Search result for Jake Gadon

Getting into the swing of things: Arizona Diamondback players talk pregame routines

SCOTTSDALE – Arizona Diamondbacks players have different routines as they prepare for games. Six players share what they do, and a look at some of the strangest superstitions around the league.

Most Arizona Diamondbacks players maintain the same routines in preparation for each game. The pregame rituals range from light work in the batting cage to visualizations and taking naps. (Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images)

George ‘The Sodfather’ Toma sheds light on Super Bowl 57 field issues

GLENDALE – Weeks following the confetti raining down on the Super Bowl 57 champions Kansas City Chiefs, the answer to what caused poor field conditions remained at large. The man who has worked on all 57 Super Bowl fields, ‘The Sodather’ George Toma, stepped out of the shadows to spill on what caused the slippery playing surface.

The State Farm Stadium field for Super Bowl 57 caused slick conditions for the Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles and forced players to change their cleats mid-game. (Photo by Susan Wong/Cronkite News)

Calling an audible: Jake Plummer shifts attention to wellness, natural health remedies

CHANDLER – Ahead of Super Bowl 2023, former Arizona Cardinals quarterback Jake Plummer returned to the Valley with an event advocating for natural health and wellness remedies.

Plummer, left, and former NFL running back Ricky Williams led yoga sessions at the beginning of festival. (Photo by Robert Crompton/Cronkite News)

Pick-Nick party: Arizona Cardinals introduce Rallis as new defensive coordinator

TEMPE – The Arizona Cardinals and Jonathan Gannon hired Nick Rallis and held an introductory press conference on Wednesday to formally introduce him. The defensive coordinator’s promotion makes him the youngest coordinator in the NFL.

Nick Rallis addresses the media during his introductory press conference as the Arizona Cardinals new defensive coordinator on Wednesday. (Photo by Jake Seymour/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)

What the Eagles and Chiefs are saying ahead of Super Bowl 57

PHOENIX – For the first time since 2015, Arizona will play host to the Super Bowl. Follow along for live updates, featuring news, event highlights and more from the Cronkite News team, before the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs kick off on Super Bowl Sunday at State Farm Stadium.

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)

Super Bowl 2023 week kicks off with Opening Night at Footprint Center

PHOENIX – For the first time since 2015, Arizona will play host to the Super Bowl. The privilege comes with plenty of must-see live entertainment; tailgates; festivals; and, of course, football in the lead-up to the big game at State Farm Stadium. Follow along for live updates, featuring news, event highlights and more from the Cronkite News team, before the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs kick off on Super Bowl Sunday.

Footprint Center welcomed the Super Bowl contenders and fans Monday for a night of interviews, entertainment and the flat-out bizarre. (Photo by Reece Andrews/Cronkite News)

Muhammad Ali’s grandson, Nico Ali Walsh, seeks greatness in Glendale

GLENDALE – Nico Ali Walsh, the grandson of Muhammad Ali, will look to extend his unbeaten record to 8-0 with a win Friday against Phoenix native Eduardo Ayala at Desert Diamond Arena. If all goes according to plan, this week’s trip will be better than his last.

Nico Ali Walsh, left, hopes to show fans his full range of skills in Friday's bout against Eduardo Ayala at Desert Diamond Arena. (Photo by Damian Rios/Cronkite News)

Tip of the ice: Arizona hockey on the rise through Arizona Coyotes, colleges and community

PHOENIX – The rise of professional, collegiate and youth programs has allowed hockey to thrive in Arizona. While hockey was nearly nonexistent in the Valley decades ago, it has slowly become one of the premier sports in the state. Here’s how it happened.

During the 2015-16 NHL season, 7,510 kids from Arizona were registered with USA Hockey. By the 2017-18 season, that number increased to 8,617, and the drafting of the Valley's Auston Matthews by the Toronto Maple Leafs in 2016 is believed to have contributed to that. (Photo courtesy of Arizona Coyotes)

Young Diamondbacks determined to end postseason drought

PHOENIX – The young Diamondbacks core looks to spark positive change in the next few years and earn a playoff berth for Arizona.

After making their major league debuts late during the 2022 seasons, Jake McCarthy (30) and Stone Garrett (45) hope to help the Diamondbacks win the organization's second World Series. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)

Busker nation: Outside of sporting events, street performers capture soundtrack of Phoenix life

PHOENIX – Outside of Phoenix sporting events and concerts, local street performers set the ambience for fans. Many of them come from illustrious musical backgrounds, and they’re hoping you’ll listen, even if just for a moment.

Trumpet player Edward Conway performs outside Footprint Center following a Suns victory over the Warriors on Nov. 16. Conway started busking out of necessity. (Photo by Nikash Nath/Cronkite News)

‘Smooth’ ASU receiver Andre Johnson strikes right notes on football field and in rap music studio

TEMPE – Arizona State wide receiver Andre Johnson is using the offseason to start a career as a rap producer. He’s not the first ASU football player to make music, but he wants to help define the Phoenix hip-hop scene.