The Legendary Former MLB Star and World Series Champion Sends Shockwaves Through Yankees Nation by Expressing Desire to Return to New York
After spending several successful seasons with the New York Yankees, Didi Gregorius — the former shortstop and World Series champion — has caused a stir in Yankees Nation with an emotional admission: he wants to return to New York.
Gregorius, who was a key part of the Yankees' infield from 2015 to 2019, made his mark not just with his bat but also with his steady leadership and strong defensive play. As one of the most beloved players of his era with the Yankees, he helped the team to multiple postseason appearances, including the 2017 American League Championship Series.
After leaving the Yankees in 2020, Gregorius signed with the Philadelphia Phillies. However, despite some strong moments, Gregorius has struggled to maintain the consistency that made him a fan favorite in New York. His time with the Phillies has not matched his previous performances, and his production has dropped off compared to his Yankees days.
Now 35 years old, Gregorius still believes he has plenty left to offer — and his heart still belongs to New York.
“I don’t need more trophies. I don’t need more money,”
he said. “All I want is one more chance — to put that pinstripe jersey back on, walk out of Yankee Stadium, and hear the roar of the crowd. I miss the atmosphere, I miss the energy of the city, and the feeling of representing New York. And if I have to give up everything to feel that again — I will.”
His connection to New York, particularly his years with the Yankees, is something that continues to resonate deeply within the team’s fanbase. Gregorius was more than just a player; he was an embodiment of the team's resilient spirit, a leader in the clubhouse, and a fan favorite for his clutch hits and standout defensive plays.
Aaron Judge, one of the Yankees’ current stars, recently spoke about Gregorius' impact: “He was one of the guys who set the standard. He helped us develop into the team we are today, and his leadership was unmatched.”
Now, Gregorius has expressed his willingness to return to New York, despite the challenges in his career. He has continued to train, keeping himself in top shape, and is ready to contribute however he can, whether it's as a veteran presence on the roster or as a mentor for the younger generation.
For the Yankees, the opportunity to bring back a player with Gregorius' history and passion would be a powerful addition, especially as the team looks to bolster its roster in the postseason race.
Whether or not the Yankees make the move to bring him back remains to be seen. However, with the season progressing, Gregorius’ words are echoing loudly in Yankees Nation — a reminder that New York is not just a team for him, but a place he calls home.
Dak Prescott Sends Message on Cowboys’ Playoff Hopes
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Dak Prescott has confidence in his team moving forward.
With a big win in the books, Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott believes there’s more ahead.
Prescott expects they will only get better amid the motivation found in honor of late teammate Marshawn Kneeland. The Cowboys played for the first time since the Nov. 6 tragedy and delivered a 33-16 blowout win over the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday.
That has the Cowboys at 10th in the NFC with a 4-5-1 record and a tough slate of games ahead. Yet, Prescott believes they can turn around what has been a mostly dismal season.
“So, it’s about intensifying everything that we do to carry the legacy of Marshawn,” Prescott told reporters afterward. “Then over the next three games with the opponents coming in and us wanting to get to where we want to go, everything’s just got to heighten.”
“The discipline, the focus, the intensity, the aggressiveness, and that’s at practice. That will just carry over into the game,” Prescott added. “I’ve always said, ‘the game’s a celebration of the work that you put in throughout the week.'”
Dallas has a gauntlet ahead in the next three games with the Philadelphia Eagles (8-2), Kansas City Chiefs (5-5), and Detroit Lions (6-4). Then, the Cowboys finish the season with the Minnesota Vikings (4-6), Los Angeles Chargers (7-4), Washington Commanders (3-8), and New York Giants (2-9).
Cowboys Turned Around Slow Start Against Raiders
For Monday, the Cowboys looked the part of a team aiming for the playoffs. Dallas took hold of the game after a 6-3 Raiders lead and pulled away with five consecutive scoring drives, sparked by Prescott’s three touchdown passes in the second quarter.
“Obviously, coming out there tonight and playing with the style that he played with, the intensity, the effort, the finish, super proud of the guys,” Prescott said. “This doesn’t put a cap on it. We’re going to continue to move forward, shining a light on Marshawn and carrying his legacy. And we need to play like this every week moving forward.”
Prescott went 25-33 for 268 yards and four touchdowns. Wide receiver George Pickens made Prescott’s job easy with nine receptions for 144 yards and a score, and fellow wideout CeeDee Lamb had five receptions for 66 yards and a touchdown. Tight end Jake Ferguson added four receptions for 16 yards and a score.
Cowboys running back Javonte Williams stepped up with 22 carries for 93 yards on the ground to support the passing attack. The Cowboys defense, meanwhile, played one of its best games of the season.
Defensive tackle Quinnen Williams posted 1.5 sacks and four tackles in his debut. Osa Odighizuwa and Jame Houston had a sack apiece, and safety Markquese Bell had a pick.
Dak Prescott Pays Tribute to Marshawn Kneeland
The teams observed a moment of silence for Kneeland before the game, and the Cowboys players wore helmet decals with No. 94 and had shirts with Kneeland’s picture. Prescott’s wrist tape had “one love” on it for Kneeland.
“We love Marshawn and will continue to shine a light for him,” Prescott said.
For Prescott, it was close to home as he also lost his brother, Jace, to suicide five years ago.
