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Mitch Brown’s brave step makes history in AFL as Adam Simpson admits “there’s always improvement” in locker-room culture

After Mitch Brown revealed he is the first openly bisexual AFL player, his former coach Adam Simpson reflected on the “hyper-masculine” culture at West Coast Eagles, admitting past shortcomings while praising Brown’s courage.

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Mitch Brown AFL milestone prompts Adam Simpson to reflect on locker-room culture
Adam Simpson reflects on West Coast Eagles’ culture after Mitch Brown became AFL’s first openly bisexual player.

The AFL witnessed a groundbreaking moment this week when former West Coast Eagles defender Mitch Brown publicly came out as bisexual, becoming the league’s first player to do so. His announcement sparked a wave of reflection across the sport, especially from his former coach Adam Simpson, who admitted it forced him to look back at the locker-room environment during his tenure.

Speaking on SEN Radio, Simpson described Brown’s announcement as “brave” and acknowledged that the Eagles’ culture at the time was far from perfect. Brown himself described the club environment as “hyper-masculine,” a reality that made it difficult for him and, perhaps, others to truly be themselves.

“You start to reflect — and we all should do this — what was my leadership platform back then, and how were we as a club with a player who was obviously going through certain things that were uncomfortable?” Simpson said. “That probably just shows you that you think you’re going OK, but there’s always improvement.”

Mitch Brown AFL milestone prompts Adam Simpson to reflect on locker-room culture

The brave voice of Mitch Brown

Brown, who played for West Coast until 2016, revealed that the highly masculine culture of AFL locker rooms had weighed heavily on him. His coming out is not just personal but also symbolic — a push for greater inclusivity in one of Australia’s most popular sports.

In AFL history, discussions of sexuality have been rare, with many players staying silent about their personal lives. Brown’s decision changes that, and experts believe it could pave the way for others.

Erik Denison, a behavioural scientist at Monash University, has studied homophobia in sports for over a decade. He called Brown’s comments “a landmark” because they openly connected a homophobic sporting environment with a player’s retirement. “We haven’t heard that kind of direct criticism before from other players who have come out,” Denison said. “So this is an important turning point.”

Adam Simpson’s reflection

For Simpson, who began coaching the Eagles in 2014, Brown’s honesty prompted him to reconsider his leadership at the time. He revealed that the club had attempted to change its culture around the mid-2010s by introducing the “accept and care” model, aimed at creating a more supportive environment.

“It’s generational as much as it’s education,” Simpson explained. “We’ll look back in another decade and say, ‘We were old-school in 2025.’ That’s the nature of evolving as people and as clubs.”

Mitch Brown AFL milestone prompts Adam Simpson to reflect on locker-room culture

Simpson also linked Brown’s courage to the story of his former North Melbourne Kangaroos teammate Dani Laidley, a transgender woman who has spoken publicly about her struggles after being outed in 2020. “How brave — it’s fantastic … the ability to express yourself, a lot like Dani Laidley as well over the years,” Simpson said.

Other voices in AFL

Former Carlton Football Club and Brisbane Lions star Brendan Fevola also weighed in, saying AFL locker rooms were “very masculine” environments during his career between 1999 and 2010.

“I probably would have played with some players that were gay — and I don’t know because no one else has ever come out — but I’d have no problem with it,” Fevola said on The Fox’s Fifi, Fev & Nick show. “I think Mitch has started something that will encourage other people. He should be able to express himself. Hopefully, this encourages other players to say, ‘Well, if Mitch can do it, so can I.’”

For Fevola, the announcement shed light on what many players may have silently endured. “Imagine playing with that on your head and shoulders,” he added, pointing to the mental toll of hiding one’s identity in such an environment.

Why this matters

Sport has long been a reflection of broader society, and Brown’s declaration underscores how much progress is still needed. The AFL has made strides in addressing inclusivity, but cultural change is slow. Simpson’s honest admission — that even strong leaders might have missed the mark in creating safe spaces — shows that professional sport is beginning to recognize its responsibility.

Mitch Brown AFL milestone prompts Adam Simpson to reflect on locker-room culture

Brown’s step is likely to resonate not only with players but with fans who look up to AFL stars. For younger athletes questioning their own identity, his courage provides visibility and hope.

Denison believes the ripple effect could be significant: “What Brown has done is shine a light on the areas AFL needs to address. It’s not just about celebrating bravery; it’s about confronting the reasons players didn’t feel safe before.”

As more athletes share their truths, the “hyper-masculine” walls of professional locker rooms may continue to come down. And if the words of Simpson and Fevola are anything to go by, the AFL community appears ready to embrace change.

Brown’s journey may mark just the beginning of a new chapter in the AFL — one where players are truly free to be themselves, without fear of judgment or exclusion.

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Is Hailee Steinfeld at the Bills vs Patriots game tonight? Fans wonder after Josh Allen’s wife skips stadium appearance

After joining Buffalo Bills practice last week, Hailee Steinfeld — wife of quarterback Josh Allen — has not been spotted at the Bills vs Patriots Sunday Night Football game, sparking fan curiosity.

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Hailee Steinfeld not spotted at Bills vs Patriots game after joining Josh Allen at practice
Hailee Steinfeld, wife of Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, attended team practice last week but has not been spotted at the Bills vs Patriots Sunday Night Football game.

Fans tuning into the Buffalo Bills vs New England Patriots game on Sunday night were left wondering — where is Hailee Steinfeld?

The singer and actress, who married Bills quarterback Josh Allen earlier this year, has not been seen at the stadium or on any official broadcast cameras during Week 5’s primetime matchup. Despite being one of the NFL’s most popular celebrity spouses, Steinfeld was noticeably absent from the game.

Hailee Steinfeld’s “rare” Bills visit sparked speculation

Just days before the Bills-Patriots clash, Steinfeld attended the team’s practice session in Buffalo, where she spent time with players, posed for photos, and cheered on her husband. Her appearance created a buzz online, as she has largely kept a low profile this season.

Hailee Steinfeld not spotted at Bills vs Patriots game after joining Josh Allen at practice


During her visit, Steinfeld was photographed alongside Andre Reed, the Bills’ Hall of Fame wide receiver, and her father Pete Steinfeld, who appeared in the background of a family photo. The snapshot quickly went viral among Bills fans, leading many to assume she would attend the big Sunday Night Football game.

However, as of Sunday evening, no sightings of the “Love Myself” singer have been reported from the stadium, and she has not posted anything on her social media about being at the game.

Staying away from the spotlight

According to sources close to the actress, Steinfeld has been taking a quieter approach to public appearances this NFL season. While she was often seen at Bills games last year, she’s attended far fewer this time around. Her last confirmed appearance was during Week 1, when she was spotted sitting discreetly with family members in a private section of the stands.

Her recent visit to Bills practice was considered a “rare” public sighting, reigniting speculation about her involvement in the team’s social circle.

ALSO READ : Eric Collins steals the show with electrifying Dolphins-Panthers call — fans say “he’s the new voice of the NFL”

Fans on X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram have been asking whether she’d make an appearance at Highmark Stadium this weekend. One fan wrote,

“Hailee was at practice last week, so I was sure she’d be in the stands tonight!”

Another joked,

“Josh Allen plays better when Hailee’s watching. Someone get her to the game!”

Supporting Josh Allen behind the scenes

Although she hasn’t been attending games regularly, Steinfeld continues to support her husband behind the scenes. In a recent interview, she opened up about how her schedule allows her to spend more time in Buffalo during the NFL season.

Hailee Steinfeld not spotted at Bills vs Patriots game after joining Josh Allen at practice

“What we do is so unpredictable, and his job is on such a strict schedule,” Steinfeld said. “This time of year, I get to hunker down, slow down, support him, and live life. When the offseason rolls around, it’s go-time for me.”

The “Sinners” star also revealed that the fall and winter months are her “off-season” for film and music projects, allowing her to focus more on her personal life and marriage.

The NFL’s newest power couple

Hailee Steinfeld and Josh Allen have quickly become one of the league’s most talked-about couples. Their relationship — which started quietly before going public in 2023 — has captured the attention of both NFL fans and Hollywood watchers.

The pair tied the knot earlier this year in a private ceremony reportedly attended by close friends, teammates, and Steinfeld’s industry peers. Since then, the actress has been balancing her Hollywood commitments with her new role as one of the NFL’s most recognizable celebrity partners.

Hailee Steinfeld not spotted at Bills vs Patriots game after joining Josh Allen at practice

Despite missing tonight’s game, Steinfeld’s influence among Bills fans is undeniable. Her occasional public appearances — whether at team practice or at red carpet events with Allen — continue to spark media buzz.

Fans still hopeful for future appearances

While Steinfeld may have skipped this matchup against the Patriots, her supporters are optimistic she’ll be back in the stands soon, especially as the Bills enter a crucial stretch of the season.

“Hailee’s probably cheering from home in Buffalo,” one fan wrote online. “But we know she’s still Allen’s No. 1 fan.”

Whether she’s in the crowd or cheering from the sidelines, one thing is certain — Hailee Steinfeld and Josh Allen have become the NFL’s most glamorous duo, effortlessly merging Hollywood sparkle with Buffalo grit.

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Eric Collins’ wild Dolphins-Panthers commentary steals NFL Week 5 spotlight — fans say “he just made football fun again!”

In his Fox Sports debut, broadcaster Eric Collins turned a tense Carolina Panthers vs. Miami Dolphins matchup into one of the most electrifying calls of the 2025 NFL season, drawing comparisons to legendary voices like Gus Johnson.

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Broadcaster Eric Collins delivers an unforgettable play-by-play performance during the Panthers vs. Dolphins clash, earning praise as one of the most exciting new voices in the NFL.
Broadcaster Eric Collins delivers an unforgettable play-by-play performance during the Panthers vs. Dolphins clash, earning praise as one of the most exciting new voices in the NFL.

Eric Collins’ voice dominates NFL Week 5

There were plenty of thrilling moments on the field during NFL Week 5, but it was Eric Collins who stole the show from the broadcast booth.

In his high-energy debut for Fox Sports, Collins called the Carolina Panthers’ stunning 27–24 comeback win over the Miami Dolphins alongside analyst Mark Schlereth — and by the end of the night, fans couldn’t stop talking about him.

A debut filled with adrenaline and authenticity

The game started quietly enough, with the Dolphins jumping out to a 17–0 lead. But as Panthers quarterback Bryce Young began to mount a comeback, Collins’ voice elevated every play into must-hear theater.

ALSO READ : “From Northeastern freshman to Yankees hero… Cam Schlittler stuns Red Sox with historic playoff gem”

His first big moment came when Young connected with rookie wide receiver Xavier Legette for a touchdown in the second quarter. Collins erupted with joy and disbelief, his signature mix of enthusiasm and raw energy making even neutral fans grin.

“Legette’s got it — TOUCHDOWN, CAROLINA! They’re not going anywhere yet!” he shouted, his tone vibrating with excitement.

From there, Collins’ calls only got more animated. Every big run, every tackle, and every fourth-quarter twist felt magnified through his passionate narration.

“Inspired by Gus Johnson” — and fans loved every second

When Tua Tagovailoa threw a clutch touchdown to Jaylen Waddle with just under five minutes left, Collins’ voice reached new heights. The energy felt like a tribute to the legendary Gus Johnson, whose signature excitement has long defined sports broadcasting.

But it was the final play — Bryce Young’s game-winning strike to Mitchell Evans with 1:59 remaining — that immortalized Collins’ debut.

“EVANS! HE GOT IT! MITCHELL EVANS! ARE YOU KIDDING ME? THE PANTHERS TAKE THE LEAD!”

Broadcaster Eric Collins delivers an unforgettable play-by-play performance during the Panthers vs. Dolphins clash, earning praise as one of the most exciting new voices in the NFL.


That spontaneous, heartfelt scream instantly went viral on social media. Within minutes, fans flooded X (formerly Twitter) with praise.

“Eric Collins just turned a regular Week 5 game into a Super Bowl,” one fan posted.
“This man feels football. Every league needs an Eric Collins,” wrote another.

From NBA hype man to NFL sensation

For years, Eric Collins has been one of the most exciting voices in sports, best known for his work with the Charlotte Hornets. His infectious calls during LaMelo Ball’s breakout games and Miles Bridges’ dunks became viral staples in the NBA world.

But this time, Collins brought that same intensity to the gridiron — and proved that emotion has no sport-specific limits.

Even sports journalists couldn’t resist praising him.
Scott Van Pelt of ESPN wrote:

“Eric Collins just gave us the broadcast moment of the season. That’s how you make people love the game.”

Mark Schlereth: The perfect co-pilot

Alongside Collins, Mark Schlereth, a Super Bowl champion and veteran broadcaster, added calm, analytical contrast. While Collins was the emotional core of the call, Schlereth’s football insight grounded the energy.

At one point, as Collins lost his voice cheering a fourth-quarter run by Rico Dowdle, Schlereth could be heard laughing:

“You might need a throat lozenge after that one, my man.”

The natural chemistry between the two announcers gave the broadcast a playful, authentic rhythm that fans compared to classic duos like Pat Summerall and John Madden.

Why fans can’t stop talking about him

Collins’ authenticity was the secret ingredient. In an era when many commentators aim for measured professionalism, Collins reminded fans what sports are all about — emotion, surprise, and joy.

He doesn’t just describe the play; he feels it. His voice cracked, his volume soared, and his passion was real. Every fan watching could tell he wasn’t performing — he was living the game.

On Reddit, one NFL thread titled “Eric Collins just made football fun again” reached tens of thousands of upvotes overnight.

Even neutral fans — with no attachment to Carolina or Miami — stayed glued to the screen just to hear his next outburst.

Fox may have found its next superstar

As the dust settled, Fox executives reportedly took note of the buzz. Viewership for the Dolphins-Panthers broadcast spiked during the fourth quarter, coinciding with Collins’ most viral calls.

Sports insiders are already predicting that Collins will become one of the network’s featured voices for high-stakes NFL games going forward.

If his debut is any indication, the league — and its fans — are in for a treat.

“He doesn’t just call the game,” one viewer wrote, “he reminds us why we love it.”

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Eric Collins steals the show with electrifying Dolphins-Panthers call — fans say “he’s the new voice of the NFL”

The Fox Sports announcer brought raw emotion and unforgettable energy to the Panthers’ 27–24 win over the Dolphins.

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Eric Collins delivers a passionate play-by-play during the Carolina Panthers’ thrilling 27–24 win over the Miami Dolphins, earning widespread praise across the NFL community.
The Fox Sports announcer brought raw emotion and unforgettable energy to the Panthers’ 27–24 win over the Dolphins.

If there was an MVP among announcers in NFL Week 5, it wasn’t a quarterback, a coach, or a star receiver — it was Eric Collins.

In his first major NFL assignment of the 2025 season for Fox Sports, Collins delivered a performance so electrifying that fans compared his passion to the legendary Gus Johnson.

Paired with former NFL lineman and color commentator Mark Schlereth, Collins called the Carolina Panthers’ stunning 27–24 comeback victory over the Miami Dolphins like it was a Super Bowl — and the internet absolutely loved it.

ALSO READ : “From Northeastern freshman to Yankees hero… Cam Schlittler stuns Red Sox with historic playoff gem”

A game that felt ordinary — until Collins picked up the mic

The matchup between Carolina and Miami didn’t exactly scream “instant classic” on paper. The Panthers came in struggling, while Tua Tagovailoa and the Dolphins were looking to rebound after a tough loss.

But with Collins on the call, even a second-quarter touchdown became must-watch TV. When rookie quarterback Bryce Young hit Xavier Legette for Carolina’s first score, Collins’ booming voice captured the moment with unfiltered joy and disbelief — a tone fans say perfectly mirrors what football should feel like.

“Legette breaks free… TOUCHDOWN, CAROLINA! The Panthers are alive!” he shouted, his voice cracking with excitement.

That enthusiasm didn’t let up. From Rico Dowdle’s powerful rushes up the middle to Tua Tagovailoa’s perfectly timed touchdown pass to Jaylen Waddle, Collins narrated each play as if it were the defining moment of the season.


The call that sealed his legend

The game reached peak drama in the final two minutes, with Carolina trailing by four and Bryce Young orchestrating what would become the drive of his young career.

When Young connected with tight end Mitchell Evans for the game-winning touchdown, Collins completely lost himself in the moment — and fans couldn’t get enough.

“EVANS! HE GOT IT! MITCHELL EVANS! ARE YOU KIDDING ME? CAROLINA TAKES THE LEAD!”

Social media erupted within seconds. One fan posted on X:

“Eric Collins just turned a Week 5 Panthers game into the Super Bowl. This man needs to call everything — NFL, NBA, my kid’s birthday party.”


From NBA voice to NFL sensation

Before this NFL breakout, Collins was best known as the charismatic voice of the Charlotte Hornets, where his over-the-top enthusiasm became part of basketball culture. His calls of LaMelo Ball’s flashy assists and Miles Bridges’ dunks turned regular-season games into highlight reels.

Now, after his NFL debut, Collins has cemented himself as one of America’s most exciting voices in sports broadcasting.

Eric Collins delivers a passionate play-by-play during the Carolina Panthers’ thrilling 27–24 win over the Miami Dolphins, earning widespread praise across the NFL community.

ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK – SEPTEMBER 18: Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills in action during the NFL 2025 game against the Miami Dolphins at Highmark Stadium on September 18, 2025 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)

Even veteran analysts took notice. ESPN’s Scott Van Pelt tweeted:

“Eric Collins just gave us one of the best calls of the year. Pure energy. Pure joy.”


Mark Schlereth’s chemistry brings balance

Working alongside Collins, Mark Schlereth played the perfect counterpart. The former Denver Broncos lineman provided sharp, grounded analysis, giving Collins’ wild energy a layer of depth and insight.

At one point, as Collins erupted during a Dolphins touchdown, Schlereth could be heard laughing off-mic — a small but genuine moment that showcased their chemistry. Fans have already started campaigning online for the duo to become Fox’s full-time B-team pairing.


Fans and critics agree — this was the best broadcast of Week 5

Across social media, fans flooded NFL discussion boards and sports radio shows, calling Collins’ performance the “highlight of the week.”

“He doesn’t just call plays, he lives them,” one viewer wrote. “You can feel every yard, every catch, every tackle through his voice.”

Media critics echoed the praise. The Sporting News called it “a reminder that great commentary can make football magical again,” while USA Today labeled Collins “the broadcaster fans didn’t know they needed.”


A victory for emotion in sports broadcasting

In an era when many networks prioritize polished professionalism over passion, Eric Collins reminded everyone why authenticity still matters. His unfiltered excitement — his genuine love for the game — connected deeply with fans burned out by formulaic commentary.

And as for the game itself? The Panthers’ 27–24 win over the Dolphins may have been an upset — but the real winner was Collins.

He ended his broadcast breathless but triumphant, signing off with the kind of sincerity only he could deliver:

“This is why we love football — every second, every snap, every story.”

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