The NFL announced a partnership with rapper Jay-Z this week and Carolina's Eric Reid responded to the development on Wednesday, which led to quite a bit of discussion Thursday. Plenty of those centered around Reid's friend Colin Kaepernick.
While Kaepernick is looking for a job in the NFL, Broncos defensive end Bradley Chubb is looking to build on a successful rookie season.
And then there's the developing quarterback battle in Tennessee.
Those stories and more in Thursday's edition of NFL News and Notes.
Three things that matter
Eric Reid's response to Jay-Z's partnership with the NFL
Panthers defensive back Eric Reid is continuing to speak his mind.
Although Jay-Z has been a vocal supporter of Kaepernick's national anthem protests, the rapper agreed to partner with the NFL and assist it with its musical and entertainment endeavors moving forward and hopes to improve its social justice initiatives along the way.
Reid fired back after the announcement of the deal via Twitter late Wednesday, claiming the agreement was "burying" Kaepernick's career, as the former 49ers quarterback hasn't been on an NFL team since 2016 and is still working to find a job this season.
These aren’t mutually exclusive. They can both happen at the same time! It looks like your goal was to make millions and millions of dollars by assisting the NFL in burying Colin’s career. https://t.co/LFBZpbj2tw
— Eric Reid (@E_Reid35) August 15, 2019
Given the day-to-day interactions between entertainment and the NFL, Reid will likely become vocal more throughout the 2019 season. It'll be something to keep an eye on for sure.
Bradley Chubb's plans for Year 2
Denver's under-the-radar defensive end has big plans for 2019.
The NC State product set a franchise rookie record last year by recording 12 sacks and says he hasn't played to the best of his abilities just yet.
Chubb doesn't care about being a household name, but told NFL Network he's ready to unveil some fun "antics" in Year 2. Perhaps something similar to when he stole Clemson quarterback Kelly Bryant's towel twice in college.
"Now I'm more comfortable," Chubb said. "I'm going to do those little antics. I feel like I'm going to start doing some of the stuff I did, like talking to guys before the play is snapped and stuff like that. A few different things. But just because I'm more comfortable now, I can really open up and be more who I am."
Chubb's improvement and personality could put him in the national spotlight, and another defensive stud next to Von Miller would make for some great entertainment.
The Titans' QB battle
It's become evident that Marcus Mariota isn't a shoo-in to start for Tennessee, as reserve signal-caller Ryan Tannehill is making his case for the top spot.
Mariota is convinced he doesn't need to compete with Tannehill to win the job though.
"When it comes down to it, I am just competing against myself," Mariota said Thursday. "I just try to be the best version that I can be, day in and day out."
The 25-year-old might be facing some pressure to perform against the Patriots in Saturday's preseason matchup.
Two things that don't matter
Antonio Brown's feud with a chef
Raiders wide receiver Antonio Brown is being sued for $38,000 by "Sports Chef" Stefano Tedeschi.
The chef claims he and his staff were hired to make meals for nearly 50 of Brown's Pro Bowl teammates in January but received no payment and was barred from retrieving his equipment and food from an Orlando mansion Brown had rented.
This is a little bizarre, but we've come to expect things like this from Brown so it's not that surprising.
Brown's frostbitten feet and helmet conundrum are certainly more pressing for Oakland than his spat with a chef.
Landry Jones became the XFL's first player
The XFL announced Thursday it has signed Jones as its first player and quarterback.
Jones will be one of the league's eight "leading quarterbacks" that will be signed in the coming months.
The 30-year-old spent five seasons with the Steelers and hasn't seen NFL action since 2017, so you probably shouldn't expect him to make to much noise.
One video you have to see
Let's just say Frank Caliendo's Jon Gruden impression is a must see.
So, in front of the @Raiders , I thought I was cool & could sing “Lean on Me” better than @renfrowhunter on #hardknocks . I was #BRUTAL & #totallydiscombobulated
— Frank Caliendo (@FrankCaliendo) August 15, 2019
Maybe some footage will show up somewhere.😉
Then Jon Gruden and I made this silly video. #chucky
@derekcarrqb @nfl pic.twitter.com/tHEEPZKzGm
Thursday tweet of the day
Odell Beckham Jr.'s new shoes aren't your average pair of Chuck Taylors.
$20k custom Chuck Taylors for @OBJ 😳
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) August 15, 2019
Street artist @kaiaspire hooked Odell up 👟 @brgridiron
(via @brkicks ) pic.twitter.com/Gue89s54Yb