Sports Illustrated Spotlights The Outlier Journey of Bryce Young In NFL Draft Preview Issue

Rhea-AI Summary

The May issue of Sports Illustrated features in-depth coverage ahead of the NFL Draft, spotlighting quarterback Bryce Young. Despite his short stature of 5' 10", Young has made a name as an elite player, notably winning the Heisman Trophy at Alabama in 2021. The issue includes a profile by Conor Orr, discussing Young's success and the supportive family environment that shaped his journey. Other highlights include stories on the Van Gundy brothers in broadcasting, the emergence of the New York Liberty as a WNBA superteam, and the rise of Ninja competitions across the U.S. This issue is available online and at newsstands, offering fans a comprehensive preview of the NFL Draft and sports coverage.

Positive

• Bryce Young highlighted as a promising NFL Draft prospect with Heisman Trophy recognition.
• The issue covers a diverse range of sports, appealing to various fan interests.

Negative

• Young's height raises concerns among critics regarding his NFL readiness.

Inside the May Issue of Sports Illustrated, available at SI.com and on newsstands today: As A Unique Star Among Elite Quarterback Prospects, Bryce Young Paved His Own Way to An NFL Future; The Bond Between TV’s Van Gundy Brothers Remain As Strong As Ever; World Ninja, The Sport That Started As A TV Show And Spread Across The Country; WNBA Season Preview: How the New York Liberty Became the League’s First Superteam; and more

NEW YORK--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Ahead of this year’s NFL Draft, Sports Illustrated has everything you need to know about one of the game’s most promising young quarterbacks. Bryce Young’s height – he’s just 5' 10" – makes him an atypical prospect, but he has paved his own way as an elite quarterback at every level. Senior Writer Conor Orr goes inside the key to his success: a centered family that nurtured him to become an exception to the rule. Bringing Up Bryce is inside Sports Illustrated’s NFL Draft Preview Issue, on sale online and on newsstands starting today, with all the latest NFL Draft coverage at SI.com. Also inside the issue, Steve Rushin chronicles Jeff and Stan Van Gundy’s long, strange journey to your TV screen, a wild WNBA offseason has the 2020 top draft pick, Sabrina Ionescu, joining the New York Liberty, Ninja Warrior competitions are spreading across the country in a fight for the future of the sport from Brian Burnsed, and more.

Photography: Jeffery A. Salter/Sports Illustrated

On the Cover
How big of an outlier is Bryce Young? Besides Kyler Murray (the first NFL Draft pick in 2019), no quarterback under six feet has been drafted in the first round since 1970. He first made his mark at Mater Dei High School as the first Black quarterback in the storied program’s history to win a California state title. As a starter at the University of Alabama, Young won the Heisman Trophy in 2021. Despite it being clear that Bryce Young is a high-level athlete, critics still question if he is ready for the NFL. Conor Orr projects a bright future for whoever takes Young in the draft.

Inside The May Issue:

• Schlep Brothers: If you’re watching an NBA game from opening night to Game 7 of the Finals, chances are one Van Gundy brother or the other will be the voice you hear. Jeff and Stan have a fraternal bond as peripatetic commentators and sideline voices that remain as strong as ever, from special contributor Steve Rushin.

• Liberty For All: The starting five of the New York Liberty – Breanna Stewart, Jonquel Jones, Courtney Vandersloot, Sabrina Ionescu, and Betnijah Laney – boast unprecedented talent and usher in the WNBA’s superteam era, according to Howard Megdal. The only remaining question: can they torch the rest of the league?

• Go Ninja: Brian Burnsed covers the fight for the future of a sport that started as a TV show, with gyms and competitions spread across the country with very real training today. Often attracting kids who don’t feel like they fit in anywhere else in sports, Kaden Lebsack is one young World Ninja athlete fighting to drive the sport forward.

Also in this issue:

• Leading Off: 50 years after Secretariat dominated horse racing, images of that magical season still resonate.
• Scorecard: Rohan Nadkarni on how the game changes in the NBA playoffs: players and teams must have an answer for their weaknesses.
• So You Want To Be A…: Player turned referee Natalie Simon on what it's like to reprogram her brain and be the first Black woman to earn a FIFA badge.
• SI Gameplan: Ted Lasso’s Hannah Waddingham (who plays Rebecca) on how the show goes to great lengths to have multidimensional, well-drawn female characters.
• History Lesson: Emma Baccellieri on how rule changes in baseball are a tradition as old as the game itself.

Follow Sports Illustrated on Twitter @SInow, Instagram @sportsillustrated and Facebook, or subscribe to Sports Illustrated today.

About Sports Illustrated
Sports Illustrated (SI) is an unparalleled and influential leader recognized for shaping modern culture and uniting athletes, teams and fans worldwide. SI’s award-winning media enterprise brings powerful storytelling to life across platforms ranging from Emmy-winning video to the monthly print magazine with a 68-year heritage. Get in-depth features, probing profiles, and iconic and beloved photography from the best writers and photojournalists in the game at SI.com.

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View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20230420005641/en/

Media:

Rachael Fink

Manager, Public Relations

The Arena Group

Rachael.Fink@thearenagroup.net

Source: The Arena Group

FAQ

What is featured in the May issue of Sports Illustrated?

The May issue includes a profile of Bryce Young, NFL Draft coverage, and stories about various sports personalities.

What recognition did Bryce Young achieve?

Bryce Young won the Heisman Trophy in 2021 while at the University of Alabama.

How does Bryce Young's height impact his NFL prospects?

At 5' 10", Young's height is considered atypical for NFL quarterbacks, leading to skepticism about his readiness for the league.

What is the significance of the New York Liberty in the WNBA?

The New York Liberty is highlighted as a superteam with significant talent, featuring top players like Breanna Stewart and Sabrina Ionescu.

Where can I purchase the May issue of Sports Illustrated?

The May issue is available online and on newsstands nationwide.