Season of change: ASU alum Darren Woodson’s defining year in Tempe

PHOENIX — Held to ASU’s modified enforcement of Proposition 48, Darren Woodson couldn’t play or practice with the program as an academically ineligible walk-on during the 1987-88 season — before he became a three-year starter, before he won three Super Bowls with the Dallas Cowboys, and before he was named a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. It was a transformational year, to say the least.

Darren Woodson (fifth row, second from left) starred on the Maryvale Panthers varsity football team before walking on at Arizona State University. (Photo by Robert Crompton/Cronkite News) Caption 3: Darren Woodson's Maryvale yearbook photo in 1985. (Photo by Robert Crompton/Cronkite News)

Despite a busy preseason, ASU softball eyes WCWS run as 2023 season begins

PHOENIX – Jazmine Hill and Yannira Acuña earned plenty of preseason awards, including Softball America’s Preseason Top 100 Rankings and All-American recognition, but their focus is on the upcoming season and the team’s quest to Oklahoma City.

ASU outfielder Jazmine Hill takes batting practice in preparation for Thursday's start to the season at the San Diego State Season Kickoff. Hill earned Softball America preseason third team All-American honors. (Photo by Kade Cameron/Cronkite News)

From encephalitis to first PGA event: Brett White’s miraculous comeback leads to WM Phoenix Open

SCOTTSDALE – Brett White’s journey back to playing golf wasn’t easy after he was diagnosed with encephalitis. His drive and support from others have helped him land an opportunity at the WM Phoenix Open.

In 2017, Brett White couldn't walk or talk after a diagnosis of encephalitis. After a long and challenging recovery, he is playing in his first PGA Tour event, the WM Phoenix Open. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)

Phoenix Suns acquire Kevin Durant in a blockbuster trade with the Brooklyn Nets

PHOENIX – Mat Ishbia has made a huge overnight splash in his first move as owner of the Suns, acquiring Kevin Durant from the Brooklyn Nets

The Phoenix Suns become overnight favorites to win the Western Conference after pulling off a trade with the Brooklyn Nets for superstar Kevin Durant.(Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)

Super Bowl 2023 halftime performer Rihanna discusses preparation for Sunday

PHOENIX – Fans have heard from Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs players every day this week leading up to Super Bowl Sunday. Today, another big game performer will speak ahead of Sunday.

Rihanna speaks during Thursday's press conference for the Apple Music Super Bowl 57 halftime show at the Phoenix Convention Center. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)

New Suns and Mercury owner Mat Ishbia always dreamed of the NBA. Now, he’s finally made it.

PHOENIX – Following the Robert Sarver scandals, new team owner Mat Ishbia looks to correct the wrongs of Phoenix Suns past. At Wednesday’s introductory press conference he vowed to “win every kid’s heart and every person’s mindset.”

News Suns owner Mat Ishbia poses with a large group, including many family members, after speaking with the media, and said, “This is the dream city, the dream opportunity, the dream organization.” (Photo by David Bernauer/Cronkite News)

From quirky designs to sentimental homage, Super Bowl logos have changed dramatically

PHOENIX – Design philosophies have changed drastically throughout 57 Super Bowls, from the simplistic logos of the ‘70s and ‘80s to the colorful logos of the ‘90s, to the sleek, corporate look of the modern NFL.

A sign for Super Bowl LVII in Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix.

Snap, hold, kick and pray: NFL special teams are simply complex

SCOTTSDALE – For those who believe special teams is the easiest way onto a football field, the Kansas City Chiefs kicking unit begs to differ. The snap, the hold and the kick all depend on perfect execution in the blink of an eye.

Kansas City Chiefs place kicker Harrison Butker answers questions at a press conference.Kansas City Chiefs place kicker Harrison Butker speaking during Wednesday's media availability ahead of his third Super Bowl appearance on Sunday. (Photo by Spencer Gustafson/Cronkite News)

Paralyzed from waist down, Danny Fik defies odds in wheelchair sports

PHOENIX – After losing the ability to walk at 13 years old, wheelchair basketball and football talent Danny Fik has leaned into sports to help turn around his life and inspire the disabled community following in his path.

The Kansas City Chiefs of the USA Wheelchair Football League defeated the Los Angeles Rams,7-0, in Wednesday's league championship game. (Photo by Damian Rios/Cronkite News)

A-Rod in a Cardinals jersey? Pujols with a pitching wedge? Celebrities compete in WM Phoenix Open

SCOTTSDALE – With two popular sporting events in the Valley this week, celebrities have descended on Arizona. Several, including Alex Rodriguez, Albert Pujols and Michael Phelps, headlined the WM Phoenix Open celebrity Pro-AM.

Michael Phelps, one of the most accomplished Olympians of all time, said he was giddy about competing with PGA Tour pros. (Photo by Grace Edwards/Cronkite News)

Updates: Andy Reid, Patrick Mahomes take podium on Day 3 of Super Bowl week

PHOENIX – Super Bowl week rolls on with the third day of events, entertainment and media availability from the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs.

Margaret T. Hance Park is home to a portion of the Super Bowl LVII Experience. Signage at the park promotes the big game and events surrounding it. (Photo by Drake Presto/Cronkite News)

Valley’s boxing reputation grows as Emanuel Navarrete defeats Liam Wilson in thrilling scrap

GLENDALE - Emanuel Navarrete won the WBO junior lightweight title with a ninth round TKO of Liam Wilson. This marks the third title fight and fifth major boxing card held in the Valley in the past year.

“I like when there’s time, when I get to go a few rounds. It’s fun.” Nico Ali Walsh secured a unanimous decision victory after going the distance against Eduardo Ayala. (Photo by Damian Rios/Cronkite News)