The GIST: Sunday scaries couldn’t kill the vibe during Week 1 of the NFL season — here are a few standout moments from a thrilling opening weekend.

New kickoff rule takes the gridiron: Arizona Cardinal DeeJay Dallas turned on the jets yesterday, returning a kickoff 96 yards for the first touchdown (TD) return under the new dynamic kickoff rules. After last year saw the league’s lowest-ever kickoff return rate, the NFL switched things up to encourage more kick returns and help keep players safe. Watch this space.

Rookies shine in pro debuts: Washington Commanders quarterback (QB) and 2024 No. 2 overall draft pick Jayden Daniels recorded two rushing TDs, not to mention 184 passing yards in a season-opening loss.

• And the kids continued to ball out with three wide receivers (WRs) — LA Charger Ladd McConkey, Tampa Bay Buccaneer Jalen McMillan, and Jacksonville Jaguar Brian Thomas Jr. — hauling in their first career NFL TDs. Future is looking oh so bright.

Defense on full display in Week 1: The Denver Broncos recorded two first-half safeties (aka when an offensive player is tackled in their own end zone) in their 26–20 loss to the Seattle Seahawks, becoming just the second team since 1960 to record two safeties in a season opener.

• Elsewhere, Chicago Bears cornerback Tyrique Stevenson notched a game-changing pick-six to seal No. 1 overall 2024 draft pick QB Caleb Williams’ first NFL win — a 24–17 dub over the Tennessee Titans. It’s a new era in the Windy City.

Miami Dolphins WR Tyreek Hill detained pre-game: Hill was detained for a traffic incident ahead of his team’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars yesterday, but went on to record 130 yards and a TD in the Fins’ 20–17 win. The Miami-Dade police department placed an officer on administrative leave and will conduct an investigation into the matter.

The GIST: And just like that, the 2024 Paris Paralympics have come to an end. Team USA finished with 105 medals (36 gold, 42 silver, 27 bronze) and were carried out of the City of Light by swimmer Ellie Marks and wheelchair basketballer Paul Schulte during yesterday’s Closing Ceremony. Let’s recap a magnifique final weekend.

Women’s sitting volleyball and men’s wheelchair basketball complete three-peats: After falling to the People’s Republic of China to open the tourney, the Americans bounced back in a big way, winning Saturday’s gold medal game in a hard-fought four sets behind five-time Paralympic veterans Katie Holloway and Heather Erickson. Diggin’ it.

• Speaking of veterans, wheelchair basketball legend Steve Serio led Team USA with 24 points and 10 rebounds as the red, white, and blue became the first men’s wheelchair basketball team to win three straight golds following their 73–69 Saturday dub over Great Britain.

Paralympic favorites Jessica Long and Hunter Woodhall stay golden: Swimming icon Long defended her 100m S8 butterfly title on Saturday, a historic victory that was not only her second gold in Paris, but also her 18th career gold and 31st overall, making her the second-most decorated American Paralympian in history.

• Over on the track, Hunter Woodhall —Olympic gold-medalist Tara Davis-Woodhall’s other half — crossed the men’s T62 400m finish line first on Friday to win his first career gold medal. Power couple alert.

Networks saw 125% viewership jump from Tokyo Paralympics: Along with record crowds on-site in Paris, more fans watched the Paralympics from home, too. Peacock, NBC, USA Network, and CNBC averaged 231K viewers throughout the games. Trés bien, indeed.

Women’s sports deserve the spotlight…always. That’s why Ally, the ultimate teammate of women athletes, teamed up with us to bring you this month’s edition of Ally’s Sports Spotlight. Here’s what to keep on your radar as you settle into sweater weather:

• ⛳ LPGA Solheim Cup, September 13th through 15th at various times (Peacock, Golf Channel): Team Europe has won three straight titles, but with world No. 2 (and Team Ally member) Lilia Vu on the roster, Team USA looks stronger than ever heading into one of the most exciting and unique events on the LPGA calendar.
• ⚽ Orlando Pride vs. KC Current, September 13th at 8 p.m. ET (Prime Video): Two of the NWSL’s top teams going head-to-head in the world’s only stadium built specifically for a pro women’s sports team? What’s not to love?
• 🏀 WNBA Playoffs, starting September 22nd (WNBA League Pass): The culmination of the W season begins this month, with the top eight regular-season teams securing spots in the best-of-three quarter-final series. Time to ball out.

Ally’s main goal? Giving athletes more visibility. That’s why they’ve made a major commitment to elevate the women’s game and are invested in the financial future of women’s sports.

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