Welcome to your Morning Cup of Joe, an eye-opener to help Joe’s readers ease into their busy workday with a few football links, wacky news and a pleasant distraction.

Distraction of the Day

Bill Belicheat’s field goal stunt perfectly legal. [PFT]

If Rams win next week, they could set a blueprint for team travel. But if they lose… [CBS]

Saint Lamar Jackson claims defenses are not going to be prepared for what he plans to unleash. You mean another playoff loss? [Yahoo!]

NFL looks forward to more Australia games. [NFL]

How did that blade not get destroyed? [TikTok]

The Russini Report has been released! We can now have peace in the Middle East! Global warming has been solved! Report finds former NFL insider for The Athletic Dianna Russini did not favor her side piece New England coach Mike Vrabel in her reporting. Sure Jan. [The Athletic]

How standing in line at a TSA checkpoint turned around Trevor Lawrence. [SI]

The 13 most intriguing personalities in the NFL. [Front Office Sports]

Explosive allegations surrounding the North Carolina football program surface. General manager Michael Lombardi resigns just as WRAL-TV was to air a story detailing that investigators hired by the university were poking around the football program, asking if defensive coordinator Steve Belichick, son of Bill Belichick, was using drugs on the job and/or providing drugs to a player(s). Additionally, investigators were asking football staffers about members of the coaching staff allegedly having sexual relations with recruiting staffers. And more, investigators were asking whether a recruiting staffer had a sexual relationship with a player. Joe thinks it is a fair bet that North Carolina will have a new football coach for 2027. [WRAL]

Dedication: Pizza delivery guy braves a potential encounter with a black bear to make sure the customer gets his pie. [Outkick]

Now this is talent. [TikTok]

Playoff, Sleeper, Loser: USC pic.twitter.com/6BcrhB6zBN

— Wake Up Barstool (@wakeupbarstool) September 2, 2026

This is the most dangerous time for takes. Because everyone is so sick of the preseason, we need the games to start.

Here’s a round up of what we’re all saying. pic.twitter.com/9gd4xxIXQm

— Kyle Brandt (@KyleBrandt) September 3, 2026

.@JennyDell_ gives us in an inside look into her life as a sideline reporter 🏈 pic.twitter.com/EntltiMqFy

— CBS Sports College Football 🏈 (@CBSSportsCFB) September 3, 2026