HH. HEARTWARMING — BUT HEARTBREAKING: Steelers rookie cornerback missed the Chargers game… and now we finally know why.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – November 9, 2025
The Pittsburgh Steelers will be without rookie cornerback Donte Kent for their Week 10 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers, as the young defensive back has been granted leave following a heartbreaking family tragedy in
Louisville, Kentucky.
Kent’s uncle — a longtime worker at an industrial facility near the site of the UPS MD-11 cargo plane crash — was among those critically injured when the aircraft exploded shortly after takeoff from
Muhammad Ali International Airport earlier this week.
The crash, one of the deadliest in recent years, killed at least 14 people and injured more than a dozen others. The impact and fire destroyed several nearby warehouses and buildings, leaving families and first responders in shock across Louisville.
According to team officials, Donte Kent immediately requested to sit out this week’s game to return home and be with his uncle, whom he calls “the man who raised me when my dad couldn’t.”
“He raised me when my father couldn’t — he’s my second dad,” Kent said in an emotional statement. “I know my team needs me, but right now, he needs me more. I’m grateful to the organization for allowing me to be there for the man who’s always been there for me.”
Head coach Mike Tomlin fully supported Kent’s decision, emphasizing that football comes second to family. “There are moments when football doesn’t matter,” Tomlin said. “He’s exactly where he needs to be — with the people he loves. Our prayers are with Donte and everyone affected by this tragedy.”
Steelers teammates have rallied behind their rookie corner, sharing messages under the hashtag #PrayForDonte, while the organization has provided financial and emotional assistance to his family.
As Louisville continues to heal from the devastating crash,
Donte Kent’s story has become a poignant reminder of what truly matters beyond the game — that family and love will always mean more than football.
Chiefs Rule Out 2 Key Players vs. Raiders
Kansas City, MO — October 16, 2025
The Kansas City Chiefs have officially ruled out two players ahead of their Week 7 showdown with the Las Vegas Raiders — running back
Brashard Smith and offensive tackle Josh Simmons — both sidelined due to injuries.
According to Wednesday’s injury report, Smith missed practice because of an illness that has lingered since early in the week, while Simmons was absent with an
undisclosed personal and physical issue that the team is treating cautiously. Neither player participated in team drills, and both have been deemed unavailable for Sunday’s game.
Their absences create depth concerns for head coach
Andy Reid, especially on offense. Smith’s versatility in the backfield and special teams has been valuable in recent weeks, while Simmons has rotated in key offensive line packages protecting quarterback
Patrick Mahomes.
With the Chiefs looking to bounce back to a winning record at Arrowhead Stadium, backups are expected to step up. Rookie tailback Ray Davis and veteran lineman
Lucas Niang are likely to see expanded roles when the Chiefs host the Raiders this Sunday at noon.
