Fantasy football draft season hits its peak moment this week, with NFL training camps fully open, the Hall of Fame Game just days away, and a brand new 10% discount for Commish Kit customers in honor of one of the greatest wide receivers in NFL history. Because the sports world delivered wall-to-wall storylines this week — from Spain winning the World Cup to Taco Bell’s lettuce crisis to Caitlin Clark making WNBA history — there’s plenty to cover before we talk draft boards. Here’s the full breakdown, with fantasy football implications built in.
Don’t Cry For Me, Argentina
Spain are world champions for the second time. In a tense, one-sided final at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sunday, substitute Ferran Torres rifled home a first-time finish in the 106th minute to give Spain a 1-0 victory over Lionel Messi and Argentina. Spain dominated from start to finish — 20 shots to Argentina’s two, 60% possession, and seven clean sheets across the tournament. Argentina goalkeeper Emiliano Martínez was extraordinary, setting a World Cup final record with 11 saves, but even he couldn’t stop Torres’ strike from Nico Williams’ assist.
No Messi magic, no last-minute drama in Argentina’s favor, and no Golden Boot for the defending champions. Spain shut them out and just like that, the party was over. Messi, who will be 43 by the 2030 World Cup, suggested this may have been his final major tournament appearance.
Anyway. Now that we’re done talking fútbol, let’s get back to the football that actually uses its hands.
Fantasy football implications: The World Cup is over, which means the sports audience is now fully redirected toward the NFL. Training camps opened last week, the Hall of Fame Game is August 6, and fantasy draft season is officially here. Furthermore, with no major international soccer competition until 2028, your league mates have no more excuses to postpone the draft.
Five New Gold Jackets
The Pro Football Hall of Fame is adding five more legends to Canton this week, and the class of 2026 is genuinely special. As a result, this is one of the strongest induction classes in years — no weak links, no controversies about who deserved to get in.
Drew Brees — The Most Accurate Passer Who Ever Lived
Drew Brees threw for over 80,000 yards and 571 touchdown passes in a 20-season career with the San Diego Chargers and New Orleans Saints. He retired second all-time in both categories behind only Tom Brady. Because Brees led the league in passing seven times and completion percentage six times, he redefined what precision quarterback play could look like. He won Super Bowl XLIV with New Orleans and earned Super Bowl MVP honors. 13 Pro Bowl selections. Two Offensive Player of the Year awards. First ballot. Born in Austin, Texas — which makes him a hometown legend for Commish Kit customers.
Larry Fitzgerald — 17 Seasons, One Team, Zero Complaints
Larry Fitzgerald spent his entire 17-year career with the Arizona Cardinals — the second most receptions in NFL history (1,432), the second most receiving yards (17,492), and 121 touchdown catches. Furthermore, he made 11 Pro Bowls and had nine seasons with over 1,000 receiving yards. He nearly led the Cardinals to a Super Bowl title in 2008, putting up one of the greatest postseason performances in NFL history. First ballot. Loyal, humble, and one of the most universally respected players the game has ever seen.
In honor of Larry Fitzgerald being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, use code FITZ for 10% off your entire Commish Kit order. Coupon expires Friday, July 31. Find the right board for your league →
Luke Kuechly — The Linebacker Who Retired Too Soon
Luke Kuechly played just eight seasons for the Carolina Panthers before concussions forced him to walk away at 28. Moreover, those eight seasons were enough for seven Pro Bowl selections, five First-Team All-Pro honors, the 2013 Defensive Player of the Year award, and two league-leading tackle seasons. He made quarterbacks question their life choices every Sunday. One of the greatest defensive players of his generation, gone before his time.
Adam Vinatieri — Mr. Clutch
The NFL’s all-time leading scorer — 2,673 points, 599 career field goals — delivered two of the biggest kicks in Super Bowl history. Super Bowl XXXVI: 48-yard field goal as time expired, Patriots 20, Rams 17. Super Bowl XXXVIII: 41-yarder with four seconds left, Patriots 32, Panthers 29. If the game was on the line, there was nobody you’d rather have kicking the football.
Roger Craig — The First 1,000/1,000 Man
Roger Craig became the first player in NFL history to rush for 1,000 yards AND catch 1,000 receiving yards in the same season, doing it with the San Francisco 49ers in 1985. “Three Super Bowl rings with San Francisco. Craig changed what it meant to be a complete running back. Long overdue — congratulations to all five.”
Fantasy football implications: The Hall of Fame Game is August 6 — Arizona Cardinals vs. Carolina Panthers, honoring Fitzgerald and Kuechly respectively. That game officially opens the 2026 NFL preseason and is your signal that drafts need to happen soon. Moreover, the full preseason schedule starts August 13, and most fantasy leagues hold their drafts between August 10-25. If your board isn’t ordered, now is the time.
The Runs For The Border
Taco Bell is recalling lettuce after a Cyclospora parasite outbreak left thousands of customers sprinting toward the nearest bathroom. Federal health officials linked shredded iceberg lettuce from a single supplier in central Mexico — Taylor Farms de México — to more than 1,644 confirmed illnesses across Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia. There have been 94 hospitalizations. Taco Bell pulled the lettuce from its entire nationwide supply chain on July 17. Turns out “Run for the Border” was only half the instructions. The other half was “then run for the restroom.” Health officials say the Cyclospora parasite causes explosive diarrhea. Which means Taco Bell has officially found the only topping hotter than their Fire Sauce. Probably because “Live Más” sounds a lot better than “Sit Faster.”
Fantasy football implications: None. But if you’re hosting a draft party, skip the Taco Bell run this year.
Hands Off, Caitlin
Caitlin Clark just dropped 45 points and 10 assists in a single WNBA game, becoming the first player in league history to put up 40 or more points and 10 or more assists in the same game. The Indiana Fever beat the Seattle Storm 110-107. Not bad for someone who spends half the game getting tackled. A few weeks ago, Phoenix Mercury forward Alyssa Thomas threw a closed fist into Clark’s throat during a loose-ball scramble. No foul was called in real time. The WNBA later reviewed the play, upgraded it to a Flagrant 2, and suspended Thomas for one game. Clark didn’t ask for special treatment. She simply said: “The league has to do better protecting its players.” Maybe I’m old school, but I always thought punching someone in the throat was worth blowing the whistle.
Fantasy football implications: Caitlin Clark’s crossover appeal is bringing new audiences to sports in general. Because more casual sports fans are engaging with the WNBA, that same audience is growing into fantasy football — which means more new commissioners setting up leagues for the first time. Furthermore, if you know a first-time commish, a Commish Kit draft board makes the perfect setup gift.
How to Lose Friends and $27 Million
Brandon Aiyuk is putting on an all-time masterclass in how to talk yourself out of a job and a paycheck simultaneously. He tore his ACL in October 2024, skipped rehab and team check-in obligations, and as a result the 49ers voided $27 million in guaranteed money from his contract. Then he went on social media and started taking shots at everyone, including his old Arizona State teammate Jayden Daniels — the very quarterback he was publicly begging to play with in Washington. The two have now unfollowed each other on Instagram, which in 2026 is apparently the equivalent of filing for divorce. “Meanwhile, the 49ers may pursue up to $18.4 million in previously paid money back from him. He also picked up a misdemeanor warrant for driving 100 mph. George Kittle’s response when Commanders fans asked about Aiyuk? ‘Good luck with that.’ When your own potential future teammates are wishing you luck sarcastically, it may be time to log off.”
Fantasy football implications: Aiyuk remains in football purgatory — under contract with San Francisco but not playing, not reinstated, and not a free agent. Because he hasn’t applied for reinstatement, no team can sign him. He is a zero for 2026 fantasy purposes unless something changes dramatically before Week 1. Do not draft him.
The Beer That Made Milwaukee Famous Is Tapping Out
After 177 years, Schlitz is going on hiatus. The beer that made Milwaukee famous brewed its final batch on May 23, 2026, using a recreation of the original 1948 recipe. Pabst Brewing Company, which owns Schlitz, cited rising storage and shipping costs as the reason. Schlitz was once the No. 1 beer in America, but a recipe change in the 1970s, some legendary bad advertising, and changing tastes finally caught up with it. My old man used to say: “If you drink too much Budweiser, it’ll give you the Schlitz.” I still have no idea what that means, but somehow it sounds even funnier today. An accordion and a harmonica. Party on, Boomers.
Fantasy football implications: None. But pour one out for a legend before your draft party. Just make sure it’s not from the Taco Bell run.
We Are on the Inside Cover of Fantasy Football Index
Commish Kit is on the inside cover of Fantasy Football Index magazine — available at Barnes & Noble, Walmart, and CVS. Pick up a copy for your draft party and bring a Commish Kit board to go with it. Because every great draft needs both great information and a great board to track it all.
Your Draft Board Deserves Better Than a Whiteboard
Draft season is here. DARNOLD has retired. FITZ is officially in the lineup through the end of the month. Use code FITZ for 10% off your entire order through Friday, July 31. Commish Kit has been making professional-grade fantasy football draft boards since 2002. Whether you need a wall-hanging paper board, a free-standing corrugated board, or the Digital Draft Board Big Screen Edition, we have you covered. Find the right board for your league size →
How long has Commish Kit been making fantasy football draft boards?
Since 2002 — Commish Kit started in Daly City, California, and moved to Austin, Texas in 2012, making 2026 its 24th season in business. As a result, the brand has become the go-to draft board for fantasy leagues across the country, as featured on Thrillist.
FAQ
Who won the 2026 FIFA World Cup?
Spain won the 2026 World Cup, defeating Argentina 1-0 in extra time at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on July 19. Substitute Ferran Torres scored the winning goal in the 106th minute.
Who are the 2026 Pro Football Hall of Fame inductees?
The Class of 2026 consists of Drew Brees (QB), Larry Fitzgerald (WR), Luke Kuechly (LB), Adam Vinatieri (K), and Roger Craig (RB). The enshrinement ceremony is Saturday, August 8 at noon in Canton, Ohio.
When is the 2026 Hall of Fame Game?
The Hall of Fame Game is Thursday, August 6 at 8 p.m. ET — Arizona Cardinals vs. Carolina Panthers at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton, Ohio. It officially opens the 2026 NFL preseason.
What happened with Taco Bell and the lettuce recall?
Federal health officials linked a Cyclospora parasite outbreak to shredded iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de México served at Taco Bell locations in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia. More than 1,644 people were sickened and 94 were hospitalized. Taco Bell removed the lettuce from its entire supply chain on July 17, 2026.
What did Caitlin Clark do against the Seattle Storm?
Clark scored 45 points and added 10 assists in the Indiana Fever’s 110-107 win over Seattle, becoming the first player in WNBA history with 40 or more points and 10 or more assists in a single game.
What is Brandon Aiyuk’s status for 2026?
Aiyuk remains under contract with the 49ers but has not applied for reinstatement. The team voided $27 million in guaranteed money after he failed to meet rehab obligations. He is not available for any other team to sign and is a zero for 2026 fantasy purposes.
What happened to Schlitz beer?
Pabst Brewing Company placed Schlitz “on hiatus” after 177 years of production, citing rising storage and shipping costs. The final batch was brewed on May 23, 2026, using a recreation of the 1948 recipe.
What is the FITZ coupon code?
Use code FITZ for 10% off your entire Commish Kit order through Friday, July 31, 2026, in honor of Larry Fitzgerald’s Pro Football Hall of Fame induction.
How long has Commish Kit been making fantasy football draft boards?
Since 2002 — Commish Kit started in Daly City, California, and moved to Austin, Texas in 2012, making 2026 its 24th season in business.
