Men's Journal's Blog, page 6
August 28, 2025
Cowboys Reportedly Issued Micah Parsons an Unexpected Ultimatum Before Packers Trade
Jerry Jones previously said he likes to stir up controversy when things get quiet, and on Thursday, Aug. 28, he and the Dallas Cowboys did just that. After one of the strangest failed contract negotiations possibly in NFL history involving star pass-rusher Micah Parsons, the team threw in the towel on attempting to ink the four-time Pro-Bowler to a new deal.
Instead, the Cowboys granted Parsons his wish to be traded, sending him to the Green Bay Packers in exchange for two first-round draft picks and defensive tackle Kenny Clark, as ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported. However, amid all the drama and chaos that transpired on Thursday night, a report from one insider is bound to make many Cowboys fans struggle even more to cope with the loss of Parsons.
Micah Parsons Returned to Cowboys About Extension With ‘Empathy,’ but Received an Ultimatum
Micah Parsons #11 formerly of the Dallas Cowboys and NFC looks on during the 2025 NFL Pro Bowl Skills Showdown. To make a head-scratching situation even more confusing, NFL Network insider Jane Slater revealed that Parsons told her that he went back to the Cowboys about an extension with “empathy” this week. The response from the team’s front office? According to Parsons, an ultimatum to either play on the fifth year of his rookie deal “or leave.”
I spoke with Micah Parsons this evening. He says “genuinely gonna miss ya’ll”
— Jane Slater (@SlaterNFL) August 28, 2025
He says he and his team went back to the Cowboys about an extension with “empathy” when the trade interest was leaked this week.
The Cowboys response according to Parsons was “play on the 5th year…
Shortly after the original post, Slater added that Jones “confirms this was said but won't get into details of their interaction this week.”
The way things transpired with Parsons is even more surprising when considering Jones’s comments after the initial trade request came in. As ESPN’s Todd Archer revealed, the longtime Cowboys owner called the trade request “just a part of negotiation.” He also told fans not to “lose any sleep over [Parsons’] trade request.”
Obviously, something went south quickly, and for Jones and the Cowboys’ front office to essentially remove any consideration of a contract extension this offseason, it’s nothing short of a shocking turn of events. The Cowboys opted to issue an ultimatum in a moment where they could have potentially turned things around with Parsons (from the sound of it), but Jones and company chose to dig their heels into the sand.
Now, one of the NFL’s best defensive players is no longer in town, and the Cowboys’ chances of a playoff return look grim. Those two things combined are more than enough to make fans lose sleep.
Related: Denzel Washington’s Take on Cowboys' Jerry Jones Will Resonate With Every NFL Fan
'The Batman Part II' Writer Ignites Buzz With New Statement About the Sequel
If you’re one to buy into early hype, the sequel to Robert Pattinson’s The Batman has certainly drummed up plenty of it. The Matt Reeves-directed film, co-written by Reeves and Mattson Tomlin, is gearing up for its encore, with The Batman Part II expected to arrive in late 2027. The movie currently has a release date of Oct. 1, 2027, and after the duo finished writing the script, there were plenty of rumblings about how impressive it was.
Now, Tomlin’s response to a question on social media has sparked even more intrigue around The Batman Part II, as the co-writer teased a story that has the potential to “top what came before.”
'The Batman Part II’ Co-Writer Mattson Tomlin’s Comment Has DC Fans’ Attention
Mattson Tomlin attends the premiere of Hulu's ‘Mother/Android’ at NeueHouse Los Angeles. Although fans will be left to wait and wonder about The Batman Part II’s storyline, it sure sounds as though the team working on the project has plenty of confidence in what’s been put on paper. After Tomlin was asked if he believes the sequel “has the potential to be better than the first” movie, he responded with a candid answer.
"the only worthwhile reason to make a sequel to anything is because there's a story burning to be told that you believe can top what came before,” Tomlin said on X.
the only worthwhile reason to make a sequel to anything is because there's a story burning to be told that you believe can top what came before 🙂 https://t.co/4pmGrBSRTK
— mattson tomlin (@mattsontomlin) August 28, 2025
Not surprisingly, this was great news for DC fans, especially considering the recent success of two early projects on James Gunn’s side of the DCU—Superman and Peacemaker Season 2. With Gunn overseeing things as the co-CEO of DC Studios, Superman quickly became one of the company’s best films in years while pulling in a 90 percent fan rating and 83 percent critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes.
Although it’s much earlier on for the second season of Peacemaker, it’s quickly become apparent that critics have fallen in love with John Cena’s follow-up to the popular debut season. After two episodes of Season 2, Peacemaker boasts a stellar 99 percent critics’ score on the popular review site.
Although Gunn had a huge hand in Superman and Peacemaker Season 2, he’s offered plenty of excitement and optimism about Reeves’ The Batman Part II. Now, Tomlin has added fuel to the fire behind the film, which is slated to begin filming in the spring, according to Deadline.
Related: 'Peacemaker' Features 'Really Big, Big Stars' During Season 2, Says James Gunn
Amazon's Bestselling Luggage Scale Is on Sale for $10, and It Could Help Save You a Ton in Baggage Fees
Men’s Journal aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.
Why We Love This DealSo you’ve packed all your bags and saved money for your trip, only to arrive at the airport to learn your bag is over the maximum weight allowed under the airline's baggage policy. It's a problem that's all too common, but it's also one that can easily be avoided. The simplest solution is one of the most rudimentary travel accessories: a hand luggage scale. Right now, Amazon’s bestseller is over 20% off.
The Travel Inspira Travel Hand Luggage Scale is now just $10 on Amazon, a 23% savings off its normal price of $13. This No. 1 bestseller has already been bought over 40,000 times this past month alone, as the country milks summer for as much vacation time as possible.
Travel Inspira Travel Hand Luggage Scale, $10 (was $13) on Amazon
The Travel Inspira Travel Hand Luggage Scale.
[image error]
What Shoppers Should KnowMax Weight Reading: 110 poundsUnit Weight: 3.5 ouncesScreen Display: LCDAccuracy: 0.02 poundsReadings: 0.1 poundsBattery: CR2032 (Included)This hand scale is perfectly small enough to fit in any carry-on or checked luggage you travel with, weighing only 3.5 ounces. This ensures that on your travels back home (if you add more items to your bag than you initially left with), you won’t encounter overweight checked bags, which can cost you extra money. Another notable feature of this scale is that it can handle a maximum weight of up to 110 pounds, which exceeds the threshold set by all airlines for checked bags, and it has an accuracy of up to 0.02 pounds.
The stainless steel and mesh hook can easily attach to any bag, from personal or carry-on bags to the heaviest check bag handles, for reading up to 0.1-pound readings. The LCD screen is bright and easy to read, and it features a low battery indicator, giving you time to replace the batteries, so it doesn’t die on you mid-trip.
What Shoppers Are SayingAs one shopper simply put it, this is “a small tool that prevents a giant hassle,” especially if you’re trying to fly on a budget. No one wants to be that person at the counter trying to rearrange bags to get under the weight limit. Another noted it's “as reliable as it is compact.”
Others appreciated its level of accuracy. “This is perfect for making sure you're within range,” said one reviewer, who added, “If you’re searching for a reliable travel companion, the Travel Inspira Luggage Scale is a must-have.”
At only $10, the Travel Inspira Travel Hand Luggage Scale is the best $10 you’ll ever spend, especially if you fly often. Make sure to grab one for yourself, and a few more to give to others with a price this low—but hurry, as Amazon’s pricing can change at any given moment.
Shop More DealsPerilogics Travel Accessory Bundle, $25 (was $29) on AmazonAmazon Basics Packing Cubes for Travel, $19 (was $21) on AmazonTumi Alpha International 4-Wheeled Carry-on Luggage, $623 (was $779) on AmazonMasterbuilt's 30-Inch Vertical Smoker Is Nearly $50 Off Right Now at Bass Pro Shops
Men’s Journal aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.
Why We Love This DealMasterbuilt is sought after for its fantastic entry-level grills and smokers at relatively affordable prices. If you’re looking to try your hand at smoking meats, its easy-to-use electric smokers are worth considering. One of the best, at least over at Bass Pro Shops, is its 30-inch vertical smoker, and right now, it's nearly $50 off.
The Masterbuilt 30-Inch Digital Electric Smoker is on sale for just $250 at Bass Pro Shops, a rarely seen discount on its normal price of $299. It's one of the best prices around that we could find on this model, which is a popular one—Bass Pro Shops customers have given it over 850 five-star ratings, making this deal even more impressive.
Masterbuilt 30-Inch Digital Electric Smoker, $250 (was $299) at Bass Pro Shops
The Masterbuilt 30-Inch Digital Electric Smoker.
[image error]
What Shoppers Should KnowType: Digital ElectricSmoking Capacity: 711 square inchesSmoking Racks: 4Feeding System: Side woodchip loaderOne of the main reasons this model is loved by so many is its ease of use. It starts with its digital tech that maintains the smoker's consistent temperatures, allowing you to keep the door closed while easily monitoring the temperature. To further help regulate the temps, this model uses a side woodchip loading system, so you really don't have to open the door at all.
It offers a large cooking capacity of 711 square inches in its insulated cooking chamber, complete with four chrome-plated racks for loading in your favorite meats, vegetables, and more. To top it off, it has a removable drip tray, rear grease tray, air damper for smoke control, and a water pan for added moisture that may be needed.
What Shoppers Are SayingAs many individuals have noted, it’s the “perfect home smoker.” One shopper said it has all the features anyone could want, including its digital readout for easy operation, allowing for easy temperature control and setting. They said, “I cooked four chickens at once along with two racks of ribs,” adding that clean-up was a breeze.
“Absolute unit of a smoker,” exclaimed another. Having owned theirs for a decade, they mentioned that “after nearly 10 years of use, abuse, neglect, [it] has been a faithful appliance that works as well as brand new.”
For one of, if not the lowest price around, make sure you grab your Masterbuilt 30-Inch Digital Electric Smoker today before this price goes up in smoke with Bass Pro Shops' Labor Day sale on Sept. 3.
Also Check OutMasterbuilt Digital Charcoal Smoker Cover, $80, at Bass Pro ShopsCrown Royal Premium Whisky Barrel Smoking Chips, $12, at Bass Pro ShopsCabela's Essential Tool Set, $25, at Bass Pro ShopsTourist Sparks Outrage After Pouring Beer in Elephant’s Trunk in Kenya
Multiple investigations are underway after a Spanish tourist was filmed pouring beer into the trunk of a wild elephant in Kenya.
"Just a tusker with a tusked friend," the unnamed man captioned a clip of himself with the animal. The post was later deleted after the comments were flooded by outraged viewers.
In a separate clip, the man can be seen feeding two elephants carrots, saying, "We are on beer time."
The incident occurred at the Ol Jogi Conservancy, according to the BBC. The conservancy is a privately owned wildlife sanctuary in the central county of Laikipia.
"This should never have happened. We're a conservation and we can't allow that to happen," a staffer told the outlet. "We don't even allow people to go near the elephants."
The conservancy was able to identify the tusked creature in the original video by one of its damaged tusks, revealing that his name is Bupa.
Bupa -- who is described as friendly -- was rescued from Zimbabwe in 1989. He is 45 years old.
The man, who goes by Skydive_Kenya on social media, has various other clips of himself with wild animals, including one feeding carrots to a rhino at the Ol Pejeta Conservancy.
"He has also broken our rules because he was not supposed to touch the rhinos because they are not pets," a spokesperson from Ol Pejeta told the BBC.
HydroFlask's Huge 32-Ounce Water Bottles Are Up to 46% Off on Amazon Right Now
Men’s Journal aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.
Why We Love This DealAmazon’s Labor Day sale is in full swing, and the online shopping behemoth has everything from mattresses to hiking boots marked down during it. One deal that caught our eye, though, especially with a few long, hot weeks left until fall, is a $20 price cut on one of the most popular stainless steel water bottles on the market.
The Hydro Flask 32-Ounce Wide Mouth Bottle with Flex Straw Cap is down to $25 at Amazon right now in select colors, up to 46% off its normal $45 price tag. This deal is good on the Cascade colorway, but a pair of others, Stainless Steel Violet and Polar Plunge, are just a dollar more. Most of the (many) other options have a more modest 25% discount, putting their price around $34.
The wide variety of colors is part of why these bottles are so popular—they currently have over 42,000 ratings, nearly 37,000 of them five-star votes, and some have attested they're capable of keeping ice for “over 24 hours.”
Hydro Flask 32-Ounce Wide Mouth Bottle with Flex Straw Cap, From $25 (was $45) at Amazon
The Hydro Flask 32-Ounce Wide Mouth Bottle with Flex Straw Cap.
[image error]
What Shoppers Should KnowCapacity: 32 ounces (24-, 40-, and 64-ounce options are also available)Opening: Wide mouthLid: Leakproof with flexible, closable strawHandle: Rotating handle at the top of the bottleConstruction: Double-wall vacuum-insulated stainless steelLike pretty much every overbuilt water bottle on the market, this one is made of two layers of stainless steel with a vacuum in between that heavily minimizes heat transfer between the interior and exterior of the bottle. The manufacturer claims that it can hold ice for over 24 hours, and many can confirm that’s the case. This bottle also has a built-in straw that folds down (and doesn’t leak) and a wide-mouth opening that makes it easy to add ice.
Related: Ninja's 'Best' Hard Cooler With One Very Innovative Feature Is 25% Off on Amazon
What Shoppers Are SayingOne customer who’s used Hydro Flask bottles for a long time wrote that “the quality is good and it’s very durable,” even for someone who drops their bottle a lot. It also “keeps water cold for a very long time” and has a lid that’s easy to use and clean.
Another reviewer put this water bottle to a grueling test—desert summers that had warmed water kept in many other water bottles. The Hydro Flask was up to the task, keeping water “cold for 24 hours,” making it “perfect for hot Arizona summers.”
A Hydro Flask 32-Ounce Wide Mouth Bottle with Flex Straw Cap is a great thing to have on the trail, in the gym, and the time between sweat-inducing pursuits. It’s an easy-to-use, super-insulated bottle, and the chance to grab one in a non-offensive colorway for nearly 50% off is not to be missed. Lots of other colors are sold out, so if you want to take advantage of this deal, we’d recommend getting your Hydro Flask sooner rather than later.
Shop More DealsColeman Pro 25-Quart Hard Cooler, $120 (was $200)Hydro Flask 24-Ounce Narrow Mouth Bottle, $28 (was $40)Sport-Brealla Premiere XL UPF 50+ Umbrella Shelter, $49 (was $80)Danner's 'Truly Weatherproof' Gore-Tex Hiking Boots Are a Rare 25% Off at REI
Men’s Journal aims to feature only the best products and services. If you buy something via one of our links, we may earn a commission.
Why We Love This DealHiking pants and shirts aren’t the only great deals on offer during REI’s blowout Labor Day sale. The retailer has incredible markdowns on footwear, too, including 25% price cuts on a whole suite of Danner boots and hiking shoes. Right now, you can score a pair of hardy, all-weather hikers from Danner's Trail 2650 series for $50 off their usual price.
REI has the Danner Trail 2650 Mid GTX on sale for just $150—a 25% discount from its normal price of $200. This hiking boot is available in one colorway at that price, but there’s a generous size range in stock. It's somewhat shocking, given that Danner boots don't go on sale often at all, especially from its core lineup.
Danner Trail 2650 Mid GTX Hiking Boots, $150 (was $200) at REI
[image error]
What Shoppers Should KnowColorways Available: 1Sizes Available: 7 to 14, 8 wide to 14 wideBest Use Case: Thanks to the waterproof upper, the Trail 2650 Mid GTX is well-suited to hikes in wet, muddy conditions, especially in cooler weather.The Trail 2650 Mid GTX, which gets its name from the 2,650-mile-long Pacific Crest Trail, features a suede and textile upper, giving it the classic aesthetic and durability Danner is known for. It’s souped up with a Gore-Tex membrane to block moisture and keep your feet dry through splashes, mud puddles, and rain, and an external heel counter offers extra support around the back of your foot.
Inside, an OrthoLite sockliner combines with an EVA midsole to generate a well-cushioned ride, and Danner’s Trailguard TPU shank stiffens the boot and supports the bottom of your foot. On the bottom, the Trail 2650 rides on a Vibram Megagrip lugged outsole for reliable traction across both wet and dry terrain.
What Shoppers Are SayingThe boot's new page on REI's site doesn't display the many reviews other colorways have racked up over the years from Co-op shoppers, but at Danner, you get the full view. One hiker called this boot “really comfortable and rugged,” and another appreciated their “truly weatherproof” design.
A third put these kicks to the test on treks all around the globe and called the Trail 2650 the “best boot I’ve owned” and said, “I won’t wear anything else.”
It’s rare to find a highly rated Danner boot on sale in such a deep size range, so don’t miss this opportunity: Head over to REI today and score the Trail 2650 Mid GTX before your size sells out or the deal wraps up on Sept. 1.
Shop More DealsDanner Trail 2650 Hiking Shoes, $127 (was $170) at REIDanner Mountain 600 Leaf GTX Hiking Boots, $172 (was $230) at REIDanner Vicious Work Boots, $172 (was $230) at REIHow Orlando Bloom Dropped 50 Lbs – And Why He Doesn’t Recommend It
Orlando Bloom dropped 50 pounds for his upcoming role in The Cut, something he says he "wouldn't recommend to anyone."
"It’s not something to take lightly," Bloom, 48, said on his appearance on This Morning on Thursday. "I had a great nutritionist. I was recommended by one of my agents who worked with Christian Bale on some stuff, so he was checking my blood and stuff."
The Pirates of the Caribbean star explained that his nutritionist, Phillip Goglia, slowly got him down to eating just one meal a day.
"Suddenly, all these foods were being taken away from me, and my protein powder was the last one," Bloom said. "I was like ‘No! Don’t take that one.’ Then basically I came down to [eating] just tuna and cucumber for the last three weeks."
The actor showed off his slimmed-down figure at the London screening of his upcoming movie. But, according to Bloom himself, he was "a horrible person to be around" while he was training for the role.
"Mentally, physically, I was hangry," he said. "The paranoia, the intrusive thoughts. We’re supposed to eat and sleep and take care of ourselves. It’s really a commentary on the lengths a person will go to have that second shot. I think that’s so relatable."
The British actor previously spilled the gruesome details of his mental state, in an interview with People.
"What I hadn’t expected and was surprised by was the mental toll that this kind of intense discipline takes," he said earlier this month. "The paranoia and anxiety were very real and disturbing, caused by the lack of sleep — turns out you can’t sleep when you’re hungry."
Bloom's new film, in which he plays a former boxer training for a redemption fight, premieres in theaters September 5.
The Cowboys Have Traded Micah Parsons - And The NFL World Is Shocked
Back in February, the sports world stood still when a team from Dallas decided to trade a young superstar in the prime of his career. The move was inexplicable - a decision no one would dare to justify or support. Fans reacted with disbelief and astonishment that such a trade could take place.
Several months ago, the player being traded was Luka Doncic. Today, it's Micah Parsons.
According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Dallas Cowboys are trading the 26-year-old pass rusher to the Green Bay Packers. Parsons requested a trade earlier this summer after the team failed to reach terms on a contract extension, and the Packers were more than happy to give hima new deal.
Schefter says that Parsons has agreed to a four-year, $188 million contract with $120 million guaranteed at signing - making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history.
Much like the deal that sent Doncic to the Los Angeles Lakers, this move has stunned the entire sports world.
The NFL World Reacts Across Social Media"Micah Parsons got traded to the Packers while we were live on the air," said the account for the FS1 show "First Things First." The show's cast - including Nick Wright and Chris Broussard - couldn't believe the breaking news.
Former Dallas Cowboys legend Michael Irvin appeared on ESPN's NFL Live today, and he offered a prediction that was immediately proven wrong.
"I guarantee Micah Parsons is not going anywhere," Irvin said, literal minutes before Parsons was reportedly dealt to Green Bay.
Cowboys writer RJ Ochoa pointed out the poor form of the team's front office over the last few years, and said that those mistakes have laid the foundation for today's mind-boggling trade.
"The front office has put on a masterclass effort at proving how to be the worst ever at this in a year," he said, mentioning the lack of urgency on new deals for quarterback Dak Prescott and receiver CeeDee Lamb.
"There is no way to describe this other than organizational malpractice. I have defended Jerry Jones through a lot of manufactured drama, but this is indefensible," said ESPN's Mike Greenberg.
"The owner just cost his team its best player a week before the season."
When Will Parsons Play Against the Cowboys?Jones and the Cowboys won't have to wait long to welcome Parsons back to Dallas. The Packers will visit the Cowboys on September 28 - naturally, on Sunday Night Football.
Jason and Travis Kelce noted the tension in contract negotiations between Parsons and the Cowboys on the "New Heights" podcast, and the show shared a clip right after the deal was reported.
"How can you listen to that and not love Jerry Jones?," Jason says, as Travis nearly falls over in his chair from laughter.
We'll see how each team responds after the trade is finalized and the season begins, but it's clear that Dallas' decision to trade Parsons is one that will live in sports infamy.
Heidi Gardner, Longest-Running ‘SNL’ Female Cast Member, Will Not Return for Season 51
Heidi Gardner is the latest Saturday Night Live cast member who will exit the show ahead of Season 51. On Aug. 28, Variety reported that Gardner is out for the new season set to premiere on October 4.
Gardner, 42, joined SNL as a featured player in 2017 and was promoted to a main cast member in 2019. Some of Gardner’s most memorable recurring SNL characters included Angel (Every Boxer's Girlfriend from Every Movie About Boxing Ever), Your Co-Worker Who’s Extremely Busy Doing Seemingly Nothing, and “Weekend Update” teen movie critic Bailey Gismert. Gardner was SNL’s longest-running female cast member.
Earlier this year, she told Craig Ferguson’s Joy podcast that things had gotten a “little tough” for her creatively. “I will say the only thing that I’ve started to feel a little bit is just sketch fatigue, or idea fatigue,” she admitted. “At this point, after doing Groundlings and SNL for so long, I’m like, ‘I’ve written a lot of sketches.’”
Fans reacted to Gardner’s SNL exit on social media, with many saying they would miss what she brought to the show.
“She will be missed - she’s a firecracker and I love her characters. She will go on to great things,” one fan wrote on Reddit.
"It wouldn't surprise me if she left on her own, or she was cool with being let go so she could focus on future endeavors,” another speculated.
“The cast has been bloated for a while, but this is the first departure that I'm genuinely shocked by,” another fan wrote of Gardner.
3 Other 'SNL' Cast Members Are Also LeavingIt has been a brutal week for SNL cuts. Ahead of Gardner’s exit, Devon Walker announced in an Instagram post that he was leaving the show after a three-season run that was sometimes “toxic.” In addition, Michael Longfellow is also out after three seasons, and Emil Wakim will be one season and done after joining the cast last fall.
The rest of the SNL Season 50 cast included Colin Jost, Michael Che, Mikey Day, Andrew Dismukes, Chloe Fineman, Marcello Hernández, James Austin Johnson, Ego Nwodim, Sarah Sherman, Kenan Thompson, and Bowen Yang, along with featured players Ashley Padilla and Jane Wickline.
Only Johnson has been confirmed to be definitely returning for Season 51, showrunner Lorne Michaels revealed to Puck in an interview earlier this week.
Men's Journal's Blog
- Men's Journal's profile
- 1 follower
