Jacob Saylors' quiet heroics prove heart doesn’t need headlines
Jacob Saylors is a football player in the truest sense of the word. Coming out of FCS East Tennessee State, Saylors put together an All-Conference career that saw him accumulate almost 4,000 rushing yards along with 33 touchdowns. In 2023, like the majority of college football players, Saylors went undrafted, beginning an arduous journey of finding a spot on an NFL active roster.
From 2023 to today, Saylors' journey was less than linear. Cut by the Bengals (2023), a couple weeks on the practice squad for the Falcons (2023). He joined the UFL as a third-string option behind Wayne Gallman and Mataeo Durant, and became an All-UFL back. He also earned contracts with the New York Giants and Cleveland Browns in 2024, only to be cut once again.
Saylors decided to give football one more go, and in 2025, he put together an All-UFL season once again. This time, that success landed himself with the Detroit Lions going into training camp. Despite a crowded running back room, the Lions decided that the versatility Saylors brought was too valuable to send the young running back packing.
Saylors making a name for himself without making headlines
After an elevation, Saylors would sign to Detroit's active roster, and since then has quietly been one of the Lions key contributors of the first five weeks of the 2025 season. Saylors has proven to be a key piece specifically on both sides of the Lions' special teams unit.
Saylors currently ranks just outside the NFL top 10 in return yards and average yards per return, despite limited opportunity. In addition to his 310 kick return yards (25.8/yds per return), he's also recorded four tackles on punts and kickoffs, as well.
Saylors is currently on pace to eclipse over 1,000 all-purpose yards to go along with possibly recording 10 tackles on special teams, which could garner Pro Bowl consideration.
While Saylors' contributions aren't going to consistently make headlines, his play on the field for the Lions is what really matters. As a UDFA, Saylors has shown he's able to consistently do the dirty work that is required for championship teams. He's truly made up of the stuff that head coach Dan Campbell loves to prioritize with this Detroit team.
BREAKING: Red Sox Shock MLB with 8-Year, $280 Million Mega-Deal for Trevor Story — Emotional "No-Trade" Clause Ties His Future to Fenway Forever
Fenway Park will soon witness a love story written in gold.
After years of battling injuries, overcoming doubts, and fighting through whispers about his future, Trevor Story has silenced the critics — and the Boston Red Sox have responded with unwavering faith. The Red Sox have reportedly inked the shortstop to a stunning 8-year, $280 million deal, securing his place in Boston for the foreseeable future. The blockbuster contract, which includes a “no-trade” clause, means Story’s future is tied to Fenway Park, where he will leave his legacy.
In an emotional press conference, Story was visibly moved as he reflected on the journey that brought him here. With tears in his eyes, he shared, “I thought they stopped believing in me. But now… I want to stay here forever.”
The contract, which will keep Story with the Red Sox through the 2033 season, is not just a financial commitment; it’s a symbol of the faith the organization has in their star player. Story’s signing signals that the Red Sox are fully invested in their future, with Story playing a central role as they chase championship aspirations in the years to come.
When Story was acquired by Boston in 2022, his debut season was marred by injuries, leading some to question if the Red Sox had made the right move. But despite the setbacks, Story battled back, returning to form in 2023 and silencing the critics with a strong, consistent performance. His ability to hit for power, combined with his elite defense, made him one of the top shortstops in the league once again.
The decision to lock him in for the long term was met with widespread approval. Red Sox President of Baseball Operations, Chaim Bloom, spoke highly of Story’s impact on and off the field. “Trevor has proven time and time again that he’s not only one of the best shortstops in the game but also a leader in our clubhouse,” said Bloom. “This deal is a testament to the commitment we have in bringing sustained success to Boston, and Trevor is at the heart of that vision.”
As one of the game’s most respected shortstops, Story’s leadership extends beyond his athletic ability. His presence on the field and in the locker room has become integral to the Red Sox’s culture, and his new contract solidifies his place as one of the faces of the franchise for the next decade.
For Story, this contract is about more than just money; it’s about redemption and loyalty. After enduring a tough period of recovery and doubt, he is finally getting the validation he’s earned. “I’ve always loved this city, and now, to know that I’ll be a part of it for the rest of my career, it means everything to me,” he said.
The Red Sox have made a bold move, securing one of the game’s premier talents for the long haul. Story’s mega-deal will have major ramifications in the AL East, signaling Boston’s intent to remain competitive at the highest level.
Fenway Park will continue to host the powerful bat and unmatched grit of Trevor Story, and it’s clear: the story isn’t just about a player returning to form, but about his everlasting legacy in one of the most storied franchises in Major League Baseball.
