Pat Neshek

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Ricky Jean Francois

Ricky attended college at LSU where he played football, as well as track and field. He was a member of LSU’s 2007 BCS National Championship team, and also the defensive MVP of the 2008 BCS National Championship Game. Picked late in the 7th round of the 2009 Draft by the San Francisco 49ers, he defied the odds by having a tenured career in the NFL. He became famous among 49ers fans for his "Peanut Butter Jelly Dance". He played for 6 NFL teams where he was always a mentoring squad player. Ricky also knew that his football career would eventually end, needing to focus on his “retirement fund”. This goal was realized when he played for the New England Patriots where he used Dunkin’ franchises as a potential pathway for his post-career plans. He joined forces with Jordan Reed and Sam Shields founding U Donuts, LLC. The trio has since planned to operate 26 stores in the Southeast US. Grant Benson, Dunkin’ Brands Sr. VP of Franchising stated, “Many of the skills learned in sports can translate to franchising, and these professional athletes know how to work hard and utilize the operations playbook to their advantage.”. As the trio of players continues to build their coffee and donut empire, Ricky wants more players to focus on building their post-career plans early on, so they can retire and walk gently into a comfortable life. Career Highlights and Awards: BCS National Champion (2007) SEC Champion (2007)

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Trai Turner

Trai is an offensive guard for the Washington Commanders. He played college football at LSU where he played 2 seasons after redshirting his freshman year, before declaring for the NFL draft in 2014. Trai was drafted by the Carolina Panthers in the third round of the 2014 NFL Draft, where he made the Pro Bowl every year from 2015 to 2019. In 2016, Turner became the first solo offensive lineman since Nate Newton to appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated. Turner has also played for the Los Angeles Chargers in 2020 and Pittsburgh Steelers in 2021. Trai Turner signed a one year deal with the Washington Commanders on May 3, 2022. Turner appeared in 16 games with 12 starts at right guard for the Commanders, blocking for a Washington ground game that finished 12th in the NFL (126.1 rushing yards per game). In July 2023, Trai Turner signed a contract with the New Orleans Saints. Career Highlights and Awards: 5× Pro Bowl (2015–2019) Second-team All-SEC (2013)

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Bryce Deadmon

Bryce Deadmon is an elite American track athlete specializing in the 400-meter sprint. A former standout at Texas A&M, he became the U.S. 400 m champion in 2023 with a personal best of 44.22 seconds. Deadmon is a two-time Olympian and four-time medalist, winning gold and bronze in the relays at Tokyo 2020, and gold and silver at Paris 2024. He also helped Team USA win gold in the 4×400 m relay at the 2022 World Championships. Known for his explosive speed and smooth stride, Deadmon continues to shine on the world stage in both individual and relay events.

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Josiah Gray

Josiah Gray is a pitcher for the Washington Nationals. Josiah was drafted by the Cincinnati Reds in the 2nd round of the 2018 Major League Baseball draft. On December 21, 2018, the Reds traded Josiah, along with The Cut client, Jeter Downs, to the Los Angeles Dodgers. In 2019, he was named as the Dodgers Minor League pitcher of the year. Josiah was added to the Dodgers 40-man roster and promoted to the major leagues for the first time on July 20, 2021. He made his MLB debut the same day, pitching four innings with seven strikeouts versus the San Francisco Giants. On July 30, 2021, Josiah was traded to the Washington Nationals. He debuted for the team on August 2, 2021, versus the Philadelphia Phillies. Josiah allowed four hits and one run over five innings for no decision. On September 22, 2021, Gray recorded his first Major League win in a 6 inning outing against the Miami Marlins, in which he allowed 6 hits and 2 earned runs while recording 8 strikeouts. Josiah’s breakout season came last year with the Washington Nationals. He garnered his first All-Star selection in 2023 with a 3.41 ERA leading up to the All-Star game. This included a 2.39 road ERA, the second best in MLB. One thing the Nationals hope is his continued dominance on the road. Josiah posted the second-best ERA across the Majors through the month of June last year at a 2.39 clip, and finished the year third overall in the National League (2.97). Josiah quickly got involved in the Washington, DC community after being acquired by the Nationals in 2021. He has been the official player ambassador to the Washington Nationals Youth Baseball Academy since 2022, supporting year-round youth development programs with baseball and softball players. Josiah’s extraordinary character, community involvement, philanthropy and positive contributions, both on and off the field earned him a Roberto Clemente Award nomination in 2023. Career Highlights & Awards: 1x All-Star (2023)

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Larry Ogunjobi

Larry Ogunjobi is a defensive lineman for the Buffalo Bills, spending time with the Cleveland Browns, Cincinnati Bengals, and most recently the Pittsburgh Steelers. Born in Livingston, New Jersey, to Nigerian immigrants, Ogunjobi developed into a standout football player at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte (Charlotte 49ers). As a member of the school’s inaugural recruiting class, he played a pivotal role in establishing the program’s foundation. During his collegiate career, Ogunjobi became the first player in school history to earn All-Conference USA honors and the first to be selected in the NFL Draft. In 2017, he was selected in the 3rd round by the Cleveland Browns. Ogunjobi spent the first four seasons of his professional career with the Browns. Following a promising rookie season, he secured a starting role on the defensive line, delivering back-to-back seasons with over 5 sacks in both 2018 and 2019. In 2021, Ogunjobi signed with the Cincinnati Bengals, where he enjoyed the most productive season of his career. He recorded 49 tackles, 7 sacks, and 12 tackles for loss, serving as a key contributor to a Bengals defense that helped propel the team to an appearance in Super Bowl LVI. In 2022, Ogunjobi joined the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he has continued to make an impact both on and off the field. His contributions to the community have been widely recognized, culminating in his nomination as a Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year candidate in 2024—one of the league’s most prestigious honors, awarded to a player who exemplifies excellence in both football and community service. In March 2025, Ogunjobi signed a 1 year deal with the Buffalo Bills. Ogunjobi looks to be a key contributor on a talented Buffalo Bills defensive line. Related Articles: Ogunjobi is Steelers Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year nominee Outstanding Young Alumnus Award Career Highlights and Awards: First-Team All-Conference USA (2016) Super Bowl LVI appearance Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year nominee (2024)

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Travis Shaw

Travis Shaw, nicknamed “The Mayor” is a former MLB infielder known for his time with the Boston Red Sox, Milwaukee Brewers, and Toronto Blue Jays. Making his MLB debut in 2015 with the Red Sox, Shaw's strong bat earned him a spot in the major leagues. Over his eight-year career, he accumulated a .237 batting average, hitting 114 home runs and driving in 366 RBIs, establishing himself as a key contributor to his teams' lineups. Before entering professional baseball, Shaw had an impactful college career at Kent State University. He was a standout player for the Kent State Golden Flashes, earning All-Mid-American Conference honors and finishing his junior season with 14 home runs, ranking as one of the top hitters in the league. This success led to him being drafted by the Red Sox in 2011. Shaw’s professional journey continued with a promising start in the minors, which eventually led to his major league debut. Throughout his career, he was praised for his power-hitting abilities and defensive versatility, playing primarily at first base and third base. Shaw remained a valuable asset to each team he played for, cementing his legacy as a reliable power hitter in the MLB. He is the son of 17 year Major League veteran, and former #1 overall pick - Jeff Shaw.

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Deante Burton

Deante Burton, born in Berlin, Germany, was signed as an undrafted free agent to the Atlanta Falcons in 2017, where he was converted to a cornerback shortly after arriving in the NFL. He played collegiately at Kansas State University as a wide receiver, where he became the school's 29th career 1,000-yard receiver. Deante spent time with the Atlanta Falcons, Green Bay Packers, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Dallas Cowboys and Tennessee Titans. Career Highlights and Awards: Kansas State University 1,000-yard receiver

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Chris Parson

Chris Parson is a Freshman Quarterback at Mississippi State University. While playing his prep ball at Ravenwood High School in Brentwood, Tennessee, Chris began to make a name for himself with his incredible on field play and spectacular performances at camps across the country. As a junior, Chris led Ravenwood to a 10-3 record and a Tennessee Class 6A D-I state quarterfinal berth in a season in which he accounted for more than 3,000 total yards and 42 touchdowns. He went on to the camp circuit where he was named regional MVP of the Elite 11 and ultimately one of the top 11 quarterbacks in the country at the Elite 11 finals in Southern California. Chris prides himself in his relationship with his family and his dedication to succeed in all facets of life. He lives & breathes football and can’t wait to leave his legacy at his father’s alma mater, Mississippi State. Chirs entered the transfer portal, where he joined Austin Peay and is expected to have a monster season.

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Colton Welker

Colton Welker is a professional baseball player currently with the Saraperos de Saltillo in the Mexican Baseball League. Drafted by the Colorado Rockies in the fourth round of the 2016 MLB Draft, Welker opted to forgo his collegiate career to begin his professional journey. He spent his debut season with the Grand Junction Rockies, where he was named both a Pioneer League mid-season All-Star and a Rockies organizational All-Star after batting .329 with five home runs and 36 RBIs in 51 games. In 2018, Welker played with the Lancaster JetHawks, slashing .333/.383/.489 with 13 home runs and 82 RBIs in 114 games. His stellar performance earned him both mid-season and postseason California League All-Star honors. By 2019, he was one of the youngest players in the Eastern League, playing in Double-A at 3.1 years younger than the league’s average. Throughout his development,Welker transitioning from shortstop to third base after being drafted. Welker made his Major League debut with the Colorado Rockies on September 8, 2021, before moving on to the San Francisco Giants' Triple-A affiliate. Now playing in the Mexican Baseball League, he continues to demonstrate his offensive prowess and infield versatility, making a strong impact with the Saraperos de Saltillo. Career Highlights and Awards: Colorado Rockies 4th round pick & current No. 3 overall prospect Eastern League All-Star Selection in 2019 2021 Rockies Spring Training MVP

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Michael Ojemudia

Michael “OJ” Ojemudia was drafted in the 3rd round of the 2020 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos following playing collegiately for the University of Iowa. Michael made his first career start in the Broncos’ 2020 season-opener against the Tennessee Titans. He finished his rookie season with 62 tackles, 4 forced fumbles, & 6 pass deflections. He became the first rookie in NFL history to record multiple games with two or more forced fumbles, and was just the third NFL rookie in the last 20 years to force at least four fumbles in a season. Michael played for Broncos through the 1st half of the 2022 season prior to being picked up by the Chicago Bears for the 2nd half of the 2022 season. Michael made his Bears debut in the final regular season game vs. Minnesota, seeing game action on special teams. He will be an integral part of the Bears defense in the coming season. Off the field, Michael worked with Focus HOPE & Detroit Impact as part of the NFL’s My Cause, My Cleat campaign to work to overcome racial and economic inequalities & mentor and encourage at-risk youth in Detroit. In January 2024, Michael signed with the Arizona Cardinals to team up with their young cornerback corps to use his experience to elevate the unit. Career Highlights and Awards: Second-team All Big Ten Denver Broncos 3rd-Round Draft Pick (2020) PFF Highest Graded Game for a Rookie CB (2020)

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Edgar Renteria

Born in Barranquilla, Colombia, Rentería was signed by the Florida Marlins in 1992. He debuted with them in 1996, and he finished second to Todd Hollandsworth in Rookie of the Year Award balloting. In 1997, his RBI single off Charles Nagy in the eleventh inning of Game 7 of the 1997 World Series won the first World Series in Marlins' history. He was selected to his first All-Star Game in 1998, and he was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals following the season. He was the starting shortstop for the Cardinals for six years, and he was selected to the All-Star Game in 2000, 2003, and 2004. In 2002 and 2003 he won the Silver Slugger and Gold Glove Awards. Following the 2004 season, he signed with the Boston Red Sox. After a year with them, he was traded to the Atlanta Braves. He was selected to another All-Star Game in 2006, but following the 2007 season he was traded to the Detroit Tigers. After 2008, he became a free agent, and he signed with the San Francisco Giants. In the 2010 World Series, Rentería won the World Series Most Valuable Player Award after he hit game-winning home runs in Game 2 and Game 5. He became a free agent again after the season, and he signed with the Cincinnati Reds. Well spoken and fluent in both English and Spanish, Edgar lives in Miami and is one of the most famous Columbian athletes. Recently, Édgar has been knighted by Colombia's president. Career highlights and awards: · 5x All Star (1998, 2000, 2003, 2004, 2006) · 2x World Series Champion (1997, 2010) · World Series MVP (2010) · 2x Gold Glove Award (2002, 2003) · 3x Silver Slugger Award (2000, 2002, 2003)

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Kwon Alexander

Kwon Alexander is an NFL linebacker who played college football at LSU. After leading the team in tackles as a junior, Kwon declared for the 2015 NFL Draft where he would go on to be selected in the 4th round by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Kwon made an instant impact with the Buccaneers and quickly became a household name at the linebacker position, earning his first Pro Bowl nomination in just his 3rd season.in 2019, he went on to San Francisco where he led the 49ers to a Super Bowl appearance. On November 2, 2020, the San Francisco 49ers traded Alexander to the New Orleans Saints following week 9 of the season. .He was named a starter in Week 10, and started the next seven games before suffering a torn achilles in Week 16. In August of 2022, Kwon signed a one year deal with the New York Jets. Fully recovered from injuries, he made an immediate impact announcing his arrival with highlight after highlight on the Jets defense. On July 30, 2023, Alexander signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The seven-year veteran brings athleticism and coverage skills that make him an immediate complement and fixture within the Steelers linebacker rotation. Off of the field, Kwon loves giving back to his community. In his rookie season, Kwon’s 17-year-old brother lost his life to gun violence. Kwon played in a game 2 days later, posting an inspirational career game and has since used his large platform as a professional athlete to be an outspoken advocate against gun violence. Kwon signed with the Detroit Lions in 2024. See related articles about Kwon’s contributions: Steelers LBs React to Kwon Alexander Signing Steelers agree to a deal with former Jets Pro Bowl LB Kwon Alexander Kwon Alexander Bringing Energy and Celebration to Defense See video below of Kwon announcing his presence in New York: Kwon Alexander Lights Up Antonio Williams With A Massive Hit | Aug 28, 2022 Career Highlights & Awards: 1x Pro Bowl PFWA All-Rookie Team (2015)

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Josh Gordon

Josh Gordon, nicknamed Flash, is a wide receiver who played college football at Baylor and was drafted by the Cleveland Browns in the second round of the 2012 NFL Supplemental Draft. Josh had a breakout season in 2013 by leading the league in receiving yards, which earned him Pro Bowl and first-team All-Pro honors. In September 2018, he was traded to the New England Patriots, where he won a Super Bowl that season .On March 12, 2019, the Patriots placed a second-round tender on Gordon, securing his services for the upcoming 2019 season. During Week 1 against the Pittsburgh Steelers, in his first game since Week 13 of the 2018 season, Gordon had three receptions for 73 yards and one touchdown in a 33–3 win. On February 27, 2021, Gordon signed with the FCF Zappers of the Fan Controlled Football League. In his first game, Gordon had four catches for 70 yards and the walk off Hail Mary helping the Zappers move to 2-2. He played two games for the Zappers while catching seven passes for 100 yards and three touchdowns Gordon was reinstated to the NFL in 2021, and was signed to the Kansas City Chiefs active roster on October 5, 2021.In the Chiefs week 14 game against the Las Vegas Raiders, he caught a 1-yard touchdown. It was his first touchdown since 2019. After missing multiple games with COVID-19, Gordon was deactivated and moved to the practice squad for the playoff run and released by the Chiefs after the season. The Seattle Sea Dragons selected Gordon in the sixth round of the 2023 XFL Supplemental Draft on January 1, 2023. In Week 1 against the DC Defenders, Gordon had 6 receptions for 74 yards and a touchdown in the 22–18 loss. In Week 3 against the Vegas Vipers, Gordon caught a 65-yard touchdown from Ben DiNucci with 58 seconds left in the game to win 30–26. Career Highlights and Awards • Super Bowl champion (LIII) • Pro Bowl (2013) • First-team All-Pro (2013) • NFL receiving yards leader (2013)

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Steve Weatherford

Steve Weatherford is a former NFL punter who played college football at Illinois and was signed by the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted free agent in 2006. Steve has been a member of the New Orleans Saints, Kansas City Chiefs, Jacksonville Jaguars, New York Jets, and New York Giants. In 2011, Steve won Super Bowl XLVI as a member of the Giants and had Bleacher Report call him the Super Bowl MVP. Steve and his wife Laura reside in San Diego with their five children. In June 2013, Weatherford graduated from the seventh annual NFL Broadcast Boot Camp in Mt. Laurel, NJ, and has since held positions as a substitute sports broadcaster on Good Day New York, ESPN SportsNation, NFL AM, and SI Now. During the 2013 season, Weatherford had a regular slot on WFAN radio on Monday nights. In addition to his broadcasting roles, Weatherford has appeared on television, in sports magazines, and in newspapers on topics including sports, health and fitness, family, fashion, and philanthropy In September 2015, Weatherford was recognized as the seventh most popular NFL Player on social media. Steve is known for his commitment to staying fit after playing in the NFL. He was on the cover of Muscle & Fitness magazine where he was named “The NFL’s Fittest Man” as seen in the following link: https://www.muscleandfitness.com/athletes-celebrities/steve-weatherford-nfls-fittest-man/ Career Highlights and Awards: • Super Bowl Champion (XLVI) • Honorable Mention All-Big Ten (2003) • First-team All-Big Ten (2004) • Led NFC in Punting Yards (2013)

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Akayleb Evans

Akayleb Evans was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the fourth round (118th overall) of the 2022 NFL Draft. In 2023, Evans started in 15 games for the Vikings, recording 65 total tackles, 3 forced fumbles, 1 interception, and 7 passes defensed. The new-look Vikings have big expectations out of Evans going into his 3rd year. “You can’t teach that height, that length and his speed” said Coach Brian Flores discussing the optimism he has for Evans entering this 2024-2025 NFL season. Akayleb spent 16 weeks of the 2024 season with the Minnesota Vikings, then joined the Carolina Panthers in Week 17. See below the following articles on Akayleb: The 4 Big Surprises at MIN Training Camp- VikingsTerrirtory.com Evans 'Disruptive' at Training Camp - Vikings.com

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Nigel Bradham

Nigel Bradham is a retired NFL Linebacker most notably of the Philadelphia Eagles where he helped win them Super Bowl LII. Nigel was born and raised in Crawfordville, Florida and played his college ball at Florida State University. In his time at Florida State he lead his team in tackles for three years straight and was named team captain for his last year. He led his defense to be ranked 4th nationally and earned an All-ACC honorable mention. Nigel was drafted by the Buffalo Bills with the 105th pick in the 2012 NFL Draft. He ended up playing for the Bills for four years and then went on to sign with the Philadelphia Eagles on a two-year deal on March 9, 2016. This is where Nigel would play his most notable football in his career where he started at linebacker immediately and helped bring his defense to the Super Bowl in his 2nd year there. In Super Bowl LII he recorded 7 total tackles and helped his team defeat the Patriots. This feat would earn him a five-year extension with the Eagles, and after short stints with both the New Orleans Saints and Denver Broncos he ultimately decided to retire after a very successful career. Career Highlights & Awards: Super Bowl Champion (LII)

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Alex Smalley

Alex Smalley is a rising star in professional golf, after one of the most storied careers in NCAA history. After an All-State career in the NC high school ranks, Smalley went to Duke University where he made history. Smalley holds the best career scoring average in school history, the best single-season scoring average in school history, the most Top 5 finishes in school history and the most sub-70 rounds in school history. His amateur career includes two wins at the Sunnehanna Amateur Championships and a number of tournament victories and Alex made his PGA Tour debut in 2017 at the U.S. Open. Alex was a GolfWeek and Ping All-American, a Rod Myers Award winner and a member of the U.S. Palmer Cup and prestigious Walker Cup. Alex ranked 12th in the 2019 World Amateur Golf Ranking, turning Pro after his Walker Cup experience. Alex made an immediate impact after turning Pro. Alex finished T-3 at the MacKenzie Tour PGA Canada Q-School, earning exempt status for the season. Although 2020 presented numerous challenges, Alex qualified for the 2020 Phoenix Open and played in numerous tournaments in 2020, winning his first professional tournament on the SwingThroughTour at Bermuda Run. Alex played in a number of LOCALIQ events and set the series record with a 60 at the 2nd Round of the Classic at Callaway Gardens. Alex finished in the Top 10 in the LOCALIQ points list and began 2021 on the PGA Tour at the Corales PuntaCana Championship by finishing T-14, his first PGA Tour Top 20 finish. In March of 2022, Alex made his first career runner-up on Tour at the Corales Puntacana Championship. Later that year in November, Alex finished T4 at the Cadence Bank Houston Open making two eagles that tied him with James Hahn and Taylor Montgomery for most in the field. A week later, Alex played at The RSM Classic, finishing T5, his second consecutive top-five on Tour. Alex had another top finish in July of 2023 at the John Deere Classic where he secured his second career runner-up finish. Smalley made it to the final weekend of both The PGA Championship and The Players Championship in 2023. This year so far Smalley has made improvements in his short and long game allowing him to finish T6 at the 2024 Corales PuntaCana Championship and T12 at the 3M Open. Smalley has quickly become a fan favorite and a golfer to watch out for. Smalley is off to a solid start in the 2025 season, as he finished T21 in the Waste Management Open. At one point during the tournament, Smalley held the solo lead. Smalley finished T10 in the Mexico Open.

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Brett Gardner

Brett Gardner made his Major League Baseball debut with the NY Yankees in 2008. Following his rookie campaign, Gardner was named the starting center fielder for the 2009 season where he would lead the Yankees outfield to their 2009 World Series victory against the Philadelphia Phillies. In 2014 Gardner was nominated for the Hank Aaron Award, an honor in which the nomination stems from the decision of NY play-by-play broadcasters for a player's on-field efforts. Gardner, who makes regular visits to children at the New York-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children's Hospital during the season, was recognized for his athletic success and philanthropic work after receiving the Thurman Munson Hero Award in the same year. Continuing his career in NY, Gardner was selected to the 2015 All-Star Game and rolled right into the 2016 season as he won the Gold Glove Award for American League Left Fielders. 2019 was another year of milestones as Brett joined Derek Jeter as the only two Yankees in history to hit at least 100 home runs and steal 250 bases. In continuation of his off-field efforts in 2017, Gardner was nominated for the Roberto Clemente Award. This award is given to the player that best represents the game of baseball through extraordinary character, community involvement, philanthropy, and positive contributions, both on and off the field. On February 23, 2021, Gardner signed a one-year contract to continue playing with the Yankees. On April 3, during a game against the Toronto Blue Jays, playing left field, Gardner became the 14th Yankees position player to play 14 or more consecutive seasons with the Yankees. In his final season with the Yankees he played in 140 games and hit .222 with 10 home runs and 39 RBI. In November of 2022 Brett officially became a free agent. Career Highlights and Awards: World Series Champion (2009) Fielding Bible Award - Best Defensive Left Fielder (2010) AL stolen base leader (2011) Yankees Nominee for the Hank Aaron Award (2014) Thurman Munson Hero Award (2014) All-Star Game Selection (2015) Gold Glove Recipient (2016) Roberto Clemente Award Nominee (2017)

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Breshad Perriman

Breshad Perriman played college football for the UCF Knights and was selected by the Baltimore Ravens in the first round of the 2015 NFL draft. He has also been a member of the Washington Redskins, Cleveland Browns, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New York Jets, Detroit Lions, Chicago Bears and Indianapolis Colts. Career Highlights & Awards: First-Team All-AAC (2014)

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Brian Poole Jr

Brian Poole Jr. was an undrafted free agent by the Atlanta Falcons in 2016 and is currently playing for the Indianapolis Colts. He was born in St. Petersburg, Florida and played collegiately at Florida from 2012-2015. In the 2015 season, he recorded 40 total tackles, 1.5 tackles-for-loss, .5 sacks, five forced fumbles, and one fumble recovery. The ninth highest-graded cornerback in the NFL for the 2019 season, according to Pro Football Focus, Poole has done well both with the Atlanta Falcons and the New York Jets during his NFL career. In 2021 he signed a deal with the Indianapolis Colts. Brian finished the 2021 season as a member of the Colts practice squad.