I’m excited to just come in as the younger player and learn from those that are already there. Really just give my all to the team and learn from the coaches. The staff and everyone.

The GIST: Move over, “unprecedented” times. In sadly very precedented news, leagues, games and players continue to be impacted by COVID-19.

On-field impact: On Friday, the NFL rescheduled three pivotal weekend matchups to tonight and tomorrow due to outbreaks on multiple teams.

• Meanwhile, the NHL postponed all cross-border contests through December 23rd and will announce a final decision regarding player participation at the upcoming Beijing Winter Olympics in the “coming days.” Dun dun dun.

• And in the NBA, five new game postponements were announced yesterday, with multiple stars (including Brooklyn Net Kevin Durant and Atlanta Hawk Trae Young) joining the league’s growing health and safety protocols list.

• Also of note, unvaccinated Kyrie Irving was signed as a “part-time player” on Friday to help alleviate the Nets virus-related roster issues and then entered COVID-19 protocols on Saturday. *pretends to be shocked*

The bigger picture: With a constant barrage of news and mind-numbing case numbers, it’s easy to lose sight of the human toll of COVID-19. Most players are thankfully asymptomatic or experiencing mild symptoms, but that’s not the case for all athletes (or the general public).

• With uncertainty in the air and more news certain to break this week, it’s an important reminder to take care of yourself and your people — both physically and mentally.

The GIST: Okay, now for some uplifting news. In his first event since a near-death car accident in February, Tiger Woods finished second — with his son/clone Charlie right by his side — at this weekend’s PNC Championship.

The event: Featuring two-player teams composed of golf pros and their family members, the tournament is always must-see (and adorable) TV. But with Tiger making his unlikely return to the sport, this year’s tourney had everyone buzzing, even LPGA world No. 1 Nelly Korda.

• While John Daly and his son, John Daly II, finished first, Tiger and Charlie stole the show, rattling off a tournament-record 11 straight birdies yesterday, with 12-year-old Charlie oozing swagger while doing so. Kid’s got game.

The inspiration: Tiger’s been through it over the course of his career. It’s nothing short of amazing that he’s back competing and showing flashes of his old self, after many health professionals said he might never walk again (let alone play golf) following his accident. Sports, we love ’em.

The GIST: When Taylor Swift mentioned “plaid shirt days,” she was wearing Wilson, right? But no sad songs here — Wilson’s new merch will have you only whistling happy tunes this holiday season.

The perfect gift: Wilson’s plaid apparel is a GIST fave for cozying up by the fireplace or hosting College Football Playoff parties. Plus, their sport-specific holiday gift guide makes it easier than ever to shop for the sporty spices in your life.

Move fast: The holiday season is in full swing and there’s nothing better than the gift of game with Wilson. Shop their collection today and enjoy Wilson forevermore.

🎓🏐College volleyball: Saturday’s championship game went a thrilling five sets, with National Player of the Year Dana Rettke and No. 4 Wisconsin ultimately prevailing over No. 10 Nebraska to earn their first national title in school history. Go ahead, jump for joy, Badgers fans.

🏈NFL: Due to the aforementioned game postponements, it was a slow NFL Sunday, save for the Green Bay Packers clinching the first playoff berth of the season.

• A team that squandered their chance to clinch yesterday? The Arizona Cardinals, who surprisingly lost 30–12 to the lowly Detroit Lions. Shock the world, Detroit.

📈Draft updates: ⚽️ The NWSL welcomed 50 new players to the pros during Saturday’s College Draft. As we mentioned, San Diego Wave FC chose Girma with the first pick, with Florida State midfielder Jaelin Howell (Racing Louisville FC) and Virginia Tech midfielder Emily Gray (North Carolina Courage) rounding out the top three. Future’s looking real bright.

• 🏀 Over in the WNBA, the April 2022 draft order is now set and the Washington Mystics will have the first pick for the first time since 1999. Merry early Christmas, Mystics fans.

No. 1 South Carolina vs. No. 3 Stanford women’s basketball, tomorrow at 7 p.m. ET. The much-anticipated matchup of last year’s Final Four action will be an intense one as the Gamecocks look to keep their perfect season alive against the team that bested them last March.

Watch Miracle on Ice, for an underdog hockey fix with a dash of Christmas spirit. Besides, who doesn’t like to watch the good ol’ U.S. of A. win gold.

With Sidekick, a twice-weekly newsletter from our pals at Morning Brew, complete with the internet’s best recommendations. We have you covered for sports, Sidekick has you covered for entertainment, productivity hacks, recipes and more. So, pretty much everything else! Check it out.

*P.S. This is a sponsored post.