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4 Men Arrested in Connection with Burglary of Joe Burrow's Home in December

Jan 21, 2025
PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 04:  Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals in action against the Pittsburgh Steelers on January 4, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.  (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - JANUARY 04: Joe Burrow #9 of the Cincinnati Bengals in action against the Pittsburgh Steelers on January 4, 2025 at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)

Four men have been arrested in connection with the December burglary of Joe Burrow's home.

Per court records (h/t Cameron Knight of the Cincinnati Enquirer), the arrests occurred on Jan. 10 when the four men were leaving a La Quinta Hotel in Fairborn, Ohio.

Knight noted the documents did not specifically mention Burrow or the address of the burglary that occurred on Dec. 9, but investigators said "an old LSU shirt and a Bengals hat" that were believed to be stolen were found in a Chevy Blazer being used by the group.

The incident involving Burrow's home is part of what federal investigators believe is a pattern of burglaries targeted to the homes of prominent NFL and NBA stars. Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and Luka Dončić are among other athletes whose homes have been burglarized in recent months.

Burrow's home was burglarized on the same night the Bengals played the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium on Monday Night Football.

A Dec. 20 bulletin distributed to U.S. professional athletic associations obtained by CNN's Josh Campbell stated the homes are being "targeted for burglary due to the perception they may have high-end goods like designer handbags, jewelry, watches, and cash."

The bulletin also noted the burglars will often "conduct physical and technical surveillance" ahead of time and "use publicly available information and social media to identify a pattern of life for a prospective victim and often know in advance where valuables are kept in a home."

Knight noted Clark County Municipal Court officials said the four men are being held in custody on $250,000 bond.

Three of the men have been charged with engaging in a pattern of corrupt activity, participation in a criminal gang, possessing criminal tools and obstructing official business. It's unclear if the fourth man is in custody, but court documents did state he "spoke more freely with investigators and did not lie about his identity."

The three men who have been charged will appear before a grand jury on Tuesday. Their cases will be moved to the Clark County Court of Common Pleas if they are indicted.

Zay Flowers: 'It Was Killing Me' to Sit Out Ravens' Game vs. Bills with Knee Injury

Jan 21, 2025
HOUSTON, TEXAS - DECEMBER 25: Zay Flowers #4 of the Baltimore Ravens runs the ball after a catch Kamari Lassiter #4 of the Houston Texans during the first quarter at NRG Stadium on December 25, 2024 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS - DECEMBER 25: Zay Flowers #4 of the Baltimore Ravens runs the ball after a catch Kamari Lassiter #4 of the Houston Texans during the first quarter at NRG Stadium on December 25, 2024 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)

Baltimore Ravens rising star receiver Zay Flowers had to watch from the sideline as the team's playoff run came to an end in heartbreaking fashion in a 27-25 loss to the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Divisional Round.

Flowers, who suffered a knee injury in Week 18 against the Cleveland Browns that also forced him to miss the Wild Card win against the Pittsburgh Steelers, admitted that it was difficult for him to be absent for the postseason.

"It was killing me, for sure," Flowers said during Monday's exit interviews, per Myles Simmons of Pro Football Talk. "I want to be out there every game. I want to go through everything they go through, so not being out there, it took a little toll on me, just to watch that and not be able to participate and do what I wanted to do and help the team."

Flowers added that he believes he would've had a better chance to return for the AFC Championship if the Ravens had advanced to the game.

In his second year in the NFL, Flowers emerged as the favorite target for Baltimore star quarterback Lamar Jackson and led the team with 74 catches and 1,059 yards while adding four touchdowns. The 2023 No. 22 pick became the first Ravens player to be selected to the Pro Bowl as a receiver.

Flowers added that he intends to let the disappointment of missing the playoffs this year fuel him for the 2025 campaign.

"Definitely, because you want to play your last game," Flowers said. "You want to play every game, so not being able to play, that messed with me a little bit."

Ravens' Lamar Jackson Calls Out His Turnovers After Bills Loss: 'Tired of This S--t'

Jan 20, 2025
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 19: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens warms up before an NFL football divisional playoff game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on January 19, 2025 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 19: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens warms up before an NFL football divisional playoff game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on January 19, 2025 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)

Lamar Jackson was disappointed with his own turnover issues on Sunday night.

Jackson discussed his frustrations with a lack of ball security when speaking to reporters following a 27-25 loss to the Buffalo Bills in the divisional round of the playoffs.

"Just hold onto the f--king ball," Jackson said. "I'm sorry for my language, but this s--t is annoying. I'm tired of this s--t."

The 28-year-old finished 18-of-25 for 254 yards and two touchdowns to go along with an interception.

Jackson revealed that he knew what coverage the Bills were in during the play he was picked off, but didn't look off the safety and called it a "BS interception" (via Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic).

"l protect the ball and we're not having these conversations," he added, per Zrebiec.

He also rushed for 39 yards on six attempts, losing a fumble in the second quarter.

Jackson has already established himself as one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL, with four Pro Bowl nods and two MVP awards under his belt. He continued to perform at a high level throughout his 2024 campaign, throwing for 4,172 yards and 41 touchdowns compared to four interceptions.

He also rushed for 915 yards and four more scores.

The playoffs have given Jackson trouble, as he now owns a 3-5 record in eight postseason starts. He's also scored just 13 touchdowns while committing 11 turnovers throughout his playoff career.

After making the AFC Championship Game during their 2023 season, Jackson and the Ravens were eliminated in the divisional round for the third time since he was drafted by the team in 2018.

John Harbaugh Defends Mark Andrews After Drop: Ravens 'Wouldn't Be Here' Without TE

Jan 20, 2025
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 19: Mark Andrews #89 of the Baltimore Ravens drops a pass on a two-point conversion during the second half of an NFL football divisional playoff game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on January 19, 2025 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 19: Mark Andrews #89 of the Baltimore Ravens drops a pass on a two-point conversion during the second half of an NFL football divisional playoff game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on January 19, 2025 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)

Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh came to the defense of tight end Mark Andrews following his costly drop during the team's 27-25 playoff loss to the Buffalo Bills on Sunday.

"There's nobody that has more heart, cares more, and fights more than Mark," Harbaugh told reporters after the game. "We wouldn't be here without Mark Andrews."

"Mark will handle it fantastically like he always does because he's a high-character person, he's a tough person and he's a good person," he added.

With the Ravens trailing by eight points late in the fourth quarter, they drove down the field before Lamar Jackson found tight end Isaiah Likely in the end zone.

Jackson targeted Andrews on the ensuing two-point conversion, but the 29-year-old couldn't secure the catch.

The Ravens were unable to recover an onside kick attempt, leading to a victory for Buffalo.

Andrews finished the game with a team-high five receptions for 61 yards, but he also lost a fumble inside Bills territory with Baltimore attempting to score a go-ahead touchdown earlier in the fourth quarter.

The former third-round pick has spent all seven years of his career with the Ravens, earning three Pro Bowl nods.

Andrews struggled to open the 2024 season, catching six passes for 65 yards through the first four weeks of the year. He gradually found his stride, hauling in 49 receptions for 608 yards and 11 touchdowns over his next 13 appearances.

His 11 scores were the most among all tight ends during the regular season.

Andrews had a couple of costly mistakes during the Ravens' divisional-round loss on Sunday, but Harbaugh was adamant that the team wouldn't be in the position to tie the game without his efforts throughout the year.

Mark Andrews' Dropped 2-Point Conversion Stuns Fans as Lamar, Ravens Lose to Bills

Jan 20, 2025
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 19: Mark Andrews #89 of the Baltimore Ravens runs after a catch against the Buffalo Bills in the third quarter during the AFC Divisional Playoff at Highmark Stadium on January 19, 2025 in Orchard Park, New York.  (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 19: Mark Andrews #89 of the Baltimore Ravens runs after a catch against the Buffalo Bills in the third quarter during the AFC Divisional Playoff at Highmark Stadium on January 19, 2025 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

The Baltimore Ravens' 2024-25 season came to a heartbreaking end, as they were eliminated in the divisional round of the playoffs.

Lamar Jackson and the Ravens suffered a 27-25 loss at the hands of the Buffalo Bills on Sunday night.

Baltimore trailed by eight points with just more than three minutes remaining, driving down the field and scoring a touchdown after Jackson found tight end Isaiah Likely in the end zone. A two-point conversion failed after Mark Andrews dropped a pass that would have tied the game, though.

Fans were shocked by the drop from the three-time Pro Bowl tight end.

As for Jackson, he finished 18-of-25 for 254 yards and two touchdowns to go along with an interception. He also rushed for 39 yards on six attempts.

The Ravens jumped out to an early 7-0 advantage, but the Bills responded with a touchdown of their own before a fumble by Jackson helped Buffalo take a 14-7 lead.

Baltimore faced a 21-10 halftime deficit, but head coach John Harbaugh's team trailed by only two points entering the fourth quarter. With the Ravens attempting to score a go-ahead touchdown with just under nine minutes left in regulation, Andrews fumbled the ball.

The Ravens amassed 416 yards of offense and averaged 7.3 yards per play, but several costly turnovers prevented them from getting on the board more often.

Baltimore also failed to generate turnovers on defense, as Buffalo took care of the ball and didn't trail after the first quarter. Josh Allen finished 16-of-22 for 127 yards, recording two touchdowns on the ground.

The Ravens have made the playoffs in five of the six years since Jackson took over as their full-time starter ahead of the 2019 season, but they're still searching for their first Super Bowl appearance during that span.

Video: Ed Reed Hypes Lamar Jackson as NFL MVP over Josh Allen Before Ravens vs. Bills

Jan 19, 2025
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - SEPTEMBER 29: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens and Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills meet following an NFL football game at M&T Bank Stadium on September 29, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - SEPTEMBER 29: Lamar Jackson #8 of the Baltimore Ravens and Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills meet following an NFL football game at M&T Bank Stadium on September 29, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images)

There's no doubt where Baltimore Ravens legend Ed Reed stands in the NFL MVP debate this season.

During an interview with TMZ Sports (1:15 mark), he said there is "no question about it" that Lamar Jackson deserves the MVP over Josh Allen ahead of Sunday's playoff showdown between the Baltimore Ravens and Buffalo Bills.

"Josh had a great year, no doubt," Reed said. "But he hasn't had Lamar's year. He's had an MVP year, but he hasn't had Lamar's year."

He also compared the situation to an ongoing race and added, "Only thing that brings [Allen] up is if someone trips Lamar. And nobody's tripped Lamar."

The MVP race serves as a backdrop to Sunday's Divisional Round matchup between the quarterbacks' respective teams. Jackson helped lead the Ravens to a 35-10 victory over Allen's Bills in the regular season, although Sunday's game is in Buffalo against an AFC East team with momentum after a Wild Card Round win over the Denver Broncos.

Reed certainly understands what it takes to deliver on such a stage as a Super Bowl champion and Hall of Famer, and he hyped up Sunday's contest by calling it "the Super Bowl in itself."

Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs might have something to say about that as they await the winner in the AFC Championship Game, but Sunday belongs to the two MVP candidates.

From a statistical perspective, Jackson has the edge.

He completed 66.7 percent of his passes for 4,172 yards, 41 touchdowns and four interceptions while adding 915 yards and four scores on the ground as a runner. As for Allen, he completed 63.6 percent of his passes for 3,731 yards, 28 touchdowns and six picks to go with 531 yards and 12 scores on the ground.

Jackson already has two MVPs on his resume, including last season's, and it seems like he is on track to win a third.

Reed certainly thinks so.

Ravens' Harbaugh: Zay Flowers Has 'a Chance' to Play vs. Bills Despite Knee Injury

Jan 17, 2025
HOUSTON, TEXAS - DECEMBER 25: Zay Flowers #4 of the Baltimore Ravens runs the ball after a catch Kamari Lassiter #4 of the Houston Texans during the first quarter at NRG Stadium on December 25, 2024 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS - DECEMBER 25: Zay Flowers #4 of the Baltimore Ravens runs the ball after a catch Kamari Lassiter #4 of the Houston Texans during the first quarter at NRG Stadium on December 25, 2024 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Alex Slitz/Getty Images)

Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh believes there is "a chance" wide receiver Zay Flowers will play Sunday against the Buffalo Bills despite missing two weeks of practice with a knee injury.

The Athletic's Jeff Zrebiec said Flowers "appeared to have" worked out Friday, but Harbaugh confirmed he didn't participate in practice.

Harbaugh said Monday that Flowers could play Sunday even if he doesn't practice this week, per Jonas Shaffer of the Baltimore Banner.

The Ravens shared footage of Flowers working out indoors Friday. The special teams united also practiced inside, while the rest of the team practiced outdoors, per NFL.com's Ryan Mink.

Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken previously said Thursday that Flowers would "hopefully" be able to play against the Bills.

Flowers last played on Jan. 4 before suffering his knee injury during the Ravens' regular season finale against the Cleveland Browns.

Flowers was absent for the Ravens' Wild Card game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Isaiah Likely and Justice Hill caught touchdown passes, while Baltimore leaned on Derrick Henry and their run game, to advance to the divisional round with a 28-14 win.

Last Sunday's win marked the first game Flowers had missed due to injury since entering the league in 2023.

He led the Ravens with 74 catches on 116 targets this season, recording 1,059 receiving yards and four touchdowns prior to his injury.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported earlier Friday was that Flowers "had an outside chance" of playing this weekend, but his weeklong absence from practice meant "it was looking like he's going to miss this game."

The Ravens racked up 271 rushing yards, the team's third-highest single-game total of the season, during a Week 4 win over the Bills.

The Bills defense will already be preparing for Henry and Lamar Jackson to drive the team's run game in their matchup. It looks like the Ravens want to make sure their opponents are forced to prepare for the possibility of Jackson's top target returning as well.

Deonte Harty, who is recovering from a knee injury and has not played since Week 6, was listed as a full participant in practice Friday. He could help the Ravens return punts if he is activated from IR ahead of Sunday's game.

Aaron Rodgers Rumors: Steelers Have 'No Interest' in Contract if Jets QB Becomes FA

Jan 16, 2025
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - JANUARY 05: Aaron Rodgers #8 of the New York Jets looks to pass against the Miami Dolphins during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium on January 05, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - JANUARY 05: Aaron Rodgers #8 of the New York Jets looks to pass against the Miami Dolphins during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium on January 05, 2025 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Luke Hales/Getty Images)

If Aaron Rodgers became a free agent this offseason, a handful of teams would likely be interested in signing the veteran.

According to Gerry Dulac of the Steelers Radio Network, the Pittsburgh Steelers won't be one of those teams.

"I can tell you it won't be Aaron Rodgers," Dulac said on The Rich Eisen Show (2:00 mark). "They have no interest in doing that."

There's no guarantee that Rodgers will hit the free agency market this offseason, but SNY's Connor Hughes reported in November that New York "prefers to move on from" him. Even if the Jets decide to keep him around, Rodgers might not be interested in coming back.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported earlier this month that "people close to" Rodgers are preparing for his potential retirement.

"I would say very firmly up in the air," Rapoport said of Rodgers' future. "Listening to Rodgers' pretty heartfelt words this week sounded like someone who at least is preparing for the possibility that he is playing his last game. I'm not talking about with the [New York] Jets, I'm talking about plain last game...

"There's several people close to him who I know are preparing for the fact that this could in fact be it. "

Rodgers made clear his 2025 plans, it will likely be a while before he gives fans any indication of what his next move is.

The 41-year-old Rodgers threw for 3,897 yards, 28 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 2024. While those aren't bad numbers by any means, his play did not result in wins as the Jets went 5-12.

If Rodgers becomes a free agent, the team that signs him will likely do so with the expectation that he may not be able to lead them to a Super Bowl. That's not what the Steelers are looking for at this point after reaching the playoffs in 2024.

Ravens' Rosengarten Gets Signed Myles Garrett Jersey After Viral 'Hard Knocks' Video

Jan 16, 2025
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - JANUARY 04: Myles Garrett #95 of the Cleveland Browns lines up against Roger Rosengarten #70 of the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on January 04, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - JANUARY 04: Myles Garrett #95 of the Cleveland Browns lines up against Roger Rosengarten #70 of the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium on January 04, 2025 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)

Cleveland Browns star defensive end Myles Garrett fulfilled his promise to Baltimore Ravens rookie offensive tackle Roger Rosengarten.

Rosengarten went viral earlier this month when he was seen telling Garrett during the regular-season finale between the AFC North Rivals, "I know I'm a nobody but, if I could get that jersey after?" Garrett responded, "Hey, you're in the league. Y'all winning games. Y'all looking great. You ain't never a nobody. I got you."

On Thursday, Rosengarten told reporters that he received Garrett's signed jersey with a little help from Ravens star quarterback Lamar Jackson:

Garrett's response to Rosengarten was an endearing moment that showcased the brotherhood in the NFL. Despite being rivals, he still took the time to encourage the first-year player.

Rosengarten maintained his modest nature, as he joked that he's still waiting on a jersey from fellow rookie offensive tackle Troy Fautanu of the Pittsburgh Steelers and "can't even" get one from his former Washington teammate.

Rosengarten and the Ravens will be headlining the NFL playoffs this weekend when they take on the Buffalo Bills in a Division Round matchup on Sunday evening.

Diontae Johnson Claimed by Ravens After Texans Exit; Not Eligible for NFL Playoffs

Jan 15, 2025
INGLEWOOD, CA - NOVEMBER 25: Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Diontae Johnson (18) leaves the football field after the NFL game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Los Angeles Chargers on November 25, 2024, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, CA. (Photo by Jordon Kelly/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
INGLEWOOD, CA - NOVEMBER 25: Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Diontae Johnson (18) leaves the football field after the NFL game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Los Angeles Chargers on November 25, 2024, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, CA. (Photo by Jordon Kelly/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Having already mastered the art of accumulating compensatory picks in the NFL draft, the Baltimore Ravens found a new way to potentially add an extra selection next year.

Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Ravens claimed Diontae Johnson off waivers from the Houston Texans to potentially give the team a comp pick in 2026.

Schefter noted Johnson, who will be an unrestricted free agent this offseason, is ineligible to play for the Ravens in the playoffs. This marks the fourth different time Johnson has changed teams this season and his second stint in Baltimore.

Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans announced on Tuesday that Johnson was being waived while the team is in the midst of preparing to play the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Divisional Round on Saturday.

"Unfortunately, with Diontae it didn't work out," Ryans said Tuesday. "We're on to the Chiefs."

Johnson started this season with the Carolina Panthers after being acquired in a March 2024 trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was traded to the Ravens, along with a 2025 sixth-round draft pick, for a 2025 fifth-round pick in October.

After appearing in four games with the Ravens, Johnson was waived on Dec. 20. He was claimed by the Texans three days later. It seemed like his role would increase after Tank Dell suffered a dislocated knee and torn ACL in Houston's Christmas Day loss to the Ravens.

Johnson wound up playing a total of 38 snaps between Week 18 and the wild-card win over the Los Angeles Chargers. He caught three passes for 24 yards in those two games with the Texans.

Since the NFL implemented the comp pick system in 1994, the Ravens' 56 picks awarded are the most in the league. There are a total of 32 compensatory picks given out annually, with teams eligible to receive them if they have more qualified free agents lost than gained in a particular year.

The picks are awarded between Rounds 3 and 7, with the league using a formula that includes a player's average annual salary, snap count and postseason awards to determine where the pick falls.

Comp picks have been expanded to include teams that have had minority coaches or executives hired as head coaches or general managers by other teams. Those picks are also included at the end of third round.

Given how far Johnson's stock has fallen this season, any comp pick the Ravens end up receiving will likely be closer to the end of the 2026 draft than the middle. But every pick has value, especially for an organization as smart as the Ravens have been for decades.