Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jimmy Horn Jr. is proving to be a standout in training camp and got his first taste of NFL action during this weekend’s fanfest.

Channel 9’s DaShawn Brown spoke with Horn after practice on Tuesday about the strengths he’s bringing to the team as a rookie after being drafted by the team in the sixth round out of Colorado in this year’s draft.

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ALSO READ: Panthers, Charlotte FC partner to expand youth sports programs

“Being blessed to play the game that I love at the highest level…I can never be too comfortable. You never know when it can be the last moment.”

Horn has been one of the standouts in camp and is known for his speed.

>> In the video at the top of the page, watch Brown’s full interview with Horn.

(WATCH BELOW: Panthers’ Fan Fest returns to Bank of America Stadium)

BOZEMAN — When asked about the personality the Montana State defensive backs bring to the program, Montana State head coach Brent Vigen smiled while giving his answer.

“I think energy is a polite word, right? I think that group has to have some swagger just generally, and we’ve got some guys that do,” he said.

The DBs group lost its entire starting lineup that ended last season to both graduation and the NCAA transfer portal. But the group that has taken over this year are intentional in their reps and are prepared to move into bigger roles.

“It brings us so close, and it motivates us so much because we’re like, ‘OK, now we’re the guys that have to step up and support this great organization,'” Bobcats cornerback Takhari Carr said. “Because we understand that we can do everything. We can tackle, we can play man coverage, play zone, go get the ball and things like that. I think we’ll show you a little bit more this fall.”

Montana State defensive back Tayden Gray explained how they have a chip on their shoulder this season.

“We really don’t have anything to prove to be honest,” he said. “Everybody is saying that the DB room might be the worst or the least experienced, but we’ve got players that want to play and want to learn, so we’re going to be alright.”

Looking at the depth chart that was released at the beginning of fall camp, there is no senior experience at defensive back.

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Taki Uluilakepa and Gray expanded on how motivated this group is despite its youth, and how they are meshing more every day.

“We know what we have and how much talent we have, and it’s just getting the reps, so that stuff is all coming into play right now,” Uluilakepa said.

“Being young, just our bodies feeling better,” Gray explained. “More time to think and learn over the playbook and just get right with the defense.”

Caden Dowler has had a significant role on the defense, but unfortunately has suffered two season-ending injuries in back-to-back years. His teammate explained how critical he is to the room and the team as a whole.

“Having Caden around, he’s much more than just a great football player,” Uluilakepa said. “He’s a great leader, great player to have around in the locker room. But even on the field, he’s communicating. He’s making sure everyone is in their right spots.”

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The defensive coaching staff shifted around this offseason, as Bryan Shepard moved to safeties and Trenton Greene was then hired as the cornerbacks coach.

“I feel like coach Shep, since he was working with the corners last year, he knew a good amount about the secondary and all the stuff we’ve been installing,” Uluilakepa said. “He’s not new to the system whatsoever. He’s just been a great addition to our group and our room.”

One thing this group has flashed during spring ball and through fall camp is elite speed. Carr expanded on how they will use it to their advantage this season.

“Football is a lot about speed, but if you’ve got some guys that know where they’re supposed to be, the speed don’t matter that much,” Carr said. “But, I feel like the speed will help in running more man coverage, feeling more comfortable when we are running man coverage and things like that.”

Youth baseball players from Venezuela, one of 19 countries on President Trump’s travel ban list, have been granted a “national exemption” to participate in this month’s Little League World Series, an event official told The Athletic. Securing the exemption last week required the intervention of a Trump-aligned U.S. senator and the personal sign-off of Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

Before then, the Venezuelan team’s participation had been in limbo thanks to a visa process that had often been complicated by strained diplomatic relations with the United States. Venezuela’s recent inclusion in the travel ban only added another layer of complexity. Last month, the policy blocked another youth baseball team from Venezuela from playing in a less prominent tournament in South Carolina, a situation that drew the ire of the St. Louis Cardinals’ Willson Contreras.

In an interview on Monday, Contreras, a three-time All-Star and one of baseball’s most prominent Venezuelan players, lamented the perceived fallout from the travel restrictions.

“To be treated like we are criminals here, we’re not,” Contreras told The Athletic. “We’re here to provide for our family, to chase our dreams, to do the right things.”

The Venezuelan Little League team learned of its exemption from the travel ban on Friday, just six days before it was scheduled to play in the tournament, which showcases players ages 10-12 and remains a signature event that is nationally televised on ESPN.

“The dream of our children will soon come true,” the team said in a translated Instagram post. “Williamsport, here we come.”

In a statement, Little League spokesman Brian McClintock said, “We are grateful for all those who supported these players throughout this process, including the U.S. Department of State.”

While the exemption was ultimately granted, it highlighted a shifting landscape for some international athletes entering the U.S. under the Trump Administration. Under the travel ban instituted in June, exemptions have been made for certain high-profile sporting events, such as the upcoming 2028 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles and next year’s World Cup. But those carve-outs did not cover other events like the Little League World Series.

Sen. David McCormick, a Republican elected from Pennsylvania in 2024 and a political ally of Trump’s on immigration policy, offered the Venezuelan team an assist. A native of central Pennsylvania who lives less than an hour’s drive from the longtime site of the tournament, Williampsort, McCormick worked with the State Department to help ensure approval of the visas.

“I am thrilled my team and I were able to play a small role in making sure young athletes are able to chase their dreams and participate in this timeless Pennsylvania tradition,” McCormick said in a statement to The Athletic.

But even with McCormick’s backing, securing an exemption ultimately required a green light from Rubio.

“In very limited circumstances, the Secretary may find an individual’s travel would serve a United States national interest, consistent with Executive Order 14150, ‘America First Policy Directive to the Secretary of State,’” a state department spokesperson said in a statement. “These exceptions may only be approved by the Secretary of State or his designee in coordination with the Secretary of Homeland Security or her designee.”

The visa process has typically been more complicated for Venezuela than for other teams attending the Little League World Series. In 2019, political and diplomatic tensions in the country prompted the U.S. to suspend operations at its embassy in the Venezuelan capital of Caracas. Teams seeking entry to the U.S. have instead had to travel to a neighboring country, Colombia, where the capital Bogotá is hosting the diplomatic mission to Venezuela. Once there, players and staff are subjected to interviews ahead of approval.

The travel ban has introduced another layer of uncertainty.

On July 18, Cacique Mara, a different youth team from Venezuela, could not travel to South Carolina for the Senior League Baseball World Series (ages 13-16) after its visas were denied. In a photo of a letter from the U.S. government to the team from Cacique Mara — posted to the team’s since deactivated Instagram account — the reason given was the “Immigration and Nationality Act,” which the letter said serves to restrict “the Entry of foreign Nationals to Protect the United States from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats.”

“What pisses me off is they earned the right to be here,” Contreras said of the team that was barred last month. “They are little kids chasing dreams. I put myself in their shoes because I was a kid once, and I dreamed of being in the Little League World Series once.”

Major League Baseball, which has been officially partnered with Little League International since 2017, declined to comment on that case. So did the state department, though a spokesperson noted the ability to “make a determination regarding a national interest exception on a case-by-case basis.”

Another recent exception, McClintock said, cleared the way for a different youth baseball team from Venezuela, this one from the city of Valencia, to secure visas ahead of a Little League Intermediate Tournament in Livermore, Calif.

Since Trump’s return to office, the Dodgers have made an official visit to the Oval Office. The league also reinstated Pete Rose from its permanently ineligible list, a move that came after Trump publicly called for it. And in the wake of Trump administration policy changes targeting such programs, MLB removed official language surrounding Diversity, Equity and Inclusion initiatives from the league’s website.

Still, MLB remains the largest and most diverse baseball league in the world. Its teams employ dozens of Venezuelan players. And when the league hosts the Little League Classic between the Mets and Mariners in Williamsport on Aug. 17, the game will feature Venezuelan players like Eugenio Suárez and Francisco Alvarez.

MLB officials were in communication with their Little League counterparts regarding the visa process for the Little League World Series, according to a source briefed on the matter, and offered assistance if needed.

On Monday, with the Barquisimeto-based Venezuelan team now bound for historic Williamsport, Contreras made a similar offer.

“I’m here for them,” Contreras said. “If something happens, I want them to know not to hesitate to reach out to me. I’m outspoken for justice. They are kids chasing the dream. Their dream is to come to Williamsport. That could be my brother out there. But I’m glad everything worked out and I’m glad they’re going to be allowed to come to the United States.”

(Photo of 2024 LLWS signage: Dylan Buell / Getty Images)

Today’s Segments:

Setting Boundaries in Youth Sports
NDSU Extension family life specialist Dr. Sean Brotherson discusses the importance of clear boundaries between parents, athletes, and coaches. Drawing from his recent talk at the North Dakota high school coaches conference, Brotherson explains how healthy role definitions support positive youth development and prevent common conflicts in competitive sports.

Mr. Power’s Letterpress
Dr. Tom Isern uncovers the forgotten world of letterpress copybooks through the legacy of J.B. Power, a key figure in the rise of corporate agriculture on the Northern Plains. These delicate paper records, preserved thanks to early work at NDSU’s Institute for Regional Studies, reveal a meticulous bureaucratic mind at work during the bonanza farm era.

Bur Oaks Under Siege
Once hailed as the “King of the Great Plains,” Nebraska’s iconic bur oak trees are now dying rapidly due to prolonged drought and invasive diseases. As climate change accelerates these threats, foresters and scientists are exploring alternative tree species and restoration strategies to preserve the region’s forest heritage.

Wave Power in Alaska
Two Alaska Native villages—Port Graham and Nanwalek—are taking bold steps toward energy independence by exploring ocean wave power. With the help of Chugachmiut and an Australian energy company, the communities hope to harness their coastal environment to generate sustainable electricity amid growing climate threats.

Seeds, Spuds, and Smart Sprinklers
In this edition of This Week in Water, we explore surprising intersections of nature and technology: from government climate denial and carbon-storing wildlife to doorbell cameras conserving water. Also featured are new insights into the ancestral ties between tomatoes and potatoes, offering hope for future crop resilience.

As the entire world knows, the OKC Thunder are NBA champions, but there’s no time to rest on that; it’s time to start training the next generation of superstars.

It’s one of many Thunder youth basketball camps. Today was held at the Santa Fe Family Life Center.

“We’ll put them through a series of different drills, as well as competitions to earn prizes, and they’ll have the opportunity to scrimmage against each other towards the end,” said Thunder Youth basketball camp coach Xavier Hunter.

For parents, it’s the on-court encouragement from the Thunder organization coaches that means everything to them as well as the kids.

“It brings joy to me just to see him doing what he loves, and we already train on our own, so it’s like the extra credit fun part of it. He gets prizes and I like it a lot,” said parent Cortez Wright.

As a parent, having your kid participate in a Thunder camp naturally makes you consider the possibilities of the future.

“He’s a wonderful kid, great talent, but he keeps God first and he does his thing so I think he can do whatever he puts his mind to,” said Wright.

Tuesday, the team hosted two Camps for kids between the ages of six and fourteen, no matter what the skill level or experience. But aside from basketball, the kids learn the importance of paying attention and following directions.

“An opportunity for us to develop newcomers of the game, as well as trying to develop new fans of the Oklahoma City Thunder,” said Hunter.

A day of work and fun for the kids, and very gratifying for the coaches.

“Allow us as coaches to involve ourselves into these kids’ lives within the game of basketball,” said Hunter.

There is one more camp scheduled, and there are spots still available. To register, visit www.nba.com/thunder/youthbasketball

ATLANTA and LANGHORNE, Pa., Aug. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — NFL FLAG and Pop Warner Little Scholars, two of the most recognized names in youth football, today announced a nationwide partnership to expand access and opportunity across the sport. The collaboration will introduce NFL FLAG’s fast-growing, non-contact format to Pop Warner leagues and associations nationwide. RCX Sports, the leader in youth sports experiences and official operator of NFL FLAG, will support local implementation and elevate the athlete experience.

The partnership will officially launch this December with a flagship tournament at the Pop Warner Super Bowl in Charlotte, NC. The Crown Classic Flag Football Tournament, a joint event hosted by Pop Warner and NFL FLAG, is a first-of-its-kind national event open to Pop Warner and non-Pop Warner teams from across the country. Pop Warner associations will begin launching NFL FLAG leagues in Spring 2026, with additional tournaments and showcases planned for the years ahead, all part of a shared commitment to development, safety, and inclusion across all levels of the game.

The partnership model will allow Pop Warner to integrate NFL FLAG into its existing programming beginning in Spring 2026, inviting local leagues and associations to offer both tackle and non-tackle football under one umbrella, alongside existing cheerleading programs, with the goal of expanding options for every young athlete. The structure of the program is designed to be flexible and inclusive, giving leagues the ability to adapt to the needs of their communities and creating new pathways for girls to play flag football alongside boys.

This collaboration brings together NFL FLAG’s innovative approach to flag football with Pop Warner’s deep roots in tackle football and cheer & dance, giving families and athletes more ways to play, develop, and stay involved in the sport they love. More than 2.4 million young people participated in organized flag football programs in 2024, making it the fastest-growing youth sport in America.

“Football has the power to teach life lessons, build confidence, and create lifelong friendships — and this partnership ensures more kids have that opportunity,” said RCX Sports founder and CEO Izell Reese. “We’re proud to partner with Pop Warner to expand access for more young athletes in the sport we all love. Together, we’re creating more onramps into football by meeting kids where they are — whether they’re pulling flags or making tackles, we want every young athlete to feel like there’s a place for them on the field.”

“This partnership with NFL FLAG and RCX Sports is a game-changer for youth football,” said Steve Strawbridge, CEO of Pop Warner Little Scholars. “It allows us to bring a dynamic, non-contact version of the sport to more boys and girls across the country, while enhancing their overall experience. While Pop Warner has proudly offered flag football for years, this collaboration takes our commitment to the next level by expanding access, improving development, and fostering a safe and inclusive environment for all athletes.”

“Development of football athletes, both girls and boys, has taken a leap forward with the RCX-Pop Warner partnership that affords our nation’s youth the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of every form of the game,” said Troy Vincent, Sr., Executive Vice President of NFL Football Operations. “Options to play flag or tackle, transition to tackle from flag, or remain in flag truly reflect the inclusion, affordability and accessibility of football for all.”

RCX Sports and Pop Warner invite teams from across the country to register at NFLFLAG.com or PopWarner.com.

About RCX Sports

RCX Sports is the leader in youth sports experiences, operating and partnering with leagues, events, and brands to engage and empower the next generation of athletes. As the official youth sports operator for the NFL, NBA, WNBA, NHL, MLS, MLB, and USTA, RCX is the only multi-sport organization trusted by pro leagues and governing bodies to represent them. RCX Sports delivers officially licensed uniforms, comprehensive resources, and full support, empowering league operators to create the best youth sports experiences in their communities. Committed to making youth sports accessible and inclusive, RCX Sports creates opportunities for all athletes to play and benefit from the transformative power of sports. For more information, visit rcxsports.com.

About NFL Flag

NFL FLAG is an NFL-licensed property of more than 2,000 locally operated leagues and over 765,000 youth athletes across all 50 states. NFL FLAG is a fun and accessible non-contact program available for girls and boys ages 5-17. Players benefit by being physically active through non-contact, continuous action while learning the fundamentals of football as well as lessons in teamwork and sportsmanship. RCX Sports is the official operator of NFL FLAG. Learn more  at nflflag.com.

About Pop Warner Little Scholars, Inc.

Founded in 1929 and headquartered in Langhorne, PA, Pop Warner Little Scholars is the nation’s oldest youth football, cheerleading and dance organization and the only youth sports organization that emphasizes academics as a prerequisite for participation. Pop Warner participants enjoy the opportunity to learn and compete in their sports in an atmosphere that emphasizes fun, safety, academics and character. For more information on Pop Warner and its programs visit www.popwarner.com or follow Pop Warner on YouTube, Instagram or Facebook.

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SOURCE RCX Sports