NFL icon Myles Garrett appears to have a hidden talent for real estate—at least judging by the incredible success of his recently-listed Ohio home, which has come under offer less than a week after it was put on the market for $2.1 million.

As exclusively revealed by Realtor.com®, Garrett, 30, made the decision to part ways with his longtime Wadsworth, OH, abode soon after he was traded by the Cleveland Browns to the Los Angeles Rams, and just days after he snapped up a new $23 million manse in the Hidden Hills.

Now, the listing for the five-bedroom, 5.5-bathroom dwelling, which is held by Rebecca Donatelli and Natalie Antonelli of The Elli Group at Elite Sotheby’s International Realty, has been updated to reflect that the home is already pending sale, although it’s currently not known what offer Garrett has accepted.

It marks the beginning of the end of what has been a very lengthy chapter in Garrett’s life and career, which began with the Browns in 2017, when he was chosen by the team as the No. 1 overall pick in that year’s NFL Draft.

He purchased his Wadsworth mansion two years after that milestone moment—and it served as his primary residence for a majority of the time he spent with the team.

Despite becoming one of the leading lights of the NFL, Garrett still found time to carry out some significant upgrades to his dwelling during that time, adding an incredibly high-end array of features and amenities, such as a detached four-car garage and a custom walk-in closet with a glass display case to showcase his favorite fashion pieces.

“We’re thrilled to introduce this exceptional home to the market,” Donatelli told Realtor.com when the home was listed. “With beautifully designed living spaces, incredible areas for entertaining, and exceptional craftsmanship throughout, this home is truly one of a kind.

“It offers an unmatched combination of luxury, comfort, and modern sophistication.”

Located on a 2-acre spread the 4,300-square-foot home sits behind a gated entryway, ensuring maximum privacy.

“Sophisticated design, exceptional craftsmanship, and effortless functionality come together in this custom-built home, privately situated on approximately two acres in the prestigious Hidden Lakes of Sharon,” the listing states.

The five-bedroom, 5.5-bathroom home features several distinctive nods to Garrett’s career throughout its interior, with listing images revealing rooms filled with mementos from his nine seasons in the NFL.

One of the two bars in the home has been decorated with several images of the athlete on the field during Browns games, while another wall is home to multiple NFL jerseys, including those of former Minnesota Vikings player Danielle Hunter and former Houston Texans star Dameon Pierce.

But it’s not just NFL memorabilia that Garrett collected during his time living in the spacious property.

Images of the “executive office” showcase the custom cabinetry that has been filled with different collectibles, including movie merchandise, action figures, and what appear to be multiple camera lenses.

There is also a large custom gym in the property filled with top-of-the-line equipment that “can convey with the property, along with some select home furnishings,” the listing notes.

Spread across three levels, the home offers ample space for entertaining, particularly on the lower walkout level, which is home to multiple recreation areas, including the gym, a bar, and a home theater.

On the main level, residents can kick back in several sun-filled spaces, including the open-plan kitchen, which features a walk-in pantry and a spacious island, designed to accommodate multiple people, in addition to a dining area.

That space opens up to the main living area, which has a wall of windows that open out onto the upper deck of the home.

“Designed for both style and function, the kitchen showcases premium appliances, an oversized center island, custom cabinetry, a spacious walk-in pantry, and seamless flow into the adjoining living and dining areas,” the listing states.

The primary suite features incredible natural light, as well as an array of upscale features, including a “spa-inspired bathroom” and the “extraordinary” custom walk-in closet, which has been designed to accommodate even the most impressive fashion collections.

In addition to the five bedrooms already available in the home, there is “an oversized bonus room” that could be used for further accommodations, or as a game room or office.

Outside, the home is surrounded by lush landscaping and ample space to entertain, including at the private fire pit or on the upper deck, which boasts a built-in grill area and plenty of room for sitting and dining.

“Completing the property is a three-car attached garage and a separate four-car garage with a finished upper level, ideal for a private office, studio, or hobby space,” the description adds.

The listing went live just hours after it was reported that Garrett had closed on a new home in Los Angeles—where he is expected to be based for the next few years, having agreed to a restructured five-year contract when he was traded to the Rams.

In return for trading Garrett, the Browns received linebacker Jared Verse from the Rams, as well as a 2027 first-round pick, a 2028 second-round pick, and a 2029 third-round pick.

According to Spotrac, Garrett’s updated deal is worth a total of $208.2 million, which includes a $35.7 million signing bonus and a guarantee of $99 million.

So perhaps it is unsurprising that he appears to have splashed out a bit more on his new dwelling than he did on his last, with In Touch claiming that he has snapped up an extraordinary $23 million mansion in Hidden Hills—where Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford also resides, along with several members of the Kardashian family.

Records show that the home highlighted by the outlet changed hands for that extraordinary sum on July 13, just over a month after Garrett’s trade was confirmed—and just over a week before he listed his Ohio residence.

The newly built residence, which appears to have only just been completed, was not listed on the multiple listing service prior to its purchase, suggesting that it traded hands in an off-market deal.

Garrett’s move to Los Angeles, which was described by The Athletic as “seismic,” will not only see him joining his second NFL team, it will also bring him closer to his girlfriend, professional snowboarder Chloe Kim, 26, who grew up in California and has been based in L.A. for several years.

The couple recently made an appearance together at the ESPY Awards, where Kim presented her partner with the award for Best Record-Breaking Performance in honor of Garrett achieving the most sacks in a single season during his final year with the Browns.

During his acceptance speech, Garrett paid tribute to Kim—while voicing his gratitude that she had managed to keep the news of his award hidden from him.

“Thank you, baby, for keeping a secret like that, because you definitely knew,” he began, before going on to thank Kim and his family for being so supportive throughout his career.

“I want to thank my parents, I know it’s not easy, I can get kind of locked in and focused on my sport, and I know we all try to enter our zone as athletes, and sometimes, the people who mean to the most to us take a bit of a backseat for our journeys that we go on throughout the season. So I want to thank them for always loving me and supporting me in their own ways,” he continued.

Former Pittsburgh Steelers star Ryan Clark was sensationally let go by ESPN on July 20—while he was in the midst of filming for the network’s hit show “NFL Live.”

Clark, 46, who retired from professional football in 2015, signed his first deal with ESPN just a few weeks later, when he was brought on to serve as an analyst working on a number of different shows. He signed his most recent contract extension with the network in 2024—and was reportedly making around $2 million per year, according to The Athletic, which broke the news about his firing.

It is understood that Clark was given the news mid-way through the broadcast, with viewers calling attention to the fact that he disappeared from the show after a commercial break and did not return. It appears that Clark was filming from his mansion in Baton Rouge, LA, with his background showing a shelving unit on which several mementos from his football and TV careers are displayed.

Anonymous sources told The Athletic that executives had initially planned to explain their decision to Clark on the morning of Tuesday, July 21, but had moved up that conversation after receiving several media inquiries about the host’s future with the network—leading them to believe that the news may have been about to break.

Fearful that Clark would end up reading about his own firing before he was told about it, they made the decision to deliver the blow during the broadcast.

However, the outlet reports that the news did not come as a surprise to many insiders, claiming that rumors first began circulating around ESPN after the Super Bowl that Clark’s job “could be in jeopardy,” noting that executives had “soured” on the former NFL safety because of “issues with some of his past choices.”

These are understood to have included an on-air altercation that he had with his colleague, Peter Schrager, on “Get Up” in September 2025, during which Clark told off the commentator for defending the performance of Dallas Cowboys player CeeDee Lamb.

“We shouldn’t do this on TV, so I apologize if people think this is rude: That’s the non-player in you,” Clark told Shcrager, while pointing a finger at him.

“Oh, stop!” Schrager responded. “Don’t belittle me like that. I can come and say, as three ex-players are saying one thing, and give an alternative perspective that maybe CeeDee Lamb did play well.”

Clark then told his colleague to “not get mad and let me finish,” although he later posted a public apology to Schrager on X, noting that he had “taken accountability” for the incident with ESPN leadership.

“Today, I had an interaction with my colleague @PSchrags both on and off the air that I regret,” he wrote. “I have apologized to Peter and taken accountability with ESPN leadership.

“I value working with Peter and look forward to this season. My focus will remain on professionalism, teamwork, and being a better teammate moving forward.”

The Athletic alleges that Clark’s axing was just the first of several anticipated layoffs, which it states will include other “on-air personalities” who are currently based at ESPN’s headquarters in Connecticut, “as well as a larger number of employees, both on- and off-the-air, from NFL Network.”

While Clark has previously filmed shows like “First Take” and “Get Up,” it appears that he was filming at his Louisiana home during what now appears to be his final appearance on “NFL Live.”

After it was reported that he had been fired, viewers began sharing clips of Clark’s last show, with one person noting on X that “‘NFL Live’ hit commercial break … came back and he was gone.”

Clark has not yet commented on the news—and ESPN declined to issue a statement to The Athletic.

Seasoned athlete Simone Biles and her husband, NFL player Jonathan Owens, are on the move once again as they head to Indiana ahead of the upcoming football season—when the safety will make his debut with the Indianapolis Colts                        

Days after Biles, 29, and Owens, 30, traveled to New York City to attend the wedding of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce, the couple jetted off once again, this time making their way to Naptown, accompanied on the trip by their beloved dogs.

Both the gymnast and the football pro shared Instagram Stories images of themselves with their dogs during their travels. Biles posted an image of one of her French bulldogs perched in her lap during the flight, while Owens shared a snap of their Doberman lying across his foot in a local hotel.

It’s unclear what the couple have planned for their trip. Owens is not due to start training camp with the Colts until July 29, with the team’s first preseason game scheduled for Aug. 13, when they will face off against the New England Patriots.

However, Biles got straight down to business upon her arrival in the city, revealing on her Instagram Stories that she’d enjoyed an “early morning” glam session with a local makeup artist, while posing for photos to show off the look.

It may be that the couple will spend some time looking for a property in the area. Though they are primarily based in Texas, where they reside in a stunning lakefront mansion just outside of Houston, they will likely choose to rent a dwelling in Indianapolis for the NFL season, as they did in Chicago, when Owens was playing for the Chicago Bears.

Biles spent much of the season traveling between Illinois and Texas, where work on their custom manse was still being carried out. That project was finally completed in November.

The couple would not end up moving into their dwelling until February, however, when they packed up and left their Chicago property after the Bears’ season came to an end.

However, Biles and Owens haven’t had much time to soak up their new surroundings, having embarked on multiple trips thus far this year. They include their visit to the Big Apple for Swift and Kelce’s nuptials, which were held at Madison Square Garden on July 3.

While phones were banned inside the venue, three-time Olympian Biles shared several images of herself and Owens before they made their way to the event, showcasing their glamorous matching looks for the occasion. The gymnast donned a dramatic dark-red gown, complete with a tulle train, while her husband sported a coordinating tuxedo jacket and a bow tie.

“The perfect love story, followed by the perfect nighTT,” Biles wrote in her caption—using two T’s in reference to the newlywed couple.

However, their attendance at what was arguably the celebrity wedding of the year sparked some controversy, when a commenter questioned why the couple had been invited.

“When has Simone Biles and Taylor Swift even spoken to each other?” the commenter wrote.

The gymnast quickly hit back at the criticism, hinting that any relationship she shares with Swift is not one that she has openly shared.

“Remember this, I only show y’all what I want y’all to know,” Biles wrote.

Before making a dash to Manhattan for the Swift and Kelce wedding, Biles had enjoyed a trip to Malaysia with a friend, having also jetted off for a vacation in Belize with her husband.

The Olympian shared several snippets from her trip on her Instagram account, before revealing on June 25 that she had flown back to her home state, where she dove into a very relaxing evening with her spouse, beginning with an evening swim and followed by a long soak in her enormous bathtub.

Biles has shared several sneak peeks inside the property since she and Owens moved in earlier this year, including a look inside their luxurious bedroom, which she revealed was decorated to look like a five-star hotel.

Posting a video of her remote-control drapes opening up one morning, the Olympian noted that she had asked her interior designer, Diamond Hadley, to create the ambiance that one might find at a top-rated resort.

“When we designed this bedroom, I told them I wanted it to feel like a hotel and it feels exactly like that,” Biles captioned the quick clip, which showed the curtains opening up to the couple’s beautiful outdoor patio overlooking their pool.

As for the more personal touches in their dwelling, Biles has begun adding nods to her impressive career inside her private office, which she revealed is now home to several framed accolades, including her Sports Illustrated cover from January 2025, when she was named as the magazine’s Sportsperson of the Year 2024.

Above that sits another Sports Illustrated cover, this time featuring Biles posing alongside her fellow Olympians Michael Phelps and Katie Ledecky. They were hailed as “The Greatests: Stars of a Red Hot American Summer” after their stellar performances at the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro.

A poster from the Gold Over America Tour—a program that Biles began in September 2021, following that year’s Olympics in Tokyo—completes the trio of framed achievements.

However, the couple’s time in the dwelling has already been plagued by a very difficult chapter, when Biles revealed in early June that she had “almost died” after suffering from an unspecified medical issue while she was home alone. Her husband was staying in Indiana at the time, training with his new NFL team.

Biles opened up about the mysterious health scare in a post on her Instagram Stories, where she posted an image of her wrist with several hospital bands on it.

“Almost dying wasn’t on my bingo card earlier this week,” she wrote. “This was one of, if not the scariest experience of my life. Especially since Jonathan was in Indy for practices.”

The three-time Olympian went on to explain that she had been “in bed resting,” adding that she will “explain sooner or later” the events that led up to her apparent hospitalization, before paying tribute to her “close circle,” who have supported her through this difficult time.

“[Shout out] to my close circle who reached out, checked in, visited and/or sent flowers,” she wrote. “Love ya’ll.”

But the athlete was forced to send a message of a very different kind to her fans and followers just a few days later, after coming under harsh criticism over her decision to take a vacation so soon after she suffered such a significant health problem.

After the gymnast shared several images of herself enjoying her vacation, mocking comments began to appear from users.

“Lmfao weren’t you just on death’s door?” one of them wrote.

“Almost died but look at these traveling selfies,” another wrote, before adding multiple cry-laugh emojis.

In a statement posted in response to the second comment, Biles defended her trip—while expressing her dismay that people would be so quick to judge her when they know so little about what she has been through.

“Ugh these comments make me sad,” she began. “A little over two weeks ago, I experienced a serious medical emergency that could have ended very differently, and this trip has been part of allowing myself to heal and appreciate being here.

“I hope you understand that life changing experiences can shift your perspective and that you’re able to extend a little more grace to others moving forward. Have a nice day!”

Others were also quick to defend the sports star, with one person hitting back at Biles’ critics on her behalf.

“What’s funny about almost dying then taking time for yourself and your husband? Maybe find some compassion, or something else to do besides throw shade,” the person wrote.

“Imagine looking this good after a life threatening emergency,” another person commented.

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The Washington Commanders will anchor a new $24.2 billion development along the banks of the Anacostia River in Washington, DC.

City officials unveiled a master plan Tuesday for the redevelopment of the Robert F. Kennedy Campus in the city’s Hill East neighborhood. Under the new plan, the 180-acre former RFK Stadium and its surrounding parking lots would be redeveloped.

Last year, the Commanders announced a deal to return to the district, investing $2.7 billion into a new 65,000-seat stadium. They will complete it by 2030.

The master plan calls for 5,000 to 6,500 new housing units around the stadium. About 30% of them would be affordable housing. It would also have office, hotel, and retail space. The city would keep about a third of the land for parks and open spaces, plus 6,000 garage parking spaces.

City leaders said the project would create 30,000 construction jobs, 2,000 permanent jobs, and $5.1 billion in tax revenue for the district over the next 30 years. It follows years of public comments and input about what to do with the RFK stadium site.

“We are taking another step forward in our promise to district residents and businesses—to plan not just for a world-class stadium, but for a community-centric 365-day campus that will drive growth for years to come,” said Mayor Muriel Bowser.

The city is soliciting feedback on the plan through mid-August. It plans to approve the final master plan in September 2026.

The Washington Commanders played at the RFK Campus until they left for a new stadium in Landover, MD, in 2004. The city continued to use the venue for other teams but closed it in 2019. The property of the stadium site is owned by the federal government. Congress approved transferring it to the district for 99 years in 2024, allowing a stadium to proceed.

Economic boost

The district has worked for years to bring the Commanders back. They promise a new economic anchor at a time the city’s economy is at a crossroads. The office-focused economy of the district stagnated during the COVID-19 pandemic and it has not recovered. Many federal government agencies based in DC never returned to the office.

President Donald Trump‘s purge of federal employees further stagnated the local housing market. It also sent more workers to private companies in the Virginia and Maryland suburbs where housing is cheaper. Government shutdowns only added more hassle.

Trump has brought his own plans to remake DC including repainting the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, a 250-foot arch near Arlington Cemetery, and renaming the Kennedy Center as well as a new White House ballroom.

The district still has significantly more expensive housing than its suburbs, by and large. It has a median listing price of $589,721. The Realtor.com® state-by-state report card gave the city a D+ this year.

The district has tried to promote housing development since then. Presumptive mayor Janeese Lewis George supported the deal, but had concerns about its benefits for the community.

Under the deal inked in 2024, the district government will use a $175 million revenue bond, funded by stadium activity, to build parking. Events DC, the city’s convention authority, would contribute $181 million for parking garages that it will own. The city also put about $202 million into work for infrastructure.

The district argues it will be subsidizing the stadium far less than other cities have in recent deals. The DC deal means the stadium and parking development is 24% financed from public sources. Deals in Jacksonville, Buffalo, Nashville, and New Orleans required a far larger share of public funding.

Nashville is already known as one of the country’s premier hubs for music—but in 2030, it will take on a new, very high-profile role at the center of the NFL universe when it hosts Super Bowl LXIV.

NFL owners unanimously voted to name the Tennessee city as an upcoming venue for the annual event at the Spring League Meeting on May 19, confirming that Nashville will follow Las Vegas as the latest location in the Super Bowl lineup.

By then, local team the Tennessee Titans are expected to have a new $2.1 billion stadium up and running, providing the perfect spot for the game to be held.

And while the 2030 Super Bowl might seem like a ways off, experts are already issuing tips to local homeowners for how they might start preparing now to capitalize on the event, particularly when it comes to providing accommodations for incoming tourists.

The Super Bowl is typically attended by around 65,000 to 71,000 fans each year, according to data from Statista. Many of them travel from other locations to be on the sidelines at what is arguably the most anticipated sporting event of the year.

Earlier this year, more than 70,000 people descended on the host city of Santa Clara, CA, to watch the matchup between the Seattle Seahawks and the New England Patriots. In doing so, they helped to drive a huge surge in the number of short-term rental bookings in and around the venue, with demand reaching neighboring areas like San Francisco and Oakland, according to AirDNA, a company that analyzes data from Vrbo and Airbnb.

New Orleans—which hosted the Super Bowl in 2025—also saw a significant uptick in short-term rental demand, with the analytics company reporting that 97.2% of the city’s 6,280 available short-term rentals were booked during the weekend of the game.

Bram Gallagher, director of economics and forecasting for AirDNA, predicts that a similar trend will hit Nashville, albeit not until much closer to the game. He notes that homeowners who are eager to rent out their properties for the Super Bowl in 2030 shouldn’t rush to list their dwellings, explaining that, based on previous years, demand will likely peak after the teams competing in that year’s competition are revealed.

“There are some people that are going to go to the Super Bowl because it’s the biggest game,” he explains to Realtor.com. “But most fans do like to wait to see who’s actually going to play. If we look at summer 2029 on, there’s going to be some increased interest in those dates.”

But that doesn’t mean that homeowners shouldn’t start preparing for a potential short-term rental rush sooner, rather than later, with Gallagher noting that there are several steps locals can take to ensure that their property stands out from the crowd when demand starts to surge.

He explains that competition is already intense in Nashville, where there are currently 12,000 short-term rentals being offered in addition to the 60,000 hotel rooms available in and around the city. Therefore, he says, focus will likely fall on those properties that offer something particularly special to guests, including pools, hot tubs, and other unique amenities.

“In Nashville, we’ve got a lot of hot tubs and pools,” he said. “Depending on the time of year, those can be very attractive, as well as a place to grill outside. All of these things are huge draws for a short-term rental owner.

“And that’s really what you want, because we’ve got about 12,000 available listings in our greater Nashville market, which is a lot. So you want to distinguish yourself from those.

“There are also 60,000 hotel rooms in the greater Nashville area, and you definitely want to differentiate yourself from those because, if you’re a short-term rental operator, you don’t want to compete directly with the hotels. They are very good at what they do and they can do it all day long.

“But what they don’t have is that special unique charm and those unique amenities that are so valuable for these games.”

While adding a pool or a hot tub to a property might be out of budget for many Nashville homeowners who don’t already have one, Gallagher’s message is clear to anyone who is looking to rent out their dwelling during the Super Bowl: Highlight the most interesting aspects of the home that will help it to stand out in the crowd.

And, when it comes to the Super Bowl and other large sporting events, Gallagher explains that there is one other key feature that can help a home more than at any other time: proximity to the venue.

In the case of the 2030 Super Bowl, it will be held at the newly built Nissan Stadium, which is under construction on a parcel directly alongside the Titans’ current arena, on the East Bank of the Cumberland River.

Located about a 15-minute walk from Downtown Nashville, the stadium sits adjacent to the Edgefield Historic District, where there are currently a handful of short-term rentals on the market.

“Keep in mind the convenience factor,” Gallagher urged. “How close are you to the venue? Those sorts of things. Are you really in the competition? Because we’ve got a lot of listings in Nashville.”

As for when to start readying your home for a short-term rental listing, AirDNA recommends beginning that process “at least six months out,” advising homeowners to begin by researching any local regulations and restrictions around leasing homes, securing appropriate insurance, and figuring out pricing for your listing.

“Early-bird bookings begin coming in during that window, and the biggest surge in activity arrives in the final week or two before kickoff, once the competing teams are confirmed and fans firm up their travel plans,” the website’s guidance states.

Gallagher adds that while pricing does tend to fluctuate around major sporting events, it is valuable for homeowners to look at what properties in their area are being rented for—particularly during the high season—to get a good idea of what a reasonable price might be.

Because Nashville has such a large inventory of available hotels, it may be that short-term rental prices do not spike quite as much as they did in places like New Orleans.

“In Las Vegas, with its huge hotel inventory, Saturday-night short-term rental rates [before the Super Bowl] came in just $13 higher than the following weekend, meaning the Super Bowl barely moved the needle on pricing,” Gallagher revealed.

“New Orleans, compact and hotel-light, was the opposite story: Saturday-night rates were $248 above the following weekend, with 97.2% of the city’s 6,280 short-term rentals booked and average daily rates jumping 52.8% year over year to $611.66.

“Phoenix is a useful cautionary note in the other direction: Ahead of Super Bowl LVII in 2023, available listings surged 34.6%, and even though demand rose 35.8%, occupancy actually fell 15.6% year over year. The hosts who tend to win are the ones who list early and stay flexible on pricing as game weekend approaches.”

And those suggestions aren’t just limited to Nashville; AirDNA’s data suggests that the city’s suburbs—like Franklin and Brentwood—will also likely see an uptick in interest, particularly from those who are seeking larger properties for big groups.

The website points to the impact of the 2026 Super Bowl on Santa Clara’s short-term rental market as proof of this, noting: “Santa Clara’s market saw a shift in the lead-up to Super Bowl LX. Booked pacing for the Saturday before the game came in 68.2% higher year over year at the same point in the booking cycle, and demand across the broader San Jose and Palo Alto market was running 71% to 72% above the prior year.

“Importantly, the effect wasn’t confined to Santa Clara itself: San Francisco and Oakland also picked up 35% to 43% gains, showing demand rippling beyond the host stadium. For Nashville, this suggests the entire Middle Tennessee region (Franklin, Brentwood, etc) could see a meaningful lift as 2030 approaches.”

It’s not just rentals that could benefit from the Super Bowl’s arrival in music city; Realtor.com® senior economist Hannah Jones notes that property owners who are considering selling their homes could also take advantage of the heightened interest in the city.

“Nashville homeowners have a few ways to capitalize on Super Bowl week,” she said. “Short-term rental platforms typically see a surge in bookings and nightly rates around major events, and owners in well-located neighborhoods often command a significant premium during that window.

“Beyond the rental opportunity, some sellers time their listing to coincide with the elevated attention the city receives, betting that the influx of visitors and the wave of national coverage will put Nashville in front of buyers who might not have considered it otherwise.

“Open houses during a high-traffic week can draw more foot traffic than usual, and a well-presented home benefits from the city simply being in the news.”

College football superstar Fernando Mendoza shared an emotional celebration with his mother and father at the family’s Miami home on Thursday night—when he was named as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Heisman Trophy winner Mendoza, 22, was selected first by the Las Vegas Raiders, a moment that he chose to mark at home in Florida, so that he could be with his father and mother, who has MS and was unable to travel to the official NFL Draft event in Pittsburgh.

Video and images from the Mendozas’ at-home celebration showed the Indiana Hoosiers alum embracing his parents on the couch inside the living room of their Coral Gables dwelling, where the football prodigy lived for much of his childhood.

According to ESPN, Mendoza had invited “about 80 friend and family” to join him at his family’s home, where video reveals he threw quite the elaborate celebration—complete with waiters who were on hand to ensure the party went off without a hitch.

Speaking to the outlet, the quarterback voiced his excitement at signing on to what he described as a “great organization,” where he will play alongside the likes of fellow quarterback Kirk Cousins and defensive star Maxx Crosby.

“What a great organization, great legacy,” Mendoza said. “There’s so many teammates I’m looking forward to talking to—coaches, owners. I’m ecstatic for the opportunity.”

He went on to praise the Raiders coaches, including new head coach Klint Kubiak, noting that their ethos perfectly fits his “play style.”

“Whatever team was going to select me would be a good fit, but deep down, in my heart I knew the Raiders are most likely going to be the best fit because of the coaching staff. I think it really fits my play style great.”

According to Fox News, Mendoza and his family celebrated the draft with some traditional Cuban food in a nod to his parents home nation—including a roast pig, or lechon asado, which was served to the lucky guests at the party.

The outlet also notes that the area around the family’s property was roped off in order to keep out any party crashers hoping for a glimpse at one of the NFL’s biggest up-and-comers.

Mendoza’s recruitment by the Raiders marked a milestone moment for his entire family, particularly his father, Fernando Sr., and his mother, Elsa, who has previously opened up about her fears at how her MS diagnosis might impact her children—both on and off the field.

In an emotional open letter to her son, which was published by The Player’s Tribune in 2025, Elsa opened up about the moment that she sat Fernando and his brother, Alberto, down to share the news of her diagnosis, writing: “I was diagnosed about 18 years ago, but of course you never knew that. You and Alberto were so young, and I was doing fine….. and mostly I didn’t want you to worry.

“t just felt like this impossible thing to place on you guys. On my sweet boys. And then I kept doing fine until about 10 years ago, when we went skiing and I broke my ankle and knee. But even after that, I wasn’t quite ready to tell you—only that my leg hadn’t healed all the way, which is why your mom had her limp.

“It wasn’t until five years ago, when I got COVID, that things started to go downhill in a way where there was no more hiding it. It was during football season, and I realized I wasn’t going to be able to travel.

“And the thought of you wondering if I supported you any less, because suddenly I wasn’t at your games? I hated that. So that’s when I knew we had to sit you and your brother down.

“No amount of years could have prepared me for how hard of a conversation it ended up being. ‘Your mom has this degenerative disease … and while we don’t know how it will progress, it’s going to start to affect us in a few ways. But it won’t affect us in the ways that matter. We’ll have each other, and love each other, and be there for each other. I promise.'”

Mendoza is known to have an incredibly close relationship with his parents, both of whom are the children of Cuban immigrants.

The football pro’s father is said to have helped cultivate his son’s love of football, having himself played the sport as a high schooler, before joining the rowing team at Brown University.

Today, Fernando Sr. and his wife still live in the same Coral Gables property where they raised both of their sons, having purchased the elegant abode in 2005 for just $435,000—although Realtor.com® estimates that it is now worth more than $2.5 million.

The property is located on a leafy street in Coral Gables, just a few minutes from the tony Coconut Grove neighborhood.

However, Mendoza will now leave Florida—and the East Coast—behind him in order to join the Raiders, a team that has, much like its new star quarterback, moved around plenty over the years.

The team was originally based in Oakland, CA, but moved to Los Angeles in the early 1980s, where they remained for just a few years, before heading back to their home base. They officially relocated to Las Vegas in 2020.

While the details of Mendoza’s contract have not yet been revealed—it’s likely that he will be earning more than enough to snap up a luxurious dwelling near the Raiders stadium, although many of his teammates choose to reside in more suburban areas, like Henderson, NV, or Summerlin, NV.

His new teammate, Cousins, will also be househunting in the area, having signed his own deal with the team in March, just a few weeks after he put his Georgia mansion on the market for $2.99 million.

Drafting Your Future: What the NFL Combine Teaches Us About California Estate Planning

California Legal Implications: Preparation and Evaluation

As reported by ESPN, the 2026 NFL Combine is currently underway in Indianapolis, where over 300 prospects are undergoing rigorous medical evaluations, interviews, and physical testing. Teams are scrutinizing every metric—from 40-yard dash times to medical histories—to determine who is best suited for their roster., the 2026 NFL Combine is currently underway in Indianapolis, where over 300 prospects are undergoing rigorous medical evaluations, interviews, and physical testing. Teams are scrutinizing every metric—from 40-yard dash times to medical histories—to determine who is best suited for their roster.

While few Californians will ever face the scrutiny of an NFL scout, the principles of the Combine—preparation, medical evaluation, and strategic selection—are directly applicable to estate planning. Just as athletes prepare to secure their professional futures, families must prepare legal frameworks to secure their assets and healthcare wishes.

Medical Evaluations and Advance Directives

One of the most critical aspects of the NFL Combine mentioned in the report is the medical evaluation. Teams need to know if a player is healthy enough to perform. In estate planning, addressing medical scenarios is equally vital. A comprehensive Advance Health Care Directive allows you to appoint an agent to make medical decisions on your behalf should you become incapacitated. allows you to appoint an agent to make medical decisions on your behalf should you become incapacitated.

Without this document, if you suffer a medical emergency (similar to a career-altering injury in sports), your family may be forced to seek a Conservatorship through the court system to make decisions for you. This process is public, expensive, and time-consuming. through the court system to make decisions for you. This process is public, expensive, and time-consuming.

Measurements and Asset Inventory

Scouts at the Combine measure height, weight, and arm length to understand exactly what physical assets a player brings to the team. similarly, an effective estate plan begins with a clear understanding of your financial “stats.” This involves creating a comprehensive inventory of your assets, including:

– Real estate holdings
– Bank and investment accounts
– Business interests
– Digital assets

For a Revocable Living Trust to function correctly, it must be properly funded. This means changing the title of these assets from your individual name to the name of your Trust. Just as a scout needs accurate data to draft a player, your attorney needs accurate asset data to draft a plan that avoids California Probate..

Selecting Your Team: Fiduciaries

NFL teams interview players to test their character and intelligence, looking for leadership qualities. When creating an estate plan, you are effectively acting as the General Manager of your own legacy. You must draft the right people for specific positions:

– Successor Trustee: The person who manages your Trust assets when you pass away or become incapacitated.
– Executor: The person nominated in your Will to wrap up your affairs.
– Power of Attorney Agent: The person authorized to handle financial decisions if you cannot.: The person authorized to handle financial decisions if you cannot.

Selecting these fiduciaries requires the same scrutiny used in the Combine. You need individuals who are organized, trustworthy, and capable of handling complex responsibilities.

The “Draft” Strategy: Will vs. Trust

In the NFL, teams have a strategy for every round of the draft. In California, your strategy depends on your goals. For many homeowners and families, a Living Trust is the first-round pick because it allows assets to pass to beneficiaries without court intervention. A simple Will, while necessary, often acts as a backup plan (a “Pour-Over Will”) to ensure any forgotten assets are transferred into the Trust after death., while necessary, often acts as a backup plan (a “Pour-Over Will”) to ensure any forgotten assets are transferred into the Trust after death.

About This Case

Source: 2026 NFL combine: Top draft prospects, workout predictions

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Legal Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only. Consult with a qualified California estate planning attorney for advice specific to your situation.

The sudden passing of former Washington offensive lineman Tre’ Johnson at age 54 serves as a sobering reminder for California families: no one is guaranteed tomorrow, and protecting your loved ones requires planning today.

Who Was Tre’ Johnson?

Tre’ Johnson was a respected NFL offensive lineman who spent most of his nine-season career with Washington. Drafted 31st overall in 1994 after starring at Temple University, the 6-foot-2, 328-pound guard earned Pro Bowl honors in 1999. After retiring from professional football in 2002, Johnson dedicated himself to education, becoming a beloved history teacher at the Landon School in Bethesda, Maryland.

On Sunday, Johnson died unexpectedly during a family trip, leaving behind his wife Irene and four children: Chloe, EJ, EZ, and Eden.His wife shared the devastating news on Facebook, describing the family as “devastated and in shock.”

Source: ESPN – Tre’ Johnson, former Washington O-lineman, dies at 54

What This Tragedy Teaches California Families About Estate Planning

For California residents managing assets and protecting their families, Johnson’s sudden death highlights critical questions many people avoid until it’s too late:

Who will manage your affairs if you become incapacitated? Johnson had recently taken a leave of absence due to health issues— a situation that often requires medical and financial power of attorney documents.

How will your family access resources immediately after your death? Without proper estate planning, California probate can take 12-18 months and cost 3-7% of your estate value.

Are your minor children protected? Johnson left behind four children— without a trust or will designating guardianship and asset management, families face uncertainty during an already traumatic time.

Will your family face unnecessary legal battles? Even well-intentioned families can end up in probate court disputes without clear, legally binding documentation.

How Can California Families Protect Their Legacy Like Tre’ Johnson Would Have Wanted?

If you’re a California resident concerned about protecting your family from the complexity and expense of probate court, or if you’re currently navigating the loss of a loved one who died without proper planning, here’s what you need to know:

1. Revocable Living Trusts Avoid Probate Entirely

Unlike a simple will, a properly funded revocable living trust allows your assets to transfer to your beneficiaries immediately upon your death — without court involvement, public disclosure, or the 12-18 month probate timeline. For families with minor children, this means:

Immediate access to funds for childcare, education, and living expenses

Professional management of assets until children reach adulthood

Protection from creditors and predatory family members

2. Healthcare Directives Protect You During Incapacity

Johnson’s recent health struggles that led to his leave of absenceunderscore the importance of advance healthcare directives. These documents ensure:

Your medical wishes are honored if you cannot communicate

Your family avoids agonizing decisions without guidance

You avoid costly and emotionally draining conservatorship proceedings

3. Financial Powers of Attorney Prevent Court Intervention

If Johnson had become permanently incapacitated before his death, his family would have needed immediate access to his accounts to pay bills, manage property, and care for the children. Without a durable power of attorney, families must petition the court for conservatorship — a public, expensive process that can take months.

Why California Families Choose California Probate and Trust, PC

At California Probate and Trust, PC, we’ve helped thousands of California residents create comprehensive estate plans that protect both the legal structure and financial management of their legacies. Our certified estate planning specialists understand that you’re not just planning for death — you’re protecting your family from unnecessary stress, expense, and conflict during life’s most difficult moments.

We offer:

Free 1-hour consultations to assess your family dynamics and asset protection needs

Transparent, fixed-fee packages — no hidden costs or hourly billing surprises

Same-day trust funding assistance to ensure your plan actually works when needed

Offices in Fair Oaks, Sacramento, and San Francisco serving California residents statewide

Take Action Today to Protect Your Family Tomorrow

Tre’ Johnson’s unexpected passing reminds us that planning isn’t about age or health status — it’s about protecting the people you love from preventable hardship.

If you’re a California resident who values transparency and family protection, don’t wait until it’s too late. Schedule your free consultation with California Probate and Trust, PC today.

👉 Visit CPT.law or call (866)-674-1130 to schedule your FREE estate planning consultation.

Legal Disclaimer

This article is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every family’s situation is unique, and estate planning strategies should be tailored to your specific circumstances. The information presented here is based on California law as of February 2026 and may be subject to change. For personalized guidance on estate planning, probate, or trust administration, please consult with a licensed California estate planning attorney. California Probate and Trust, PC is available to discuss your specific needs during a free, no-obligation consultation.