, so maybe this is a preview for what's to come if he decides to call it a career.
Regardless, this is a big opportunity that he's going to crush, and be an enjoyable watch, which is great because we have no idea what to expect from this team anymore with a 3-8 record.
Bryce Young's Heartfelt Gesture Stands Out After Panthers' Win Over Falcons
Atlanta, Georgia — November 18, 2025
As the Carolina Panthers were celebrating their thrilling 30-27 overtime win over the Atlanta Falcons, a quieter, more emotional scene was unfolding on the sideline. While the Panthers reveled in their victory, Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. sat alone, his head in his hands, feeling the weight of a challenging game. It had been one of the toughest nights of his young career, and despite his best efforts, the Falcons fell short in a dramatic fashion.
But just when it seemed like Penix would bear the weight of the loss alone, something unexpected happened.
Panthers quarterback Bryce Young, who had just led his team to victory, walked across the field. In an act of sportsmanship that no one saw coming, Young quietly approached Penix and wrapped him in a hug. For a moment, the fierce competition on the field was forgotten, and what remained was a powerful exchange between two quarterbacks who respected each other far beyond the game.
"I NEVER THOUGHT AN OPPONENT WOULD TREAT ME LIKE THAT. BRYCE IS A BETTER PERSON THAN WHAT PEOPLE SEE ON TV. HE’S NOT JUST AN OUTSTANDING QUARTERBACK – HE’S AN INCREDIBLE HUMAN BEING. THAT MOMENT... IT MEANT MORE TO ME THAN HE’LL EVER KNOW,” Penix said after the embrace, his voice filled with genuine emotion.
In a world where football often highlights physicality and victory, this moment reminded everyone that sportsmanship and empathy are the true measures of greatness. In a time when young quarterbacks like Penix and Young are under immense pressure, it was a rare and inspiring display of kindness from Young — a moment that would stay with Penix long after the final whistle had blown.
For Young, it wasn’t just about the win; it was about acknowledging the human side of the game. While both quarterbacks had faced intense pressure throughout the game, Young’s actions off the field were a reminder of the kind of leader he is: one who recognizes that sometimes, it’s not just the scoreboard that matters most, but the impact we have on each other in those quieter moments.
This simple yet profound exchange will likely be remembered as one of the most touching moments of the season, standing as a testament to the true spirit of the game. As the Panthers move forward with their victory, it’s clear that Bryce Young’s leadership extends far beyond his performance on the field — it’s the kind of leadership that changes lives, both on and off the gridiron.
