Image SourceJoe Montana, Dan Marino, John Elway, and Warren Moon unmistakably made the 1980s the decade of brilliance of quarterbacks in the NFL. These four quarterbacks, alongside many other quarterbacks, contributed to the passing revolution and shattered existing records, which later would become the game’s standard for many years to come. The best defense strategies and the reliance on the running back more than passing was the feature of the 1970s. However, once these stylish throwers hit in the early 80s, there was a change to more passing in a typical NFL game. With such increased focus on passing, the games became more interesting and changed the traditional gameplay and formations.Joe Montana: The Model of SuccessWhen the topic of legendary quarterbacks arises, Joe Montana stands out as a quintessential figure of success and excellence. Leading the San Francisco 49ers during the 1980s, Montana cemented himself as a paragon of both individual prowess and team leadership.The Niners’ campaigns during this era were nothing short of dynastic, with Montana at the helm navigating them through nine playoff appearances and securing four Super Bowl victories. His accolades, including two NFL MVP awards and three Super Bowl MVP recognitions, emphasize his superior skill and leadership. Montana's synergy with wide receiver Jerry Rice resulted in a formidable duo that shredded defenses, laying a foundation for future quarterback-wide receiver partnerships.Although detractors label him a "system QB" under Bill Walsh’s strategic "West Coast Offense," his consistently exceptional performance in passing yards, completion percentage, and touchdowns solidified his status as one of the greatest of all time.Dan Marino: A Powerhouse Through the AirDan Marino emerged in the 1980s with a passing prowess that left audiences in awe and defenses scrambling for solutions. In his seven-year stint during this decade, Marino exemplified what it meant to electrify the field with his exceptional arm strength and precision.He shattered records with unmatched velocity, boasting a passing touchdown z-score that eclipsed those of his contemporary competitors. Despite never capturing a Super Bowl title—a blemish in the eyes of championship purists—Marino's performance often propelled the Miami Dolphins odds to strongly favor his team in regular season matchups. In fact, his enduring impact on the game is accentuated by his position in the all-time passing touchdown rankings, especially notable given the era he thrived in was less inclined toward prolific passing offenses compared to today's game.The 1984 Championship Game against Montana’s 49ers was perhaps Marino's closest brush with ultimate victory, a narrative that further fueled the mythos surrounding his career.John Elway: The Gunslinger's JourneyJohn Elway, dynamic and determined, made waves in the NFL with his competitive spirit and unyielding will to win. Drafted first in the 1983 NFL Draft, Elway's decision to forsake the Baltimore Colts for Colorado's mountains was pivotal, as he molded the Denver Broncos into contenders. His earlier trials with accuracy stood in stark contrast to his ability to orchestrate thrilling comebacks.Elway’s 1987 MVP honors underscored his evolving capabilities and influential presence as he led Denver to three Super Bowl appearances in the decade—albeit on the losing end each time. However, these experiences only tempered his resolve, propelling him to eventual triumphs in back-to-back Super Bowl victories in the late 1990s.His tenure during the 1980s, though, was foundational in establishing his gospel as one of the game's greatest quarterbacks, epitomizing resilience and competitive tenacity.Warren Moon: Breaking Barriers and ExcellingIn a landscape dominated by entrenched stereotypes, Warren Moon emerged as a trailblazer who challenged conventions and excelled on his own merit. Moon’s journey to the NFL was marred by societal obstacles that could have deterred lesser men.However, his ascent to the league and subsequent stellar performances dispelled doubts, showcasing his remarkable talents, as he became an upper-echelon quarterback of the decade. Overcoming discrimination, Moon achieved impressive statistical feats, such as a remarkable passing yard z-score, which highlighted his adeptness in leading formidable offenses. His seven consecutive playoff appearances with the Houston Oilers elucidate a consistency and excellence that defied the era's prejudices.Not only did Moon earn his place through skill and perseverance but he also transcended a pioneering role, being honored as the first black quarterback in the Hall of Fame—a testament to his impact both on the field and in broader socio-cultural contexts.How the Quarterback Boom Shaped the NFLImage SourceThe 1980s are known as an exciting decade, especially due to the emergence of a new offensive generation led by quarterbacks who subverted all the standards and formed new ones: Montana, Marino, Elway, and Moon. The focus on passing meant that the games became not only more attractive but also new tactics and lines of play were conceived, which remain an integral part of the game nowadays.Besides, this wave of sure-fire quarterbacks managed to boost the league's recognition and firmly placed it as America's number one sport. What is more, the entire football world watched in excitement as these quarterbacks put up fantastic displays, and this, of course, secured their place in the annals of the history of the game.All things considered, passing in the NFL matured and flourished in the 1980s, led by four legendary quarterbacks whose legacies remain. Their ability, spirit, and resolve opened new doors for future generations of quarterbacks to strive for greatness and redefine limits.

A House Democrat says she would have supported eliminating the filibuster if Democrats had control of the White House, Senate, and House, but she doesn’t support it now that Republicans have won all three levers of power. Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), chair of the Progressive Caucus, was speaking at a press conference on Monday about the 2024 election results when she was asked about her previous support for ending the filibuster. “Am I championing getting rid of the filibuster now when the Senate has the trifecta? No,” she said, referring to Republicans taking back control of the White House and Senate and likely maintaining control of the House. “But had we had the trifecta, I would have been, because we have to show that government can deliver,” Jayapal added. “If we had had control of the trifecta and gotten rid of the filibuster to pass minimum wage, to pass paid sick leave, to pass many of these things that are passing – abortion access – that are passing on ballot measures that are so popular …  then I think we would have built some trust with the American people,” Jayapal also said. She also claimed that Republicans “already got rid of the filibuster, for taxes.” Republicans used a special process known as reconciliation, which can only be used for budget issues like taxes, spending, and the debt limit. It is not the same as eliminating the filibuster. MATT WALSH’S ‘AM I RACIST?’ NOW STREAMING ON DAILYWIRE+ As recently as September, Jayapal called the filibuster the “Jim Crow filibuster,” the New York Post reported. “The filibuster was originally created *by mistake* in 1806,” she wrote on X at the time. “Every day we don’t abolish it is just as big a mistake.” The filibuster was originally created *by mistake* in 1806. Every day we don’t abolish it is just as big a mistake. — Pramila Jayapal (@PramilaJayapal) September 24, 2024 “It’s the filibuster OR an assault weapons ban. It’s the filibuster OR codified abortion access. It’s the filibuster OR raising the minimum wage. It’s the filibuster OR protecting voting rights. The choice is clear. Abolish the Jim Crow filibuster,” Jayapal has also posted. It’s the filibuster OR an assault weapons ban. It’s the filibuster OR codified abortion access. It’s the filibuster OR raising the minimum wage It’s the filibuster OR protecting voting rights. The choice is clear. Abolish the Jim Crow filibuster. — Pramila Jayapal (@PramilaJayapal) September 25, 2024 Jayapal, being a member of the House, has no say or control over the filibuster, even if Democrats had retained the Senate. So far, however, she is the only Democrat to come out and say what is known to be true: They only support ending the filibuster when they have the majority. Last week, The Daily Wire asked every current, incoming, and outgoing Senate Democrat if they supported ending the filibuster now that Donald Trump has won the election and Republicans will control the Senate. Not a single office replied to the inquiry.

There was a massive red wave last Tuesday night across the nation, and Texas was no exception.  Texas Governor Greg Abbott took to X last week, once again making his commitment to education freedom known: “Parents know their kids better than anyone, & they want to put them on the best path to success.” He continued, “With last night’s election results, we can provide school choice for every Texan.”  Less than 90 minutes later, the governor posted a pledge, “Texas will deliver school choice.” School choice is supported by all demographics in Texas. Texans of all backgrounds, including Black & Hispanic parents, strongly support school choice. School choice improves educational opportunities for minority & low-income students. Texas will deliver school choice. pic.twitter.com/NOVfwA9jOP — Greg Abbott (@GregAbbott_TX) November 7, 2024 Texas, known for freedom, has been an outlier among historically conservative states when it comes to the rights of dads and moms to have education options for their children outside of the public school system. This is despite only 37% of Texans thinking K-12 education in the local school district within Texas is headed in the right direction.  Abbott’s commitment to empowering parents with education options is nothing new. He has advocated for school choice in the Lone Star State since 2017.  During the Texas fourth legislative special session in November 2023, the school choice effort died by an amendment to House Bill 1, which removed a school choice provision from the education spending bill by a House vote of 84-63. The 21-point defeat resulted from 21 Republican representatives from rural areas in the state voting with Democrats against school choice. With the Texas legislative session convening only every other year, Abbott used the intervening time effectively to campaign to get those anti-school choice Republican representatives out of office and, in turn, elect pro-education freedom candidates. The Texas primary election in March was successful to this end, as six Republican representatives who voted against school choice lost their seats. The March run-off election resulted in another three Republican anti-school choice representatives getting voted out of office.  Added to those numbers were five others who forwent seeking reelection, knowing a reckoning was coming. Each of those representatives was replaced by a pro-education freedom candidate. A total of 14 seats were flipped from anti-school choice Republican representatives to education freedom champions. That 14-seat pick-up translates into a 28-point positive swing for school choice — giving Abbott the numbers needed in the Texas House to pass a sweeping school choice bill for families. The Texas Senate had not been the barrier. The November 5 general election results are still coming in, but it has been reported that Republicans have flipped one Texas Senate seat, resulting in a 20-11 Republican majority. The victorious Republican candidate Adam Hinojosa, referred to by the American Federation of Children as a “school choice champion,” is the first Republican to win the Rio Grande Valley since Reconstruction.  In the Texas House, similar results are still being reported, but it is currently anticipated that Republicans will flip two seats, making their majority 88-62. It’s no surprise that Abbott is confident this time around — not just that it’s possible to enact education freedom in Texas, but it is probable with the new legislators.  As of 2023, of the 52.1 million K-12 public school students in the United States, nearly 5.7 million lived in Texas. That translates to 11.88% of all students nationwide. Should Texas pass a universal school choice bill, that would increase the total number of public school students with school choice access in America from 18.9 million to 24.6 million — from 36.3% to 47.21%.  The benefits of education freedom are significant for each individual child, their family, and community. Additionally, widespread school choice programs save a state enormous sums of money because the funding provided to the family to take to an alternative education option is generally only one-third to half the amount public education spends per student.  As Martin F. Lueken wrote in The Wall Street Journal, “a recent EdChoice analysis of 48 school-choice programs across 26 states through 2022 estimates that school-choice programs generated cumulative net fiscal benefits for taxpayers worth between $19.4 billion and $45.6 billion.” That number is dramatically on the rise because, since that time, ten states have joined West Virginia and Arizona in signing universal or near-universal school choice into law.  With the current K-12 public education spending on Texas students topping $70.6 billion annually, massive savings will result in the years to come. Therefore, empowering parents with education freedom for their children is not only the right thing to do but also has positive fiscal benefits for the state’s bottom line. For Texas, that will be billions of dollars saved each year once Abbott’s persistent leadership in delivering school choice is across the finish line.  The great news for Texas families is that the reality of education freedom could be merely months away.  * * *  Dr. Keri D. Ingraham is a Senior Fellow at Discovery Institute, Director of the American Center for Transforming Education, and a Senior Fellow at Independent Women’s Forum. The views expressed in this piece are those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the Daily Wire.

Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, 70, who has type 1 diabetes, is allegedly resisting leaving the court, reportedly disappointing leftists who want her to step down because of her health so that lame-duck President Joe Biden can replace her before President-elect Donald Trump takes office. Sotomayor is the third-oldest member of the court; Justice Clarence Thomas is 76, and Justice Samuel Alito is 74. “Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor has made clear she has no plans to step down, according to people close to her,” CNN reported. “She’s in great health, and the court needs her now more than ever,” one source reportedly close to Sotomayor told CNN. Leftists are concerned because liberal Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who died in 2020, refused to leave the court while she had cancer and Barack Obama was president despite public pleas to step down. One critic wrote in 2014, “She must retire. Right now. While we’re at it, Stephen Breyer should retire too. … If Ginsburg and Breyer wait to retire, it will only serve to maximize the possibility that a Republican president will choose their successor and in the process undo much of what they’ve worked for their entire careers.” “Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg should retire from the Supreme Court after the completion of the current term in June,” another critic wrote, “She turned 81 on Saturday and by all accounts she is healthy and physically and mentally able to continue. But only by resigning this summer can she ensure that a Democratic president will be able to choose a successor who shares her views and values.” MATT WALSH’S ‘AM I RACIST?’ NOW STREAMING ON DAILYWIRE+ Obama met with Ginsburg in 2013 and reportedly hinted that she should leave the court. She did not. After her death from pancreatic cancer in late 2020, President Trump replaced her with Justice Amy Coney Barrett. In January 2020, the Supreme Court ruled for the Trump administration, which had asked for permission on the “public charge” rule, banning non-citizens from receiving a green card if the government thought those non-citizens would rely on public assistance. Amy Howe of SCOTUSblog wrote, “That ruling put on hold a pair of orders by a federal district court in New York, which had blocked the government from enforcing the rule anywhere in the nation.” The Supreme Court ruled that the Trump administration could enforce that rule in Illinois while the federal government went ahead and appealed a judge’s ruling barring the federal government from enforcing it. That ruling prompted Sotomayor, who was nominated for her seat on the court by former President Barack Obama, to attack the five so-called “conservative” judges on the court who gave the Trump administration a 5-4 victory in the case as being biased in favor of President Trump, writing, “the Court’s recent behavior on stay applications has benefited one litigant over all others.”

Another “Wheel of Fortune” contestant is going viral for his hilarious “missolve” during Monday’s episode of the popular game show. The moment occurred when the contestant, Will Jordan, a police officer, was trying to solve a puzzle that read, “Give yourself a round of applause.” There were only a few squares missing when Will submitted the guess, “Treat yourself a round of sausage,” according to multiple clips being circulated on X.  Another contestant named Kitina correctly solved the puzzle after Will’s mistake. “Will, I kind of like yours better,” host Ryan Seacrest joked after the exchange. “That sounds better than just clapping right now.” A "Wheel of Fortune" contestant goes viral for the "worst" answer ever. https://t.co/F4DCi9pjb0 pic.twitter.com/O3zmNCYghA — New York Post (@nypost) November 12, 2024 Maggie Sajak interviewed Will after his blunder in a clip shared on Instagram. “Alright Will, we had a little missolve in the first game… that’s okay, could you walk me through how you’re feeling?” Sajak asked. “I tell you, when the lights are on, and you know, the stars and Ryan Seacrest, Vanna White… I just went blank,” Will replied. “But, if your dad, in retirement, is watching this show, maybe cracks a beer and gets a laugh, it was worth it,” he added, referring to former longtime “Wheel of Fortune” host Pat Sajak. MATT WALSH’S ‘AM I RACIST?’ NOW STREAMING ON DAILYWIRE+ Sajak said, “I will make sure that we tune in that night, okay? That’s a promise.” “Awesome. And I’m sure I’m gonna have sausages in my locker and police car when I get back, so we’ll try and have some fun with it,” Will said.  “Playing Wheel of Fortune on stage is a whole different ball game than playing at home, but Will was a great sport about his missolve!” the post caption said. In May, a “Wheel of Fortune” contestant went viral for solving a puzzle that said, “this is the best,” with the incorrect guess, “right in the butt.”  “I had no idea what I was going to say until I opened my mouth,” Tavaris Williams said at the time. “I saw the ‘R,’ I saw ‘B,’ I saw one of the ‘T’s’ and my brain put (together) what it could be, and I thought it was ‘Right in the butt.’ I have never in sequential order ever said that phrase. It’s just what came out.”

The FEMA supervisor who was fired after The Daily Wire revealed she directed disaster relief workers in Florida to “avoid homes” with signs advertising Donald Trump said on Tuesday that this was not an “isolated” incident, and is likely happening in disaster areas across the country.  Marn’i Washington said that FEMA has a widespread policy of avoiding “politically hostile” homes during an interview with Roland Martin. She said that FEMA’s suggestion that she made an independent decision to avoid certain homes is a mischaracterization, stating that it is agency policy. “FEMA always preaches avoidance first and then de-escalation, so this is not isolated,” Washington said. “This is a colossal event of avoidance not just in the state of Florida, but you will find avoidance in the Carolinas.” “Senior leadership will lie to you and tell you that they do not know,” Washington said. BREAKING: Fired FEMA employee does first interview with @rolandsmartin, says her team’s avoidance of homes in Florida was not an “isolated” incident “This is a colossal event of avoidance not just in the state of Florida.” pic.twitter.com/aCrTr6V771 — Leif Le Mahieu (@leif_lemahieu) November 12, 2024 FEMA fired Washington on Saturday after The Daily Wire reported that whistleblowers said she directed them verbally and in a group chat to “avoid homes advertising Trump” when canvassing in Highlands County, Florida.  FEMA told The Daily Wire on Friday that the guidance was an “isolated incident” and not approved by the agency.  “The employee who issued this guidance had no authority and was given no direction to tell teams to avoid these homes and we are reaching out to the people who may have not been reached as a result of this incident.” READ MORE: FEMA Official Ordered Relief Workers To Skip Houses With Trump Signs Washington said incident reports would substantiate incidents of avoidance because of “political hostility.” She asserted that there was a “community trend” of “hostility” coming from people with Trump yard signs or flags in Lake Placid. “FEMA’s very well aware of the incidents that take place, not just with my crew, but with all the crews in the states,” she said.  Washington told Martin that her supervisors approved her avoidance of certain streets in Lake Placid. She showed a text message that she says was sent to a supervisor saying that one road was “politically hostile” and “we are not canvassing this street further.” The supervisor reportedly responded, “Great decision. Thanks for the update.”  She also said that houses were deemed “politically hostile” for saying things such as, “I don’t like FEMA.” Federal and state investigations have been launched into FEMA to probe its policies for providing aid. FEMA has not responded to allegations from Washington, and did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The Daily Wire has requested an interview with Washington.

Dave McCormick is attending his first day of Senate orientation at Majority Leader Chuck Schumer’s (D-NY) invitation while his opponent, Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA), refuses to concede. In a video posted to X on Tuesday, Casey said he is waiting for the remainder of the votes to be counted in his race, which the Associated Press called for McCormick late last week. “Across our Commonwealth, close to 7 million people cast their votes in a free and fair election,” Casey said. “Our county election officials will finish counting those votes just like they do in every election. The American democratic process was born in Pennsylvania and that process will play out.” So far, 98% of votes have been counted, with McCormick leading 49% to Casey’s 48.5%.  As of Tuesday morning, McCormick is ahead by almost 35,000. Under Pennsylvania law, an automatic recount will be triggered if McCormick’s lead is 0.5% or less. The AP called the race on Thursday after McCormick gained votes in blue districts and maintained a strong lead in red districts. Casey was winning Bucks County north of Philadelphia by less than half a point, despite winning it by 6 points in 2018, WGAL 8 reported.  Meanwhile, photos of McCormick’s appearance in the U.S. Capitol are making the rounds on social media. In a photo posted by the National Republican Senatorial Committee, a smiling McCormick is seen holding a “Senator-elect” placard. SPOTTED at Senate orientation pic.twitter.com/4kTUn9Dv0b — Senate Republicans (@NRSC) November 12, 2024 McCormick’s campaign communications director, Elizabeth Gregory, shared a picture to X of McCormick walking through a Capitol hallway. “I’m excited to be here, glad I’ve been invited to the orientation and get to work for bringing about the change that the people of our great Commonwealth Pennsylvania have … excited to get to work,” McCormick said upon his arrival to Fox News. Schumer initially did not invite McCormick or Rep. Ruben Gallego (D-AZ)  to the new Senator orientation, but had a change of heart after pressure from colleagues, Semafor reported. “Ruben Gallego and David McCormick have been invited to attend orientation,” a Schumer spokesman said Tuesday. Sen. Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ) called for both Gallego and McCormick to receive invitations, pointing out that it took 6 days for her 2018 race to be counted.  “I jumped on a redeye to DC to make senate orientation-I learned so much & made lasting relationships that week,” Sinema tweeted. “Dave McCormick & Ruben Gallego will be Senators for PA & AZ. They should be invited to orientation & start learning the job.” Sen. Joe Manchin (I-WV) echoed Sinema on X. “While we are losing a good person and colleague in Senator Bob Casey, I believe the Senate will be gaining another good man in Senator-Elect David McCormick,” he wrote. Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) said some senators were planning to “personally escort McCormick into the building if necessary” before McCormick was given the invitation. McCormick filed a lawsuit on Monday against the Philadelphia Board of Election and three city commissioners over provisional ballots. McCormick’s case seeks to challenge provisional ballots submitted by mail but were deemed invalid, in order to have the ballots sequestered until “further action is taken by the United States Supreme Court,” according to WHYY.

'It's just a very odd way of addressing this'

'conspiracy of silence'