Luke Altmyer, Illinois quarterback and rising star, recently expressed his admiration for Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson at a Chicago Cubs game. During a media session, he identified Jackson as part of a select group of elite NFL quarterbacks he follows, which includes Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow, and Josh Allen. Altmyer emphasized the importance of learning from these top performers, stating that he absorbs insights from their unique playing styles.

Coming off a successful season where he completed 60% of his passes for over 2,700 yards and 22 touchdowns, Altmyer also shared that Russell Wilson is his primary role model. This connection is particularly meaningful as Wilson was coached by Illinois head coach Bret Bielema during his college days at Wisconsin. As Altmyer develops his skills, he continues to draw inspiration from Jackson's dual-threat capabilities, which embodies the evolution of the quarterback position.

The Tennessee Titans are set to commence their training camp on July 22, with the first practice scheduled for July 23. This camp is crucial for the Titans as they integrate several young players into key roles for the upcoming regular season. The team faces important roster battles, which will be vital for shaping a competitive squad as they gear up for their preseason and the regular season opener against the Denver Broncos.

Pat Surtain II, the standout cornerback for the Denver Broncos, is poised for a ratings boost in the upcoming 'Madden NFL 26.' After being the highest-rated player on the Broncos last season with a rating of 95 (which later rose to 97), Surtain is eyeing the coveted '99 Club' after winning the Defensive Player of the Year award. His exceptional performance was highlighted in a recent Madden preview video, showcasing his skills in the new 'Custom Zones' feature.

Surtain expressed enthusiasm for his previous rating, stating, 'That's a good start. I'mma get that 99 soon.' His confidence, combined with accolades from the previous season, positions him as a leading candidate for the highest honor in the game.

Michael Burton, the 11th-year fullback for the Denver Broncos, stands out as a key protector on offense, embodying the often-overlooked role that is crucial to the team's run game. Drafted in 2015 by the Detroit Lions, Burton has since played for multiple teams, including the Chicago Bears and Kansas City Chiefs, where he won a Super Bowl in 2022. His experience and physicality, standing at 6'0 and weighing 247 pounds, make him an ideal asset in the backfield, providing the necessary blocking for the skill players behind him.

Throughout his career, Burton's ability to adapt and excel in various offensive schemes speaks volumes about his work ethic and understanding of the game. His tenure with the Broncos is expected to further solidify his reputation as a reliable fullback, contributing not just in blocking but also potentially in short-yardage situations. With the Broncos looking to revamp their offensive strategy, Burton's role could be pivotal in opening up opportunities for the team's playmakers.