Game Changer
presented by Gillette
PHILADELPHIA EAGLES DEFENSIVE END CHRIS LONG
NAMED WALTER PAYTON NFL MAN OF THE YEAR
Philadelphia Eagles defensive end CHRIS LONG was named the 2018 WALTER PAYTON NFL MAN OF THE YEAR PRESENTED BY NATIONWIDE, the NFL announced today. Considered one of the league's most prestigious honors, the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award recognizes an NFL player for outstanding community service activities off the field, as well as excellence on the field. First established in 1970, the national award was renamed in 1999 after the late Hall of Fame Chicago Bears running back WALTER PAYTON. The announcement was made during NFL Honors, a two-hour primetime awards special held at Fox Theatre in Atlanta that will air nationally at 9 PM (ET and PT) on CBS tonight.
New this year, prior to kickoff of Super Bowl LIII, all 32 Man of the Year finalists will be recognized on-field, as a testament to each of their contributions to the game and to their communities. The Man of the Year Finalist Pregame Moment will culminate with the introduction of Long as the 2018 award recipient.
"Chris Long continues to amaze and inspire us with his generous spirit and tireless commitment to many communities and cities," said NFL Commissioner ROGER GOODELL. "He is a role model for us all, as he exemplifies the legacy of service and leadership that this recognition represents. We congratulate him on this well-deserved award."
"Long's dedication to making a difference in his community is a shining example of the positive impact one person can make in the lives of others." said Nationwide Chief Marketing Officer TERRANCE WILLIAMS. "Nationwide congratulates Long on being named this year's Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year and thanks all the nominees for their service."
This is the second time Long has been named his team's Man of the Year. In 2015, after being named the St. Louis Rams' Man of the Year, Long established The Chris Long Foundation. The mission of The Chris Long Foundation is to engage and create programs focused around four main philanthropic causes: clean water, military appreciation, homelessness and youth.
Notably, Long also celebrated his 10th season playing in the NFL by donating his entire year's salary, roughly $1 million, to support educational initiatives in the cities in which he has played, St. Louis, Boston and Philadelphia. This groundbreaking donation was not in isolation, however, as Long used the occasion to encourage his fans to join him in the effort—raising an additional $750,000 through that outreach, which was donated to Summer Search in Boston and Philadelphia, as well as College Bound and Little Bit in St. Louis.
In 2018, Long continued more than a decade of community service by creating his First Quarter for Literacy program and donating 100% of his first four game checks to fund the program. First Quarter for Literacy provides under-served Philadelphia families, and families nationwide, with free books, literacy resources and mentoring services.
Earlier in 2018, Long conquered Mt. Kilimanjaro for the third time alongside 11 current and former NFL players and U.S. military veterans as part of his Conquering Kili initiative. The initiative brings together a class of combat veterans, giving them the opportunity to continue serving others by climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro to raise money to build clean water wells for East Africa. Additionally, as a founding member of the Players' Coalition Task Force, Long has taken his solution-focused efforts and used his platform to elevate the voice of others., Long has taken a hands-on, leadership role in the Players' Coalition's efforts to reform the bail system in Philadelphia and beyond, working specifically on educational equality, police and community relations and criminal justice reform.
Long will receive $500,000, half of which will go to a charity of his choice and half of which will support the expansion of Character Playbook across the country. Character Playbook is the NFL and United Way's digital education program. All other 31 nominees will receive a donation of $50,000 in their name to expand Character Playbook, and an additional donation of up to $50,000 to their charity of choice. All donations are courtesy of the NFL Foundation, Nationwide and United Way Worldwide.
PRO FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME'S CLASS OF 2019
"SELECTION SATURDAY" RESULTS IN EIGHT-PERSON CLASS ELECTED TO HALL;
TO BE ENSHRINED IN CANTON ON AUG. 3
CANTON, OHIO – "Selection Saturday" resulted in eight "Heroes of the Game" earning election to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The Hall's 48-person selection committee held its annual meeting today in Atlanta to elect the Class of 2019.
The new class of Enshrinees was just announced on stage at NFL Honors, a two-hour primetime awards special that will air nationally tonight at 9 p.m. (ET and PT) on CBS. The newest members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame include cornerback CHAMP BAILEY, contributor PAT BOWLEN, contributor GIL BRANDT, tight end TONY GONZALEZ, cornerback TY LAW, center KEVIN MAWAE, safety ED REED, and safety JOHNNY ROBINSON.
Today's annual selection meeting capped a year-round selection process. The newly elected Hall of Famers were chosen from a list of 18 finalists who had been determined earlier by the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Selection Committee. Representatives of the accounting firm Deloitte & Touche tabulated all votes during Saturday's meeting.
The Class of 2019 will be officially enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame during the spectacular Enshrinement Ceremony held inside Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Canton on Saturday, Aug. 3, 2019. The Enshrinement Ceremony is the main event of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Week Powered by Johnson Controls.
PRO FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2019
CHAMP BAILEY
Cornerback … 6-0, 192 … Georgia … 1999-2003 Washington Redskins, 2004-2013 Denver Broncos
15 seasons, 215 games … Washington's first round draft pick (7th overall) in 1999 NFL Draft … Helped Redskins to 10-6 record and division title as rookie … Recorded five interceptions in rookie season including three in one game (vs. Cardinals, Oct. 17, 1999) … Traded to Broncos in 2004 … Key member of secondary that led Denver to five postseason appearances and four division titles including three straight to cap his career … Started at left cornerback in two AFC championship games and Super Bowl XLVIII … Returned interception 100 yards in Broncos victory over Patriots in 2005 AFC Divisional Playoff Game … Tied for NFL lead with career-high 10 interceptions returned for 162 yards and 1 TD, 2006 … Racked up 18 interceptions over two-season span (2005-06) which was most in NFL in more than two decades … Exceptional in pass coverage, rarely flagged for pass interference … Led Redskins in interceptions once, punt returns once … Broncos leading interceptor five seasons … Amassed 52 career interceptions returned for 464 yards and 4 TDs … Recorded 203 passes defensed … Chosen First-Team All-Pro four times, Second-Team All-Pro four times … Named All-NFC twice, All-AFC three times … Voted to 12 Pro Bowls … Selected to NFL All-Decade Team of the 2000s … Born June 22, 1978 in Fort Campbell, Kentucky.
PAT BOWLEN
Owner … Oklahoma … 1984-Present Denver Broncos
Bowlen shaped the Broncos into one of the most storied franchises in NFL history during his 35 years as owner … Engrained winning culture into organization with immediate results … Broncos posted 13-3 record to win AFC West in Bowlen's first season, 1984 … Sustained and unprecedented success over past three decades has resulted in more than 350 victories, seven Super Bowl appearances and regular-season winning percentage of .603 (1984-2017) … With Bowlen at helm, Broncos have advanced to playoffs 18 times, won 13 division crowns, seven AFC conference championships and three Super Bowl titles (XXXII, XXXIII and 50) … Under his leadership, the Broncos are only NFL team to post 90 or more victories in each of the past three decades … Broncos victory total since Bowlen took over as owner is second most in NFL … Led effort for state-of-the-art Broncos Stadium at Mile High that opened in 2001 …. Member of numerous NFL committees over career including co-chair of NFL Management Council Executive Committee … Key figure to securing NFL's labor and TV contracts … As Chair of NFL Broadcast Committee was responsible for negotiations of $18 billion TV contract, the most lucrative in single-sport history … Named to Broncos Ring of Fame, 2015 … Born Feb. 18, 1944 in Praire du Chien, Wisconsin.
GIL BRANDT
Contributor … Wisconsin … 1960-1988 Dallas Cowboys, 1995-present National Football League
Historic half-century career in pro football … As vice president of personnel for the Cowboys, helped build one of most dominant franchises in all of sports … Integral talent scout for Cowboys and member of team's brain trust along with Hall of Famers Tex Schramm and Tom Landry since inception in 1960 through 1988 … Developed innovative scouting and management of personnel systems … Many innovations are standard process for NFL teams today … Early user of computer analysis to evaluate players … Discovered number of free agents such as wide receiver Drew Pearson and defensive backs Cliff Harris and Everson Walls … Responsible for building rosters that led Cowboys to winning records in 20 consecutive seasons (1966-1985) … Cowboys registered 10 or more wins in a season 16 times during period … Helped Dallas to 13 division titles, six conference championships and two Super Bowl victories (VI and XII) … Joined NFL.com at its inception in 1995 and has been key contributor ever since … Regarded as top draft expert … Serves as resident historian for NFL.com and has provided countless number of columns about league's significant events and players … A regular radio personality on SiriusXM NFL Radio … Born March 4, 1933 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
TONY GONZALEZ
Tight End … 6-5, 250 … California … 1997-2008 Kansas City Chiefs, 2009-2013 Atlanta Falcons
17 seasons, 270 games … First-round pick (13th player overall) by Chiefs in 1997 … Named Chiefs' rookie of the year after recording 33 catches for 368 yards and 2 TDs, 1997 … Recorded more than 50 receptions in a season in each of his last 16 years (second most all-time) including 14 seasons with 70 or more catches … Led NFL in receiving with career-best 102 receptions, 2004 … Led Chiefs in receiving eight times … Traded to Atlanta in 2009 … Led Falcons in receiving, 2012… Set Chiefs record with 26 games with 100 or more receiving yards; added five more 100-yard efforts with Falcons … Ranks behind only Jerry Rice in career receptions … Career statistics: 1,325 receptions for 15,127 yards, 111 TDs … Streak of 211 straight games with a catch, 2000-2013 (longest ever by tight end, second longest in NFL history at time of retirement) … Career-long 73-yard TD catch vs. division rival Raiders, Nov. 28, 1999 …Team leader that helped Chiefs and Falcons to two division titles each … Started at tight end for Falcons in 2012 NFC Championship Game, had 8 catches for 78 yards and 1 TD … Named First-Team All-Pro seven times (1999-2003, 2008, 2012) … Voted to 14 Pro Bowls … Named Team MVP by Chiefs (2008) and Falcons (2009) … Selected to the NFL's All-Decade Team of 2000s … Born Feb. 27, 1976 in Torrance, California.
TY LAW
Cornerback … 5-11, 200 … Michigan … 1995-2004 New England Patriots, 2005, 2008 New York Jets, 2006-07 Kansas City Chiefs, 2009 Denver Broncos
15 seasons, 203 games … Selected by Patriots in 1st round (23rd player overall) of 1995 NFL Draft … Named All-Pro in 1998 and 2003 … Voted to five Pro Bowls (1999, 2002, 2003, 2004 and 2006) … Starting left cornerback in four AFC championship games … Started at left cornerback in three Super Bowls including Patriots victories in Super Bowls XXXVI and XXXVIII … Recorded seven tackles, one assisted tackle, two passes defensed and scored on 47-yard interception return for touchdown in New England's 20-17 win over Rams in Super Bowl XXXVI … Intercepted three or more passes in a season nine times … Led NFL in interceptions twice (9 in 1998 with Patriots and career-high 10 in 2005 with Jets) … Team's leading interceptor six times (Patriots – 4, Chiefs – 1, Jets – 1) … Registered 53 career interceptions for 828 yards and 7 pick-sixes … Career-long 74-yard interception return for touchdown against New England (Dec. 26, 2005)… Recorded 37-yard interception return in final game of career … Five career sacks … Selected to the NFL's All-Decade Team of the 2000s … Born Feb. 10, 1974 in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania.
KEVIN MAWAE
Center … 6-4, 289 … Louisiana State … 1994-97 Seattle Seahawks, 1998-2005 New York Jets, 2006-09 Tennessee Titans
16 seasons, 241 games … Selected by Seahawks in 2nd round (36th player overall) in 1994 NFL Draft … Spent majority of college career as tackle before moving to center during senior year … Played in 14 games, and started 11 games during rookie season with Seahawks … Named to NFL's All-Rookie Team … Played at right guard first two pro seasons, moved permanently to center, 1996 … Noted for leadership and steady play … Helped Jets to division title and championship game appearance in first season in New York, 1998 … Anchored steady Jets offensive line that led way for 44 100-yard games and seven 1,000-yard seasons by Hall of Fame running back Curtis Martin … Blocked for 1,000-yard rusher in 13 of his 16 seasons and five different running backs (Chris Warren, 2; Martin, 7; Travis Henry, 1; LenDale White, 1; and Chris Johnson, 2) … Capped career with Pro Bowl season by paving way for 2,000-yard performance by Johnson … Named All-Pro six times (1999-2002, 2004, and 2008) … Voted to eight Pro Bowls including his final two seasons … Selected to the NFL's All-Decade Team of the 2000s … Born Jan. 23, 1971 in Savannah, Georgia.
ED REED
Safety… 5-11, 200 … Miami (Fla.) … 2002-2012 Baltimore Ravens, 2013 Houston Texans,2013 New York Jets
12 seasons, 174 games … Selected by Ravens in first round (24th overall) in 2002 NFL Draft … Made instant impact on Baltimore's dominant defense with 5 interceptions as rookie … NFL's top interceptor in 2004, 2008, 2010 to become just second player in NFL history to lead NFL in interceptions three times … Led AFC in interceptions four times … Ravens leading interceptor seven seasons … NFL's Defensive Player of the Year, 2004 after picking off league-high 9 passes returned for then-NFL record 358 yards, 1 TD … Career statistics: 64 interceptions returned for NFL record 1,590 yards and 7 touchdowns …. Owns two longest interception returns in NFL history (107 yards vs. Eagles on Nov. 23, 2008; and 106 yards vs. Browns on Nov. 7, 2004) … Registered 140 career passes defensed … Also returned 30 punts for 205 yards … 3 touchdowns scored on fumble recoveries … Leader on Ravens team that advanced to playoffs seven times, won four division titles, and Super Bowl title … Started at free safety in three AFC championship games … Recorded 5 tackles, 1 interception and 1 pass defensed in Ravens' Super Bowl XLVII win … Selected All-Pro six times … Voted to nine Pro Bowls … Member of the NFL's All-Decade Team of the 2000s … Born Sept. 11, 1978 in St. Rose, Louisiana.
JOHNNY ROBINSON
Safety… 6-1, 205 … Louisiana State … 1960-1971 Dallas Texans/Kansas City Chiefs
12 seasons, 164 games … Selected in first round of 1960 AFL Draft by Texans and 3rd overall in the 1960 NFL Draft by Detroit Lions … Utilized by Texans as running back first two seasons … Moved to defense in third season, responded with 4 interceptions … Recorded multiple interceptions each season after moving to safety … Single-season best 10 interceptions in 1966 (led AFL) and 1970 (led NFL) … Lone career pick-six came on 29-yard interception return vs. Boston Patriots, Sept. 25, 1966 … Helped team to four division titles … Played in three AFL championship game victories … Started in two Super Bowls … Recorded two tackles, one fumble recovery and intercepted one pass for nine yards in Chiefs' 23-7 win over Minnesota Vikings, Super Bowl IV … Named All-AFL five straight seasons (1965-69), All-Pro, 1969 and All-NFL, 1970 … Voted to AFL All-Star Game six times, Pro Bowl once … Named to AFL's All-Time Team … Intercepted 57 career interceptions, returned for 741 yards and 1 TD …Also gained 658 rushing yards, 6 TDs; 77 catches for 1,228 yards, 9 TDs; 21 punt returns for 272 yards, 1 TD; and 3 kickoff returns for 54 yards … Scored one TD on fumble return (46 yards vs. Baltimore Colts on Monday Night Football, Sept. 28, 1970) … Born Sept. 9, 1938 in Delhi, Louisiana.
SELECTION MEETING
The first order of business for the Selection Committee at today's meeting was to discuss and debate the merits of the Seniors Finalist, Robinson. He was required to receive at least an 80 percent positive vote to earn election. Next, the careers of Bowlen and Brandt, this year's Contributors Finalists, were reviewed. Like all other Finalists, the Contributors Finalists needed a minimum 80 percent positive vote to be elected.
The Selection Committee then presented and reviewed the 15 Modern-Era Finalists that included two cut downs in the process. The first cut of finalists was from 15 to 10. The five eliminated from consideration at that point were Isaac Bruce, Don Coryell, Tom Flores, John Lynch and Richard Seymour. The final 10 finalists were reduced to five. Removed at that point were Steve Atwater, Tony Boselli, Alan Faneca, Steve Hutchinson and Edgerrin James.
The five remaining finalists – Bailey, Gonzalez, Law, Mawae and Reed – were then voted on individually and all five received the necessary 80 percent positive vote from the Selection Committee to be elected.
The Hall of Fame's membership, including the newly elected Class of 2019, now stands at 326.
2019 PRO FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME
ENSHRINEMENT WEEK POWERED BY JOHNSON CONTROLS
The Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Week Powered by Johnson Controls, a multi-day celebration of the enshrinement of the newest Hall of Fame Class, is held each year in Canton. Bailey, Bowlen, Brandt, Gonzalez, Law, Mawae, Reed and Robinson will be formally enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday, Aug. 3, 2019. The ceremony is nationally televised by NFL Network and ESPN.
The 2019 Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Week Powered by Johnson Controls kicks off the NFL's 100th season with the annual Hall of Fame Game on Thursday, Aug. 1. Other major events complementing the Enshrinement Ceremony and Hall of Fame Game are the nationally televised (NFL Network) Enshrinees' Gold Jacket Dinner (Friday, Aug. 2) and the Enshrinees Roundtable (Sunday, Aug. 4). The festivities wrap up on Sunday night with the Concert for Legends.
The Hall of Fame Game, Enshrinement Ceremony and the Concert for Legends, will be held in the world-class Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium. The venue is a key component of Johnson Controls Hall of Fame Village that is currently under construction on the Hall's campus.
More than 130 Gold Jackets (living Hall of Famers) return to the Hall of Fame each year to be a part of the Enshrinement Week Powered by Johnson Controls. Nowhere else are fans able to see and interact with as many Hall of Famers in one place at one time as in Canton during the annual celebration.
2019 ENSHRINEMENT WEEK POWERED BY JOHNSON CONTROLS
OFFICIAL TICKET PACKAGES
Official ticket packages for the 2019 Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Week Powered by Johnson Controls are on sale now at www.hofexperiences.com/ or by calling 844-751-0532. A variety of ticket packages, starting at $299, provide fans with VIP experiences, premium seating and parties with Hall of Famers. Packages range from event day offerings to four-day experiences that include a multitude of exclusive extras.
Individual tickets to the 2019 Hall of Fame Game (teams to be determined) and Enshrinement Ceremony of Bailey, Bowlen, Brandt, Gonzalez, Law, Mawae, Reed, and Robinson will go on sale Friday, Feb. 15 and will be available at: http://www.profootballhof.com/tickets
Fans can also sign up to receive information and updates about tickets by going to www.profootballhof.com/newsletter or by following the Hall on social media @ProFootballHOF on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and YouTube.
#PFHOF19
| LOS ANGELES RAMS QB JARED GOFF WINS COURTYARD UNSTOPPABLE PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR AWARD AT NFL HONORS |
Two-Hour Primetime Awards Show on CBS Recognizes Outstanding Players
and Performances from 2018 Season and Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2019
Los Angeles Rams QB JARED GOFF is the winner of COURTYARD UNSTOPPABLE PERFORMANCE OF THE YEAR AWARD. The award was announced tonight at NFL HONORS – a two-hour primetime awards show that will air nationally tonight at 9 PM ET/PT on CBS.
The Courtyard Unstoppable Performance of the Year Award is given to the player who demonstrates the best performance in a game during the regular season. Each week during the regular season, Courtyard awards an "Unstoppable Performer" award to a deserving player, and NFL Media analysts selected Goff's performance in Week 4 at home against the Minnesota Vikings as the pinnacle of "Unstoppable Performance" this season. The Super Bowl quarterback shattered the Thursday Night Football record throwing for 465 yards and 5 touchdowns.
On the eve of Super Bowl LIII, featuring the New England Patriots against the Los Angeles Rams, the NFL and THE ASSOCIATED PRESS announced their annual accolades in an awards show recognizing the best players, performances and plays from the 2018 season.
Emmy® Award-winning personality, producer and talk show host STEVE HARVEY
hosted the show, and many of the winners were on-hand to accept their awards at the Fox Theater in Atlanta.
The newest PRO FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME class was announced and introduced during the show with the Class of 2019 appearing on stage at the Fox Theater in Atlanta.
The prestigious Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award presented by Nationwide, which recognizes a player's off-the-field community service as well as his playing excellence, and the Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award, as voted by his peers, were among the awards handed out.
Seven of the awards were from the AP. These awards are voted on at the end of the regular NFL season by a nationwide media panel of 50 people who regularly cover the league. The ballots are tabulated solely by the AP.
The full list of awards that will be presented is:
| AP Most Valuable Player presented by Pizza Hut | Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year presented by Nationwide |
| AP Coach of the Year | AP Comeback Player of the Year presented by Castrol |
| AP Offensive Player of the Year presented by Microsoft Surface | AP Defensive Player of the Year |
| AP Offensive Rookie of the Year | AP Defensive Rookie of the Year presented by Old Spice |
Bridgestone Clutch Performance Play of the Year
| FedEx Air & Ground Players of the Year |
| Salute to Service Award presented by USAA | Courtyard Unstoppable Performance of the Year Award |
| Deacon Jones Award | Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award |
| Built Ford Tough Offensive Line of the Year | Moment of the Year |
| Game Changer Award Presented by Gillette | Touchdown Celebration of the Year |
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| SEATTLE SEAHAWKS “CHOREOGRAPHY” VOTED CELEBRATION OF THE YEAR AT NFL |
Two-Hour Primetime Awards Show on CBS Recognizes Outstanding Players
and Performances from 2018 Season and Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2019
The Seattle Seahawks "Choreography" in Week 9 was voted the CELEBRATION OF THE YEAR. The award was announced tonight at NFL HONORS – a two-hour primetime awards show that will air nationally tonight at 9 PM ET/PT on CBS.
This is the second year the NFL awarded the "Celebration of the Year" at NFL Honors. The Seahawks "Choreography" celebration was selected through a unique fan vote. All 32 teams were represented by their best regular-season Touchdown celebration in a bracket-style voting structure hosted at nfl.com/celebrationoftheyear. This year's fan vote garnered over 3.5 million total votes, with the Seattle Seahawks emerging as the winner of the final four celebrations.
On the eve of Super Bowl LII, featuring the New England Patriots versus the Los Angeles Rams, the NFL and THE ASSOCIATED PRESS announced their annual accolades in an awards show recognizing the best players, performances and plays from the 2018 season.
Emmy® Award-winning personality, producer and talk show host STEVE HARVEY
hosted the show, and many of the winners were on-hand to accept their awards at the Fox Theater in Atlanta.
The newest PRO FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME class was announced and introduced during the show with the Class of 2019 appearing on stage at the Fox Theater in Atlanta.
The prestigious Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award presented by Nationwide, which recognizes a player's off-the-field community service as well as his playing excellence, and the Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award, as voted by his peers, were among the awards announced this evening.
Seven of the awards were from the AP. These awards are voted on at the end of the regular NFL season by a nationwide media panel of 50 people who regularly cover the league. The ballots are tabulated solely by the AP.
The full list of awards that will be presented is:
| AP Most Valuable Player presented by Pizza Hut | Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year presented by Nationwide |
| AP Coach of the Year | AP Comeback Player of the Year presented by Castrol |
| AP Offensive Player of the Year presented by Microsoft Surface | AP Defensive Player of the Year |
| AP Offensive Rookie of the Year | AP Defensive Rookie of the Year presented by Old Spice |
Bridgestone Clutch Performance Play of the Year
| FedEx Air & Ground Players of the Year |
| Salute to Service Award presented by USAA | Courtyard Unstoppable Performance of the Year Award |
| Deacon Jones Award | Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award |
| Built Ford Tough Offensive Line of the Year | Moment of the Year |
| Game Changer Award Presented by Gillette | Touchdown Celebration of the Year |
| LOS ANGELES RAMS OFFENSIVE LINE NAMED BUILT FORD TOUGH OFFENSIVE LINE OF THE YEAR AT NFL HONORS |
Two-Hour Primetime Awards Show on CBS Recognizes Outstanding Players
and Performances from 2018 Season and Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2019
The Los Angeles Rams Offensive Line was named the winners of the BUILT FORD TOUGH OFFENSIVE LINE THE YEAR. The award was announced tonight at NFL HONORS – a two-hour primetime awards show that will air nationally tonight at 9 PM ET/PT on CBS.
On the eve of Super Bowl LIII, featuring the New England Patriots against the Los Angeles Rams, the NFL and THE ASSOCIATED PRESS announced their annual accolades in an awards show recognizing the best players, performances and plays from the 2018 season.
Emmy® Award-winning personality, producer and talk show host STEVE HARVEY
hosted the show, and many of the winners were on-hand to accept their awards at the Fox Theater in Atlanta.
The newest PRO FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME class was announced and introduced during the show with the Class of 2019 appearing on stage at the Fox Theater in Atlanta.
The prestigious Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award presented by Nationwide, which recognizes a player's off-the-field community service as well as his playing excellence, and the Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award, as voted by his peers, were among the awards announced this evening.
Seven of the awards were from the AP. These awards are voted on at the end of the regular NFL season by a nationwide media panel of 50 people who regularly cover the league. The ballots are tabulated solely by the AP.
The full list of awards that will be presented is:
| AP Most Valuable Player presented by Pizza Hut | Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year presented by Nationwide |
| AP Coach of the Year | AP Comeback Player of the Year presented by Castrol |
| AP Offensive Player of the Year presented by Microsoft Surface | AP Defensive Player of the Year |
| AP Offensive Rookie of the Year | AP Defensive Rookie of the Year presented by Old Spice |
Bridgestone Clutch Performance Play of the Year
| FedEx Air & Ground Players of the Year |
| Salute to Service Award presented by USAA | Courtyard Unstoppable Performance of the Year Award |
| Deacon Jones Award | Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award |
| Built Ford Tough Offensive Line of the Year | Moment of the Year |
| Game Changer Award Presented by Gillette | Touchdown Celebration of the Year |
NFL Honors is an NFL Network production in association with Rock Garden Media. For more information about "NFL Honors" fans may visit http://www.nfl.com/honors and follow the #NFLHonors conversation on Twitter.
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| NEW ORLEANS SAINTS QUARTERBACK DREW BREES NAMED WINNER OF 2018 ART ROONEY SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD |
DREW BREES of the New Orleans Saints is the winner of the 2018 ART ROONEY SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD, as announced today at NFL Honors. The award recognizes the NFL player who best demonstrates the qualities of outstanding sportsmanship on the playing field, including fair play, respect for opponents and integrity in competition.
The announcement of the Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award was made at NFL HONORS, a two-hour primetime awards special recognizing the NFL's best players, performances and plays from the 2018 season that will air nationally at 9 PM ET/PT on CBS. The award was founded in 2014 in honor of the late founding owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Pro Football Hall of Famer ART ROONEY, SR.
Brees will receive a $25,000 donation from the NFL Foundation to a charity of his choice.
An 18-year NFL veteran, Brees became the NFL all-time leader in passing yards this season when he eclipsed Peyton Manning's previous record of 71,940 yards. Earlier in the season, Brees surpassed Brett Favre's career completion records of 6,300.
The winner of the Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award is determined by a vote of current NFL players. Past recipients of the Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award are LUKE KUECHLY of the Carolina Panthers (2017), FRANK GORE of the Indianapolis Colts (2016), CHARLES WOODSON of the Oakland Raiders (2015) and LARRY FITZGERALD of the Arizona Cardinals (2014).
Each NFL team nominated one of its players for the award, which recognizes players who exemplify outstanding sportsmanship on the field. A panel of former players from the NFL Legends Community selected eight finalists (four in the AFC; four in the NFC) from the 32 nominees. The panel of Legends Coordinators was comprised of WARRICK DUNN, CURTIS MARTIN, and KARL MECKLENBURG.
The eight finalists were listed on the Pro Bowl ballot under the Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award. From the eight finalists, each team's players submitted a consensus vote of its choice for the winner. As in Pro Bowl voting, a team could not vote for its own player.
The finalists, featuring four players from each conference, are defensive end CALAIS CAMPBELL (Jacksonville), tight end ANTONIO GATES (Los Angeles Chargers), quarterback ANDREW LUCK (Indianapolis) and safety ERIC WEDDLE (Baltimore) in the AFC, and quarterback DREW BREES (New Orleans), tight end VERNON DAVIS (Washington), tackle JOE STALEY (San Francisco) and cornerback TRAMON WILLIAMS (Green Bay) in the NFC.
| MIAMI MIRACLE NAMED BRIDGESTONE CLUTCH PERFORMANCE PLAY OF THE YEAR AT NFL HONORS |
Two-Hour Primetime Awards Show on CBS Recognizes Outstanding Players
and Performances from 2018 Season and Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2019
Miami Dolphins KENYON DRAKE and KENNY STILLS, and the MIAMI MIRACLE was named the BRIDGESTONE CLUTCH PERFORMANCE PLAY OF THE YEAR. The award was announced tonight at NFL HONORS – a two-hour primetime awards show that will air nationally tonight at 9 PM ET/PT on CBS.
The Bridgestone Clutch Performance Play of the Year was selected from 32 Performance Moments voted on by NFL fans on NFL.com.
Down 33–28 with 7 seconds left in the fourth quarter, the Dolphins completed a 17-yard pass and two lateral passes resulting in a 69-yard touchdown by running back Kenyan Drake. It is the first walk-off game-winning touchdown in NFL history to involve multiple lateral passes, and the first multi-lateral touchdown since the River City Relay in December 2003.
On the eve of Super Bowl LIII, featuring the New England Patriots against the Los Angeles Rams, the NFL and THE ASSOCIATED PRESS announced their annual accolades in an awards show recognizing the best players, performances and plays from the 2018 season.
Emmy® Award-winning personality, producer and talk show host STEVE HARVEY
hosted the show, and many of the winners were on-hand to accept their awards at the Fox Theater in Atlanta.
The newest PRO FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME class was announced and introduced during the show with the Class of 2019 appearing on stage at the Fox Theater in Atlanta.
The prestigious Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award presented by Nationwide, which recognizes a player's off-the-field community service as well as his playing excellence, and the Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award, as voted by his peers, were among the awards announced this evening.
Seven of the awards were from the AP. These awards are voted on at the end of the regular NFL season by a nationwide media panel of 50 people who regularly cover the league. The ballots are tabulated solely by the AP.
The full list of awards that will be presented is:
| AP Most Valuable Player presented by Pizza Hut | Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year presented by Nationwide |
| AP Coach of the Year | AP Comeback Player of the Year presented by Castrol |
| AP Offensive Player of the Year presented by Microsoft Surface | AP Defensive Player of the Year |
| AP Offensive Rookie of the Year | AP Defensive Rookie of the Year presented by Old Spice |
Bridgestone Clutch Performance Play of the Year
| FedEx Air & Ground Players of the Year |
| Salute to Service Award presented by USAA | Courtyard Unstoppable Performance of the Year Award |
| Deacon Jones Award | Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award |
| Built Ford Tough Offensive Line of the Year | Moment of the Year |
| Game Changer Award Presented by Gillette | Touchdown Celebration of the Year |
|
| SHAQUEM GRIFFIN NAMED WINNER OF THE GAME CHANGER AWARD PRESENTED BY GILLETTE AT NFL HONORS |
Two-Hour Primetime Awards Show on CBS Recognizes Outstanding Players
and Performances from 2018 Season and Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2019
SHAQUEM GRIFFIN from the Seattle Seahawks, was named the winner of the GAME CHANGER AWARD PRESENTED BY GILLETTE. The award was announced tonight at NFL HONORS – a two-hour primetime awards show that will air nationally tonight at 9 PM ET/PT on CBS.
Griffin was born with Amniotic Band Syndrome, a condition in which his left hand developed irregularly. At the age of four, Griffin had his left hand amputated. This setback did not discourage Shaquem and his twin brother, Shaquill from their dream of playing professional sports together. Growing up in Central Florida, Griffin ran track and played baseball and football. Despite his disability, Griffin's football skills caught the attention of the University of Central Florida football program, where he and Shaquill both played. In the 2018 NFL Draft, the Seattle Seahawks drafted Shaquem, the team his brother was already a member of, making their childhood dream a reality. Griffin has been an inspiration to young athletes all over the world, especially those who also suffer from Amniotic Band Syndrome, showing that anyone with determination can participate in any sport they set their mind to.
The Game Changer presented by Gillette was created to celebrate those who are committed to moving the game forward. This award recognizes a member of the football family who has positively contributed to the sport and his or her community.
On the eve of Super Bowl LIII, featuring the New England Patriots against the Los Angeles Rams, the NFL and THE ASSOCIATED PRESS announced their annual accolades in an awards show recognizing the best players, performances and plays from the 2018 season.
Emmy® Award-winning personality, producer and talk show host STEVE HARVEY
hosted the show, and many of the winners were on-hand to accept their awards at the Fox Theater in Atlanta.
The newest PRO FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME class was announced and introduced during the show with the Class of 2019 appearing on stage at the Fox Theater in Atlanta.
The prestigious Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award presented by Nationwide, which recognizes a player's off-the-field community service as well as his playing excellence, and the Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award, as voted by his peers, were among the awards announced this evening.
Seven of the awards were from the AP. These awards are voted on at the end of the regular NFL season by a nationwide media panel of 50 people who regularly cover the league. The ballots are tabulated solely by the AP.
The full list of awards that will be presented is:
| AP Most Valuable Player presented by Pizza Hut | Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year presented by Nationwide |
| AP Coach of the Year | AP Comeback Player of the Year presented by Castrol |
| AP Offensive Player of the Year presented by Microsoft Surface | AP Defensive Player of the Year |
| AP Offensive Rookie of the Year | AP Defensive Rookie of the Year presented by Old Spice |
Bridgestone Clutch Performance Play of the Year
| FedEx Air & Ground Players of the Year |
| Salute to Service Award presented by USAA | Courtyard Unstoppable Performance of the Year Award |
| Deacon Jones Award | Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award |
| Built Ford Tough Offensive Line of the Year | Moment of the Year |
Game Changer Award Presented by Gillette
| New England Patriots and Los Angeles Rams Saturday Pool Reports |
Saturday Pool ReportNew England Patriots PracticeFebruary 2, 2019By Jenny VrentasPro Football Writers of America
ATLANTA—For a few minutes Saturday morning, Bill Belichick’s top concern was opening a bag of macadamia nuts for his 2-year-old granddaughter, Blakely. The Patriots coach has spent the past two weeks preparing for Super Bowl LIII, which included stashing some snack packs in his pants pocket in case of a hungry toddler.
Blakely, the daughter of Belichick’s son, Steve, was born in October 2016, so this will be her third Super Bowl before she turns 3.
“She’s starting off fast,” Belichick said.
Blakely was one of more than 800 friends and family who joined the Patriots players, coaches, front office and staff at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Saturday morning. After finishing a week of practice at Georgia Tech, the Patriots did not hold a walk-through or practice on Saturday, but instead came to the site of the game for team photos and a gathering with their guests. This is the same routine they have followed in previous Super Bowls.
“This breaks up the day and lets them participate in it with their families,” Belichick said. “This is a dream for every player to play in this game, so to be able to share it with loved ones and family is special. We have tried to embrace it.”
The entire 53-person active roster and 10-person practice squad were present, along with players on injured reserve, including running back Jeremy Hill and defensive back Eric Rowe. The Patriots have no players with an injury designation for the final game of the season. “Everybody is good,” Belichick said.
The Patriots buses, escorted by police, pulled up to Mercedes-Benz Stadium at 10:40 a.m. and filed inside. Quarterback Tom Brady was in the middle of the pack, holding the hand of his 6-year-old daughter, Vivian, with his wife and two sons walking closeby. Brady spotted former teammate and Hall of Fame nominee Richard Seymour, who rode in with the team, and wrapped him in a warm embrace.
The players changed into the white jerseys and navy pants they’ll wear in the game and walked out onto the field for photos. Brady kneeled for the quarterbacks’ picture, prompting a few staff members to playfully call out to him that he looked like he was posing for a Pop Warner photo. Belichick stood next to the team photographer, smiling as he watched each position group line up with their arms around each other.
“It’s fun to see them having fun,” Belichick said. “They’ve earned it. You’ve gotta earn your way here; there is no other way to get here. So it’s very satisfying to see them having fun and enjoying each other and having the camaraderie that comes with getting to the game.”
Brady and Belichick posed for a photo with team owner Robert Kraft and his son, Jonathan, the team president. Then, the entire team climbed onto a stack of risers for the customary team photo. As the Patriots families and friends came down onto the field, they took a final team picture with several players and coaches holding their young children, who were carefully passed up the rows. For the next 40 minutes, they all mingled on the field. Brady met up with his parents and sisters, while Vivian did cartwheels nearby. The traveling party of Devin and Jason McCourty, the first twins to play together in the Super Bowl, sported shirts that read, “All we do is twin,” with “win” printed in contrasting red letters.
During their visit, Belichick was taking mental notes about the stadium, which opened in 2017. The Patriots have not played here before.
Belichick added that he did not think noise would be as big of a factor this week as in the conference championship game at Arrowhead Stadium. “The stadium is so big,” he said. “It’s going to be loud, but I don’t think it is going to be deafening loud, just because of the size of it and because the crowd is half and half, not all 80,000 against us.”
Belichick said it usually takes him three days to get through all the reminders he gives his team before the game, covering topics such as the pacing of the game, which will have 11 commercials in each half and a 29-minute halftime. “There’s no momentum to it,” he said. “It’s like going to a traffic light, stop, traffic light, stop—that kind of thing. But that’s the game, so you’ve gotta play it that way.”
He will gather the team for a team meeting Saturday night and another one Sunday morning, before heading to the stadium. Belichick said there will be no special guests at the meeting the night before the game.
“Just us circling the wagons and playing for each other,” he said. “We are playing a good team, and we are going to have to play our best game of the year.”
Saturday Pool ReportLos Angeles Rams PracticeFebruary 2, 2019By Nicki JhabvalaPro Football Writers of America
ATLANTA — Following three days of practice at the Atlanta Falcons’ training facility in Flowery Branch, the L.A. Rams began to put the final touches on their week of planning and spent some time enjoying the moment with friends and family.
Saturday around 1 p.m., after meetings and a walkthrough held at their hotel in Buckhead, the Rams slipped on their blue throwback jerseys and yellow pants for a team photo inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Coaches stood at the top and players on the bottom rungs of the bleachers placed at the 5-yard line, with general manager Les Snead, owner Stan Kroenke and coach Sean McVay planted front and center.
Then they scattered individual photos, positional group photos, selfies and time with family members, who were allowed down on the field. Offensive tackle Andrew Whitworth chased his kids around the field, running back C.J. Anderson’s mom chatted up McVay, cornerback Aqib Talib introduced defensive coordinator Wade Phillips to his youngest son, and for about 40 minutes all soaked in their journey to Super Bowl LIII.
“It’s great,” McVay said. “This is something I’ve never really been a part of. It’s really special. We’ve got a few players and coaches that have been a part of Super Bowls in previous years, but for a lot of guys it’s their first time and I think it’s definitely something you want to cherish.”
When family time ended around 2p.m., players and coaches returned to the stadium locker room and prepared for an evening of additional meetings as the focus shifted back to football.
“I feel really good,” McVay said. “I think they understand the time where they can enjoy themselves right now, but when we’re doing football-related things, locking into the game plan, they’ve done a great job. And I think that’s kind of been this team’s personality really this whole season. It’s a good balance; they enjoy themselves, but not at the expense of allowing it to affect our focus and concentration.”
McVay said his team enters the game with a clean bill of health; both safety Blake Countess and kicker Greg Zuerlein, who were previously on the injury report with foot injuries, are good to go. Both practiced in full Friday.
“They’re going to be playing in the game,” McVay said. “Unless something changes from now until then, we should be good.”
Over the last week and a half, McVay placed an emphasis on maintaining a similar routine — as similar as possible, anyway — in preparing for the New England Patriots. The Rams installed the majority of their game plan last week in L.A., then used this week for final tweaks and adjustments.
“It’s a good delicate balance of making sure that you don’t do too many things, having two weeks to get ready for an opponent,” McVay said. “But the main thing is the players having ownership on what we’re going to do and I think they feel good and confident.”
Sunday, because of a later (6:30 p.m. ET) kickoff, the Rams will use the morning at their hotel to run through it all one last time. Players will have an “activation,” in which the strength and conditioning staff will get them loose and put them through a stretch.
“Then we’ll have quick meetings, a walkthrough and pre-game meal and then come over and here we go,” McVay said while taking a look around the stadium. “... I think you realize the magnitude of this event really with the media coverage and things like this. I’ve kind of stayed at the hotel. My parents have come over and I’ve seen them a bit, then going to practice back and forth. I haven’t really gotten out much, but hopefully we’ll take care of business and be able to enjoy after tomorrow.”
NFL ANNOUNCES WINNERS OF "1ST AND FUTURE" PRESENTED BY ARROW ELECTRONICS
Winners awarded a total of $150,000 and Super Bowl LIII tickets in live pitch competition
Atlanta, Georgia – February 2, 2019 – The National Football League (NFL) and Arrow Electronics (NYSE:ARW) today announced the winners of 1st and Future, the NFL's annual Super Bowl competition designed to spur innovation in player health, safety and performance.
Ahead of the event, all four finalists in the NFL Punt Analytics Competition received $20,000. The two winners received two tickets to Super Bowl LIII each. Winner Alex Wainger (New York, New York) proposed removing the 45-year-old rule that holds the kicking team on the line of scrimmage until the punt. Winner Halla Yang (Wilmette, Illinois) proposed awarding a five-yard bonus on a fair catch, changing the allowed coverage on receptions, and requiring helmet sensors that can directly monitor physical deceleration.
TopSpin of Detroit, Michigan and London, Ontario, Canada took the top prize among five finalists in the Innovations to Advance Athlete Health and Safety Competition and was awarded two Super Bowl LIII tickets and $50,000 to further develop their TopSpin360, the first patented training device proven to dynamically strengthen the neck to help reduce concussion risk. Second-place winner SOLIUS was awarded two Super Bowl LIII tickets and $20,000 to further develop their advanced science that uses nano-spectrums of light to stimulate the production of critical hormones and peptides as a better way to reduce injuries, speed recovery, and improve the performance of athletes.
The live pitch competition took place at the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) at the Ferst Center for the Arts in Atlanta, Georgia. Scott Hanson of the NFL Network and host of NFL RedZone emceed as the nine finalists pitched their game-changing technologies and rule change proposals to an exclusive audience comprised of NFL team owners and executives, medical experts and representatives, and guests of the Atlanta Super Bowl Host Committee and Arrow Electronics.
During the program, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, Atlanta Falcons President and CEO and NFL Competition Committee Chairman Rich McKay, and Arizona Cardinals Wide Receiver Larry Fitzgerald participated in a panel discussion on leveraging the latest technology to modernize football.
Participants faced off in front of two panels of judges that included:
- Geoff Collins, Head Coach, Georgia Tech Football
- Leigh Ann Curl, MD Head Team Orthopedic Surgeon, Baltimore Ravens, and President, NFL Physicians Society
- Sarath Degala, Vice President, BIP Capital
- Victor Gao, Chief Marketing Officer, Arrow Electronics, Inc.
- Dan Quinn, Head Coach, Atlanta Falcons
- Allison Sabia, Vice President and General Manager, Digital, Arrow Electronics, Inc.
- Shawn Springs, CEO, Windpact
- Keith Werle, Managing Director, Business Analytics Center at Georgia Tech's Scheller College of Business
PATRICK MAHOMES AND SAQUON BARKLEY NAMED
2018 FEDEX AIR & GROUND® NFL PLAYERS OF THE YEAR
AT NFL HONORS
FedEx Supports United Service Organizations (USO) with more than $100,000 in Donations
Kansas City quarterback PATRICK MAHOMES and New York Giants running back SAQUON BARKLEY were named the 2018 FEDEX AIR & GROUND NFL PLAYERS OF THE YEAR. FedEx Corp. (NYSE: FDX) and the National Football League made the announcement today, February 2, in advance of NFL Honors – a two-hour primetime special airing nationally on CBS the night before Super Bowl LIII.
The FedEx Air & Ground NFL Players of the Year awards are a culmination of weekly awards presented by FedEx throughout the NFL season. The awards give football fans the ability to honor stand-out quarterback and running back performances each week, which in turn, direct charitable donations to the USO in the name of the winning players. This is the 16th season FedEx has presented the awards.
Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes led the NFL with 50 touchdown passes and joined Peyton Manning (55 touchdown passes in 2013) and Tom Brady (50 in 2007) as the only quarterbacks with at least 50 touchdown passes in a single season in NFL history. A 2019 Pro Bowl selection, he ranked second in the NFL with a franchise-record 5,097 passing yards and became the seventh different player in NFL history with 5,000+ pass yards in a single season. In total, Mahomes had seven games with at least four touchdown passes in 2018, the second-most in a single season in league annals.
New York Giants RB Saquon Barkley led the NFL with 2,028 scrimmage yards and joined Pro Football Hall of Famer Eric Dickerson (2,212 scrimmage yards in 1983) and Edgerrin James (2,139 in 1999) as the only rookies with at least 2,000 scrimmage yards in NFL history. A 2019 Pro Bowl selection, Barkley ranked second in the league with 1,307 rushing yards and had 91 receptions in 2018, the most by a rookie running back in NFL history.
Mahomes and Barkley were selected from a panel of three finalists in their respective Air and Ground categories. The other FedEx Air NFL Players of the Year finalists were Drew Brees of the New Orleans Saints and Philip Rivers of the Los Angeles Chargers, while the FedEx Ground NFL Players of the Year finalists included Ezekiel Elliott of the Dallas Cowboys and Todd Gurley of the Los Angeles Rams.
As part of the FedEx Air & Ground NFL Players of the Year program, FedEx will donate $40,000 to the USO - $20,000 in each winning player's name – through FedEx Cares. The donation will be used to support the USO, a military support organization dedicated to connecting service members and their families to family, home and country throughout their service to the nation.
Throughout the 2018-19 season, FedEx supported its commitment to serving the community by making weekly $2,000 donations to the USO in each of the weekly winning players' names. The total contribution will amount to $108,000 this season.
As the Official Delivery Service Sponsor of the NFL, Super Bowl and Pro Bowl, FedEx is proud to sponsor the 16th annual FedEx Air & Ground NFL Players of the Year awards. The awards highlight the league's leaders at the quarterback and running back positions, recognizing the players that consistently delivered the best results throughout the season.
The $108,000 donation is part of the company's FedEx Cares global giving platform, in which FedEx is continuing to invest $200 million in more than 200 communities by 2020 to create opportunities and deliver solutions around the world.
| PREVIOUS FEDEX AIR & GROUND NFL PLAYERS OF THE YEAR AWARD WINNERS | | |
| SEASON | AIR WINNER | GROUND WINNER |
| 2017 | Carson Wentz, Philadelphia | Todd Gurley, Los Angeles Rams |
| 2016 | Matt Ryan, Atlanta | Ezekiel Elliott, Dallas |
| 2015 | Carson Palmer, Arizona | Adrian Peterson, Minnesota |
| 2014 | Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay | Le'Veon Bell, Pittsburgh |
| 2013 | Peyton Manning, Denver | LeSean McCoy, Philadelphia |
| 2012 | Peyton Manning, Denver | Adrian Peterson, Minnesota |
| 2011 | Drew Brees, New Orleans | LeSean McCoy, Philadelphia |
| 2010 | Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay | Jamaal Charles, Kansas City |
| 2009 | Drew Brees, New Orleans | Chris Johnson, Tennessee |
| 2008 | Drew Brees, New Orleans | Adrian Peterson, Minnesota |
| 2007 | Brett Favre, Green Bay | Fred Taylor, Jacksonville |
| 2006 | Drew Brees, New Orleans | LaDainian Tomlinson, San Diego |
| 2005 | Carson Palmer, Cincinnati | Shaun Alexander, Seattle |
| 2004 | Peyton Manning, Indianapolis | Curtis Martin, New York Jets |
| 2003 | Peyton Manning, Indianapolis | Ahman Green, Green Bay |
| Los Angeles Rams and New England Patriots Friday Pool Reports |
Friday Pool ReportLos Angeles Rams PracticeFebruary 1, 2019By Charean WilliamsPro Football Writers of America
FLOWERY BRANCH, Georgia – Greg Zuerlein was last but certainly not least in the Rams’ last full practice before Super Bowl LIII. The kicker closed practice with seven field goal attempts and four kickoffs as the Rams ended their week at the Falcons’ training facility.
Coach Sean McVay called both Zuerlein’s practice and the team’s on Friday a success.
“It was a great day today, getting Greg and [safety] Blake [Countess] full,” McVay said. “We’re going into this game as healthy as you could hope for. Now, really it’s about just tightening things up, making sure we clean up any of the last little details, a little bit over 48 hours out. But there’s a confidence that I think has been earned. Certainly, we respect the Patriots, but we’re coming here with the expectation of winning a game.”
Zuerlein, who injured his left foot while warming up at halftime of the NFC Championship Game, has returned to full health. He was a full participant Friday and does not have an injury designation.
“He felt good,” McVay said. “He hit the ball well. He hit the kickoffs and his field goals really well. That’s kind of what we expected; that’s what we hoped, and he’ll be ready to go.”
Countess (foot) also was removed from the report and is available for the Rams on Sunday.
“Blake was good, too,” McVay said. “He was full. His foot felt good. He responded well, and he ended up having a good day today, moving around. Both those guys look like they’re going to be ready to go for the game.
“We expect to have everybody ready to roll.”
The Rams haven’t listed running back Todd Gurley on their injury report in three weeks – since the week before the divisional-round game against the Cowboys – and McVay deemed Gurley’s left knee at 100 percent.
“He’s feeling good, a hundred percent,” McVay said. “We expect him to play a big role in this game.”
After five touches for 13 yards in 32 snaps during the NFC Championship Game, Gurley is fresh and ready.
“He didn’t have that many touches, but he still played a good amount of snaps [against the Saints],” McVay said. “We just weren’t able to run it as much as we’d like to, because New Orleans did a nice job stopping us. Then, we were in some two-minute situations at the end of the game and the end of the half where you’re more inclined to throw it. He should be good. But I think really our team, as a whole, is feeling really good just having two weeks since our last game and looking forward to the challenge and competing to the best of our ability.”
For the second consecutive day, the Rams practiced outside at the Falcons’ training facility. It allowed them to work on grass instead of indoors on the turf.
As a bonus, it turned out a chamber of commerce day at 55 degrees and under a cloudless sky.
The Rams alternated the first-team defense’s work against the scout team with the first-team offense practicing against the scout team for an hour with two special teams periods.
They worked with music for the first time this week, though it was on as background noise and not used to simulate crowd noise.
“Typically what we do is we’ll really blare it depending on if we’re at home or away,” McVay said. “If we’re on the road, it’ll be blaring during offensive periods. If we’re at home, it’ll be during defensive periods. Now, in a static environment, we just kind of had it in the background. Hopefully there will be more Rams fans than Patriots, but you never know.”
The Rams do know it won’t be as loud as in New Orleans.
“I hope not,” McVay said. “If so, then that’s going to be trouble.”
Now 48 hours from kickoff, most of the Rams’ work is done. They will not return to Flowery Branch.
“Tomorrow, really will be exclusively meetings, have a little bit of a walk-through,” McVay said. “We’ll go over to the stadium and allow the families and friends who are here to come over and enjoy that. That will be more of an appreciation with all the people that are here to share in this journey with our players and our coaches. Then, we’ll have quick, little meetings tomorrow night. We’ll get up on Sunday and have some walk-throughs and meetings and anxiously await that kickoff at 6:30 or whatever it is.”
McVay does not expect to have anybody talk to the team before the game. The Rams had no special guests at their practices this week other than the required media, including the CBS crew on Thursday.
“We’ve been consistent where we try to stick to our message,” McVay said. “I just think this group is so tightknit. We kind of know what we stand for. We know what we need to do here. I don’t know that there’s any motivating words that I could say or anything else other than let’s just continue to do the little things the right way, one day at a time, have a belief and confidence in one another, play for each other and we trust that good things will happen.”
Friday Pool ReportNew England Patriots PracticeFebruary 1, 2019By Jenny VrentasPro Football Writers of America
ATLANTA—The Patriots gathered in the middle of Georgia Tech’s fieldhouse just before 2 p.m. on Friday. Lawyer Milloy, the former Patriots safety who was part of the team’s Super Bowl XXXVI win against the Rams in 2002, broke down the huddle with the team’s “Awww Yeah!” catchphrase.
“He’s one of us,” head coach Bill Belichick said. “He’s here pulling for us. I appreciate that.”
The Patriots held their final practice before Super Bowl LIII on Friday, a session that lasted a little bit more than an hour. The team wore helmets and jerseys (no shells) and practiced with more tempo than in Thursday’s walk-through. Every player was a full participant, including linebacker Dont’a Hightower, who missed Thursday’s practice with an illness, and defensive tackle Malcom Brown, who was limited on Wednesday with a calf injury.
“He did everything today,” Belichick said of Hightower. “You could hear him talking out there, and that’s usually a good sign with him. He has plenty of energy.”
The Patriots were focused and business-like as the starting offense and defense alternated 11-on-11 periods against the scout team, working at about three-quarters speed. Belichick said today’s session was a “quick review” and similar to their regular Friday practice, just a little bit shorter. The Patriots covered both regular down and distance plays and also certain situations, including red-zone, two-minute, goal-line, short-yardage and two-point plays. The specialists already kicked at Mercedes-Benz Stadium mid-morning, so in the afternoon, they used JUGS machines to run through the different kicking situations during a couple special-teams periods.
“This is our sixth practice,” Belichick said. “We have hit everything. I think we are ready to go.”
The Patriots held one padded practice in Foxborough but did not work in pads during their week in Atlanta. “We went at a pretty good tempo. We’ve played a lot of football this year,” Belichick said.
After the work on the field was done, Tom Brady, Brian Hoyer and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels played a contest to see who could punt or throw the ball closest to the goal line without crossing it. Hoyer was the winner, landing a punt at about the 1-yard line. Belichick stopped to watch, enjoying a light-hearted moment with his assistant coaches and players.
The Patriots didn’t have anything scheduled for their players for the rest of the day, following their normal Friday schedule. Belichick said players would be free to spend Friday evening with their guests. On Saturday morning, the team will have a meeting and then head to Mercedes-Benz Stadium for a team photo and a get-together with family and friends.
“We’ve still got a few things to review and cover, but I would say everybody now needs to just gear up for how we want to play the game and be ready to go out there and play it that way," Belichick said. “I think the next 48 hours are going to be really important, like they always are. Fine-tuning it and really zeroing in. Being physically, mentally and emotionally ready to go Sunday night.”
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| Preview of Super Bowl LIII Edition of NFL Network's 'NFL GameDay Morning' |
Special 8.5-Hour Edition Kicks Off at 9:00 AM ET
Interviews Include:
Willie McGinest with New England Patriots QB Tom Brady
Melissa Stark with New England Patriots HC Bill Belichick
Michael Silver with Los Angeles Rams QB Jared Goff
Peter Schrager with Los Angeles Rams HC Sean McVay
Jeffri Chadiha with Los Angeles Rams DC Wade Phillips, DTs Aaron Donald and Ndamukong Suh & CB Aqib Talib
Arizona Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald, Denver Broncos WR Emmanuel Sanders & New Orleans Saints DE Cam Jordan Join On-Set
Rich Eisen Takes on Olympic Gold Medalist Usain Bolt in the 40-Yard Dash
'NFL GameDay Prime' Following Super Bowl LIII
On Super Bowl Sunday February 3, NFL Network provides more than 11 hours of live pregame and postgame coverage, starting at 9:00 AM ET with a special 8.5-hour edition ofNFL GameDay Morning. Utilizing 28 on-air talent members, NFL GameDay Morning offers comprehensive analysis before kickoff of Super Bowl LIII. Following the game, NFL GameDay Prime is live from Mercedes-Benz Stadium with postgame interviews with players and coaches, in-depth analysis and complete game highlights.
NFL GameDay Morning – 9:00 AM ET
- Rich Eisen, Kurt Warner, Michael Irvin & Steve Mariucci – Mercedes-Benz Stadium Field Set
- Willie McGinest & Maurice Jones-Drew – Mercedes-Benz Stadium Field Set
- Colleen Wolfe, Steve Smith Sr., Michael Robinson & Mike Garafolo – Mercedes-Benz Stadium Outside Set
- Chris Rose, Rod Woodson & James Jones – Super Bowl Experience
- Brian Billick, Shaun O'Hara, Ian Rapoport & Cynthia Frelund – Mercedes-Benz Stadium
- Mike Giardi & Aditi Kinkhabwala – New England Patriots Hotel
- Tom Pelissero & Omar Ruiz – Los Angeles Rams Hotel
- Steve Wyche & James Palmer – Reports from Mercedes-Benz Stadium Field
- Jane Slater – Tailgate Party Reports
- Amber Theoharis – Walter Payton Man of the Year Nominee Interviews
- Andrea Kremer, Jeffri Chadiha & Michael Silver – Mercedes-Benz Stadium Field Set
NFL GameDay Prime – Postgame
- Charissa Thompson, Deion Sanders & LaDainian Tomlinson – Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Featured on the Super Bowl Sunday edition of NFL GameDay Morning by hour:
9:00 AM ET Hour
- Kurt Warner visits with Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay and quarterback Jared Goff for a film session
- The NFL GameDay Morning analysts give their Super Bowl memories
- Kurt Warner discusses how this current Los Angeles Rams team compares to The Greatest Show on Turf
- NFL GameDay Morning discusses the new Pro Football Hall of Fame class
- This is Atlanta – This is Atlanta takes viewers on a journey towards Super Bowl LIII through sights, sounds and voices that are uniquely Atlanta. Headlined by musician/producer Jermaine Dupri, This is Atlanta features Atlanta icons Big Boi, Lil Jon, Chilli, Killer Mike, Chipper Jones, Dominique Wilkins, Andrew Young, John Lewis, Ryan Seacrest and Jeff Foxworthy
10:00 AM ET Hour
- Jeffri Chadiha sits down with Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Wade Phillips, defensive tackles Aaron Donald and Ndamukong Suh, and cornerback Aqib Talib
- Mark Kriegel looks back at Joe Namath's Super Bowl III "Guarantee" and its impact on the NFL 50 years later
- The NFL GameDay Morning crew give their Super Bowl LIII guarantees
- Who is the most important player on the New England Patriots not named Tom Brady?
- Mooch's Minute – Steve Mariucci examines Ndamukong Suh and the Los Angeles Rams' defensive line
- Kurt Warner and Michael Irvin remember their Super Bowl wins in Atlanta
11:00 AM ET Hour
- Andrea Kremer tells the story of New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman, and his father's influence on his life and football career
- What is the biggest concern for the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl LIII?
- Rod Woodson and James Jones discuss who will be New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady's go-to guy
- King Willie – Steve Mariucci, Michael Irvin, Kurt Warner and Maurice Jones-Drew bow to King Willie and apologize for doubting the New England Patriots dynasty
- Shaun O'Hara and Brian Billick break down the New England Patriots pass protection and how they have kept Tom Brady clean in the playoffs
- Kurt Warner and Willie McGinest reminisce about Super Bowl XXXVI
- Which former University of Georgia running back will have a bigger day: Sony Michel or Todd Gurley?
12 Noon ET Hour
- Peter Schrager sits down with Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay to discuss coaching in his first Super Bowl
- The Belichick Way – Andrea Kremer sits down with several New England Patriots players to discuss what it's like playing for head coach Bill Belichick
- Andrea Kremer speaks with Willie McGinest about playing for New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick
- Is this Tom Brady and Belichick's most impressive run to the Super Bowl?
- How will Super Bowl experience impact the game?
- Rod Woodson and James Jones discuss how Sean McVay's offense will attack the New England Patriots defense?
- How do the Los Angeles Rams pull off the upset?
- XO Showdown – Willie McGinest and Kurt Warner take on Steve Mariucci and Maurice Jones-Drew in a Super Bowl LIII XO Showdown with Michael Irvin as referee
1:00 PM ET Hour
- Michael Silver visits with Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff to discuss playing in his first Super Bowl
- Willie McGinest sits down with his former teammate, New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, to discuss his mindset as he prepares for his ninth Super Bowl
- What is the matchup to watch in Super Bowl LIII?
- Receiving Attention – Michael Irvin and Steve Smith Sr. discuss the impact of Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Brandin Cooks facing his former team, and who will be New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady's most important playmaker
- Warner's Corner – Kurt Warner breaks down Tom Brady in 2001 compared to Tom Brady now
- Players Only – Kurt Warner, Michael Irvin, Willie McGinest, Steve Smith Sr. and Michael Robinson discuss what it's like playing in your first Super Bowl
- Who will be MVP of Super Bowl LIII?
- Maurice Jones-Drew discusses what to expect from Los Angeles Rams running backTodd Gurley
- Shaun O'Hara and Brian Billick break down Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff
2:00 PM ET Hour
- Rich Eisen takes on nine-time Olympic Gold Medalist Usain Bolt in the 40-yard dash
- What are the keys to victory in Super Bowl LIII?
- Which Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff will we see in Super Bowl LIII?
- Rod Woodson and James Jones discuss which defense has the advantage and which wide receiver will have the biggest game
- NFL GameDay Morning gives Bold Predictions for Super Bowl LIII
3:00 PM ET Hour
- Super Bowl Ticket Giveaway – Atlanta Falcons head coach Dan Quinn surprises Falcons fan Kameron White – who recovered from brain surgery to continue his high school football career this season – with tickets to Super Bowl LIII
- Steve Mariucci and Michael Irvin head into the recording studio to get a taste of the Atlanta music scene and record a song of their own
- Game Theory – Cynthia Frelund gives her projections for Super Bowl LIII
- Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald and Denver Broncos wide receiverEmmanuel Sanders join on-set to discuss what it's like to arrive at the stadium on Super Bowl Sunday, and if getting to this year's Super Bowl is Tom Brady's most impressive accomplishment to date
- New Orleans Saints defensive end Cam Jordan joins on-set
4:00 PM ET Hour & Remaining Half Hour
- Melissa Stark sits down with New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick about coaching in his ninth Super Bowl
- Boston-Los Angeles Rivalry – Larry Bird, Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, James Worthy and Danny Ainge discuss what it's like to be a part of the Boston – Los Angeles rivalry
- Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald and Denver Broncos wide receiverEmmanuel Sanders discuss how the New England Patriots avoid getting upset
- Which Los Angeles Rams player will New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichicktry to take away?
- Super Bowl LIII game picks
Following the game, NFL GameDay Prime is live from Mercedes-Benz Stadium with postgame interviews with players and coaches, in-depth analysis and complete game highlights, hosted by Deion Sanders, LaDainian Tomlinson and Charissa Thompson.
| New England Patriots Friday Pool Report |
Friday Pool ReportNew England Patriots PracticeFebruary 1, 2019By Jenny VrentasPro Football Writers of America
ATLANTA—The Patriots gathered in the middle of Georgia Tech’s fieldhouse just before 2 p.m. on Friday. Lawyer Milloy, the former Patriots safety who was part of the team’s Super Bowl XXXVI win against the Rams in 2002, broke down the huddle with the team’s “Awww Yeah!” catchphrase.
“He’s one of us,” head coach Bill Belichick said. “He’s here pulling for us. I appreciate that.”
The Patriots held their final practice before Super Bowl LIII on Friday, a session that lasted a little bit more than an hour. The team wore helmets and jerseys (no shells) and practiced with more tempo than in Thursday’s walk-through. Every player was a full participant, including linebacker Dont’a Hightower, who missed Thursday’s practice with an illness, and defensive tackle Malcom Brown, who was limited on Wednesday with a calf injury.
“He did everything today,” Belichick said of Hightower. “You could hear him talking out there, and that’s usually a good sign with him. He has plenty of energy.”
The Patriots were focused and business-like as the starting offense and defense alternated 11-on-11 periods against the scout team, working at about three-quarters speed. Belichick said today’s session was a “quick review” and similar to their regular Friday practice, just a little bit shorter. The Patriots covered both regular down and distance plays and also certain situations, including red-zone, two-minute, goal-line, short-yardage and two-point plays. The specialists already kicked at Mercedes-Benz Stadium mid-morning, so in the afternoon, they used JUGS machines to run through the different kicking situations during a couple special-teams periods.
“This is our sixth practice,” Belichick said. “We have hit everything. I think we are ready to go.”
The Patriots held one padded practice in Foxborough but did not work in pads during their week in Atlanta. “We went at a pretty good tempo. We’ve played a lot of football this year,” Belichick said.
After the work on the field was done, Tom Brady, Brian Hoyer and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels played a contest to see who could punt or throw the ball closest to the goal line without crossing it. Hoyer was the winner, landing a punt at about the 1-yard line. Belichick stopped to watch, enjoying a light-hearted moment with his assistant coaches and players.
The Patriots didn’t have anything scheduled for their players for the rest of the day, following their normal Friday schedule. Belichick said players would be free to spend Friday evening with their guests. On Saturday morning, the team will have a meeting and then head to Mercedes-Benz Stadium for a team photo and a get-together with family and friends.
“We’ve still got a few things to review and cover, but I would say everybody now needs to just gear up for how we want to play the game and be ready to go out there and play it that way," Belichick said. “I think the next 48 hours are going to be really important, like they always are. Fine-tuning it and really zeroing in. Being physically, mentally and emotionally ready to go Sunday night.”
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| NFL NETWORK TO TELEVISE 19 ALLIANCE OF AMERICAN FOOTBALL GAMES IN 2019 |
NFL Network will Televise Alliance Matchups in
Primetime Beginning Opening Weekend
SAN FRANCISCO, Calif. – February 1, 2019 – The Alliance of American Football and NFL Network today announced a multi-year programming deal that will include live event coverage of The Alliance inaugural season. NFL Network will debut their Alliance coverage with The Salt Lake Stallions at The Arizona Hotshots on Sunday, February 10 at 8 PM ET/5 PM PT.
Following The Alliance's opening weekend, NFL Network will air two games per week in primetime on Saturday and Sunday night.
"NFL Network understands the mission and vision for The Alliance and what we are trying to accomplish," said Charlie Ebersol, co-founder and CEO, The Alliance. "This partnership will now keep professional football in its primetime television spot, allowing fans to continue watching America's most popular sport well into the spring."
"Having live football games on NFL Network in February, March, and April will be a great addition to our lineup and a nice complement to our coverage of the NFL Combine and NFL Draft," said Mark Quenzel, Senior Vice President of Programming and Production at NFL Network.
2019 Alliance of American Football NFL Network Broadcast Schedule
- Sunday, February 10 - Salt Lake Stallions at Arizona Hotshots
- Saturday, February 16 - Arizona Hotshots at Memphis Express
- Sunday, February 17 - Atlanta Legends at San Diego Fleet
- Saturday, February 23 - Memphis Express at Orlando Apollos
- Sunday, February 24 - San Antonio Commanders at San Diego Fleet
- Saturday, March 2 - San Diego Fleet at Memphis Express
- Sunday, March 3 - Atlanta Legends at Arizona Hotshots
- Saturday, March 9 - Salt Lake Stallions at San Diego Fleet
- Sunday, March 10 - San Antonio Commanders at Arizona Hotshots
- Saturday, March 16 - Arizona Hotshots at Orlando Apollos
- Sunday, March 17 - Birmingham Iron at San Diego Fleet
- Saturday, March 23 - Salt Lake Stallions at San Antonio Commanders
- Sunday, March 24 - Birmingham Iron at Memphis Express
- Saturday, March 30 - San Diego at Salt Lake Stallions
- Sunday, March 31 - Arizona Hotshots at San Antonio Commanders
- Saturday, April 6 - San Diego Fleet at Orlando Apollos
- Sunday, April 7 - Birmingham Iron at Arizona Hotshots
- Saturday, April 13 - Atlanta Legends at Memphis Express
- Sunday, April 14 - Arizona Hotshots at San Diego Fleet
*All games will air at 8:00 PM ET on NFL Network
About The Alliance of American Football
Led by some of the most respected football minds in the game, The Alliance of American Football is top-flight professional football fueled by an unprecedented Alliance between players, fans and the game. Founded by TV and film producer Charlie Ebersol and Hall of Famer Bill Polian, The Alliance features eight teams with 52-player rosters playing a 10-week regular season schedule beginning February 9, 2019 on CBS, followed by two playoff rounds and culminating with the championship game at Sam Boyd Stadium in Las Vegas on April 27, 2019. Additional broadcast and distribution partners include Turner Sports -- TNT and B/R Live -- as well as the NFL Network.
The eight cities, stadiums and head coaches are as follows:
- Orlando Apollos / Spectrum Stadium / Steve Spurrier
- Atlanta Legends / Georgia State Stadium / Kevin Coyle
- Memphis Express / Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium / Mike Singletary
- Salt Lake Stallions / Rice-Eccles Stadium / Dennis Erickson
- Arizona Hotshots / Sun Devil Stadium / Rick Neuheisel
- San Diego Fleet / San Diego County Credit Union Stadium / Mike Martz
- Birmingham Iron / Legion Field Stadium / Tim Lewis
- San Antonio Commanders / Alamodome / Mike Riley
With a focus on player well-being on and off the field, The Alliance provides players with a commitment to safety and state-of-the-art equipment as well as a comprehensive bonus system, post-football career planning, financial counseling and scholarship support for postsecondary education. For more information, visit https://aaf.com/.
| Los Angeles Rams and New England Patriots Thursday Pool Reports |
Thursday Pool ReportLos Angeles Rams PracticeJanuary 31, 2019By Charean WilliamsPro Football Writers of America
FLOWERY BRANCH, Georgia – The Rams practiced outside on the grass fields at the Falcons’ training facility Thursday. They started the work day under sunny skies and 51 degrees.
“It really was [the plan to go outside],” Rams coach Sean McVay said. “We were flexible with it, but I think just having the ability to go outside and get on this surface, we felt like it was going to be a little bit better on our bodies, and the weather allowed us to do that, so it was a great day.”
The Rams started with a walk-through before stretching and then a one-hour, 10-minute practice. The sun set and the temperature dropped to 47 degrees by the time the Rams finished at 6:06 p.m.
“Yeah, it went down quick,” McVay said. “That was why we were trying to stay on a tight schedule. We got a lot of good work in, a lot of things we can coach off of. The main thing was I thought the guys came out and competed the right way and gave us a chance to get better today.”
The Rams had a compete period with the first-team offense against the first-team defense to start before both units got work against the scout team. The Rams had a special teams period in the middle.
“We definitely got everything done we wanted to,” McVay said. “Thursdays really have been our big work day, and we got a lot of work in, and because of where we are with the game plan, that enabled us to go more situationally in the framework of a series as opposed to just practicing third down and red zone all in one sequence. You do it like a move-the-ball, and I thought that was good because that’s how you play a game, and it forced our players to think a little bit more than we’re accustomed to.”
McVay called it a spirited practice.
“It was a good way to start out competing,” McVay said. “We want to come out fast, and that’s going to be important in this game, and that’s what today represented.”
The Rams practiced in jerseys, sweats (with a few brave souls wearing shorts) and helmets. They were in pads once last week.
“We went last Thursday [in pads],” McVay said. “But the way that our guys have done it, we say, ‘OK, we come in and we go to work,’ and these guys know how to practice without pads on and still get as much as we want. The main reason sometimes we end up wearing pads is just because it prevents some of the shoulder injuries and collisions. But peaking at the right time, we gave them off the pads, and we still got a bunch of good work in today.”
Kicker Greg Zuerlein (left foot) and safety Blake Countess (foot) both were limited Thursday. Zuerlein did not kick. He will kick again Friday.
“The plan all along has been for [Zuerlein to kick] tomorrow,” McVay said. “We’re right on track. He’ll kick tomorrow.
“I talked to him today. He’s feeling good. That’s kind of been the plan all along, so we’re right on track where we want to be.”
Countess was upgraded after being listed as out of the team’s walk-through Wednesday. He appears on schedule to play Sunday.
“I think he’s going to be good,” McVay said. “I’ll be interested to see how his foot felt when I talk to him when we go inside. But for him to get out here and get some movement, again, that was kind of on par with the course as far as how we anticipated this thing going when he ended up hurting that foot a couple of weeks ago.”
Thursday Pool ReportNew England Patriots PracticeJanuary 31, 2019By Jenny VrentasPro Football Writers of America
ATLANTA—The Patriots held a walk-through practice Thursday afternoon at Georgia Tech’s indoor practice facility, focusing on situational plays during the one-hour, 20-minute session. Every player was a full participant, except for starting linebacker Dont’a Hightower, who did not attend the workout due to an illness.
“We’ll evaluate him tomorrow,” head coach Bill Belichick said, when asked about Hightower’s prognosis.
Defensive tackle Malcom Brown, who was limited on Wednesday with a calf injury, did everything in today’s session. Belichick expects him to practice Friday and be available moving forward. “If something happens tomorrow, that will be a different story, but I’d say he looks alright,” Belichick said.
Players were dressed in sweats or workout clothes (no jerseys) and did not wear helmets, except for the quarterbacks and defensive players who have the coach-to-player communication systems. Most players wore sneakers, though Tom Brady was in his cleats. Belichick noted that the team has already gotten in five practices since the AFC Championship Game, and will have another full-speed session on Friday, so he opted for the walk-through today.
“We got a lot out of the walk-through today and were able to run more plays at a slower tempo,” Belichick said. “So that’s the advantage. Practicing (at full speed) you get better tempo, you just get fewer plays.”
The starting offense and defense worked at opposite ends of the field against the scout team, focusing on third-down, red-zone and goal-line situations, in addition to some review. The team was relaxed but also focused, with offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels rattling off play calls and Brady calling out adjustments to his receivers’ splits and routes. The Patriots also reviewed all the kicking situations—field goal, kickoff and punt—in between the periods when the offense and defense were working. The specialists did not kick in the walk-through; they kicked yesterday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, where Super Bowl LIII will be played, and will do so Friday as well.
Right guard Shaq Mason was wearing a long-sleeve dri-fit shirt with the logo of Georgia Tech, his alma mater. Georgia Tech hung a “Welcome Back, Shaq” sign outside the locker room at their facilities, and Belichick also had Mason give the team a welcome message on Monday, similar to what linebacker Elandon Roberts did when the team practiced at Roberts’ alma mater, the University of Houston, before Super Bowl LI.
“The Georgia guys are not thrilled being at Georgia Tech,” Belichick quipped, referring to starting center David Andrews and running back Sony Michel, who both played for the University of Georgia. “But that’s alright. They’ll get over it.”
| New England Patriots Thursday Pool Report |
Thursday Pool ReportNew England Patriots PracticeJanuary 31, 2019By Jenny VrentasPro Football Writers of America
ATLANTA—The Patriots held a walk-through practice Thursday afternoon at Georgia Tech’s indoor practice facility, focusing on situational plays during the one-hour, 20-minute session. Every player was a full participant, except for starting linebacker Dont’a Hightower, who did not attend the workout due to an illness.
“We’ll evaluate him tomorrow,” head coach Bill Belichick said, when asked about Hightower’s prognosis.
Defensive tackle Malcom Brown, who was limited on Wednesday with a calf injury, did everything in today’s session. Belichick expects him to practice Friday and be available moving forward. “If something happens tomorrow, that will be a different story, but I’d say he looks alright,” Belichick said.
Players were dressed in sweats or workout clothes (no jerseys) and did not wear helmets, except for the quarterbacks and defensive players who have the coach-to-player communication systems. Most players wore sneakers, though Tom Brady was in his cleats. Belichick noted that the team has already gotten in five practices since the AFC Championship Game, and will have another full-speed session on Friday, so he opted for the walk-through today.
“We got a lot out of the walk-through today and were able to run more plays at a slower tempo,” Belichick said. “So that’s the advantage. Practicing (at full speed) you get better tempo, you just get fewer plays.”
The starting offense and defense worked at opposite ends of the field against the scout team, focusing on third-down, red-zone and goal-line situations, in addition to some review. The team was relaxed but also focused, with offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels rattling off play calls and Brady calling out adjustments to his receivers’ splits and routes. The Patriots also reviewed all the kicking situations—field goal, kickoff and punt—in between the periods when the offense and defense were working. The specialists did not kick in the walk-through; they kicked yesterday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, where Super Bowl LIII will be played, and will do so Friday as well.
Right guard Shaq Mason was wearing a long-sleeve dri-fit shirt with the logo of Georgia Tech, his alma mater. Georgia Tech hung a “Welcome Back, Shaq” sign outside the locker room at their facilities, and Belichick also had Mason give the team a welcome message on Monday, similar to what linebacker Elandon Roberts did when the team practiced at Roberts’ alma mater, the University of Houston, before Super Bowl LI.
“The Georgia guys are not thrilled being at Georgia Tech,” Belichick quipped, referring to starting center David Andrews and running back Sony Michel, who both played for the University of Georgia. “But that’s alright. They’ll get over it.”
NEW YORK GIANTS RB SAQUON BARKLEYNAMED 2018 PEPSI® NFL ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
New York Giants running back SAQUON BARKLEY has been named the 2018 PEPSI NFL ROOKIE OF THE YEAR, Pepsi and the NFL announced today. Barkley was recognized online at nfl.com/rookiesand this morning during Pepsi’s Rookie Brunch Party in Atlanta, which featured a trophy presentation by ESPN’s Sam Ponder, a DJ set by Grammy-winner Lil Jon (who is also featured in Pepsi’s Super Bowl LIII commercial), and a performance by Pepsi’s Sound Drop artist Bryce Vine.
The No. 2 selection in the 2018 NFL Draft, Barkley led the NFL with 2,028 scrimmage yards and joined Pro Football Hall of Famer Eric Dickerson (2,212 scrimmage yards in 1983) and Edgerrin James (2,139 in 1999) as the only rookies with at least 2,000 scrimmage yards in NFL history. A 2019 Pro Bowl selection, he recorded 91 receptions in 2018, including a single-game franchise-record 14 catches in Week 2, tied for the most by a rookie running back in league annals. Barkley became the first Giants rookie to rush for at least 1,000 yards (1,307) and his 15 scrimmage touchdowns were the most by a rookie in team history.
Barkley was one of five finalists nominated for this honor. The other finalists were Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb, Indianapolis Colts linebacker Darius Leonard, Denver Broncos running back Phillip Lindsay and Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield.
The five finalists were selected for their outstanding performances through the 2018 NFL season. Each week, five nominees were chosen for the Pepsi NFL Rookie of the Week and fans voted for the winner on NFL.com. Those results were used to help determine the finalists.
This is Pepsi’s 17th year as the official soft drink sponsor of the NFL and the 16th year that Pepsi will present the NFL Rookie of the Week and NFL Rookie of the Year award.
2018 PEPSI NFL ROOKIE OF THE YEAR FINALISTS
PLAYER
|
POSITION
|
TEAM
|
Saquon Barkley
|
Running Back
|
New York Giants
|
Nick Chubb
|
Running Back
|
Cleveland Browns
|
Darius Leonard
|
Linebacker
|
Indianapolis Colts
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Phillip Lindsay
|
Running Back
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Denver Broncos
|
Baker Mayfield
|
Quarterback
|
Cleveland Browns
|
| Los Angeles Rams and New England Patriots Wednesday Pool Reports |
Wednesday Pool ReportLos Angeles Rams PracticeJanuary 30, 2019By Charean WilliamsPro Football Writers of America
FLOWERY BRANCH, Georgia -- The Rams got back into their routine Wednesday afternoon with a one-hour, 33-minute practice at the Falcons’ team facility in Flowery Branch.
“It was great,” Rams coach Sean McVay said, “and it was good really for players and coaches. You almost get away from it a couple of days. It’s good just to sharpen yourself up, making sure we’re tightening all the screws on the game plan. I thought the players did a nice job just getting a little bit of a lather. It was really a big emphasis on above the neck, and then tomorrow and Friday will be good to kind of finalize the week.”
The Rams’ routine is a walk-through on Wednesdays. They got back to work with no helmets – other than those with the coach-to-player communication system – and no hitting while going at half speed.
Since Week 4, the Rams have held lighter practices on Wednesdays.
“Really where I got it from was just learning from our training staff as far as a sports-science approach, just being smart with our players,” McVay said. “Earlier in the year, we end up practicing on Wednesdays and then depending upon where we are injury-wise or how our team is feeling, for us this year was after Week 4, we ended up tailoring our Wednesdays back. Guys have handled it really well. I think it’s been good from a performance standpoint. We’re able to get a lot of reps, but we don’t get as much physical work as you’d like, but that’s why the Thursdays and the Fridays are so important to us.”
Even though it wasn’t full speed, the Rams were all business as the offense worked against the offense and the defense against the defense for two periods with a special teams period in between.
“I think really it’s good for me to go back and kind of clean some things up and make sure the players feel as comfortable and as confident as possible going into tomorrow and most importantly Sunday,” McVay said.
Safety Blake Countess (foot) remained out while kicker Greg Zuerlein (left foot) was limited. Those were the only two players listed on the team’s injury report.
“Greg Zuerlein kicked a little bit, and he’s on track,” McVay said. “And I believe Blake will be good, but we want to be smart with him earlier this week.”
Countess, who was listed as questionable on the team’s status report Friday, did some work with the trainer on the side at the start of practice.
“Feel good, feel really good [injury-wise],” McVay said. “I think Blake will be OK with his foot and same thing with Greg. Really that’s all you can ask for this time of year to be as healthy as we are.”
The Falcons have made the Rams feel as at home as possible with Rams’ signage throughout the facility.
“They’ve done a great job,” “I really just think it’s been a first-class operation since we got here in Atlanta. They’ve made us feel very welcome. They’ve done an outstanding job of being great hosts. The facility was set up, and we really can’t ask for much more than that.”
Wednesday Pool ReportNew England Patriots PracticeJanuary 30, 2019By Jenny VrentasPro Football Writers of America
ATLANTA—The Patriots held their first practice in Atlanta on Wednesday afternoon, wearing helmets and shells for an 88-minute session in Georgia Tech’s indoor practice facility, just over a mile from the team's downtown hotel.
There was one addition to the injury report: Defensive tackle Malcom Brown was limited today with a calf injury, head coach Bill Belichick said. Brown was at practice wearing his helmet but spent most of the session on the sideline. Everyone else was a full participant, Belichick said.
“He did some stuff early in practice today,” Belichick said of Brown. “Everybody else was good to go.”
The Patriots began practice at 12:30 p.m., starting with some walk-through plays and a special teams period. The starting offense and defense then alternated driving the length of the 80-yard turf field, running 11-on-11 plays against the scout team mimicking the Rams personnel.
Quarterback Tom Brady looked sharp, starting off with a few up-tempo plays as the team piped in Guns N’ Roses’ “Sweet Child O’ Mine,” raising the music’s volume before the offense was preparing to snap the ball. Brady celebrated one successful play by raising his arms to make the touchdown signal. He continued encouraging his teammates through practice, at one point offering a thumbs-up and later patting his offensive linemen and receiver Phillip Dorsett on the helmet. Brady ended the final period of practice with two touchdown passes against the scout-team defense. Afterward, players did some extra individual work on the field, and Brady stayed with center David Andrews and a few offensive teammates to practice exchanges and handoffs.
“We are way ahead of where we normally are on Wednesday, but we are trying to keep it as a Wednesday-Thursday-Friday and get into our normal routine, which has worked pretty well for us this year,” Belichick said.
The Patriots held one padded practice in Foxborough last week and opted to work in just upper shells today.
“We were in pads last week,” Belichick said. “I think we will be ready to go.”
Belichick seemed pleased with the Patriots’ set-up in Atlanta, noting “there is not a lot of travel time” between their hotel and Georgia Tech’s campus. The Patriots practiced indoors all last week while they were still in Foxborough, and will conduct all their work indoors this week as well. “There are 20-story skyscrapers surrounding the field,” Belichick said. “I don’t think we can have a public practice out there.”
The CBS broadcast team that will be calling Super Bowl LIII, including play-by-play announcer Jim Nantz, color commentator Tony Romo and sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson, was in attendance. Before the Patriots headed to shower and make the approximately 10-minute bus ride back to the hotel, Belichick gathered his players at the middle of the field for a brief message with a few reminders.
“What our schedule is, what we need to do between now and tomorrow in terms of preparation, physical and mental,” Belichick said. “We are getting there. We’ve still got four days, really. But we are getting there.”
| New England Patriots Wednesday Pool Report |
Wednesday Pool ReportNew England Patriots PracticeJanuary 30, 2019By Jenny VrentasPro Football Writers of America
ATLANTA—The Patriots held their first practice in Atlanta on Wednesday afternoon, wearing helmets and shells for an 88-minute session in Georgia Tech’s indoor practice facility, just over a mile from the team's downtown hotel.
There was one addition to the injury report: Defensive tackle Malcom Brown was limited today with a calf injury, head coach Bill Belichick said. Brown was at practice wearing his helmet but spent most of the session on the sideline. Everyone else was a full participant, Belichick said.
“He did some stuff early in practice today,” Belichick said of Brown. “Everybody else was good to go.”
The Patriots began practice at 12:30 p.m., starting with some walk-through plays and a special teams period. The starting offense and defense then alternated driving the length of the 80-yard turf field, running 11-on-11 plays against the scout team mimicking the Rams personnel.
Quarterback Tom Brady looked sharp, starting off with a few up-tempo plays as the team piped in Guns N’ Roses’ “Sweet Child O’ Mine,” raising the music’s volume before the offense was preparing to snap the ball. Brady celebrated one successful play by raising his arms to make the touchdown signal. He continued encouraging his teammates through practice, at one point offering a thumbs-up and later patting his offensive linemen and receiver Phillip Dorsett on the helmet. Brady ended the final period of practice with two touchdown passes against the scout-team defense. Afterward, players did some extra individual work on the field, and Brady stayed with center David Andrews and a few offensive teammates to practice exchanges and handoffs.
“We are way ahead of where we normally are on Wednesday, but we are trying to keep it as a Wednesday-Thursday-Friday and get into our normal routine, which has worked pretty well for us this year,” Belichick said.
The Patriots held one padded practice in Foxborough last week and opted to work in just upper shells today.
“We were in pads last week,” Belichick said. “I think we will be ready to go.”
Belichick seemed pleased with the Patriots’ set-up in Atlanta, noting “there is not a lot of travel time” between their hotel and Georgia Tech’s campus. The Patriots practiced indoors all last week while they were still in Foxborough, and will conduct all their work indoors this week as well. “There are 20-story skyscrapers surrounding the field,” Belichick said. “I don’t think we can have a public practice out there.”
The CBS broadcast team that will be calling Super Bowl LIII, including play-by-play announcer Jim Nantz, color commentator Tony Romo and sideline reporter Tracy Wolfson, was in attendance. Before the Patriots headed to shower and make the approximately 10-minute bus ride back to the hotel, Belichick gathered his players at the middle of the field for a brief message with a few reminders.
“What our schedule is, what we need to do between now and tomorrow in terms of preparation, physical and mental,” Belichick said. “We are getting there. We’ve still got four days, really. But we are getting there.”
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| NFL AND USAA ANNOUNCE ATLANTA FALCONS GUARD BEN GARLAND AS RECIPIENT OF 2018 SALUTE TO SERVICE AWARD |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
1/30/19
Garland's commitment to supporting U.S. military members, veterans and their families
to be recognized at NFL Honors in Atlanta
The NFL and USAA, an Official NFL Salute to Service Partner, named Atlanta Falcons offensive guard BEN GARLAND as the recipient of the 2018 Salute to Service Awardpresented by USAA. The award was created to acknowledge the exceptional efforts by members of the NFL community to honor and support members of the military community.
Garland will be recognized at NFL Honors, a two-hour primetime awards special to air nationally on Feb. 2, the eve of Super Bowl LIII, at 9 PM (ET and PT) on CBS. NFL Honors will be taped earlier that evening at the Fox Theater in Atlanta. USAA, a leading provider of insurance and other services to U.S. military members, veterans and their families, will contribute $25,000 in Garland's honor to the official aid societies representing all five military branches. The NFL will match USAA's donation of $25,000, which will be donated to the Garland's military charity of choice.
"From his time at the Air Force Academy and continuing throughout his NFL playing career, Ben Garland has embodied and demonstrated the understanding and appreciation for the service and sacrifice of the U.S. military and their families for which this award stands," said Vice Admiral (Ret.) JOHN BIRD, USAA Senior Vice President of Military Affairs. "In the true spirit of the 'Salute to Service Award presented by USAA', we salute Ben for his tireless effort to support our military, veterans, and their families, as well as his own service to our country as a member of the Colorado Air National Guard."
"I am honored to win the award, but, honestly, I am just honored to be part of an organization that puts military first from the top down, from Arthur Blank to our Head Coach," said Atlanta Falcons offensive guard and 2018 Salute to Service award recipientBEN GARLAND. "They do so much for our military and I am proud to be with an organization that is the spear in the NFL of showing how to do it right and how to truly give back and say thank you to the military members that absolutely deserve it."
In 2018 alone, Ben traveled on two USO tours; the first to Italy and Germany and the second to Iraq and Kuwait. Ben seeks out any opportunity that he can to visit with military, shake their hands and say thank you.
When Ben is back stateside, he is extremely involved and focused on helping veterans get back on their feet after their service and helping to raise awareness for PTSD. In 2018, he participated in the Armed Forces Mission's Georgia LOSS Walk at Patriot Park in Fayetteville, Georgia. Ben walked alongside veterans, service members and their families in honor of "Turning the Tide on Veteran Suicide". Each year that Ben has been with the Atlanta Falcons he has participated in the annual Fishing with the Falcons event. This year, Ben traveled to Orange Beach, Alabama to go on a chartered fishing trip with wounded veterans.
As a current member of the Colorado Air National Guard, Ben also finds time to support his fellow active duty service members. He donates game tickets each week to service members, visits the Air Force Academy at least once a year to speak to the current students, works with Georgia Tech ROTC to inspire young officers and meets with local young officers to mentor them.
In October 2018, all 32 NFL clubs nominated coaches, active and retired players, and team executives and personnel, who best demonstrated support for the military community. The nominees were publicly announced in November and the submissions were evaluated by a panel of judges. Nominees' credentials are evaluated based on the positive effect of the individual's efforts on the military community, the type of service conducted, the thoroughness of the program and level of commitment.
The panel of judges, consisting of representatives from the U.S. military, the NFL and USAA, includes:
- ANDRE ROBERTS, 2017 Salute to Service Award recipient
- VICE ADMIRAL JOHN BIRD (Ret.), U.S. Navy veteran and USAA Senior Vice President of Military Affairs
- CHAD HENNINGS, Air Force Academy graduate and three-time Super Bowl champion
- VINCENT JACKSON, Former NFL player & 2015 Salute to Service Award recipient
- JIM MORA, SR., Marine Corps veteran and former NFL head coach
- LENNY BANDY, U.S. Marine Corps Veteran and NFL Vice President of Security
Below is the list of previous Salute to Service Award recipients.
| YEAR | RECIPIENT | TEAM |
| 2017 | Andre Roberts | Atlanta Falcons |
| 2016 | Dan Quinn (Head Coach) | Atlanta Falcons |
| 2015 | Vincent Jackson | Tampa Bay Buccaneers |
| 2014 | Jared Allen | Chicago Bears |
| 2013 | John Harbaugh (Head Coach) | Baltimore Ravens |
| 2012 | Charles Tillman | Chicago Bears |
2011
| K.S. "Bud" Adams Jr. (Late Owner) | Tennessee Titans |
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| otas de la NFL del Super Bowl LIII |
SUPER BOWL LIII: NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS VS. LOS ANGELES RAMS
El domingo, 3 de febrero, los New England Patriots y los Los Angeles Rams se encontrarán en el Super Bowl LIII (6:30 PM, hora de New York, CBS) en el estadio Mercedes-Benz de Atlanta.
El Super Bowl LIII tendrá a los preclasificados N° 2 de cada conferencia –los campeones de la AFC Patriots contra los campeones de la NFC Rams– y es el primer enfrentamiento en el Super Bowl entre dos preclasificados N° 2 desde que la NFL comenzó a ordenar con ese método a los equipos, en 1975. También marca la revancha del Super Bowl XXXVI, cuando New England derrotó a los St. Louis Rams 20-17 el 3 de febrero de 2002.
Para la cápsula del Super Bowl LIII, clic aquí.
Esto es lo que está en juego en el Super Bowl LIII:
Con una victoria de New England…
- Los Patriots habrán capturado su sexto título de campeón del Super Bowl, empatando a los PITTSBURGH STEELERS (seis) para la mayor cantidad en la historia de la NFL.
- New England habrá ganado su 37º partido de postemporada, superando a PITTSBURGH (36) para la mayor cantidad en la historia.
- El entrenador en jefe Bill Belichick se uniría a GEORGE HALAS y a CURLY LAMBEAU como los únicos entrenadores en la historia en ganar seis campeonatos de la NFL.
El mariscal de campo Tom Brady ahora habrá ganado seis Super Bowls, superando al miembro del Salón de la Fama Charles Haley (cinco) para la mayor cantidad de cualquier jugador.
Con un triunfo de Los Angeles…
- Los Rams estarían celebrando la segunda victoria en el Super Bowl en la historia de su franquicia (Super Bowl XXXIV) y su primera en Los Angeles.
- A la edad de 33, el entrenador en jefe Sean McVay se convertiría en el entrenador en jefe más joven en ganar el Super Bowl en la historia. El entrenador en jefe de los Steelers Mike Tomlin habrá ostentado la marca previa, a una edad de 36.
El mariscal de campo Jared Goff se convertiría en el primer mariscal de campo seleccionado Nº 1 total en llevar a su equipo a una victoria en el Super Bowl dentro de sus primeras tres temporadas.
Los Patriots obtuvieron el boleto al Super Bowl con un triunfo 37-31 en la prórroga contra Kansas City en el Juego de Campeonato de la AFC. New England, que ganó el Super Bowl LI al concluir la temporada 2016 y avanzó hasta el Super Bowl LII la temporada pasada, se une a los BUFFALO BILLS (1990-93) y a los MIAMI DOLPHINS(1971-73) como los únicos equipos en la era del Super Bowl en aparecer en tres Super Bowls consecutivos. New England llegó al 11º Super Bowl en la historia de la franquicia y está buscando su sexto título de Super Bowl, que los igualaría con los PITTSBURGH STEELERS (seis) para la mayor cantidad en la historia de la NFL.
Los Rams clasificaron al Super Bowl LIII con una victoria 26-23 en la prórroga contra New Orleans en el Juego de Campeonato de la NFC. El pateador de Los AngelesGREG ZUERLEIN convirtió el gol de campo que definió el pleito, de 57 yardas en la prórroga y el más largo gol de campo definitorio en la historia de la postemporada.
Los Angeles llegó a su cuarto Super Bowl en la historia de la franquicia (1979, 1999 y 2001) y está procurando ganar su segundo título de Super Bowl.
El entrenador en jefe de los Patriots BILL BELICHICK y el mariscal de campo TOM BRADY estarán realizando su novena aparición juntos en el Super Bowl, la mayor cantidad NFL de partidos definitorios de títulos para cualquier dúo de entrenador en jefe y mariscal de campo titular en la historia de la liga. Belichick y Brady ganaron cinco Super Bowls juntos, la mayor cantidad por una combinación de entrenador en jefe y mariscal de campo titular.
Brady, que está consiguiendo la novena titular en su carrera en un Super Bowl, una marca de la NFL, es el único mariscal de campo titular en la historia de la liga en ganar cinco Super Bowls y el único jugador en la historia en ser nombrado Jugador más valioso (MVP, por sus siglas en inglés) del Super Bowl cuatro veces (XXXVI, XXXVIII, XLIX y LI). Brady estableció una marca de Super Bowl con 505 yardas aéreas el año pasado y es el líder histórico en el Super Bowl en yardas aéreas (2,576), pases completos (235), pases intentados (357) y pases anotadores (18). Es también el líder de la NFL en postemporada en victorias por un mariscal de campo titular (29), pases completos (984), pases intentados (1,554), yardas aéreas (10,917) y pases anotadores (73).
El corredor novato de New England SONY MICHEL tiene cinco acarreos anotadores en esta postemporada, la mayor cantidad de acarreos anotadores logrados por un novato en la historia de la postemporada. Michel acarreó al menos 100 yardas en cada una de las primeras dos apariciones de su carrera en postemporada y puede sumarse a ARIAN FOSTER como los únicos jugadores en la historia de la postemporada que acarrean al menos 100 yardas en cada uno de sus primeros tres juegos de postemporada.
El corredor de los Patriots JAMES WHITE, que tuvo un acarreo anotador en el Super Bowl LII, registró cuatro anotaciones (tres acarreando, una recibiendo) en las dos apariciones de su carrera en el Super Bowl. A lo largo de las últimas tres postemporadas (2016-2018), White lidera la NFL con ocho anotaciones totales.
El ala cerrada de New England ROB GRONKOWSKI tiene 12 recepciones anotadoras en postemporada en su carrera y está solamente detrás del miembro del Salón de la Fama JERRY RICE (22) para la mayor cantidad en la historia de la postemporada de la NFL. Las 1,076 yardas recibiendo y 12 recepciones anotadoras de Gronkowski son las mayores cantidades por un ala cerrada en la historia de la postemporada de la NFL.
En el Juego de Campeonato de la AFC, el receptor de los Patriots JULIAN EDELMAN tuvo siete recepciones para 96 yardas y se unió al miembro del Salón de la Fama JERRY RICE (151 recepciones) como los únicos jugadores con al menos 100 recepciones en postemporada en su carrera (105). Edelman registró al menos cinco recepciones en 12 partidos de postemporada consecutivos, la racha más larga de ese tipo en los anales de la postemporada.
El entrenador en jefe de los Los Angeles Rams SEAN MC VAY, que tendrá 33 años y 10 días de edad en el domingo del Super Bowl, es el entrenador en jefe más joven que lleva a su equipo al Super Bowl. En cada una de las últimas dos temporadas bajo McVay, los Rams se ubicaron primeros o segundos en puntos por partido.
El mariscal de campo de los Rams JARED GOFF, la selección global Nº 1 en el Sorteo Universitario de la NFL 2016, es el primer mariscal de campo seleccionado Nº 1 global que llega al Super Bowl dentro de sus primeras tres temporadas. Cuatro mariscales de campo (los miembros del Salón de la Fama TROY AIKMAN y JOHN ELWAY, y DREW BLEDSOE y ELI MANNING) alcanzaron el Super Bowl en sus respectivas cuartas temporadas.
El corredor de Los Angeles TODD GURLEY acarreó alguna anotación en cada uno de los dos partidos de postemporada de su equipo esta campaña. Gurley lideró la NFL con 21 anotaciones (17 acarreando, cuatro recibiendo) y se ubicó cuarto con 1,831 yardas desde la línea de golpeo. El corredor de los Rams C.J. ANDERSON lidera al equipo en postemporada en yardas terrestres y tiene 481 yardas por tierra en la postemporada desde 2014, la mayor cantidad en la NFL en ese lapso.
En el Juego de Campeonato de la NFC, el receptor de los Rams BRANDIN COOKS lideró el equipo con siete recepciones y 107 yardas recibiendo. Cooks tuvo 80 recepciones y 1,204 yardas recibiendo en la temporada regular y se convirtió en el primer jugador en la historia de la NFL en registrar al menos 1,000 yardas recibiendo con tres equipos diferentes en tres temporadas consecutivas. Con New England en 2017, Cooks registró 65 recepciones para 1,082 yardas y siete anotaciones y agregó 10 recepciones para 155 yardas en la postemporada.
| Visa and the National Football League Extend Partnership Ahead of Super Bowl LIII |
Visa brings the next generation of digital payments to future NFL events, helping teams, stadiums and fans go cashless
San Francisco, CA January 29, 2019: Visa Inc. (NYSE:V), a partner of the National Football League (NFL) since 1995, today announced a renewed agreement with the NFL to serve as the league's Official Payment Services Technology Partner through the 2025 season. The new multi-year sponsorship deal includes new benefits for Visa cardholders at NFL events and plans to collaborate on the first cashless Super Bowl in the future. The partnership news comes days before the leader in digital payments brings contactless and cashless payment experiences to Super Bowl LIII fans in Atlanta.
"Over the years, we have evolved our relationship with the NFL from a sponsorship to a partnership that provides invaluable payment experiences for fans," said Lynne Biggar, chief marketing and communications officer, Visa. "Looking ahead, we see a cashless future for NFL fans where events, including future Super Bowls, are digital creating a more secure and seamless payment environment for fans and concessionaires alike."
Tackling a Cashless Future
For more than 24 years, Visa has provided innovative payment technology to enhance the fan experience at NFL events - whether in-stadium, online or at home. The new agreement aims to not only keep payment experiences that fans have grown to trust from Visa, but take them to the next level. Highlights of the renewed partnership include:
- Preferred payment provider across NFL events domestically, including the Super Bowl, Pro Bowl, NFL Draft, and international games
- Preferred payment method for ticket sales, concessions and merchandise at NFL Shops at all major global league events
- Added benefits specifically for Visa cardholders
- Plans to work together to enable a cashless future for NFL events, including Super Bowl
"Visa has been a trusted partner of the NFL since 1995 and we are excited to continue our work with them, especially in the area of implementing cashless capabilities at NFL events which will provide our fans faster, safer and more convenient digital payment options," said Renie Anderson, Senior Vice President, Partnerships, Sponsorship & Consumer Products for the NFL.
With over a quarter of Americans already cashless [1], Visa and the NFL will continue to work together to bring that same experience to future Super Bowls. A Super Bowl that accepts only cards and digital payments will enable attendees to pay their way -- using a card, mobile or wearable device – and will get them quickly back to their seat and back to the action. To kick off the efforts, Super Bowl LIII will offer more than 30 cashless concessionaires throughout the stadium.
Tap into New Payment Experiences at Super Bowl LIII
At Super Bowl LIII Visa will increase its presence at multiple NFL Shops leading up to and during the game, including at the stadium, NFL Shop kiosks and two NFL Shops at the Super Bowl Experience in the Georgia World Congress Center. Visa is reinventing the NFL Shop's checkout by activating a MVP checkout lane that encourages customers to tap to pay with contactless enabled devices (cards, mobile or wearables) to get in and out quickly. Visa will host other activities on-site including an interactive augmented reality demo experience that will give fans the ability to simulate checkout by successfully kicking their items through virtual goalposts.
To provide fans a once in a lifetime opportunity to engage with their favorite athletes, some of Visa's NFL season commercial campaign stars will surprise shoppers and reprise their roles as contactless payments pros to help customers at the register.
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| NFL Network's Super Bowl LIII Coverage -- Tuesday, January 29 |
8 Hours of 'Super Bowl Live' Coverage Begins at 11:00 AM ET
'NFL Total Access' Airs at 7:00 PM ET
Start the Day with 'Good Morning Football' at 7:00 AM ET
Coming up Tuesday on NFL Network
- Eight hours of Super Bowl Live coverage from Atlanta kicks off at 11:00 AM ET. Super Bowl Live features the following:
- Andrew Siciliano from Radio Row
- Rhett Lewis, Rod Woodson, Dan Hellie, Terrell Davis, James Jones, Reggie Wayneand Ian Rapoport from Super Bowl Experience
- James Palmer and Mike Giardi from the New England Patriots' hotel
- Tom Pelissero from the Los Angeles Rams' hotel
- Patrick Claybon from NFL Network studios in Los Angeles
- NFL Total Access airs at 7:00 PM ET with Cole Wright, David Carr and Will Blackmonhosting from Los Angeles, and Scott Hanson, Willie McGinest, Kurt Warner and Ian Rapoport joining from Atlanta. NFL Total Access re-airs at 11:00 PM ET
- Start the day with Good Morning Football at 7:00 AM ET from New York City with Kay Adams, Peter Schrager and Kyle Brandt. From Atlanta, Aditi Kinkhabwala joins from the New England Patriots' hotel and Omar Ruiz joins from the Los Angeles Rams' hotel with live reports
| NFL LAUNCHES YEAR-LONG CELEBRATION COMMEMORATING LEAGUE’S 100TH SEASON |
More than 40 past and present NFL players kick off 100th season celebration
in historic Super Bowl LIII ad
Fans, players, clubs and communities to come together
for series of #NFL100 events, initiatives, and programming through Super Bowl LIV
To commemorate its centennial season, the National Football League is launching 'NFL100,' a year-long celebration to bring generations of football fans, players, communities, and all 32 clubs together for a unique line-up of programming and activities.
"With fans at the center, NFL100 will be a big family reunion for all those across the country, and around the world, whose lives have been enriched by the sport of football," said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. "Over nearly 100 years, the NFL and the game of football have continued to evolve and grow. NFL100 is a chance to celebrate how far we've come and look ahead to the next 100 years."
The campaign will kick off during Super Bowl LIII with "The 100-Year Game," a commercial to air during the game broadcast on CBS, paying tribute to the many iconic moments, players and images from the NFL, both past and present. The spot will feature more than 40 current and former NFL players, including 19 Hall of Famers and a total of 53 Super Bowl rings.
"I hope the ad will remind everyone of the passion and excitement surrounding football as well as the rivalry and unexpectedness of the game," said NFL Hall of Famer Barry Sanders. "In my wildest dreams, I could have never imagined so many players and NFL stars all coming together to run around in tuxedos for three days. The energy and camaraderie across generations on that set as we filmed was incredible and bodes well for what fans can expect in the NFL100 celebration ahead."
Following the launch of the NFL100 campaign during Super Bowl LIII, the celebration's events will officially kick off during the NFL Draft and build leading up to the first game of the 100th season at NFL Kickoff in 2019. The NFL100 celebration will sustain throughout the season and will culminate at Super Bowl LIV (Feb. 2, 2020) in Miami.
"We've coined the term 'Fantennial' to serve as the spirit of the NFL100 celebration," said Pete Abitante, chair of the NFL100 campaign. "We're excited to recognize fans all season long with once-in-a-lifetime experiences, all while we pay tribute to the players, coaches and teams that have helped create and continue to foster the NFL."
As part of the 100th Season celebration, the NFL will be launching a major philanthropic initiative that will launch at the Draft in Nashville. The season-long program is designed to inspire players, clubs, the league, and fans, all uniting to positively impact and honor communities across the country that are home to teams, players and fans.
Linked here is the first teaser for the spot. In the days leading up to and following the release of the spot, additional teasers, player portraits, and outtakes will be shared on NFL and player/legend social channels. Fans are invited to join the conversation and follow the action with #NFL100.
| GRAMMY AWARD WINNER TIM MCGRAW TAKES CENTER STAGE AT SUPER BOWL LIII PREGAME FESTIVITIES |
ALOE BLACC TO KICK OFF THE FESTIVITIES EARLIER IN THE DAY
TIM MCGRAW will headline the Super Bowl LIII pregame festivities in Atlanta, GA on Sunday, February 3, the NFL announced today. His performance will take place at the NFL Tailgate Party with his new single "Thought About You" televised live on CBS's Super Bowl LIII Pregame Show, THE SUPER BOWL TODAY.
Tim McGraw has sold more than 50 million records worldwide and dominated the charts with 43 worldwide No. 1 singles. He's won 3 Grammy Awards, 16 Academy of Country Music Awards, 14 Country Music Association Awards, His iconic career achievements include being named BDS Radio's Most Played Artist of the Decade for ALL music genres and having the Most Played Song of the Decade for ALL music genres. He is the most played country artist since his debut in 1992, with two singles spending more than 10 weeks at No. 1. His career-long tour successes include the record-setting "Soul2Soul The World Tour 2017" with his wife, Faith Hill. McGraw starred in and narrated the hit movie "The Shack" and his other movie credits include "Friday Night Lights" and "The Blind Side."
Earlier in the day ALOE BLACC will perform at the NFL Tailgate Party and will be joined onstage by Atlanta's very own DAVID WALKER AND HIGH PRAISE for a live televised performance on THE SUPER BOWL TODAY on CBS.
Aloe Blacc released his solo debut Shine Through in 2006 and sophomore album Good Things in 2010. Boosted by the breakout success of "I Need a Dollar" (which was selected as the theme song to HBO's How To Make it In America), Good Things reached gold status in countries around the world and paved the way for his signing to XIX Recordings/Interscope Records in 2012. Made in collaboration with groundbreaking producers like Pharrell Williams, Lift Your Spirit dropped on New Year's Day in 2014, debuted at #4 on the Billboard 200 albums chart, and earned a Grammy Award nomination for Best R&B Album.
NFL FOUNDATION NAMES GABE INFANTE OFST. JOSEPH’S PREPARATORY SCHOOL 2018 DON SHULA NFL HIGH SCHOOL COACH OF THE YEAR
The NFL Foundation announced that head football coach GABE INFANTE of St. Joseph’s Preparatory School in Philadelphia, PA, is the 2018 Don Shula NFL High School Coach of the Year.
The award, named for the winningest coach in NFL history, was created to honor exemplary high school football coaches for their character and integrity, leadership and dedication to the community, commitment to player health and safety and on-field success. The announcement was made today during the 2019 Pro Bowl presented by Verizon.
“Teaching and developing football at the youth level is paramount to the future success of the game,” said DON SMOLENSKI, Philadelphia Eagles president. “Gabe’s body of work as a football coach and his commitment to the sport, both on and off the field, is admirable.”
Infante has been the head football coach at St. Joseph’s Prep since 2010, compiling a record of 91-23 (.798 winning percentage). In nine seasons at the Prep, his teams have played for five state titles, while capturing four of the last six – including the 2018 and 2016 6A state title, and back-to-back titles in 2014 & 2013. All four teams finished the season ranked number one in Pennsylvania. Recently the Hawks finished 13-0 and were ranked as high as sixth nationally by USA Today, Max Preps and Football America.
“While his on-field success at St. Joseph’s Prep has made Philadelphia and the surrounding community very proud, it is his work with USA Football and charitable organizations like Simon’s Heart that truly demonstrates the reason he’s this year’s winner. On behalf of the Philadelphia football community, we would like to congratulate Gabe on being recognized as the Don Shula NFL High School Coach of the Year,” added Smolenski.
A two-time Don Shula High School Coach of the Year nominee, Infante is a member of USA Football's Advisory Committee and is a Master Trainer in USA Football’s Heads Up program. Infante travels around the country conducting player safety clinics and helps promote the program’s techniques and benefits to youth and high school coaches. He and the Prep program were featured in a segment on NFL Network on the subject.
Nominees for the Don Shula Award from all 32 clubs were invited and recognized in special ways during the NFL's week-long celebration of football at the Pro Bowl in Orlando.
Throughout the week, coaches received VIP access and accommodations at various events such as Pro Bowl practices, the Play Football High School Skills Showdown and Play Football Celebrity Flag game; interacted and engaged with members of the football community; and attend the Pro Bowl. Each coach had the opportunity to invite a senior on their roster to participate in the Skills Showdown to represent their high school football community.
The runner-up was Carolina Panthers nominee JEFF CRADDOCK from Tarboro High School in Tarboro North Carolina. Craddock will receive $15,000 from the NFL Foundation, $10,000 of which will go to his high school’s football program.
The Don Shula NFL High School Coach of the Year winner is selected by a panel of distinguished individuals:
- Pro Football Hall of Famer, Coach DON SHULA – the winningest coach in NFL history
- 2017 Don Shula NFL Coach of the Year Award Winner ROBERT GARRETT
- Pro Football Hall of Fame President DAVID BAKER
- Former Dallas Cowboys Personnel Director and NFL.com contributor GIL BRANDT
- Pro Football Hall of Fame coach and current NBC analyst TONY DUNGY
- Executive Director of USA Football SCOTT HALLENBECK
- 3-time Super Bowl Champion (XXXVI, XXXVIII, XXXIX) WILLIE MCGINEST
- 2x AP NFL Comeback Player of the Year and current head coach at the Sayre School CHAD PENNINGTON
- Pro Football Hall of Famer and Super Bowl XXXV Champion ROD WOODSON
- Former Secretary of State CONDOLEEZZA RICE, Senior Fellow on Public Policy at the Hoover Institution and faculty member at the Stanford Graduate School of Business
- Aplington-Parkersburg High School Principal AARON THOMAS, son of the school's late football coach, Ed Thomas
Below is a full list of the 2018 Don Shula NFL High School Coach of the Year nominees. For more information on the NFL Foundation, visit nflfoundation.org or follow @NFLFoundation on Twitter.
NOMINATING TEAM
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SCHOOL
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COACH
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Arizona Cardinals
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Highland High School
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Brock Farrel
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Atlanta Falcons
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Pike County High School
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Brad Weber
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Baltimore Ravens
|
Glenelg High School
|
Butch Schaffer
|
Buffalo Bills
|
Clymer-Sherman-Panama High School
|
Ty Harper
|
Carolina Panthers
|
Tarboro High School
|
Jeff Craddock
|
Chicago Bears
|
Sacred Heart-Griffin
|
Ken Leonard
|
Cincinnati Bengals
|
Wyoming High School
|
Aaron Hancock
|
Cleveland Browns
|
Kirtland High School
|
Tiger Laverde
|
Dallas Cowboys
|
Duncanville High School
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Reginald Samples
|
Denver Broncos
|
Sedgwick County High School
|
Chris Michel
|
Detroit Lions
|
Reading High School
|
Rick Bailey
|
Green Bay Packers
|
Muskego High School
|
Ken Krause
|
Houston Texans
|
Santa Fe High School
|
Mark Kanipes
|
Indianapolis Colts
|
Warren Central
|
Jayson West
|
Jacksonville Jaguars
|
Mandarin High School
|
Bobby Ramsay
|
Kansas City Chiefs
|
North Kansas City High School
|
Leon Douglas
|
Los Angeles Chargers
|
Lawndale High School
|
Travis Clark
|
Los Angeles Rams
|
Mater Dei High School
|
Bruce Rollinson
|
Miami Dolphins
|
Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School
|
Aaron Feis
|
Minnesota Vikings
|
Owatonna Senior High School
|
Jeff Williams
|
New England Patriots
|
North Andover High School
|
John Dubzinski
|
New Orleans Saints
|
Notre Dame High School
|
Lewis Cook
|
New York Giants
|
Hasbrouck Heights High School
|
Nick Delcalzo
|
New York Jets
|
Midwood High School
|
Anthony Odita
|
Oakland Raiders
|
Canyon Springs High School
|
Gus McNair
|
Philadelphia Eagles
|
St. Joseph’s Preparatory School
|
Gabe Infante
|
Pittsburgh Steelers
|
Upper St. Clair High School
|
Jim Render
|
San Francisco 49ers
|
Liberty High School
|
Ryan Partridge
|
Seattle Seahawks
|
Colville High School
|
Randy Cornwell
|
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
|
Pinellas Park High School
|
Kenneth Crawford
|
Tennessee Titans
|
Oakland High School
|
Kevin Creasy
|
Washington Redskins
|
Highland Springs High School
|
Loren Johnson
|
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| NFL Network and NFL Digital Media Live On-Location From Atlanta for Super Bowl LIII |
More Than 90 Hours of Live On-Location Coverage on NFL Network Starting Monday, January 28
60 On-Air Personalities with a Combined 18 Super Bowl Rings
Special 8.5-Hour Edition of 'NFL GameDay Morning' on Super Bowl Sunday
'Good Morning Football,' 'Super Bowl Live,' 'NFL Total Access,' 'Super Bowl Prime' & 'NFL Players Only' Shows Live from Atlanta Throughout the Week
Comprehensive Live Coverage of Super Bowl Opening Night from State Farm Arena – Monday, January 28 at 7:00 PM ET
'Super Bowl Today' – Wednesday, January 30 – Friday, February 1 at 12 Noon ET on NFL.com & The NFL App
For the 16th year, NFL Network and NFL Digital Media are on-location providing comprehensive, wall-to-wall coverage of Super Bowl week. With more than 90 hours of live on-location coverage from Atlanta, and featuring a roster of 60 on-air personalities with a combined 18 Super Bowl rings, NFL Network and NFL Digital Media are the go-to destinations for expert analysis, the latest news and reports, special guest appearances, matchup-related programming and more leading up to Super Bowl LIII.
Beginning Monday, January 28, NFL Network kicks off its coverage from Atlanta, highlighted by Super Bowl Opening Night from State Farm Arena at 7:00 PM ET. With more than 11 hours of pregame and postgame coverage on Super Bowl Sunday, nightly editions of Super Bowl Prime Wednesday-Friday at 9:00 PM ET, live on-location telecasts of Good Morning Football, NFL Total Access, Super Bowl Live and NFL Players Only, special Super Bowl-related programming such as NFL Playbook: Super Bowl LIII and the premiere of Gridiron Giveback, and Super Bowl features, NFL Network and NFL Digital Media provide all-encompassing access to everything inside and outside of Super Bowl LIII.
In addition to content across NFL Network, NFL Digital Media will deliver an array of product features and exclusive programming including live shows, video features and audio content to keep fans connected all week long.
NFL.com and the NFL app will feature live shows that offer an irreverent look inside Super Bowl week including Super Bowl Today and the NFL Honors Red Carpet Show, while special editions of NFL Film Sessions and the Around the NFL will also be accessible via NFL.com and the NFL app during the week. Additional digital-first content includes Dude Perfect Super Bowl Trick Shots launching on Dude Perfect YouTube channel Monday, January 28, and The Checkdown LIVE on @NFL Twitter, streaming Friday, February 1 from 4:00 – 5:00 PM ET from the Super Bowl Media Center.
On Super Bowl Sunday, the NFL app allows viewers to stay connected with all the action wherever they are with access to live NFL Network programming as well as a live stream of CBS' telecast of Super Bowl LIII, plus Next Gen Stats, highlights and game insights.
Super Bowl Sunday Coverage
On Super Bowl Sunday, February 3, NFL Network provides more than 11 hours of live pregame and postgame coverage, starting at 9:00 AM ET with a special 8.5-hour edition ofNFL GameDay Morning. Utilizing 29 on-air talent members, NFL GameDay Morning offers comprehensive analysis before the kickoff of Super Bowl LIII. Following the game, NFL GameDay Prime is live from Mercedes-Benz Stadium with postgame interviews with players and coaches, in-depth analysis and complete game highlights.
NFL GameDay Morning – 9:00 AM ET
- Rich Eisen, Kurt Warner, Michael Irvin & Steve Mariucci – Mercedes-Benz Field Set
- Willie McGinest & Maurice Jones-Drew – Mercedes-Benz Stadium Field Set
- Colleen Wolfe, Steve Smith Sr., Michael Robinson & Mike Garafolo – Mercedes-Benz Stadium Outside Set
- Chris Rose, Rod Woodson & James Jones – Super Bowl Experience
- Ian Rapoport & Cynthia Frelund – Mercedes-Benz Stadium
- Brian Billick & Shaun O'Hara – Mercedes-Benz Stadium
- Mike Giardi & Aditi Kinkhabwala – New England Patriots Hotel
- Tom Pelissero & Omar Ruiz – Los Angeles Rams Hotel
- Steve Wyche & James Palmer – Reports from Mercedes-Benz Stadium Field
- Jane Slater – Tailgate Party Reports
- Melissa Stark – Red Carpet Interviews
- Amber Theoharis – Walter Payton Man of the Year Nominee Interviews
- Andrea Kremer, Jeffri Chadiha & Michael Silver – Mercedes-Benz Stadium Field Set
NFL GameDay Prime – Postgame
- Charissa Thompson, Deion Sanders & LaDainian Tomlinson – Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Featured on the Super Bowl Sunday edition of NFL GameDay Morning:
- Andrea Kremer sits down with New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski
- Michael Silver sits down with Los Angeles Rams quarterback Jared Goff
- Peter Schrager sits down with Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay
- Jeffri Chadiha sits down with Los Angeles Rams defensive coordinator Wade Phillips, defensive tackles Aaron Donald and Ndamukong Suh, and cornerback Aqib Talib
- Rich Eisen runs the 40-yard dash against nine-time Olympic Gold Medalist Usain Bolt
- Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald joins live on-set
NFL Network's Super Bowl LIII Programming Includes:
- Good Morning Football airs live Monday, January 28 – Friday, February 1, delivering the first analysis and interviews of the day. Monday and Tuesday's editions of the show air from 7:00 – 10:00 AM ET from New York City, while Wednesday through Friday the show moves to Atlanta (Friday's show extends until 11:00 AM ET). HostsKay Adams, Nate Burleson, Peter Schrager and Kyle Brandt anchor the coverage and are joined by special guests throughout the week in Atlanta. On Saturday, February 2, Good Morning Football: Weekend airs at 9:00 AM ET with Colleen Wolfe, Michael Robinson, Steve Smith Sr. and Mike Garafolo
- Super Bowl Live airs Monday, January 28 at 4:00 PM ET, Tuesday, January 29 at 11:00 AM ET, Wednesday, January 30 and Thursday, January 31 at 10:00 AM ET, andFriday, February 1 and Saturday, February 2 at 1:00 PM ET from various locations throughout Atlanta with up-to-the-minute reports, analysis and interviews with some of the biggest names in sports and entertainment. One-hour editions of NFL Players Only air Wednesday, January 30 – Friday, February 1 at 8:00 PM ETfeaturing a rotating list of NFL Network talent
- NFL Total Access airs live from Atlanta Monday, January 28 at 6:00 PM ET, Tuesday, January 29 through Friday, February 1 at 7:00 PM ET, and Saturday, February 2 at 11:00 PM ET. The one-hour show recaps the day's action, provides the latest news reports, features on-air appearances by special guests and breaks down the key matchups leading up to kickoff of Super Bowl LIII
- Super Bowl Prime airs Wednesday, January 30 – Friday, February 1 at 9:00 PM ET, providing further analysis, news reports and interviews, hosted by Chris Rose, Deion Sanders and LaDainian Tomlinson
- Break down Super Bowl LIII with NFL Playbook: Super Bowl LIII Special onWednesday, January 30 at 6:00 PM ET, with Rhett Lewis, Shaun O'Hara and Brian Billick
- NFL Network provides three hours of live coverage of Super Bowl Opening Nightfrom State Farm Arena Monday, January 28 at 7:00 PM ET. Host Chris Rose and Kurt Warner anchor the coverage from the desk, while Michael Irvin, Deion Sanders and Nate Burleson roam the scene providing interviews with players and coaches
- On Friday, February 1 at 6:00 PM ET, Rich Eisen hosts NFL GameDay Game Night in which Kurt Warner, Maurice Jones-Drew and Jacksonville Jaguars defensive endCalais Campbell compete against Michael Irvin, Steve Mariucci and Joe Thomas in Super Bowl LIII-themed versions of Pictionary, Charades and more. WWE Hall of Famer Ric Flair also joins. At 6:30 PM ET, NFL GameDay Pick'em with Dan Hellie,Erin Coscarelli, Terrell Davis and Cynthia Frelund breaks down Super Bowl LIII and predicts who will win
- Super Bowl Saturday Night, a one-hour red-carpet show, airs Saturday, February 2 at 8:00 PM ET leading up to the 8th annual NFL Honors awards show on CBS. Melissa Stark, Kay Adams and Kyle Brandt host, along with Kevin Frazier
- Live coverage of NFL-related press conferences throughout the week, including NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell's press conference, team arrivals, player availability and the Super Bowl halftime entertainment press conference
- This is Atlanta – Running throughout the week on NFL Network – including during the special 8.5-hour edition of NFL GameDay Morning on Super Bowl Sunday – This is Atlanta takes viewers on a journey towards Super Bowl LIII through sights, sounds and voices that are uniquely Atlanta. Headlined by musician/producer Jermaine Dupri, This is Atlanta features Atlanta icons Big Boi, Lil Jon, Chilli, Killer Mike,Chipper Jones, Dominique Wilkins, Andrew Young, John Lewis, Ryan Seacrest and Jeff Foxworthy
- Gridiron Giveback – On Wednesday, January 30 at 10:00 PM ET, Gridiron Givebackpremieres on NFL Network. The one-hour show hosted by former Pro Bowl running back Warrick Dunn and NFL Network's Tiffany Blackmon tells stories of current and former NFL players giving back to their communities. Stories told in Gridiron Giveback include Dunn's work through his organization Home for the Holidays in which they give people in need homes of their own; Washington Redskins tight endVernon Davis providing the Boys & Girls Club in Atlanta new sports equipment; Cleveland Browns running back Nick Chubb volunteering at Covenant House, an organization that assists homeless youth; Atlanta Falcons offensive lineman Ben Garland's involvement with Top Dogg, an organization that assists in helping veterans readjust to life at home; and more
NFL Digital Media Coverage of Super Bowl LIII Includes:
- The Rookie's Guide to the NFL Alexa Skill – The Rookie's Guide is the official Alexa skill of the NFL, aimed at engaging and exciting fans about the league, the game and its players. Hosted by NFL Network's Cole Wright, The Rookie's Guide is the perfect companion to get fans ready for Super Bowl LIII, with answers to a variety of questions from "Who is Tom Brady?," and "What is an interception?," to "What time does Super Bowl LIII start?," and "Who is the halftime entertainment?" The Rookie's Guide also features "The Game Plan," a five-minute podcast-style segment voiced by former New York Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora previewing the Big Game. The Rookie's Guide is available on all Alexa-enabled devices. Visit NFL.com/voice for more information
- Super Bowl Today – The Around the NFL crew of Gregg Rosenthal, Dan Hanzus, Marc Sessler and Chris Wesseling bring viewers the latest news and interviews with notable names from sports and entertainment on hand at the Super Bowl Media Center in Atlanta Wednesday, January 30 – Friday, February 1 from 12 Noon – 1:15 PM ET, streaming on NFL.com and the NFL app
- Dude Perfect Super Bowl Trick Shots – NFL Media and the Dude Perfect team have partnered to produce Dude Perfect Super Bowl Trick Shots. Cory Cotton, Cody Jones, Tyler Toney, Coby Cotton and Garrett Hilbert took over Mercedes-Benz stadium in Atlanta to perform their mind-blowing trick shots and get fans pumped up for Super Bowl LIII. The epic eight-minute video will be made available to Dude Perfect's 38 million-plus subscribers on their YouTube channel on Monday January 28 at 6:00 PM ET
- The Checkdown Live on @NFL Twitter – The Checkdown will be live on the ground in Atlanta during Super Bowl week with hosts Megan Gailey and James Jonesbringing viewers the latest topics and trends swirling on social media, Friday, February 1 from 4:00 – 5:00 PM ET from the Super Bowl Media Center
- NFL Film Sessions – Brian Baldinger and Ron Jaworski break down film with NFL coaches and players in 30-minute episodes filmed from the Super Bowl Media Center in Atlanta Wednesday, January 30 – Friday, February 1. Each episode will be available for viewing on NFL Game Pass, NFL.com, the NFL app and the NFL's YouTube channel
- NFL Honors Red Carpet Show – On the eve of Super Bowl LIII, Jane Slater is live from the red carpet of the 8th annual NFL Honors, providing interviews with the players and celebrities on hand to celebrate the NFL's biggest stars of the 2018 season. The NFL Honors Red Carpet Show will stream live Saturday, February 2 from 3:30 – 4:40 PM ET on NFL.com and the NFL app
- Around the NFL Postgame Show – The Around the NFL crew of Gregg Rosenthal, Dan Hanzus, Marc Sessler and Chris Wesseling host the postgame edition from Mercedes-Benz Stadium following Super Bowl LIII, which will be available for viewing on NFL.com and the NFL app Monday, February 4
- NFL Media Podcasts – NFL Media's lineup of podcasts provide further analysis and insight on all things surrounding Super Bowl LIII throughout the week. Programs include a special live audience edition of Around the NFL with Dan Hanzus, Gregg Rosenthal, Chris Wesseling and Marc Sessler Thursday, January 31 at 8:00 PM ET,The Dave Dameshek Football Program with Dave Dameshek, Willie McGinest, Maurice Jones-Drew and more, Game Theory and Money with Cynthia Frelund and Matt "Money" Smith, and RapSheet and Friends with Ian Rapoport, Mike Garofolo and Tom Pelissero are on-location, providing the latest from Atlanta. All of NFL Media's podcasts are available at NFL.com/Podcasts
- Comprehensive coverage and analysis from NFL.com's Judy Battista, Jeffri Chadiha, Michael Silver and Jim Trotter throughout the week from Atlanta
Provided below is NFL Network's schedule for Super Bowl week (Monday, January 28 – Sunday, February 3). All times provided below are in Eastern Standard Time.
Monday, January 28
7:00 AM – Good Morning Football – LIVE
10:00 AM – Good Morning Football – Re-air
1:00 PM – Full Game Broadcast – 2019 Pro Bowl
4:00 PM – Super Bowl Live – LIVE
6:00 PM – NFL Total Access – LIVE
7:00 PM – Super Bowl Opening Night – LIVE
- 7:10 PM – Los Angeles Rams
- 8:10 PM – Halftime
- 9:00 PM – New England Patriots
10:00 PM – NFL Total Access – LIVE
11:00 PM – Super Bowl Opening Night – Re-air
2:00 AM – NFL Total Access – Re-air
Tuesday, January 29
7:00 AM – Good Morning Football – LIVE
10:00 AM – Good Morning Football – Re-air
11:00 AM – Super Bowl Live – LIVE
7:00 PM – NFL Total Access – LIVE
8:00 PM – Full Game Broadcast – 2018 AFC Championship Game: New England Patriots vs. Kansas City Chiefs
11:00 PM – NFL Total Access – Re-air
12 Midnight – Full Game Broadcast – 2018 NFC Championship Game: Los Angeles Rams vs. New Orleans Saints
3:00 AM – NFL Total Access – Re-air
Wednesday, January 30
7:00 AM – Good Morning Football – LIVE
10:00 AM – Super Bowl Live – LIVE
- 1:00 PM – Commissioner Press Conference
6:00 PM – NFL Playbook: Super Bowl LIII Special – LIVE
7:00 PM – NFL Total Access – LIVE
8:00 PM – NFL Players Only – LIVE
9:00 PM – Super Bowl Prime – LIVE
10:00 PM – Gridiron Giveback
11:00 PM – NFL Total Access – Re-air
12 Midnight – NFL Players Only – Re-air
1:00 AM – Super Bowl Prime – Re-air
2:00 AM – Gridiron Giveback
3:00 AM – NFL Total Access – Re-air
Thursday, January 31
7:00 AM – Good Morning Football – LIVE
10:00 AM – Super Bowl Live – LIVE
7:00 PM – NFL Total Access – LIVE
8:00 PM – NFL Players Only – LIVE
9:00 PM – Super Bowl Prime – LIVE
10:00 PM – Super Bowl's Greatest Commercials
11:00 PM – NFL Total Access – Re-air
12 Midnight – NFL Players Only – Re-air
1:00 AM – Super Bowl Prime – Re-air
2:00 AM – Super Bowl's Greatest Commercials
3:00 AM – NFL Total Access – Re-air
Friday, February 1
7:00 AM – Good Morning Football – LIVE
11:00 AM – Good Morning Football – Re-air
1:00 PM – Super Bowl Live – LIVE
6:00 PM – NFL GameDay Game Night – LIVE
6:30 PM – NFL GameDay Pick'em – LIVE
7:00 PM – NFL Total Access – LIVE
8:00 PM – NFL Players Only – LIVE
9:00 PM – Super Bowl Prime – LIVE
10:00 PM – NFL Mic'd Up: Best of 2018 Season
11:00 PM – NFL Total Access – Re-air
12 Midnight – NFL Players Only – Re-air
1:00 AM – Super Bowl Prime – Re-air
2:00 AM – NFL Mic'd Up: Best of 2018 Season
3:00 AM – NFL Total Access – Re-air
Saturday, February 2
9:00 AM – Good Morning Football: Weekend – LIVE
1:00 PM – Super Bowl Live – LIVE
8:00 PM – Super Bowl Saturday Night – LIVE
9:00 PM – NFL Playbook: Super Bowl LIII Special
10:00 PM – NFL Mic'd Up: Best of 2018 Season
11:00 PM – NFL Total Access – LIVE
12 Midnight – NFL GameDay Game Night
12:30 AM – NFL GameDay Pick'em
1:00 AM – NFL Mic'd Up: Best of 2018 Season
2:00 AM – NFL Honors – Re-Air
4:00 AM – NFL Total Access – Re-Air
Sunday, February 3
8:00 AM – Super Bowl's Greatest Commercials
9:00 AM – NFL GameDay Morning – LIVE
5:30 PM – Super Bowl's Greatest Commercials
6:30 PM – Super Bowl Game Center
10:00 PM – NFL GameDay Prime – LIVE
3:30 AM – Super Bowl LIII Re-Air
| NFL LEGENDS DONNIE EDWARDS, TORRY HOLT, TONY RICHARDSON AND MIKE RUCKER TO SERVE AS CAPTAINS FOR 2019 SENIOR BOWL |
NFL LEGENDS DONNIE EDWARDS, TORRY HOLT, TONY RICHARDSON & MIKE RUCKER TO SERVE AS CAPTAINS FOR
2019 SENIOR BOWL
Two-time All-Pro selection DONNIE EDWARDS, seven-time Pro Bowler TORRY HOLT, three-time Pro Bowler TONY RICHARDSON and Pro Bowl defensive end MIKE RUCKER will serve as the 2019 Senior Bowl Legends Captains, the NFL announced today.
"These four Legends Captains represent the total embodiment of the game, both on and off the field," said TROY VINCENT, NFL Executive Vice President of Football Operations. "They will inspire these student athletes with hands-on expertise, the values of the game, and the competitive spirit that characterized their combined 45 years of NFL playing experience."
The four Legends captains will be split into two teams. Richardson and Rucker will serve as mentors to the North team, while Edwards and Holt represent the South.
"The Reese's Senior Bowl is honored to have the NFL Legends program associated with our game for a second year," said JIM NAGY, Executive Director of the Senior Bowl. "Torry Holt, Tony Richardson, Donnie Edwards, and Mike Rucker are all consummate professionals and our game's players will greatly benefit from their mentorship during the week."
Leading up to the Reese's Senior Bowl, NFL Network will provide live coverage of Senior Bowl week practices through Thursday, January 24 starting at 1:00 PM ET. NFL Network provides exclusive live coverage of the 2019 Reese's Senior Bowl Saturday, January 26 at 2:30 PM ET from Ladd-Peebles Stadium in Mobile, Alabama.
DONNIE EDWARDS: A two-time All-Pro selection at linebacker, Edwards enjoyed a 13-year NFL playing experience with the Kansas City Chiefs and San Diego Chargers. Since 2000, Edwards is one of two players with at least 125 tackles in seven consecutive seasons (2000-06) and is one of 15 players since 1982 with 20 sacks (23) and 20 interceptions (28) in their career. At UCLA, where he also played baseball, Edwards ranks in the top-eight in school history with 22.5 sacks. Since retirement, Edwards has devoted himself to philanthropy and supporting the U.S. military, including being a part of the NFL Legends USO Tour in Japan this past year.
TORRY HOLT: A seven-time Pro Bowl selection, Holt was a vital member of the St. Louis Rams and the "Greatest Show on Turf", helping the franchise win Super Bowl XXXIV. A member of the NFL's All-Decade Team of the 2000s, his 11-year NFL playing experience was highlighted by ten seasons with the Rams, where he became the only player in NFL history to record 1,300 receiving yards in six consecutive seasons. Holt ranks second in Rams' franchise history in receptions (869), receiving yards (12,660) and touchdown catches (74).
TONY RICHARDSON: A three-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro selection at fullback, Richardson enjoyed a 16-year playing experience with the Minnesota Vikings, Kansas City Chiefs and New York Jets. While known for his blocking ability and paving the way for stars such as Priest Holmes, Larry Johnson and Adrian Peterson, Richardson also led the Chiefs in rushing during the 2000 season and was inducted into team's Hall of Fame in 2016. The former Auburn Tiger earned a spot on the NFL's All-Decade Team of the 2000's.
MIKE RUCKER: A second-round selection in the 1999 NFL Draft, Rucker enjoyed an eight-year playing experience with the Carolina Panthers. In 2003, Rucker recorded a career-high 12 sacks and earned Pro Bowl honors while helping the Panthers advance to their first Super Bowl appearance in franchise history. A vital member of the 1995 and 1997 Nebraska national championship teams, Rucker ranks in the top-ten on the school's all-time list of tackles for loss. Rucker currently commentates preseason Panthers games on the Panthers Television Network.
| NFL Media Celebrates Black History Month with Special Programming and Content |
One-Hour Special "The Super Bowl That Wasn't" Looks Back on the Relocation of Super Bowl XXVII Friday, February 15 at 9:00 PM ET
Back-to-Back Episodes of 'Indivisible with Nate Boyer' Airs Every Friday, Beginning February 8 at 8:00 PM ET
During the month of February, NFL Media features a slate of programming and content across NFL Network and NFL.com commemorating Black History Month. These features, docuseries, and specials capture the spirit of Black History Month, celebrating individuals, stories and events that have made an indelible mark on the NFL.
Every Friday night in February from 8:00 – 11:00 PM ET, NFL Network will feature a mix of new series and specials, plus encore presentations of original programming in celebration of Black History Month.
On Friday, February 15 at 9:00 PM ET, NFL Network premieres the one-hour special, The Super Bowl That Wasn't, which explores the story behind how Arizona lost the Super Bowl in 1993 by refusing to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr's birthday as a holiday – a decision which caused the state to lose an estimated $350M in revenue before voters changed their minds later in 1993, re-instating the holiday.
This often-forgotten piece of NFL history will be recounted from various perspectives, including: NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue, former Philadelphia Eagles Owner Norman Braman, Pro Football Hall of Famer Aeneas Williams, NFL Legend and Arizona-native Rodney Peete, Political Strategist Donna Brazile, Civil Rights advocate Dr. Todd Boyd, Rapper and Civil Rights advocate Chuck D, former Arizona Governor Fife Symington, and local activist Rev. Warren Stewart.
The following Friday, February 22, features a special edition of NFL 360: Impact & Influenceat 9:00 PM ET. Hosted by Melissa Stark, this episode tells the story of how NFL players and legends will join members of the Atlanta community during Super Bowl week to create a mosaic honoring a special group of pioneers in the city's civil rights history. The episode also focuses on the humanitarian work of Saints TE Ben Watson who alongside wife Kirsten, epitomize "Impact & Influence" through their fight against sex trafficking and sexual abuse, with particular attention paid to victims in their city of New Orleans.
Six-part series Indivisible with Nate Boyer airs on NFL Network with back-to-back episodes during the 8:00 PM ET hour every Friday during the month of February. First announced earlier this month as part of the NFL's new social justice initiative [/Pages/NFL-LAUNCHES-INSPIRE-CHANGE,-FURTHER-ADVANCING-NATIONAL-CONVERSATION,-PROGRESS-ON-SOCIAL-JUSTICE-.aspx]"Inspire Change," the series features Green Beret and former NFL player Nate Boyer traveling across the country to six NFL cities – Los Angeles, Chicago, Atlanta, Green Bay, Dallas and Philadelphia – for real conversations with NFL players and local leaders on the social issues at the heart of each community.
Indivisible features appearances from a host of current and former players including:Andrew Whitworth, Matt Forte, Charles 'Peanut' Tillman, Tony McGee, Jamal Lewis, Harry Sydney, Mike Daniels, Connor Williams, Vince Papale and Chris Long.
NFL.com will also feature clips from all Black History Month programming, as well as longform written content. Additional installments within the Impact & Influence series can also be viewed online at NFL.com/ImpactandInfluence.
NFL Network's Black History Month programming also includes encore presentations of the following:
Friday, February 8
- 9:00 PM ET: Breaking Ground: A Story of HBCU Football & The NFL – An in-depth look at the legacy of Historically Black Colleges and Universities told through first-person interviews and profiles of four notable HBCU alums, Jerry Rice, Doug Williams, Mel Blount and Marquette King. Narrated by Chadwick Boseman.
- 10:00 PM ET: Top 10 HBCU Players – The ten most legendary NFL players hailing from historically black colleges and universities.
Friday, February 15
- 10:00 PM ET: Doug Williams: A Football Life – He grew up without running water in rural Louisiana. He played quarterback in an era when few African Americans did, overcoming prejudice and hardship to become a Heisman candidate, a first-round draft pick, and ultimately, a Super Bowl MVP.
Friday, February 22
- 10:00 PM ET: Jim Brown: A Football Life – The football life of perhaps the greatest player in NFL history, a prominent Civil Rights advocate, and his wide-ranging impact both on and off the field.
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| Touchdown Celebration of the Year |
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| Shaquem Griffin |
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