While we have all been swept up in the Madness of the NCAA Tournament, here is a recap of the top stories in pro sports this past week.
Rory McIlroy Wins the Players Championship
Rory McIlroy won the Players Championship in a playoff on Monday, March 17, 2025. McIlroy left the 18th hole on Sunday with a one-stroke lead over J.J. Spaun. Spaun left his birdie putt short on setting up Monday’s playoff.
The playoff was a three-hole face-off on the 16th, 17th, and 18th holes. McIlroy took a one-shot lead over Spaun on the 16th hole. Then, the unfortunate happened to Spaun. He would have a disastrous 17th hole, assuring the McIlroy victory.
This is McIlroy’s second time winning the Players Championship, one of the most prestigious events in the PGA tour.
Vikings Pass on Aaron Rodgers
With the NFL draft quickly approaching, many teams are faced with tough roster decisions. None is more interesting than the Minnesota Vikings. With the departure of Sam Darnold, the Vikings have been faced with a tough decision. Play their first-round pick, J.J. McCarthy, or sign a veteran quarterback.
Aaron Rodgers, who has been released by the New York Jets, expressed his interest in joining the Vikings. This is interesting, as Rodgers would be returning to the NFC North. Following in the footsteps of Brett Farve, who joined the Vikings later in his career.
The Vikings have passed on Rodgers, and most likely will start McCarthy as their QB next season.
McLaren’s Dominant Start to the F1 Season
The 2025 F1 season began in Melbourne, Australia, on Sunday, March 16, 2025. McLaren driver Lando Norris won the race edging out reigning world champion Max Verstapen. The conditions in Melbourne were less than ideal as the rain would be a constant factor.
The rain would wind up costing Norris’ teammate Oscar Piastri a second-place finish. He would glide into the grass during lap 44. Piastri made a ferocious come back taking 9th place and earning his team points.
If you take anything away from the Australian Grand Prix, it should be how amazing the McLaren car is. This proved to remain true at the Chinese Grand Prix on Sunday, March 23, 2025.
Team McLaren would record a one-two finish, with Piastri getting the win. Piastri controlled the race the entire way and responded well after his disappointing finish in Australia. This Time, he finishes ahead of his teammate Norris, who finished second.
Norris battled through break trouble while fending off 3rd place finisher George Russel of team Mercedes. This makes Russel’s second podium finish as he took third in Australia. Max Verstappen would finish in fourth place.
The good news for Piastri keeps coming, as he signed a new contract with McLaren that will keep him on the team until the end of the 2027 season.
