Happy Friday, friends and fans!

If you’re looking for a little sports related entertainment tonight, tune in to FS1 at 9 p.m. CT to watch a trio of former Oklahoma Sooners and a former running back for the Texas Longhorns go head-to-head in the semi-finals of the 2020 EA Madden NFL Invitational.

Up first is Jamaal Charles versus Kyler Murray, so it’s pretty obvious who OU fans will be rooting for in this matchup. In the second contest, it’s all Sooners as Joe Mixon takes on ESPN’s Madden NFL ‘20 Celebrity Tournament winner Marquise ‘Hollywood’ Brown.

I must admit, if I were placing a wager on this one, my money to win it all would be on Hollywood. That man just knows how to ball with the sticks. Bold prediction: it won’t even be close.

Aside from providing a healthy dose of entertainment and competition, this televised gaming event will also promote awareness for ‘Feeding America’, a hunger-relief charity that provides meals and supplies to food banks across the nation.

Now onto this week’s Friday edition of Hot Links! Baker Mayfield talks bouncing back in year three, Trent Williams re-works his deal with the Niners, Forbes releases its updated list of the 100 highest-paid athletes and more!

OU Links

• RB coach DeMarco Murray shared this incredible stat highlighting just how dominant the Sooners’ running game has been over the last six seasons. When you look at Bill Bedenbaugh’s stout offensive line units over the years, combined with the talent OU has fielded in the backfield, it’s no wonder Oklahoma leads the nation with so many rushers averaging over 6 yards per carry.

• Running the ball with a high average is a lot easier when the ball carrier doesn’t come into contact with a defender until he’s already three yards beyond the line of scrimmage. It’s been said before, but Lincoln Riley’s offense is completely ridiculous.

• Speaking of eye-popping stats, TE Mark Andrews became one of the better weapons for the high-powered Baltimore Ravens in just his second season in the league, especially when lined up in the slot. Compared to others at his position, nobody else comes close.

• In a recent Zoom interview, Cleveland Browns QB Baker Mayfield talked about the importance of rebounding in 2020 after falling short of expectations a season ago. He also discussed how his relationship with offensive-minded head coach Kevin Stefanski is developing.
• The San Francisco 49ers restructured the final year of former Washington Redskins OT Trent Williams’ contract, giving the seven-time Pro-Bowl selection more money up-front.

Around the Sports World

• Forbes released its list of the 100 highest-paid athletes worldwide in 2020, and tennis great Roger Federer takes over the No. 1 spot ahead of soccer stars Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi. Overall, there are 34 NBA players and 31 NFL players on the list, while Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw is the lone representative for the MLB.

• Speaking of Messi and the world of Spanish soccer, La Liga is officially set to resume play on June 11, nearly three full months after going on an indefinite suspension due to the coronavirus pandemic.
• Starting today, most counties in the state of Texas will be able to host outdoor sporting events at a quarter of maximum capacity. Indoor events are still pending permission to host fans within their respective venues.
• The Carolina Panthers have signed veteran CB Eli Apple to a one-year, $3 million deal to bolster their secondary depth as they enter the first year of the Matt Rhule era.
• On Thursday, former USC Trojans QB JT Daniels announced he is transferring to SEC country to play for Kirby Smart and the Georgia Bulldogs.

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