Dan Robson

Brandon Aubrey and his cohort of NFL kickers are re-writing the record books.

Here’s my deep dive on Aubrey, Cam Little, Cameron Dicker and the evolution of field goals.

www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...

The NFL’s long-distance kicking revolution: ‘70 will be the new 60’

Brandon Aubrey wins it, after a remarkable comeback for Dallas.

By design, here is my very large feature on Aubrey and this incredible, recording-breaking era for kickers.

www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...

Special Teams Series Sunday @theathletic.com:

🏈 My story on long snappers, and their football nirvana: www.nytimes.com/athletic/6802946

🏈 @mikedugar.bsky.social on Marquette King: www.nytimes.com/athletic/6810455

🏈 @danrobson.bsky.social on a kicking revolution: www.nytimes.com/athletic/6814741

I went on a journey — to Las Vegas, San Diego, Dallas, and Buffalo — to learn about the NFL’s long-distance kicking revolution.

From a camp of pro hopefuls to Brandon Aubrey, Cameron Dicker, Cam Little and more.

Here’s my story on the art of kicking.

www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...

This story is so much fun to read.

The NFL’s most anonymous men are also the happiest: ‘My life’s not real’ 'People think it’s impossible to get in (as a long snapper). It’s damn near impossible to stay in.'

"Maybe you get a beer named after you, or maybe you close a Tony Robbins seminar at midnight, or maybe you just drop your kid at school and hit golf balls in paradise ..."

@brianchamilton.bsky.social on the happiest men in the NFL, long snappers: www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...

The NFL’s long-distance kicking revolution: ‘70 will be the new 60’ Better athletes, specialized training and technological advances are pushing limits farther and farther back.

A position once akin to a glorified ball boy is attracting better athletes, and specialized training and technological advances are pushing the limits.

More from @danrobson.bsky.social, including a glimpse at record-breaking Dallas Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey ⤵️
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...

I went on a journey — to Las Vegas, San Diego, Dallas, and Buffalo — to learn about the NFL’s long-distance kicking revolution.

From a camp of pro hopefuls to Brandon Aubrey, Cameron Dicker, Cam Little and more.

Here’s my story on the art of kicking.

www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...

Some very kind praise for Hammered, over at Goodreads.

Grab a copy of Dave Schultz’s new memoir wherever you buy your books.

@penguinrandomhouse.bsky.social
@chaptersindigo.bsky.social

A very nice review of Hammered in Policy Magazine, that gets right to the message of Dave Schultz’s new memoir about hockey, fighting, abuse and recovery.

www.policymagazine.ca/hockey-befor...

So many sad, tired eyes in Toronto coffee shops this morning.

Thanks for reading it, Chris!

Dodgers vs. Blue Jays live updates: How to watch World Series Game 1, start time, predictions and latest

Let’s play ball…

@TheAthletic is all over the Rebel Alliance’s coming destruction of the Death Star.

You can kind find all of our colleagues’ incredible coverage of the World Series here:

www.nytimes.com/athletic/liv...

Canada’s team, America’s stage: The Blue Jays carry a nation’s hope

I wrote about watching the Jays win the ALCS alone in a Texas bar, and the rush of connection and nostalgia I felt when Springer hit that home run.

(Apologies to the Mariners fans several seats down.)

Here’s my story on what the Blue Jays mean to Canada.

www.nytimes.com/athletic/674...

Canada’s team, America’s stage: The Blue Jays carry a nation’s hope

I wrote about watching the Jays win the ALCS alone in a Texas bar, and the rush of connection and nostalgia I felt when Springer hit that home run.

(Apologies to the Mariners fans several seats down.)

Here’s my story on what the Blue Jays mean to Canada.

www.nytimes.com/athletic/674...

You must have been the most feared kid on the street. 😂

Thanks, Jeff.

Dave is raw and unflinching in his memoir.

It’s not an easy read — but hopefully his story will offer some inspiration and support to those who can relate.

I hope you’ll check it out.

There is plenty in this book for fans of hockey in the 1970s, the wild “Slap Shot” era of the minor leagues, and the glory of the Broad Street Bullies.

But much of Dave’s story happened beyond the lore. It’s a journey through trauma endured in secret.

Hammered: The Fight of My Life is out now.

Dave “The Hammer” Schultz, of Broad Street Bullies fame, reveals the sexual abuse he suffered as a child and the lifelong demons he’s battled on the long road to healing.

I’m proud to have helped him share his story.

Inside the fiery, foul-mouthed mound visit that led Mad Max to a signature October moment Blue Jays manager John Schneider stepped onto the field to pull Max Scherzer. The pitcher had other ideas.

John Schneider’s account of his exchange with Max Scherzer is so good.

Great story from @ken-rosenthal.bsky.social

www.nytimes.com/athletic/672...

Fascinating piece by @richarddeitsch.bsky.social on how Fox broadcasters are getting a crash course on Canada — and how little exposure the Jays have had in the States.

Out of his hometown’s spotlight — and expectations — Mitch Marner embraces a new start in Las Vegas After years of playoff disappointment and fan discontent, the former Maple Leaf star is feeling the love in his new surroundings.

✍️ @danrobson.bsky.social

www.nytimes.com/athletic/668...

Out of his hometown's spotlight, Mitch Marner embraces a new start in Las Vegas

In Las Vegas, I spoke with Mitch Marner about fatherhood and new beginnings.

Here’s my story about why his move from Toronto was about much more than most people realize.

www.nytimes.com/athletic/668...

For the Gaudreau family, a year of incomprehensible grief — and immeasurable strength NHL star John Gaudreau and his brother, Matty, died on Aug. 29, 2024, after being struck by an alleged drunk driver while riding bicycles.

This is a remarkable, beautifully written story from @peterbaugh.bsky.social.

www.nytimes.com/athletic/657...

Crown will not appeal decision in Hockey Canada sexual assault trial

The Crown has decided to not appeal the decision to acquit players in Hockey Canada sexual assault trial.

W/t Katie Strang

www.nytimes.com/athletic/656...

Searching for Bobby Webster: The untold story of how one of the NBA’s youngest GMs helped the Toronto Raptors win a title If Masai Ujiri is the ship captain, Webster is the Raptors navigator.

Bobby Webster, once a wunderkind GM, now runs the Raptors.

“He’s going to head a team, at some point,” Masai Ujiri told me several years ago.
“Hopefully he doesn’t overthrow me.”

Good time to dust off this Webster profile.

“How unreal is this?”… 🤙

www.nytimes.com/athletic/143...

‘I’m sitting behind the bench': Inside sports' escalating stalking problem

‘I’m sitting behind the bench’: Inside sports’ escalating stalking problem

A chilling investigation by Carson Kessler.

www.nytimes.com/athletic/654...

Brampton threatens legal action against church and community outreach program City cites public safety concerns at Grace United Church and Regeneration Outreach. Leaders say they weren’t warned and are already addressing issues.

A disturbing, irresponsible and shameful action by the City of Brampton.

The city would rather target an organization that has helped its most vulnerable residents since 1999, instead of taking responsibility itself.

I’m ashamed of my hometown.

www.bramptonguardian.com/news/brampto...

The Hockey Canada trial could have been a reckoning. It was something else The eight-week trial proved challenging to manage, leading to two jury dismissals and eventually the judge-only decision.

In the Hockey Canada sexual assault trial five players were on trial and, to some degree, so too was the woman.

But the case has always been viewed more broadly.

In the end, what message are we left with?

W/t Katie Strang

www.nytimes.com/athletic/642...

The Athletic Hockey Show: A show about the NHL: Hockey Canada players found not guilty in sexual assault case Mark Lazerus and Dan Robson discuss the Hockey Canada sexual assault case that concluded today in London, Ontario and give their reaction to the not guilty verdicts for the five former players, Mic...

On a new The Athletic Hockey Show, @danrobson.bsky.social and I discuss the Hockey Canada verdict and its ramifications:
pod.fo/e/301e29