Tommy Castellanos Declares for the NFL Draft

Posted on December 24, 2025 by Tom Castaneda

Thomas (Tommy) Castellanos is ready for the big leagues…

The 22-year-old Afro-Cuban American college football quarterback for Florida State University has declared for the National Football League (NFL) draft after dropping his appeal for another year of college eligibility.

Castellanos thanked family, friends, coaches and teammates and “everyone who has supported me along this journey” in a statement posted on social media.

Just Win Management Group, which represented Castellanos during his legal fight, said it supported his decision.

“While the unique facts and circumstances surrounding the petition for an additional year of eligibility did create a path of viability, after careful review and consideration, we fully support Mr. Castellanos’ decision to forego that continued pursuit and focus his attention on preparing for the 2026 NFL Draft,” the agency said in a statement.

The NCAA initially denied Castellanos’ waiver request for a fifth season.

Castellanos, who transferred to Florida State last December after one year at Central Florida and two at Boston College, argued that college football’s sanctioning body should grant him another season because he played in only five games with the Knights in 2022.

Castellanos played against Tulane in the American Athletic Conference title game after starter John Rhys Plumlee aggravated a hamstring injury. Backup Mikey Keene opted out of the game because he wanted to preserve a year of eligibility before entering the transfer portal.

It’s moot now, with the 5-foot-11 Castellanos turning his attention toward preparing for the draft.

Castellanos completed 58.3% of his passes for 2,760 yards this season, with 15 touchdowns and nine interceptions. He also led the Seminoles (5-7) with 557 yards rushing and nine scores.

New England Patriots Kicker Andrés “Andy” Borregales Hits Game-Winning Field Goal Against Buffalo Bills

Posted on October 6, 2025 by Tom Castaneda

Andrés “Andy” Borregales is celebrating a stellar, game-winning kick.

The 22-year-old Venezuelan professional American football kicker for the National Football League’s New England Patriots kicked a 52-yard game-winning field goal with 15 seconds remaining in the game on Sunday, October 5, to give the Patriots a 23-20 win over the previously undefeated Buffalo Bills.

The Patriots were tied with the reigning AFC East champion Bills. Drake Maye and Stefon Diggs had taken the offense as far as it would go. Mike Vrabel ran the clock down to 20 seconds and trusted Borregales, who is in his rookie season with the Patriots.

“Just treated it like any other kick,” Borregales said. “Went out there, trusted that the snap was going to get there, hold was going to be great, everyone’s going to block in front, and the ball goes in.”

In the process, Borregales overcame a rough start to the season. He had missed a field goal in the NFL season opener and a pair of extra points the following week against the Miami Dolphins.

He didn’t get any attempts against the Pittsburgh Steelers or Carolina Panthers, but he was a perfect 3-for-3 against Buffalo, including 30-yard and 19-yard field goals.

He’s now 7-for-8 on field-goal attempts this season.

“You can see when he’s building some confidence in his swing, it just looks good,” Vrabel said. “I don’t know much about kicking other that it just looks like a good drive, when those pros hit it right down the middle, and there’s some balance to it and some calmness.

“He’s been working hard, [assistant special teams coach] Tom [Quinn] and [special teams coordinator] Jeremy [Springer] have been working hard with him as well to maintain that consistency, that consistent swing. I’m excited. I’m happy for him.”

“It meant a lot,” Borregales said. “Obviously I’m a rookie, had my struggles in the beginning, but just having them come tap me on the shoulder, like, ‘Hey, don’t worry about it, on to the next one’ helped me remind myself that one kick doesn’t define me. Just keep moving on, because life doesn’t stop.”

It was one of those moments, as a road underdog with the game on the line in prime time, that can strike fear into the hearts of certain people.

“Some people can’t watch, some people can watch,” Borregales said. “I watched it halfway and saw it down the middle and got excited, started celebrating a little bit. Because at that point, I knew it was going in.”

After the game, in the locker room, Borregales’s teammates chanted his name. He smiled when asked about it at the podium.

“That was awesome. We take pride in building a brotherhood, a family,” Borregales said. “I treat every one of those guys in there as my brother, and I’ll die for them.”

Borregales, played college football for the University of Miami Hurricanes and was selected by the Patriots in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft.

Karol G to Headline Halftime Show During YouTube’s Exclusive Live Broadcast of 2025 NFL São Paulo Game

Posted on August 14, 2025 by Tom Castaneda

Karol G is getting in the jogo (de futebol Americano).

The 34-year-old Colombian superstar will headline the halftime show during YouTube’s first exclusive NFL live broadcast taking place at Corinthians Arena in São Paulo, Brazil, in September, YouTube and the National Football League have announced.

Celebrating the “Sounds of Latin America through Gameday Entertainment,” the 2025 NFL São Paulo game set for September 5 will be a face-off between the reigning AFC champion Kansas City Chiefs and the Los Angeles Chargers.

“I’m so excited to be part of YouTube’s first-ever NFL live broadcast, it’s truly an honor and a moment I’m so proud to be part of,” Karol Gt, who’s making the rounds with her Billboard No. 1 album Tropicoqueta, said in a press statement. “I’ve watched many NFL halftime shows over the years and now having this opportunity to bring my music to this global stage means the world to me. I can’t wait to celebrate with everyone in São Paulo and fans all around the world.”

As part of the ongoing collaboration between the NFL and YouTube, the upcoming Chiefs and Chargers game marks YouTube’s first-ever exclusive live NFL game.

In addition to Karol helming the halftime show, Brazilian artist Ana Castela will perform the country’s national anthem “Hino Nacional Brasileiro,” and composer and jazz saxophonist Kamasi Washington will perform the U.S. national anthem.

“This broadcast is a landmark moment in our partnership with the NFL, where the worlds of football, music and creators will powerfully collide,” said Angela Courtin, VP of Sports and Entertainment Marketing at YouTube. “From the real-life manifestation of our creator community in São Paulo to a global icon like Karol G taking the stage at halftime, this partnership with the NFL is a testament to our shared vision. It’s about more than just a game; it’s a statement that the future of live sports and entertainment is global and connected.”

Tim Tubito, senior director, Global Game Presentation and Entertainment at the NFL, added: “With our incredible NFL fan base in Brazil and across the world, we worked hand-in-hand with our YouTube partners to tap into the larger Latin Pop music scene with an innovative, global artist.”

The week 1 matchup will stream free on YouTube on September 5, beginning with YouTube’s pre-game show at 7 p.m. ET and the game kicking off at 8:00 pm ET.

Tony Romo Partners with Skechers for Eighth Consecutive Year

Posted on August 4, 2025 by Tom Castaneda

Tony Romo is still on tennis show duty…

The 45-year-old Mexican American former professional football quarterback, who played for 13 seasons with the Dallas Cowboys before becoming a National Football League television analyst, has extended his partnership with Skechers, the athletic footwear brand that he’s endorsed since 2017.

Romo, a four-time NFL Pro-Bowler, appears in a series of ads for Skechers’ Hands Free Slip-ins Collection, which features shoes designed with flexible materials, tie-free laces and an exclusive “Heel Pillow,” that allow you to step in without bending over.

Romo is seen in a commercial promoting the shoes, which features the trendy open sole design seen on other popular sneaker brands.

The Skechers version features a flexible and breathable jacquard knit upper with an “air-cooled memory foam” insole and a geometric cushioned midsole. The shoes are springy and supportive, offering sneakers that perform whether you’re hitting the football field, the gym or the links.

The new shoes also include the Skechers “Cozy Fit” sneaker above, which the brand says is as soft and comfortable as a “well-worn sweatshirt.” As the name implies, the shoes offer plush cushioning that cradles your feet, with a memory foam insole for additional comfort. A foam midsole and flexible upper allow your feet to move and flex freely, rather than being “locked” in like some sneakers that use more rigid construction.

The “Slip-Ins” technology can also be seen on the “3D Energy” series of sneakers, which feature the same “heel pillow,” mesh upper, adjustable laces and a 3D-printed lattice midsole. Skechers says the shoes are made from “plush, unstructured materials designed to eliminate stiffness and pinching.”

All of the shoes in the collection are machine washable, making them even more practical for everyday wear. The shoes are also all made from vegan materials.

This is Romo’s eighth year in a row of working with Skechers, who have previously tapped athletes and sports icons like MLB pitcher Clayton Kershaw and boxer Sugar Ray Leonard, over the years. Skechers’ celebrity roster, meantime, includes ongoing collaborations with Snoop Dogg and Martha Stewart. The footwear brand also teamed up with “Emily in Paris” star Ashley Park for a capsule collection in 2023.

Romo retired from the NFL following the 2016 season and made a successful transition to the broadcast booth, as one of the lead color analysts for CBS Sports. He’ll be

back for another season behind the booth for CBS Sports, as part of the network’s “NFL on CBS” announcer lineup. Romo will be paired alongside veteran broadcaster Jim Nantz and sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson for the 2025 season.

Cardi B to Release Sophomore Album “Am I the Drama?” in September, Reveals Cover Art

Posted on June 23, 2025 by Tom Castaneda

Cardi B is preparing to bring the drama this September…

The 32-year-old half-Dominican American Grammy-winning rap superstar has finally revealed plans for her long-awaited sophomore album, Am I the Drama?, which will arrive on September 19.

Seven years in the making, Cardi made the announcement official on Monday, June 23, with the LP’s gloomy cover art.

“AM I THE DRAMA? My new album is out September 19th! Preorder LINK IN BIO,” she wrote.

Cardi B hinted at being in album mode on Sunday, June 22, with a post to Instagram, featuring her narrating the arduous journey to reach this point in her decorated career.

“Seven years and the time has come. Seven years of love, light and loss,” Cardi said in the clip. “Seven years I gave them grace, but now I give them hell. I learned power’s not giving, it’s taking. I’m shedding feathers and no more tears. I’m not back, I’m beyond. I’m not your villain, I’m your karma. The time is here. The time is now.”

Cardi put the rap world on notice with her ineffable Invasion of Privacy album in 2018, which netted her two Billboard Hot 100 No. 1s (she now has a total of five) and went on to win best rap album at the 2019 Grammy Awards. Every track from her debut is at least certified platinum by the RIAA.

The album comes on the heels of Cardi dropping her thumping “Outside” single on Friday, June 19, setting the stage for the LP, which also includes smash hits “Up” and “WAP” on the 23-track LP.

It’s been a long road for Cardi B and the Bardi Gang to her sophomore effort. Back in May, she chalked up waiting on verses from guests for the delay.

“I really need these f–king features,” she said in a repost of the Spaces. “And it’s like I’m not really trying to press or go crazy on these artists because I love them down. But it’s like come on now! I need that! I need that right now! Helloooo! Y’all don’t want to miss this opportunity. I’ll sing this s–t myself! But I really need y’all and I need y’all to hurry up and I love y’all. I feel like nobody want to miss being on this album.”

After filing for divorce from Offset last August, Cardi B is entering a new chapter of her life as she’s currently in a relationship with NFL star Stefon Diggs.

With a release date set for Sept. 19, the countdown to Am I the Drama? is on.

Cardi B Announces Plans to Release New Single “Outside” This Week

Posted on June 17, 2025 by Tom Castaneda

You can catch Cardi B outside…

The 32-year-old half-Dominican American Grammy-winning rap superstar has announced plans to release her first solo single of 2025, with “Outside” slated to arrive on Friday, June 20.

“We OUTSIDE this Friday,” she wrote on Instagram.

The cover art encapsulates a summer turn-up in NYC, featuring a sidewalk with an overflowing fire hydrant alongside remnants of party favors like dominoes, open lipstick, blunt wrappers and red Solo cups.

The Bardi Gang was ecstatic to hear that Cardi was returning with a hopeful summer smash. “DOWNNNNNNNNNNNNNNN BABY! When I tell you I’m so happy because I ran that snippet out,” one person wrote in her comments.

Cardi has teased snippets of the single on social media in recent months, and the positive reception has finally led to a full release.

“I’ve been cuffed up too long, let me remind n—as,” she raps about moving on from Offset. “Your favorite player on your favorite team, he in my DM.”

Also this year, she appears on the Smurfs Movie soundtrack and joined Pardison Fontaine for “Toot It Up.” “Outside” marks Cardi’s first single since “Enough” in 2024.

She has kept busy throughout 2025 with appearances at the Met Gala and the start of a new chapter with NFL star Stefon Diggs. Cardi went public with her relationship in May when she was spotted courtside at a New York Knicks playoff game with Diggs.

Cardi’s also been in mom mode, taking care of her three children. She posted the first official photos of her baby Blossom on Instagram earlier this week, which saw Cardi having a fun pool day at home with the kids.

Damien Martinez Selected as No. 223 Pick in Seventh Round of 2025 NFL Draft by Seattle Seahawks

Posted on April 27, 2025 by Tom Castaneda

Damien Martinez is heading to the National Football League.

The Seattle Seahawks have the 21-year-old Miami Hurricanes running back as the No. 223 pick in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft.

Martinez was a three-year starter, having played two years at Oregon State before transferring to the University of Miami.

While at Oregon State, he was named Pac-12 Offensive Freshman of the Year, was first-team All-Pac-12 and led the team with 982 rushing yards.

His second season at Oregon State was even better, rushing for 1,185 yards and named first-team All-Pac-12 for the second year in a row.

Martinez might be particularly familiar to Washington state football fans for his play against the University of Washington, having rushed for 230 yards and two touchdowns to go along with 84 receiving yards in two games against the Huskies in 2022 and 2023.

When he transferred to Miami, he saw similar production, leading the team in rushing yards (1,002), averaging 6.3 yards per carry with 10 touchdowns. He played in all 13 games last season, with 10 starts.

Gabito Ballesteros Partnering with Anuel AA for Special Pre-Super Bowl LIX Video on FOX Deportes

Posted on February 5, 2025 by Tom Castaneda

Gabito Ballesteros is lending his voice to this year’s Super Bowl coverage…

The 25-year-old Mexican singer, songwriter and record producer – considered a rising star in the corridos tumbados movement – will be part of the Super Bowl LIX broadcast on Sunday, February 9.

Ballesteros will appear in a video singing alongside Puerto Rican urban star Anuel AA just prior to the game on FOX Deportes.

“It’s Mexican music and Latin culture within this great event that is seen by millions of people,” Ballesteros tells Billboard Español. “Thank God they will know our music, our history, and it fills us with pride to be here.”

It has not been specified exactly which song they’ll perform.

The video will serve as the opening for the channel’s broadcast of the most anticipated sporting event of the year in the U.S.: the NFL Super Bowl. This year, it’s the Kansas City Chiefs vs. the Philadelphia Eagles at the Caesars Superdome stadium in New Orleans.

According to FOX Deportes, the collaboration between Ballesteros and Anuel AA was recorded in December in Mexico City and “maintains the tradition of connecting with diverse audiences through music, culture and sports.”

In the past, other prominent Mexican figures — such as Los Tucanes de Tijuana, Los Tigres del Norte and Banda MS — have similarly inaugurated the channel’s Super Bowl telecast.

About his participation alongside Anuel AA, Ballesteros says he was “excited to be able to share this experience with these type of people who are an important part of Latin music” — adding, “I felt a great connection with him, and I look forward to something in the future.”

When asked if he was a fan of American football, he replied that he was a big fan of all sports and the discipline that comes with being an athlete.

“In general, I admire all the teams. I look up to them and I know they will offer a great game,” he says.

Originally from the Mexican state of Sonora, Ballesteros has topped the charts with hits such as “Lady Gaga” with Peso Pluma and Junior H, and “AMG” with Peso Pluma and Natanael Cano, two songs that made it onto the Billboard Hot 100 across all genres in 2023. Last year, he debuted on multiple charts with his album The GB.

Most recently, he signed with George Prajin‘s Double P Management.

Emmanuel Gazmey, better known as Anuel AA, rose to stardom in the reggaetón, rap and trap genres.

Among other chart achievements, four of his albums have reached No. 1 on Top Latin Albums, including Real Hasta la Muerte (2018), Emmanuel (2020), Los Dioses (2021) with Ozuna and Las Leyendas Nunca Mueren (2021).

Real Madrid Star Vinícius Júnior Considering Buying Football Club in Portugal’s Second Division

Posted on January 10, 2025 by Tom Castaneda

Vinícius Júnior may be adding owner to his soccer resume…

The 24-year-old Brazilian professional footballer and Real Madrid star is considering buying a football club in Portugal’s second division, per ESPN sources.

The Brazil international — currently in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, for the Spanish Supercopa — is considering diversifying his business interests with an eye to his future career plans after retiring as a player.

Vinícius started for Madrid in their 3-0 Supercopa semifinal victory over Mallorca on Thursday, a result which will see them face Barcelona in Sunday’s final.

The news that the Ballon d’Or runner-up is contemplating buying a club in Portugal was first reported by the radio station Cadena COPE.

Vinícius already has a series of personal sponsorship agreements, as well as a contract with Nike which runs until 2028.

Vinícius and Nike recently reached a new deal after a legal dispute, which sees the Brazilian becoming one of the North American company’s most high-profile faces in football.

Vinícius is represented by the agency Roc Nation, and is in frequent contact with elite athletes from other sports, especially the NBA and NFL.

He also promotes the charitable foundation the Vini Jr Institute in Brazil.

The Portuguese second division has 18 clubs, including the reserve teams of Benfica and Porto. One club, Portimonense, already has a Brazilian at the helm, Rodiney Sampaio.

Vinícius would not be the first active footballer to purchase a club.

N’Golo Kanté owns Royal Excelsior Virton in the Belgian third division, and Vini’s Real Madrid teammate, Kylian Mbappé, became the majority shareholder of Caen, in the French second division, in July last year.

Scheana Shay Working on Special EP with The 27s

Posted on November 27, 2024 by Tom Castaneda

Scheana Shay is readying to release new music…

The 39-year-old half-Mexican American reality television personality, singer and actress is preparing to release her upcoming EP with The 27s.

Shay, who rose to acclaim on Vanderpump Rules, drew inspiration for her latest musical project from Taylor Swift.

“What I wanted to do with this EP was each song is kind of — and this is my Taylor Swift inspo — is a different era of Scheana,” the singer and TV personality, who attended the Eras Tour, tells Billboard. “So you have the ‘Apples’ Scandoval era, you have the ‘Boy Crazy’ era, ‘Sweet & Sour’ is like the mean girl, the early Vanderpump Rules era, and the next single I have is called ‘Miss Understood.’ So that is just a combination of 11 years on reality TV feeling like I’ve been a little misunderstood! But it’s a really good song. That one is a little more poppy, and then we have a couple more that are definitely more rock.”

And like Swift, Shay — who has her own NFL ties via hosting some of Smirnoff’s We Do Game Day Matchups, with her next one being December 5 in Detroit — will also be doing at least one other new of her own tunes.

“We’re doing a stripped-down version of ‘Apples.’ It’s just gonna be a more acoustic vibe, slower,” the Scheananigans podcast host shares of the bop that originally arrived in August 2023.

The tune was inspired by co-star Tom Sandoval’s affair with their friend Rachel Leviss (dubbed “Scandoval” for its betrayal of fan-favorite castmate Ariana Madix, Sandoval’s partner of nearly 10 years and one of Leviss’ closest friends), which Shay performed during the VPR season 11 finale. “That’s the only one we’re really redoing. We already did the Screamo Version of ‘Good as Gold,’ but I’m really excited.”

Though pop music and parenting are in the influencer’s wheelhouse, she hopes to step outside the box with her music too. “I would love to collaborate with a legend like Dr. Dre, Eminem, where I’m just on the hook and they’re doing their thing they do. They’re so talented!” she gushed of the hip-hop icons. “Snoop Dogg, maybe Drake, but definitely more on the hip-hop side if I was going to do a collab. I feel like people would expect me to say, like, Britney Spears or something pop or Gwen Stefani. No! Put me in the studio with Dr. Dre and I would be a very happy girl!”

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