To share: https://bit.ly/3tgD7uD April 12, 2021 
Emmy Award-Winning Analyst Kirk Herbstreit Headlines New ESPN Series on Top NFL Draft Quarterback Prospects - Seven-Episode QB21 with Kirk Herbstreit to Feature Candid Conversations with Justin Fields, Trey Lance, Trevor Lawrence, Mac Jones, Kyle Trask and Zach Wilson
- QB21 with Kirk Herbstreit Episodes to Premiere on ESPN, ESPN2, and ABC
- Senior NFL Draft Analysts Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay Front Multiple NFL Draft Specials
Leading into the 2021 NFL Draft, ESPN’s lead college football analyst Kirk Herbstreit will headline a new ESPN series featuring candid conversations between the five-time Emmy Award-winner and six of the highest-rated quarterbacks in this year’s class. QB21 with Kirk Herbstreit, premiering on ESPN, ESPN2 and ABC, will delve into the journeys of Justin Fields (Ohio State), Trey Lance (North Dakota State), Trevor Lawrence (Clemson), Mac Jones (Alabama), Kyle Trask (Florida) and Zach Wilson (BYU), as Herbstreit, who covered the players extensively during their college careers, prompts each of the quarterbacks to open up about their lives, both on-and-off the field, and mindset leading into the 2021 NFL Draft (April 29 – May 1), a pinnacle event in their playing careers. QB21 with Kirk Herbstreit Premieres Saturday, April 17; All Episodes Air across Four Consecutive Days The seven-episode QB21 series will premiere across four consecutive days, beginning Saturday, April 17, with three episodes on ESPN featuring Lawrence (12:30 p.m. ET), Jones (3 p.m.) and Fields (3:30 p.m.). Episodes with Trask (7 p.m.) and Lance (7:30 p.m.) debut Monday, April 19, and with Wilson (9 p.m.) on Tuesday, April 20, all on ESPN2. A compilation program featuring all six quarterbacks will air on Sunday, April 18 (2 p.m.) on ABC. Each episode will re-air multiple times in the coming weeks, including encores on SEC Network for Jones and Trask, and ACC Network for Lawrence. “When I thought about the approach for this series, my goal was to dive into the personal aspect of these six NFL prospects: how they're wired, what makes them tick, and the personal challenges that they've had to deal with as an athlete.” said Herbstreit. “So each conversation is all encompassing; about trying to get to know them from the very beginning, as early as we could go back, all the way to where they are now, on the cusp of their lives changing.” “Working with Kirk, we developed a show concept early in the NFL Draft process, based around this year’s quarterback class,” said Lee Fitting, ESPN senior vice president of production. “Kirk has a strong familiarity with the prospects and was passionate about providing the QBs a platform where they could share who they are as people. We immediately pursued the show, knowing it would add to an already robust NFL Draft portfolio, yet QB21 with Kirk Herbstreit doesn’t happen without Justin, Mac, Trey, Trevor, Kyle, and Zach entrusting Kirk and our entire features unit. We thank each of them and are eager to showcase a different side of their story leading into the NFL Draft.” Among the themes for each episode of QB21 with Kirk Herbstreit: - Justin Fields: Leadership has been an inherent trait for Fields, a characteristic his teammates hold in high regard, which Herbstreit has witnessed first-hand. The fellow Ohio State quarterbacks discuss Fields’ approach and how his college career, one that began in his home state and ended with a Big Ten Championship and CFP National Championship appearance, have prepared him for the NFL.
- Mac Jones: Preparation has been fuel for Jones’ success at Alabama, honing his mental and physical skills as a two-year backup to Heisman Trophy finalist Tua Tagovailoa for two seasons. Jones discusses how that foundation and approach resulted in him becoming a National Championship quarterback for the Crimson Tide this past season.
- Trey Lance: The FCS star has a mantra he lives by: ‘Know Your Worth.’ Learn how that way of life has guided him throughout his college career and into the NFL Draft process.
- Trevor Lawrence: No stranger to the spotlight, Lawrence has been anointed a prodigy quarterback when he was 14 years old. Yet, he has continued to live up to expectations at every level. Now, he is dealing with his greatest challenge yet, as the anticipated No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft.
- Kyle Trask: A high school backup turned multi-year starter for the Florida Gators, Trask has learned that nothing is given and everything is proven. His journey is one that has set him up for NFL success.
- Zach Wilson: A multi-skilled quarterback, Wilson uses his instincts and improvisational approach while leading his team. He dives into this unique aspect of the game and how it translates to his future.
In addition to the conversation with Herbstreit, Pro Football Hall of Famers Peyton Manning and Steve Young will make appearances during the Trask and Wilson episodes, respectively. Former NFL Rookie of the Year and Heisman Trophy winner Eddie George will appear in Justin Fields’ episodes. Senior NFL Draft Analysts Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay Fronted Programming among Multiple NFL Draft Specials This Month QB21 with Kirk Herbstreit adds to an already wide array of NFL Draft programming across ESPN networks, with senior NFL Draft analysts Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay leading a number of specials including more mock drafts (SportsCenter Special Presented by IBM: Kiper 4.0 on April 13 and SportsCenter Special Presented by IBM: Mel and Todd’s Dueling Mock Draft on April 20) and SportsCenter Special Presented by IBM: You've Got Mel and Todd on Thursday, April 15. Additional NFL Draft programming includes: - Hey Rookie: Welcome to the NFL featuring Florida TE Kyle Pitts, Ohio State QB Justin Fields, Penn State LB Micah Parsons and South Carolina CB Jaycee Horn:
- Airing four consecutive weeks (April 13, 20, 27, and May 5) the NFL Films-produced series follows the soon-to-be NFL rookies through their final days in college football, to their hometowns, their Pro Days and through the NFL Draft.
- NFL Matchup on Wednesday, April 21 and Tuesday, April 27
- Produced by NFL Films, game tape of current draft prospects are examined to project whose skills translate best to the NFL. The show will focus on a range of prospects and positions, including S Andre Cisco (Syracuse), WR Elijah Moore (Ole Miss), CB Patrick Surtain (Alabama), and DL Payton Turner (Houston).
- SportsCenter Special Presented by IBM: QB Class of 2021 on Monday, April 26
- An in-depth look at this year’s quarterback class, which is projected to make history with their respective draft positions.
- SportsCenter Special Presented by IBM: NFL Nation Mock Draft on Tuesday, April 27
- ESPN’s NFL Nation reporters make selections for the team each covers.
Additionally, ESPN+ has multiple NFL Draft programming specials available now and forthcoming, including more mock drafts, quarterback specials and in-depth looks at team needs. More details on those specials will be released soon.
The Walt Disney Company Presents the 2021 NFL Draft
The Walt Disney Company’s team of veteran hosts, analysts and insiders will present the 2021 NFL Draft live coast-to-coast from Cleveland beginning Thursday, April 29, at 8 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. PT on ESPN, ABC, ESPN Deportes and ESPN Radio, all available on the ESPN App. In addition, the event will be televised on NFL Network presented by Verizon and streamed live through NFL digital properties. For the third consecutive year, ESPN and ABC will provide distinct prime-time presentations on Day 1 and 2. ESPN will again offer the traditional draft telecast – a combination of X’s and O’s analysis, player highlights and storytelling – while ABC, featuring the eleven-time Sports Emmy Award-winning College GameDay Built by The Home Depot crew, will cover the event with an emphasis on the individual journeys of NFL Draft prospects. More: https://bit.ly/3d06snq ESPN also unveiled the latest rendition in its multi-platform “Ready for Football” creative campaign in support of the NFL Draft. The spot continues to celebrate ESPN as a great place for NFL fans to connect with the players, teams and storylines of the NFL, 365 days a year. ESPN once again worked with creative agency Arts & Letters for the campaign.
NFL Draft Original Programming – ESPN Networks | Date | Time (ET) | Show | Network | | Tue, Apr 13 | 7 p.m. | SportsCenter Special Presented by IBM: Kiper Mock 4.0 | ESPN2 | | | 8 p.m. | Hey Rookie: Welcome to the NFL (Episode 1) | ESPN2 | | Thu, Apr 15 | 9 p.m. | SportsCenter Special Presented by IBM: You’ve Got Mel and Todd | ESPN | | Sat, Apr 17 | 12:30 p.m. | QB21 with Kirk Herbstreit (Trevor Lawrence) | ESPN | | | 3 p.m. | QB21 with Kirk Herbstreit (Mac Jones) | ESPN | | | 3:30 p.m. | QB21 with Kirk Herbstreit (Justin Fields) | ESPN | | Sun, Apr 18 | 2 p.m. | QB21 with Kirk Herbstreit (Compilation Show) | ABC | | Mon, Apr 19 | 7 p.m. | QB21 with Kirk Herbstreit (Kyle Trask) | ESPN2 | | | 7:30 p.m. | QB21 with Kirk Herbstreit (Trey Lance) | ESPN2 | | Tue, Apr 20 | 8:30 p.m. | Hey Rookie: Welcome to the NFL (Episode 2) | ESPN2 | | | 9 p.m. | QB21 with Kirk Herbstreit (Zach Wilson) | ESPN2 | | Wed, Apr 21 | 9 p.m. | NFL Matchup | ESPN2 | | Mon, Apr 26 | 8 p.m. | QB Class of 2021 | ESPN2 | | Tue, Apr 27 | 8 p.m. | Hey Rookie: Welcome to the NFL (Episode 3) | ESPN2 | | | 8:30 p.m. | SportsCenter Special Presented by IBM: NFL Nation Mock Draft | ESPN2 | | | 10 p.m. | NFL Matchup | ESPN2 | | Tue, May 4 | 7 p.m. | SportsCenter Special Presented by IBM: Draft Grades | ESPN2 | | Wed, May 5 | 8 p.m. | Hey Rookie: Welcome to the NFL (Episode 4) | ESPN2 |
| 2021 NFL Draft Notes | For the 2021 NFL Draft Notes, featuring all of the below, click here.
- NFL family legacies that will carry on through projected draftees
- Notes on top offensive and defensive prospects
- NFL Draft History
For the 90 prospects, active players and legends to be honored in Cleveland, click here.
| NFL And Clubhouse Partner On 2021 NFL Draft Programming Lineup | APRIL 25, 2021 -- Clubhouse and The National Football League (NFL) are teaming up to produce an exclusive lineup of programming throughout the week of the 2021 NFL Draft. This collaboration will bring the global community of football fans, players, and league legends on Clubhouse closer than ever before. The NFL is the first major sports league to collaborate with Clubhouse on official programming.
Beginning Monday, April 26, the NFL will host a series of rooms throughout the week around the Draft, which includes a pre-Draft assessment of the prospective players, a conversation with The University of Alabama's football team alumni, a fan mock Draft, Draft debriefs and more.
With Clubhouse's highly interactive audio-based social platform, fans can drop in on the NFL's rooms to follow the picks live as they're announced and listen in on discussions featuring key NFL figures—from athletes and coaches to network personalities. Fans also have the opportunity to join the conversation and be invited on stage by moderators to ask questions or share their reactions to the Draft. "The NFL's commitment to innovation is matched only by their devotion to their fans and we are proud to welcome the NFL to Clubhouse," said Sean Brown, Head of Sports Partnerships at Clubhouse. "The Draft is one of the biggest events of the year for football fans, and we know that millions of creators will be discussing, debating and celebrating throughout the week."
To stay updated on the scheduled rooms, Clubhouse community members should follow the official Clubhouse account of the NFL. | NFL DRAFT TO CELEBRATE PAST, PRESENT AND FUTURE PLAYERS | NINETY PROSPECTS, ACTIVE PLAYERS & LEGENDS TO BE HONORED IN CLEVELAND AS NFL DRAFT KICKS OFF ON THURSDAY, APRIL 29 Fifty-eight prospects – 13 on-site in Cleveland and 45 virtually – are confirmed to participate in the 2021 NFL Draft, which begins on Thursday, April 29, along with a host of NFL Legends and current stars. Alabama will have nine draft-eligible players participating while four schools – LSU, Miami (Fla.), Penn State and USC – will each have three players taking part. The Southeastern Conference leads all conferences with 21 prospects confirmed to participate in the event. The players confirmed to participate virtually will be featured on the NFL Draft television broadcast as well as across the NFL Media landscape. In total, 90 players will participate in the NFL Draft, including 32 current players and Legends, connecting the game’s greats with the next generation of stars. NFL Legends and active players will add to the draft excitement by announcing various selections in Cleveland. Players will represent their clubs regardless of whether the team possesses a Round 2 or Round 3 pick. The 13 players confirmed to attend this year’s NFL Draft on-site in Cleveland: Christian Barmore | Alabama | | Gregory Rousseau | Miami (Fla.) | Ja’Marr Chase | LSU | | Rashawn Slater | Northwestern | Caleb Farley | Virginia Tech | | Devonta Smith | Alabama | Mac Jones | Alabama | | Patrick Surtain II | Alabama | Trey Lance | North Dakota State | | Jaylen Waddle | Alabama | Micah Parsons | Penn State | | Zach Wilson | BYU | Kyle Pitts | Florida | | | |
The 45 players confirmed to participate virtually in Draft festivities: Carlos Basham | Wake Forest | | Jalen Mayfield | Michigan | Rashod Bateman | Minnesota | | Quinn Meinerz | Wisconsin-Whitewater | Nick Bolton | Missouri | | Trevon Moehrig | TCU | Tyson Campbell | Georgia | | Elijah Moore | Mississippi | Andre Cisco | Syracuse | | Rondale Moore | Purdue | Samuel Cosmi | Texas | | Dylan Moses | Alabama | Jabril Cox | LSU | | Greg Newsome | Northwestern | Christian Darrisaw | Virginia Tech | | Azeez Ojulari | Georgia | Jamin Davis | Kentucky | | Joseph Ossai | Texas | Wyatt Davis | Ohio State | | Jayson Oweh | Penn State | Landon Dickerson | Alabama | | Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah | Notre Dame | Travis Etienne | Clemson | | Kwity Paye | Michigan | Justin Fields | Ohio State | | Ronnie Perkins | Oklahoma | Pat Freiermuth | Penn State | | Jaelan Phillips | Miami (Fla.) | Najee Harris | Alabama | | Penei Sewell | Oregon | Jevon Holland | Oregon | | Trey Smith | Tennessee | Jaycee Horn | South Carolina | | Amon-Ra St. Brown | USC | Creed Humphrey | Oklahoma | | Chazz Surratt | North Carolina | Brevin Jordan | Miami (Fla.) | | Kadarius Toney | Florida | Trevor Lawrence | Clemson | | Tommy Tremble | Notre Dame | Alex Leatherwood | Alabama | | Jay Tufele | USC | Hunter Long | Boston College | | Alijah Vera-Tucker | USC | Terrace Marshall | LSU | | | |
The 32 current players and Legends, including seven members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, are scheduled to make selections on Night 2 of this year’s NFL Draft: Arizona Cardinals | Kelvin Beachum | | Las Vegas Raiders | Alec Ingold | Atlanta Falcons | Chris Lindstrom | | Los Angeles Chargers | Hank Bauer | Baltimore Ravens | Jacoby Jones | | Los Angeles Rams | Orlando Pace | Buffalo Bills | Joe DeLamielleure | | Miami Dolphins | Byron Jones | Carolina Panthers | Kemp Rasmussen | | Minnesota Vikings | John Randle | Chicago Bears | Rashied Davis | | New England Patriots | Stanley Morgan | Cincinnati Bengals | Anthony Muñoz | | New Orleans Saints | Demario Davis | Cleveland Browns | Myles Garrett | | New York Giants | Darius Slayton | Dallas Cowboys | Drew Pearson | | New York Jets | Laveranues Coles | Denver Broncos | Billy Thompson | | Philadelphia Eagles | Mike Golic | Detroit Lions | Frank Ragnow | | Pittsburgh Steelers | Franco Harris | Green Bay Packers | Rashan Gary | | San Francisco 49ers | Jaquiski Tartt | Houston Texans | Chester Pitts | | Seattle Seahawks | Mack Strong | Indianapolis Colts | Antoine Bethea | | Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Jimmie Giles | Jacksonville Jaguars | Kevin Hardy | | Tennessee Titans | Michael Griffin | Kansas City Chiefs | Will Shields | | Washington Football Team | Monte Coleman |
*Bold designates Hall of Famers | 2021 NFL DRAFT SPECIAL PICKS | NEW YORK – The NFL Draft provides an exciting opportunity for fans to get involved with their favorite team by announcing selections from the Draft Theater in Cleveland as well as remotely. This year, the fans joining Round 1 picks with Commissioner Roger Goodell have shown an unwavering commitment to bridging the digital divide; working in the fight against food insecurity; raising awareness about mental health; and working to reduce health disparities. The Draft-a-Thon, the NFL's accompanying fundraiser to raise awareness and action to address pandemic recovery and our hardest hit communities, will focus on those four areas. Round 2 special guest selections will focus on the NFL's appreciation of our military, partnership with St. Jude and commitment to Inspire Change. More details on the all Draft selections made by special guests throughout the first three rounds of the Draft are detailed below: DRAFT DAY 1 NFL DRAFT PICKS DRAFT-A-THON SPECIAL COMMUNITY GUESTS Pick 10, Dallas Cowboys – Kinikia Burdine (Mental Health): Kinikia Burdine is a U.S. army veteran from Dallas, who struggled with mental health issues, which worsened after returning from a tour in Iraq. Burdine turned her life around after attending Dallas County Veterans Treatment Court which is led by Judge Dominique Collins. She's now a licensed social worker who works in hospice and provides mental health counseling for people struggling with depression and anxiety.
Pick 15, New England Patriots– Don Cox (Food Insecurity): Don Cox is a third generation U.S. Marine veteran who has started his own veteran and military support foundation in New England, USA4Vets. In response to the massive food insecurity issue made worse by the ongoing pandemic, Cox's Food4Vets program has been delivering a 14-day supply of food to veterans that need it. Since the program began, more than 5.6 million meals have been assembled and distributed to those that need it in 10 different states. In addition to Cox's program supporting veterans and military families, more than 100 food pantries and homeless shelters have received food donations. Pick 20, Chicago Bears – Carlos Nelson (Health Disparities): Carlos Nelson leads the Greater Auburn Gresham Development Corporation (GAGDC), serving the neighborhood where the first COVID-19 cases and deaths were in Chicago – his community also deals with tremendous health disparities, having no accessible health care facility in their neighborhood for years. Nelson worked to design and gather support for a community revitalization plan centered around creating a Healthy Lifestyle Hub to provide a home for a Federally Qualified Health Center. His vision came to life last summer when his plan was awarded the $10M inaugural Chicago Prize by the Pritzker Traubert Foundation. The Healthy Lifestyle Hub is now becoming a reality, with construction having begun in March of 2021 and doors scheduled to open early 2022. Nelson continues to fundraise to support GAGDC's work around health equity and economic development.
Pick 26, Cleveland Browns – Mya Tomoto (The Digital Divide): Mya Tomato is a 12th grader at Shaw High School in Cleveland, where she is an athlete, plays the trumpet and will graduate in the top of her class. Shaw High School is part of East Cleveland City Schools, a partner district of the Cleveland Browns Foundation's "Stay in the Game" educational initiative. Throughout the pandemic, Mya has done the work in her own community to help bridge the digital divide, leading a team of students who were responsible for the evaluation, preparation, and distribution of computers to students. She also worked with students on how to use them, many of which never owned or used a computer before. Additionally, Mya makes herself available to help others with virtual troubleshooting via video conference and phone calls whenever needed. Many of Mya's classmates received these computers due to a $350,000 donation from the Browns, which was distributed amongst East Cleveland City Schools last season to address educational needs related to the digital divide as part of the NFL's Inspire Change grant initiative. About Draft-a-Thon: [/Pages/2021-NFL-DRAFT-A-THON-TO-RAISE-AWARENESS-AND-PROMPT-ACTION-TO-HELP-THOSE-SIGNIFICANTLY-IMPACTED-BY-THE-COVID-19-PANDEMIC.aspx]Draft-a-Thon is the 2021 NFL Draft's fundraiser that will drive awareness and action to close critical gaps at the intersection of pandemic recovery and our hardest hit communities. Draft-a-Thon will raise funds on behalf of four national nonprofit organizations that are supporting underserved communities: CDC Foundation, The Education Trust, Food Insecurity and Mental Health America. Draft-a-Thon will simultaneously come to life via Draft-a-Thon LIVE, a social livestream, hosted by NFL Network's Kay Adams during the first two days of the 2021 NFL Draft, featuring NFL players, Legends, celebrities, and additional guests. Fans and other supporters can learn more about this year's Draft-a-Thon and donate at nfl.com/DraftaThon. DRAFT DAY 2 NFL DRAFT SPECIAL PICKS Cincinnati Bengals – Means Cameron (Inspire Change): As representative of the NFL's Inspire Change initiative – Cincinnati native Means Cameron will make the Bengals second round pick. Cameron is a graduate of a local Cincinnati program called MORTAR that helps minority entrepreneurs build a comprehensive business skillset and specifically helped Cameron propel his own company, BlaCk OWned Outerwear. The Bengals partnered with BlaCk OWned in 2020 to design a limited-series retail collection called "Stripes Don't Come Easy" which donated proceeds back to MORTAR to support the next generation of aspiring urban entrepreneurs. Indianapolis Colts – Von Rachell (St. Jude Children's Hospital): As a part of the NFL's PLAY 60 partnership with St. Jude, 8-year-old Von who is an Indianapolis native and Colts fan, will make the Colts second round Pick. Von became a patient of St. Jude in January 2019 after having a recurrence of anaplastic ependymoma, a brain cancer. At St. Jude, he had brain surgery to remove the tumor and proton therapy to successfully eradicate the cancer. Atlanta Falcons – U.S. Service Members Stationed in Guam (United Service Organizations [USO]): The NFL's Salute to Service initiative looks to honor, empower and connect service members and military families. For this year's Draft, the NFL will highlight its partnership with the USO, a global military nonprofit that supports all service branches and helps to keep them connected to family, home and country. With the support of the NFL, the USO expanded its presence in Guam in 2020 with the addition of a new center – a 5,000+ square foot facility on Naval Base Guam. Service members will gather at the USO center at Andersen Air Force Base to introduce the Falcons' second round draft pick. Cleveland Browns – Marty Gibbons (Lake Catholic High School): Lake Catholic High School Football Head Coach Marty Gibbons was named the 2020 Cleveland Browns High School Coach of the Year, presented by Ohio CAT and in association with Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine (LECOM) and Raising Cane's. In recognition of Gibbons' commitment to excellence on and off the field, the Browns and the team's High School Game of the Week partners provided a $9,000 grant ($6,000 to the annual winner, plus the $3,000 given to all finalists) to benefit Lake Catholic High School's football program. DRAFT DAY 3 NFL DRAFT SPECIAL PICKS Philadelphia Eagles - Diamonique Valentine (American Cancer Society): Diamonique Valentine and her husband, Marcus, will make a special pick for the Philadelphia Eagles. In 2019, Valentine was connected to a free cancer screening program funded by the American Cancer Society and was diagnosed with stage three breast cancer, at only 27-years-old. Now cancer free, Valentine celebrates surviving her battle with cancer with her husband, who was his wife's caregiver throughout her fight against cancer. Buffalo Bills – Cass Weiss (American Heart Association): American Heart Association representative and NFL PLAY 60 teacher, Cass Weiss, from North Olmsted, Ohio will make a pick for the Buffalo Bills in the Draft. Weiss has been a veteran physical education teacher with the Berea City School District for nearly 20 years. San Francisco 49ers – Kaniece Williams (City Year): Through the NFL's Inspire Change initiative, local City Year AmeriCorps representative, Kaniece Williams will make a pick for the San Francisco 49ers at the 2021 NFL Draft in Cleveland. Williams proudly serves as a City Year member at Harvey Rice Wraparound School in Cleveland, Ohio. Houston Texans – Jordan Alexander and Laron Corpening (Character Playbook): Character Playbook students Jordan Alexander and Laron Corpening, from John F. Kennedy High School located in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District will make a pick for the Houston Texans at the NFL Draft. Carolina Panthers – Alexia Hammond (Council on Legal Education Opportunity, Inc.): Through the NFL's Inspire Change initiative, Alexis Hammond, will make a special Draft pick for the Carolina Panthers and represent the Council on Legal Education Opportunity, Inc. (CLEO), a diversity pipeline nonprofit. Hammond is a University of South Carolina alumna, and a 1st year law student at the University of Miami, who's paving the way for more minority women to succeed in sports law and business. Green Bay Packers – Gabby Smith (Fuel Up to Play 60): Fuel Up to Play 60 Student Gabby Smith from Ohio will make a pick for the Green Bay Packers and represent the Fuel Up to Play 60 program – the leading in-school youth health and wellness program that's part of the League's NFL PLAY 60 initiative. New York Jets – Jessica Felix (New York Jets and Nike New Jersey High School Girls Flag Football League): Jessica Felix from East Orange Campus, a player in the New York Jets and Nike New Jersey High School Girls Flag Football League, which recently started its inaugural season, will make a virtual pick and to represent Jets. Minnesota Vikings – Bobby Reidl (Special Olympics): Special Olympics Athlete and Coach, Bobby Reidl, from Cleveland, Ohio will make a pick for the Minnesota Vikings on behalf of Special Olympics Ohio to honor the NFL and Special Olympics partnership through the NFL PLAY 60 initiative, which provides athletes with intellectual disabilities and athletes without intellectual disabilities to play on the same team through Unified Flag Football. Pittsburgh Steelers - The Schmidt Family (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors [TAPS]): TAPS Family of fallen hero, United States Army Staff Sergeant Jonathan Schmidt, will make a Draft pick for the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Schmidt family is from West Leechburg, PA and is part of TAPS – which offers care to those grieving the loss of a military loved one. We are honored to have a special family join us virtually today. Dallas Cowboys - Michael Gebhardt (USO): USO regional board member and veteran, Michael Gebhardt, will make a pick for the Dallas Cowboys on behalf of the USO. Gebhardt served in the United States Navy for 10 years as both an operational and instructor pilot. As a service member he experienced the programs and services of the military nonprofit firsthand and now he is helping the USO to grow and expand its reach to more service members, veterans, and military families.
Denver Broncos - Barry Pettit (Wounded Warrior Project® [WWP]): Wounded warrior Barry Pettit from Brook Park, Ohio will represent WWP making a pick for the Denver Broncos in this year's Draft. Pettit was a combat engineer who served 13 years in the United States Army. Pettit was injured in Iraq. After being medically discharged, he joined WWP in 2014 and now volunteers to serve fellow warriors as a Warrior Leader. The NFL's 2020 Fan of the Year Nominees will announce a Draft selection for their respective Clubs throughout Day 3. The Fan of the Year contest shines a light on extraordinary fans who have been a rallying force within their family, friends and communities and who inspire others through their love of football. | Approved 2021 Playing Rules and Bylaws | The below playing rules and bylaws were adopted by NFL clubs today:
Approved 2021 Playing Rules Summary
1. By Competition Committee; to amend Rule 16, to eliminate overtime in the preseason.
2. By Competition Committee; to amend Rule 6, Section 1, Article 3, for one year only, to establish a maximum number of players in the setup zone. 4. By Competition Committee, Coaches Subcommittee, and Baltimore; to amend Rule 15, Section 3, Article 9, and Rule 19, Section 2, to permit the Replay Official and designated members of the Officiating department to provide certain objective information to the on-field officials. 5. By Chicago; to amend Rule 11, Section 3, Article 3, to ensure the enforcement of all accepted penalties committed by either team during successive Try attempts. 6. By Los Angeles Rams; to amend Rule 8, Section 1, Article 2, to add a loss of down for a second forward pass from behind the line and for a pass thrown after the ball returns behind the line. 7. By Kansas City Chiefs; to amend Rule 5, Section 1, Article 2, to expand jersey number options for certain positions. Approved 2021 Bylaws Summary 2. By Competition Committee; to amend Article XII, Section 12.4 of the Constitution and Bylaws to require clubs to submit tryouts and visits to the League office throughout the entire year; however, such transactions will only be reported to clubs from the start of training camp through the conclusion of the Super Bowl, unless it is with a Restricted or Unrestricted Free Agent. | 2021 NFL SCHEDULE TO BE RELEASED WEDNESDAY, MAY 12 | 'Schedule Release '21' Show on NFL Network Airs Wednesday, May 12 at 8:00 PM ET All 32 Team Schedules & More to be Available on NFL.com & the NFL App The National Football League announced today that the 2021 NFL Schedule powered by AWS will be released on NFL Network, NFL.com and the NFL app on Wednesday, May 12 at 8:00 PM ET.
NFL Network's coverage will be highlighted by Schedule Release '21 Presented by Verizon which breaks down the 2021 NFL regular season schedule, division-by-division, analyzing the top matchups and primetime games.
Live streaming of NFL Network is available across multiple devices (smartphone, PC, tablet and connected TVs) through the NFL app or NFL.com/watch for subscribers of participating NFL Network providers.
NFL.com and the NFL app will provide complete team-by-team and weekly schedules of all regular season games, listing opponents, sites and times.
The 2021 NFL season will feature each team playing [/Pages/NFL-Season-To-Feature-17-Regular-Season-Games-Per-Team.aspx]17 regular-season games and three preseason games for the first time, providing fans an extra week of regular-season NFL action. The 17th game will feature teams from opposing conferences that finished in the same place within their division the previous season, with the AFC as the home conference for the 17th game in 2021. | NFL Network Host Rich Eisen's 'Run Rich Run' 40-Yard Dash to Air During 2021 NFL Draft Coverage | Rich Eisen Ran 40-Yard Dash at SoFi Stadium NFL Legends Jerry Rice, Ray Lewis, Cris Carter, Rod Woodson, Terrell Davis, Michael Vick, Torry Holt & Eric Metcalf Along w/ Various Entrepreneurs Took Part Continues to Benefit St. Jude Children's Research Hospital The 17th annual 'Run Rich Run' continues to raise awareness and support for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital®.
Highlighting the 'Run Rich Run' campaign each year is NFL Network's Emmy-nominated host Rich Eisen donning his trademark suit and tie to run a 40-yard dash, and this year Eisen conducted his run at the beautiful SoFi Stadium at Hollywood Park – home of the Los Angeles Rams and Los Angeles Chargers, and site of Super Bowl LVI.
Over the past five years, Eisen's annual 40-yard dash has blossomed into a premiere philanthropic event raising millions of dollars for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. For this year's run, Eisen enlisted the help of numerous NFL legends including Jerry Rice, Ray Lewis, Cris Carter, Rod Woodson, Terrell Davis, Michael Vick, Torry Holt and Eric Metcalf to be partnered with some of the country's most celebrated entrepreneurs.
Provided below are the entrepreneurs who took part:
- Brett Adcock & Adam Goldstein – Co-Founders and Co-CEOs of Archer
- Vinit Bharara – Co-Founder of Quidsi (Diapers.com, Soap.com, Wag.com) and Some Spider Studios
- Andy Dunn – Co-Founder of Bonobos
- Nate Faust – Founder of Olive & Co-Founder of Jet.com
- Jenny Fleiss – Co-Founder of Rent the Runway and Venture Partner at Volition Capital
- Glenn Gonzales – Co-Founder and CEO of Jet It
- Marc Lore – Serial Entrepreneur (Quidsi, Jet.com)
- Jason Robins – Co-Founder and CEO of DraftKings
Serial entrepreneur Marc Lore brought these entrepreneurs together to donate more than $1 million to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and the opportunity to be paired with an NFL Legend to create a fun competition in which each pair ran a 40-yard dash, with the lowest combined time being declared the winner.
Eisen's 40-yard dash, presented by Lowe's and Zebra Technologies, will air during NFL Network's coverage of Rounds 4-7 of the 2021 NFL Draft in Cleveland on Saturday, May 1 at 12 Noon ET.
Fans are encouraged to continue to submit their "40-yard dash" videos or unique variation on social media using the hashtag #RunRichRun or #RunYour40.
'Run Rich Run' has grown to become a defining and leading charitable campaign. Since Eisen began supporting St. Jude through 'Run Rich Run' fundraising six years ago, approximately $2.5 million has been raised to benefit the mission of St. Jude: Finding cures. Saving children.® Eisen's commitment to charity was formerly recognized in 2017 when he was bestowed with the Pat Summerall Award at the Legends of Charity Dinner during Super Bowl LI in Houston.
Fans around the globe have since rallied around Eisen's passion for this cause, knowing that not only will it be fun to participate, but their generous donations support research and treatment toward a cure for childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Continued participation will ensure that families never receive a bill from St. Jude for treatment, travel, housing or food – because all a family should worry about is helping their child live.
Since 2012, the NFL has partnered with St. Jude through NFL PLAY 60, which is the "Official Champion of Play" at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. As the League's national youth health and wellness campaign encouraging youth to get physically active for 60 minutes a day, the NFL PLAY 60 initiative helps patients and families at St. Jude cope with serious illnesses through play therapy, peer interaction and other activities.
Eisen is the host of The Rich Eisen Show, which streams Monday-Friday at 12 Noon ET on Peacock TV and airs on SiriusXM Ch. 211.
Visit nfl.com/runrichrun or stjude.org/runrichrun to make a gift. | | NFL FOUNDATION, GENYOUTH, FUEL UP TO PLAY 60 AND REIGNING CHAMPS EXPERIENCES KICK OFF EIGHTH YEAR OF NFL FLAG-IN-SCHOOLS | NFL FOUNDATION, GENYOUTH, FUEL UP TO PLAY 60 AND REIGNING CHAMPS EXPERIENCES KICK OFF EIGHTH YEAR OF NFL FLAG-IN-SCHOOLS PROGRAM More than 4,000 NFL FLAG-In-Schools Kits Will be Distributed to Schools Nationwide this Fall, Offering 2.3 Million Students the Opportunity to Engage in and Develop a Love of Sport NEW YORK (April 21, 2021) – The NFL, GENYOUth, Fuel Up to Play 60 and Reigning Champs Experiences (RCX) announced the return of GENYOUth’s NFL FLAG-In-Schools (FIS) and the opening of the program’s national application for the 2021-2022 school year. Starting today, educators can apply for a FREE NFL FIS kit to enhance their physical education curriculum and equipment. Applications will close Wednesday, May 19th. NFL FLAG-In-Schools continues to increase through a renewed commitment of $1.5 million from the NFL Foundation. A total of 28,000 kits have been provided to U.S. schools since 2014 engaging an estimated 13 million students to become more active before, during and after school. NFL FIS is coming at a critical time as COVID-related school disruptions have left millions of kids at home and severely limited their access to sports, increasing the level of interest in turn-key solutions for student engagement in physical activity. Scalable and sustainable, NFL FLAG-In-Schools is a proven resource that inspires boys and girls to participate in school-based sports. The program’s positive impact on girls has been especially significant with schools reporting increased female students' participation in physical activity, and even a movement toward girls flag as a varsity sport due to NFL FIS. Research shows girls are at greater risk than boys of falling short of physical activity guidelines, with girls twice as likely as boy to drop out of sports when they reach middle school. NFL FIS is building on the success of previous years with new and engaging program elements. NERF Belts and Footballs - Global play and entertainment company Hasbro, Inc. will supply iconic NERF footballs and flag belts to the NFL FIS kits, infusing the equipment with a new level of flexibility, size and softness.
Curriculum Enhancements - 30 new online videos will teach students the fundamentals of flag football. Each lesson will close with a nutrition tip of the day, taken from “101 Tips for Incorporating Nutrition in PE,” an informational resource created by Midwest Dairy and SHAPE America.
- A dual English-Spanish language “Rules of the Game” resource, to be introduced in conjunction with the NFL’s celebration of Spanish Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, will help more parents familiarize themselves with the NFL FIS program.
Expanded Program Reach - NFL FIS will continue to support the Boys and Girls Clubs of America (BGCA), providing kits to nearly 200 clubs selected by BGCA on Native Lands and introducing 90,000 Native youth in American Indian, Alaskan Native, American Samoan and Hawaiian tribal communities to flag football.
- NFL FIS is forging a three-year partnership with Special Olympics, which will provide kits to Special Olympics Unified Sports® coaches and Unified physical education teachers who offer flag football instruction within Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools®*.
NFL FLAG-In-Schools Coach of the Year Contest
- To highlight the positive impact of physical education on students, a national contest will be launched for back to school to honor these unsung school heroes. More details will be provided in the months ahead.
"Since 2014, GENYOUth has been committed to NFL FLAG-In-Schools, and the millions of students who enthusiastically participate every year are a testament to the success and effectiveness of this program,” said Alexis Glick, CEO of GENYOUth. “This school year, more than ever, NFL FLAG-In-Schools will create much-needed opportunities for millions of students to come back together and discover the fun and benefits of physical activity after a year and a half of limited to no exposure to team sports.” “The NFL Foundation is proud to partner with GENYOUth, Fuel Up to Play 60 and Reigning Champs Experiences to provide these high-quality resources,” said Alexia Gallagher, NFL Vice President of Philanthropy and Executive Director of NFL Foundation. “We know that children, having been displaced from the classroom and their normal routines, are craving the opportunity to engage again in in-person team-based activities when they return to school later this year. We hope these kits will provide a sense of renewed excitement for the 2021-2022 school year.” “Reigning Champs Experiences prides itself on our commitment to making sports accessible to all athletes,” said Izell Reese, NFL FLAG Executive Director and GM of RCX. “As the official operating partner of NFL FLAG, RCX works to continue that mission and ensure that the game of flag football is available to athletes across the country.” Summing up the appeal and value of NFL FIS, a physical education teacher from an elementary school in East Salisbury, Maryland, said: “Our kids are always asking when we’re going to play. With NFL FLAG-In-Schools, they are ready to go. They love it and it’s been really great for the students and our school.”
To learn more about NFL FLAG-In-Schools, or to find or start an NFL FLAG league in your community, visit www.FLAG.GENYOUthNow.org w.org. For NFL FLAG-In-Schools updates and more, follow @nflflag, @GENYOUthNow and @FUTP60 on Twitter. And use hashtag #PlayFootball to share your stories of NFL FLAG-In-Schools best practices and positive youth development. * NFL FIS is proud to support the goals of Unified Champion Schools, which is promoting social inclusion through intentionally planned and implemented activities affecting system-wide change with sports as the foundation, currently in 8,000 schools across the U.S. A unique combination of activities will equip young people with tools and training to create sports, classrooms and school climates of acceptance. Learn more about Special Olympics Unified Champion Schools and the Unified Generation here. Contact: Eric Slutsky, GENYOUth, Eric.Slutsky@genyouthnow.org, 917-391-6709 Taylor Kielpinski-Rogers, NFL, Taylor.Kielpinski-Rogers@nfl.com Lauren Pulte, Reigning Champs Experiences (RCX), lpulte@reigningchamps.com, 248-885-2607 | 2021 NFL DRAFT COMMUNITY EVENTS TO MAKE A POSITIVE IMPACT IN CLEVELAND | Through virtual and physically distant in-person events, the NFL will focus efforts and resources on bridging the digital divide, greening projects, and food insecurity NEW YORK – In the lead up to the 2021 NFL DRAFT in Cleveland, April 29- May 1, the NFL will host a series of community events, both in Cleveland and virtually. With this year's focus on pandemic recovery, Draft week events and the [/Pages/2021-NFL-DRAFT-A-THON-TO-RAISE-AWARENESS-AND-PROMPT-ACTION-TO-HELP-THOSE-SIGNIFICANTLY-IMPACTED-BY-THE-COVID-19-PANDEMIC.aspx]Draft-a-Thon will focus on creating action and awareness on four key areas at the intersection of pandemic recovery and our hardest hit communities: the digital divide, food insecurity, health disparities, and mental health awareness. From local efforts to fight hunger, to youth football events and character-building initiatives, to community greening projects, the NFL will leave a lasting, positive legacy in Cleveland and throughout Ohio – especially after a year that has been trying for so many in our country. Throughout the week in Cleveland, the NFL family will safely participate in events designed to give back to the community. Kicking off the week, the NFL is partnering with the GREATER CLEVELAND FOOD BANK to fight food insecurity, where the NFL will make a $35,000 donation and hand out NFL-themed items to those coming to receive fresh produce and shelf-stable food. The NFL's traditional focus on sustainability around its tentpole events will be a focus of the 2021 NFL Draft in Cleveland. NFL Green, in partnership with Greater Cleveland Sports Commission, will be planting trees, building community gardens, donating unserved food, repurposing event materials, and supporting a harbor clean up during Draft week. NFL Green will also premiere the 100 Yards of Hope Coral Reef Restoration documentary virtually with the Greater Cleveland Aquarium. These events are designed to leave a positive "green" legacy in the host community of Cleveland. The Cleveland Public Library will host the kickoff of the INSPIRE CHANGE HUDDLE LEGACY PROGRAM a season-long commitment to help close the digital divide. As part of the program, the NFL Foundation and Cisco are each donating $75,000, totaling $150,000, to The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland and the Cleveland Public Library Foundation. This donation will upgrade technology for children's programming at the Cleveland Public Library. And, the gift will create new technology justice hubs for families with children to access Legal Aid's services while at library branches. In advance of the Draft, the NFL has been working with the YWCA of Greater Cleveland to curate a NFL-DRAFT YWCA RACIAL EQUITY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE CHALLENGE. Members of the NFL family have read articles, watched videos and listened to podcasts, teaching them about issues around systemic racism, criminal justice, pay inequity, intersectionality and more. Participants have shared their reactions to these important learnings on @NFL and @InspireChange social media handles. Capping off the week in Cleveland, there will be a FIELD REFURBISHMENT GROUNDBREAKING CEREMONY at Shaw High School in East Cleveland where the NFL, the Cleveland Browns, city and school reps will participate to commemorate the start of the school's football field refurbishment project, which is funded by the Browns and supported by the NFL Foundation through a $200,000 matching field grant. This ceremony will be followed by a COMMUNITY GARDEN BUILD across the street at Chambers Community Center. The project will be led by the Cleveland Browns and funded by the NFL. Volunteers will plant new garden boxes and landscape. The garden will then be used by students to grow their own food. All three days of the NFL Draft will be broadcast on NFL Network, ESPN and ABC, including two nights of primetime coverage on Thursday and Friday. | National Football League Earns Record 35 Sports Emmy Award Nominations | 'NFL 360' Receives Nine Nominations NFL Network Talent Rich Eisen, Nate Burleson & Andrew Hawkins Receive Nominations 'Good Morning Football' & 'NFL Total Access' Earn Nominations NFL Films with 10 Nominations The National Football League received 35 Sports Emmy Award nominations for its work across NFL Network, NFL Films, NFL.com, the NFL app and the league office, the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences announced today – a record for the League.
NFL Network's series NFL 360 earned a total of nine nominations across several categories, including three of the five nominations in the Outstanding Long Feature category (Darren Waller – The Other Side, The Gift of Gaba and Sincerely, Q). Additionally, NFL 360 earned two nominations in the Outstanding Edited Sports Special category (Black History Month and Women in Football), a nomination in the Outstanding Sports News/Feature Anthology category (NFL 360), a nomination in the Outstanding Short Feature category (I Love Jags), and nominations in the Outstanding Editing – Long Form (The Gift of Gaba) and Outstanding Post-Produced Graphic Design (Sincerely, Q) categories.
In the Outstanding Short Feature category, the NFL received an additional nomination for NFL Total Access: Reality vs. Perception.
Host Rich Eisen received a nomination in the Outstanding Sports Personality – Studio Host category for his work on NFL Network programs such as NFL GameDay Morning and for his work on The Rich Eisen Show, which streams Monday-Friday at 12 Noon ET on Peacock TV.
NFL Network analysts Nate Burleson and Andrew Hawkins each received nominations as well, with Burleson in the Outstanding Sports Personality – Studio Analyst category and Hawkins in the Outstanding Sports Personality – Emerging On-Air Talent category.
NFL Network received two nominations in the Outstanding Studio Show – Daily category with Good Morning Football and NFL Total Access.
In the Outstanding Edited Sports Event Coverage category, NFL Films secured three of the five nominations with America's Game: The 2019 Kansas City Chiefs, Hey Rookie: Welcome to the NFL – 2020 NFL Draft and NFL Game Day All-Access: Super Bowl LV. In total, NFL Films received 10 nominations.
The NFL Media Group received a nomination in the Outstanding Digital Innovation category honoring its virtual production work.
Following is a complete list of the NFL's nominations:
OUTSTANDING LIVE SPORTS SERIES
FOX NFL (FOX/NFL Network) OUTSTANDING EDITED SPORTS EVENT COVERAGE
America's Game: The 2019 Kansas City Chiefs (NFL Network/NFL Films)
Hey Rookie: Welcome to the NFL – 2020 NFL Draft (ESPN/NFL Films)
NFL Game Day All-Access: Super Bowl LV (YouTube/NFL Films) OUTSTANDING EDITED SPORTS SPECIAL
NFL 360: Black History Month (NFL Network)
NFL 360: Women in Football (NFL Network) OUTSTANDING SHORT SPORTS DOCUMENTARY
NFL Films Presents: The Camden Comeback (FS1/NFL Films) OUTSTANDING SERIALIZED SPORTS DOCUMENTARY
All or Nothing: Tottenham Hotspur (Amazon/72 Films Limited/Amazon Studios/NFL Films) OUTSTANDING STUDIO SHOW – DAILY
Good Morning Football (NFL Network/Embassy Row/NFL Films)
NFL Total Access (NFL Network) OUTSTANDING SPORTS NEWS/FEATURE ANTHOLOGY
NFL 360 (NFL Network) OUTSTANDING SHORT FEATURE
NFL 360: I Love Jags (NFL Network)
NFL Total Access: Reality vs. Perception (NFL Network) OUTSTANDING LONG FEATURE
NFL 360: Darren Waller – The Other Side (NFL Network)
NFL 360: The Gift of Gaba (NFL Network)
NFL 360: Sincerely, Q (NFL Network) OUTSTANDING DIGITAL INNOVATION
NFL Media: Virtual Production (NFL Media Group/Tagboard/SoHi Media) OUTSTANDING SPORTS PERSONALITY – STUDIO HOST
Rich Eisen (NFL Network/Peacock/NBCSN/DirecTV/B/R Live) OUTSTANDING SPORTS PERSONALITY – PLAY-BY-PLAY
Joe Buck (FOX/FS1/NFL Network) OUTSTANDING SPORTS PERSONALITY – STUDIO ANALYST
Nate Burleson (CBS/CBS Sports Network/NFL Network) OUTSTANDING SPORTS PERSONALITY – SPORTS REPORTER
Erin Andrews (FOX/NFL Network) OUTSTANDING SPORTS PERSONALITY – EMERGING ON-AIR TALENT
Joe Davis (FOX/FS1/NFL Network)
Andrew Hawkins (NFL Network) OUTSTANDING TECHNICAL TEAM STUDIO
2020 NFL Draft (ESPN/ABC/NFL Network) OUTSTANDING CAMERA WORK – SHORT FORM
Inside the NFL: Super Bowl LV (Showtime/CBS Sports/NFL Films)
NFL GameDay Morning: Who Are We (NFL Network) OUTSTANDING EDITING – SHORT FORM
NFL GameDay Morning: Who Are We (NFL Network)
NFL Total Access: Reality vs. Perception (NFL Network) OUTSTANDING EDITING – LONG FORM
NFL 360: The Gift of Gaba (NFL Network) THE DICK SCHAAP OUTSTANDING WRITING AWARD – SHORT FORM
NFL Total Access: Reality vs. Perception (NFL Network)
THE DICK SCHAAP OUTSTANDING WRITING AWARD – LONG FORM
Hard Knocks: Los Angeles (HBO/NFL Films)
NFL Films Presents: The Lumberman Quarterback (FS1/NFL Films) OUTSTANDING POST-PRODUCED AUDIO/SOUND
Hard Knocks: Los Angeles (HBO/NFL Films)
OUTSTANDING LIVE GRAPHIC DESIGN
FOX NFL (FOX/NFL Network) OUTSTANDING POST-PRODUCED GRAPHIC DESIGN
NFL 360: Sincerely, Q (NFL Network)
| NFL, NFLPA RELEASE 2021 HELMET LABORATORY TESTING PERFORMANCE RESULTS | Continued innovation in helmet industry leads to three new top-performing helmets, first position-specific helmet tested by NFL/NFLPA engineers NEW YORK, NY, April 20, 2021– The NFL and NFL Players Association (NFLPA) released today their 2021 helmet laboratory testing performance results. As part of ongoing efforts to help players make informed choices about their protective equipment, this is the seventh year the league and the NFLPA have collaborated to assess the performance of all helmets worn by NFL players in reducing head impact severity as measured in laboratory testing. The results of these tests are displayed on a poster that is shared with NFL players and club medical, training, coaching and equipment staffs. Ahead of the 2021 season, biomechanical engineers appointed by the NFL and NFLPA ranked 41 total helmet models, including three new models never tested before by the league. All three new helmet models are among the top 10 ranked models, suggesting that improvements in helmet design continue year over year. In addition, for the first time this year, NFL and NFLPA engineers tested a position-specific helmet – the VICIS ZERO2-R TRENCH, designed for linemen – and it ranked among the top three helmets according to the results of the laboratory testing. View the poster here: 2021 NFL-NFLPA Helmet Laboratory Testing Performance Results As a result of the multi-year effort in which the NFL and NFLPA have worked together to test and rank helmets, NFL players have continued to upgrade their helmets to those which perform better at reducing head impact severity. Testing results have played an important role in players' equipment selection processes. The 2020 season was the second consecutive year that more than 99% of NFL players have chosen top-performing helmets. "Players have more and better choices than ever before. Continued improvement in helmet design has raised the bar for top performing helmet models," said Jeff Miller, NFL Executive Vice President overseeing Player Health and Safety. "The introduction of the first position-specific helmet is a promising development within the helmet industry to further customize helmets for https://www.nfl.com/playerhealthandsafety/equipment-and-innovation/equipment-testing/helmet-laboratory-testing-performance-resultsthe unique safety requirements of each position. The NFL and NFLPA have long supported critical innovation in helmet design through our research and innovation challenges and by providing necessary data to manufacturers, and we're excited for that effort to yield tangible results." The NFL continues to stimulate helmet innovation through its Engineering Roadmap. As part of this work, the NFL Helmet Challenge – a multi-million-dollar innovation challenge to spur the development of a football helmet that outperforms, based on laboratory testing, all helmet models currently worn by NFL players – is currently underway. Helmet Challenge submissions are due in July 2021 and submitted prototypes will be tested using the methodology which determined the 2021 helmet rankings. A $1 million prize will be awarded for a winning helmet which improves on the performance score achieved by current top-performing helmets by more than 15%. This would mark a transformational improvement approximately five times greater than the average year. As was the case in 2020, the 2021 poster distinguishes helmets in the top-performing (green) group into two green categories. As helmet manufacturers continue to improve helmet performance, the bar for the top performing (dark green) group has been raised. Helmets with poorer laboratory performance were placed in the yellow (not recommended) or red (prohibited) groups. All of the helmets that are now in the yellow group were introduced several seasons ago as top-performing helmets, but as a result of industry innovation, newer, better-performing models have raised the standard for what is considered a top-performing helmet. Using the updated testing methodology adopted in 2020, three previously approved helmets are now prohibited for use by NFL players. Helmets that have previously been prohibited remain so, and no player is permitted to wear a prohibited helmet in the 2021 season. All current NFL players wear helmet models that were tested as part of this study. Eleven approved helmets worn by less than one percent of NFL players for the past two seasons have been moved to a list of legacy helmets. These helmets are still permissible for use and have been color-coded according to the 2021 poster groupings. All helmets tested in 2021 met the current National Operating Committee on Standards for Athletic Equipment (NOCSAE) certification standards to protect players against severe traumatic skull and brain injuries. These results were based on testing intended to represent NFL impacts and thus, the conclusions on helmet performance cannot be applied to collegiate, high school, or youth football. The tests are conducted by an independent helmet testing laboratory – Biokinetics Inc. of Ottawa, Canada – and the results are then analyzed by an independent biostatistician. | BLACK PUMAS AND MACHINE GUN KELLY TO JOIN 2021 NFL DRAFT CONCERT SERIES PRESENTED BY BOSE | CLEVELAND [APRIL 20, 2021] – The NFL announced today that multiple Grammy nominated rock and soul duo BLACK PUMAS will take the stage after Night 2 of the 2021 NFL Draft on Friday, April 30. The Black Pumas created of genre all their own and are bringing their incredible talent to the Draft Theater. Their self-titled debut album, Black Pumas, was nominated for Album of the Year at the 2021 Grammy Awards.
On Saturday May 1, multi-hyphenate recording artist MACHINE GUN KELLY will take the stage to close the Draft with a performance after the last pick is made. Machine Gun Kelly's fifth studio album Tickets To My Downfall debuted at #1 on the Billboard 200 and has produced a number of Platinum hits.
Both performances will be streamed in full on NFL.com, in the NFL app and live on the NFL's Facebook page each night. Portions of the performances will also be televised across NFL Network, ESPN and ABC's Draft coverage.
The league previously announced that Grammy Award winners KINGS OF LEON will open festivities at the Draft Theater in Cleveland on Thursday, April 29 and THE SUNRISE JONES will act as the house band for Night 1 and Night 2.
Complete line up for the NFL Draft Concert Series presented by Bose: - Thursday, April 29 - Kings of Leon (pre-Draft, approximately 7:40 PM ET)
- Friday, April 30 – Black Pumas (Conclusion of Round 3, approximately 11 PM ET)
- Saturday, May 1 – Machine Gun Kelly (Conclusion of Round 7, approximately 6:30 PM ET)
The 2021 NFL Draft will take place across iconic downtown Cleveland locations including FirstEnergy Stadium, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Great Lakes Science Center, with the Draft Theater being set against the backdrop of Lake Erie. The NFL Draft Experience – the NFL's interactive football theme park – will be free and open to the public around FirstEnergy Stadium during all three days of the Draft. Reservations will be required to attend the free Draft Experience through the NFL OnePass app, which is now available for download. The Draft Theater will not be visible from the Draft Experience. Fans will be able to view the Draft from multiple screens around the Draft Experience during their OnePass reserved time slot. There is also opportunity to watch the Draft inside FirstEnergy Stadium for fans who have Draft Experience reservations during the times of the Draft. All three days of the NFL Draft will be broadcast on NFL Network, ESPN and ABC, including two nights of primetime coverage on Thursday and Friday. For more information on NFL Draft Experience and for the full list of interactive games and attractions, fans should visit NFL.com/Draft and download the NFL OnePass app here. | NFL Media and Hulu Reach Carriage Agreement | NFL Network & NFL RedZone Available on Hulu + Live TV This Summer NFL Media and Hulu announced today a new multi-year carriage agreement to bring NFL Network and NFL RedZone to Hulu's live TV subscription streaming service Hulu + Live TV by August 1.
Continuing the momentum from last month's [/Pages/NFL-COMPLETES-LONG-TERM-MEDIA-DISTRIBUTION-AGREEMENTS-PROVIDING-FANS-GREATER-ACCESS-TO-NFL-GAMES-THAN-EVER-BEFORE.aspx]long-term media distribution agreements secured by the National Football League, NFL Network and NFL RedZone will be available to Hulu + Live TV subscribers just in time for the 2021 NFL season.
"We are excited to bring NFL Network and NFL RedZone to Hulu + Live TV subscribers," said Hans Schroeder, EVP and Chief Operating Officer of NFL Media. "One of our top priorities as a League remains broadening the distribution platforms for NFL content, and so we're very pleased to bring our lineup of award-winning shows and live games to Hulu's live subscribers starting in the 2021 NFL season."
"With the addition of NFL Network and NFL RedZone to our channel lineup, Hulu + Live TV continues to be the ultimate destination for sports fans to watch thousands of hours of live sports programming," said Reagan Feeney, SVP, Live TV Content Programming & Partnerships, Hulu. "Starting with the 2021 NFL season, our viewers will have a front row seat to exclusive live games, original shows and other NFL content year-round."
The addition of NFL Network to Hulu + Live TV brings year-round NFL content to fans, including exclusive live games, popular studio shows such as Good Morning Football, NFL GameDay Morning, NFL Total Access and NFL Now, and award-winning original series such as A Football Life, NFL 360 and America's Game.
With NFL RedZone, subscribers can tune-in to watch host Scott Hanson delivering every touchdown from every game to fans on Sunday afternoons during the NFL regular season.
The NFL continues to be the most valuable content in all of sports and entertainment. Over the last five years, 24 of the top 25 and 77 of the top 100 most-watched programs on television have been NFL games.
Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
| DISNEY AND THE NFL JOIN FORCES WITH JUNK FOOD CLOTHING TO LAUNCH COLLECTION OF NFL TEAM-THEMED APPAREL | Designs Celebrating the NFL, Disney, Star WarsTM and Marvel Arrive Ahead of the 2021 NFL Draft April 20, 2021 – The Walt Disney Company and the National Football League (NFL) have teamed up with Junk Food Clothing to create a capsule collection of NFL team-themed apparel, which launches today with designs featuring Disney Mickey Mouse and characters from the Star Wars galaxy and Marvel universe, prior to the 2021 NFL Draft, taking place April 29-May 1 in Cleveland, Ohio. This is the NFL's and Disney's most extensive co-branded apparel collection together.
The collection offers unisex short sleeve T-shirts with the following as retro art designs:
- "The Mickey QB" Tee - Mickey Mouse strikes a quarterback pose in heritage NFL team uniforms.
- "The Avengers Throwback" Tee - 1970s-era comic book character art of Captain America, Iron Man, Thor and The Hulk accompanies NFL team names in the iconic slanted font.
- NFL team names are redrawn to honor the title script font from Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back on two different designs:
- "The Rebels Team" Tee highlights the characters Luke Skywalker, Han Solo and Princess Leia,
- "The Empire Team" Tee features the characters Darth Vader, Boba Fett and stormtroopers.
"The NFL continues to reimagine our consumer products through standout collaborations that capture the essence of the brands involved," said Joe Ruggiero, Senior Vice President, Consumer Products, NFL. "This collection, which launches ahead of the 2021 NFL Draft, features retro designs that will appeal to new and existing fans alike. We are excited to celebrate characters people adore such as Mickey Mouse, Marvel's Captain America and Luke Skywalker designed alongside the NFL teams they love."
"We are always looking for ways to engage with our fans in new and unexpected ways, and this collaboration with the NFL allows us to do just that," said Josh Silverman, Executive Vice President, Third-Party Commercialization, Disney Consumer Products, Games and Publishing. "Fans can now celebrate their favorite teams and characters from Disney, Marvel and Star Wars, and all in time for the 2021 NFL season to begin."
The Mickey Mouse, Star Wars and Marvel inspired collections are now available at NFLShop.com, Fanatics.com, JunkFoodClothing.com, participating Lid's and Rally House stores, NFL team retail locations and on-site NFL Shop retail locations at the NFL Draft in Cleveland.
STAR WARS and related properties are trademarks and/or copyrights in the United States and other countries, of Lucasfilm Ltd. and/or its affiliates. © & TM Lucasfilm Ltd. | iHeartMedia and NFL Team Up to Launch the NFL’s Podcast Network | The multi-year exclusive partnership will deliver dedicated NFL content to fans NEW YORK – April 19, 2021 – iHeartMedia, the No. 1 podcast publisher globally according to Podtrac and the National Football League (NFL) today announced an exclusive podcast partnership to launch the NFL's podcast network which will include the distribution of NFL Media's existing podcasts, (Around the NFL, Move the Sticks, NFL Fantasy Football, Huddle and Flow, NFL Total Access: The Locker Room, Good Morning Football and NFL Legends) as well as the co-production and distribution of two dozen new original podcasts.
"Podcasts are an increasingly important way to reach fans and a compelling way to tell NFL stories," said Kevin LaForce, Senior Vice President, Media Strategy and Business Development. "We look forward to partnering with iHeartMedia to bring the NFL Podcast Network to life and deliver our podcast content seamlessly to fans on their platform and anywhere podcasts are consumed."
As part of the exclusive deal, the new podcast slate will develop new shows with NFL Films utilizing some of the best content from their archives, while also creating new podcasts focusing on NFL history, inside access, and more. These NFL podcasts will be distributed through the iHeartPodcast Network.
"Our partnership with the NFL is an incredible moment for iHeart – and the podcast industry, period," said Conal Byrne, CEO of iHeartMedia Digital Audio Group. "The NFL represents sports as its highest level – with the greatest athletes and the most heart-pounding games the world has seen. These are legendary stories, and we can't wait to roll out a slate of incredible new podcasts to capture it all – for iHeart's huge audience and the NFL's massive fanbase alike."
"We're excited to partner with the NFL to extend their reach through podcasting to millions of listeners around the world," said John Sykes, President of Entertainment Enterprises at iHeartMedia. "With these upcoming podcasts, fans will be able to experience the NFL in a new way through rich, deep-dive audio content on their favorite teams and exclusive commentary from their favorite players."
The first new original podcasts stemming from this partnership will be in-progress by this upcoming summer, ahead of the 2021 NFL season, and will be available on the iHeartRadio App and everywhere podcasts are heard.
About NFL Media Podcasts Around the NFL The "Around the NFL" crew of Gregg Rosenthal, Dan Hanzus, and Marc Sessler break down the latest football news, with a dash of mirth.
Move the Sticks with Daniel Jeremiah and Bucky Brooks Former NFL scouts Daniel Jeremiah and Bucky Brooks break down the latest news and action around the league from a scout's perspective.
NFL Fantasy Football Podcast Fantasy Football fans, this is the podcast for you. Marcas Grant, Mike Florio, and Kimmi Chex, provide detailed fantasy football analysis combining in-depth stats and film study to help you win your league and earn bragging rights over your friends, coworkers, or family.
Huddle and Flow Steve Wyche and Jim Trotter call on their experiences as two black men with 40-plus years combined covering the NFL to bring listeners unfiltered, enlightening, and entertaining conversations about important issues involving the league both on and off the field.
NFL Total Access: The Locker Room Former NFL head coach Brian Billick and fullback Michael Robinson provide unique stories and insights about the game of football and those who coach and play it. These two Super Bowl champions take listeners inside the locker room to learn what's really going on in the NFL.
Good Morning Football It's never too early for football! Each morning Will Selva brings you the key NFL stories you need to know in a bite-sized daily podcast. Tune in each day for commentary from GMFB personalities Kay Adams, Nate Burleson, Peter Schrager, and Kyle Brandt.
NFL Legends Podcast The NFL Legends Podcasts is an unscripted podcast series discussing the challenges and personal anecdotes of NFL Players. Hosted by Hall of Famer Aeneas Williams, topics include parenting, coaching, wellness and overcoming adversity.
About iHeartMedia, Inc. iHeartMedia, Inc. [Nasdaq: IHRT] is the leading audio media company in America, reaching over 250 million people each month. It is number one in broadcast and streaming radio as well as podcasting and audio ad tech, and includes three segments: The iHeartMedia Multiplatform Group; the iHeartMedia Digital Audio Group; and the Audio and Media Services Group. Visit iHeartMedia.com for more company information. | THE NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE ANNOUNCES TRI-EXCLUSIVE OFFICIAL SPORTS BETTING PARTNERS | Multi-year agreements with Caesars Entertainment, DraftKings, & FanDuel mark the NFL's first-ever U.S. Sportsbook partnerships Caesars Entertainment renews rights as Official Casino Sponsor of the NFL; DraftKings renews rights as Official Daily Fantasy Partner of the NFL NEW YORK, NY, April 15, 2021— The National Football League (NFL) today announced its first-ever U.S. sportsbook partnerships as Caesars Entertainment, DraftKings and FanDuel have reached agreements to become Official Sports Betting Partners of the NFL. As part of these multi-year agreements, all three partners will have the exclusive ability to leverage NFL marks within the sports betting category and activate around retail and online sports betting. They will also engage with fans through NFL-themed free-to-play games.
Additionally, Caesars, DraftKings and FanDuel will have the right to integrate relevant sports betting content directly into NFL Media properties including NFL.com and the NFL App. DraftKings and FanDuel will enhance their fan experiences with NFL highlights, footage and Next Gen Stats content. Caesars and the NFL will collaborate on integrating NFL content into Caesars platforms as well. Caesars, DraftKings and FanDuel will all use the NFL's official League data feed.
Finally, in support of the NFL's commitment to protect the integrity of the game and its fans, all three partners have agreed to adhere to the NFL's core integrity policies, and will collaborate with the NFL on intelligence sharing, advocacy efforts, and responsible gaming education.
"As the sports betting landscape has continued to evolve in the United States, we have been thoughtful with our strategy and are excited to announce three partners who share the NFL's vision and goals," said Renie Anderson, Chief Revenue Officer and Executive Vice President of NFL Partnerships. "Working closely with Caesars, DraftKings and FanDuel, we will provide fans new and different ways of interacting and engaging with the sport they love."
Expanding its relationship with the League, Caesars Entertainment will become an Official Sports Betting Partner of the NFL while continuing as the League's Official Casino Sponsor. As the Official Casino Sponsor of the NFL, Caesars retains its exclusive casino rights to use NFL trademarks in its marketing and provide unique experiences for NFL fans using its more than 50 casino properties, celebrity chefs, premier music artists, and a wide range of entertainment elements onsite. As the Official Casino Sponsor, Caesars will create tentpole activations at key NFL events including, the 2022 Pro Bowl and 2022 NFL Draft in Las Vegas. The extended agreement also encompasses Caesars online iGaming applications. In the sports betting space, Caesars will partner with the League to create content and opportunities for engagement across both its legal online sports betting operations and its expansive network of retail sportsbook locations across the country.
In addition to becoming an Official Sports Betting Partner of the NFL, DraftKings renews its exclusive relationship as the Official Daily Fantasy Partner of the NFL with exclusive rights to NFL IP and marks. DraftKings will continue to collaborate with the League on a variety of content and product offerings that fans can engage with on the DraftKings Sportsbook and Daily Fantasy Sports apps. The deal also includes integrations across NFL Media properties including a continued prominent presence within the NFL RedZone channel.
FanDuel, the NFL's newest partner, will have a series of content integrations including both in-game and post-game highlights directly available within its sportsbook and fantasy sports platforms this coming season. The company will have access to footage rights that bring the NFL's excitement to FanDuel's owned and produced content across its various platforms and will work with the League on pre-game integration opportunities on the NFL Network for the seven regular season games the network will air in 2021.
"As the first-ever gaming partner of the National Football League, everyone at Caesars Entertainment is thrilled to expand and strengthen our relationship," said Tom Reeg, CEO of Caesars Entertainment. "Together, we will create new ways for football fans to share in the action of their favorite sport. Football season will be more exciting than ever now that fans can enjoy an enhanced experience at our casinos, in our sportsbooks, and online—all while earning Caesars Rewards credits and tier status that they can use to unlock incredible experiences." "The way fans consume sports years from now will look drastically different, and it will be due in part to forward-thinking collaborations like our expanded relationship with the NFL today as an Official Sports Betting and Exclusive Daily Fantasy Sports Partner," said Jason Robins, CEO, chairman and co-founder, DraftKings. "We share the same vision as the NFL on fan engagement and believe this agreement will lead to new innovations that will ultimately enhance both the product on the field and on the screen."
"On Super Bowl Sunday we got a glimpse at how powerful the combination of the NFL's excitement and our platform can be in delivering an enhanced fan experience. We are delighted to make that combination official by pairing America's market share leading sportsbook with America's favorite sports league," said Matt King, Chief Executive Officer at FanDuel. "This partnership provides our shared customers with a new level of innovation and unmatched premium content directly within our platform ultimately enhancing every gameday." | DRAFT-A-THON DE LA NFL 2021 | DRAFT-A-THON DE LA NFL 2021, PARA GENERAR CONCIENCIA Y PROMOVER LA ACCIÓN A AYUDAR A AQUELLOS QUE FUERON SIGNIFICATIVAMENTE IMPACTADOS POR LA PANDEMIA DEL COVID-19 Draft-a-Thon se enfocará en cuatro temas claves – disparidades sanitarias; la brecha digital; inseguridad alimentaria; y salud mental La NFL anunció hoy que el Draft de la NFL 2021 tendrá una vez más el Draft-a-Thon, una campaña de recaudación de fondos para crear conciencia e incentivar la acción para cerrar brechas críticas en la intersección de la recuperación de la pandemia y nuestras comunidades más golpeadas. Draft-a-Thon recaudará fondos en nombre de cuatro organizaciones nacionales sin fines de lucro dedicadas a apoyar comunidades desfavorecidas en estas áreas: la brecha digital en educación, disparidades sanitarias, inseguridad alimentaria y salud mental. “Es imperativo ayudar a aquellos con necesidades mientras todos navegamos hacia la recuperación de la pandemia. Por intermedio de Draft-a-Thon, el Draft de la NFL hará las veces de plataforma para incentivar la acción y el cambio”, dijo el Comisionado de la NFL Roger Goodell. “Estamos orgullosos de asociarnos con CDC Foundation, The Education Trust, Feeding America y Mental Health America en pos de colaborar a generar conciencia y asistencia activa para ayudar a aquellos quienes han sido críticamente desfavorecidos a lo largo del último año.” Como el año pasado, el Draft-a-Thon tendrá su lugar a lo largo de la cobertura en vivo del Draft por ABC, ESPN, ESPN Deportes, ESPN Radio y NFL Network entre el 29 de abril y el 1 de mayo próximos, para mostrar los esfuerzos de las cuatro organizaciones nacionales sin fines de lucro que apoyan la recuperación de la pandemia en estas áreas: • Disparidades sanitarias – CDC Foundation – Las comunidades de color, indígenas, de edad avanzada y rurales de los Estados Unidos han enfrentado desde hace tiempo disparidades sanitarias. Esto ha sido exacerbando por la pandemia, donde el COVID-19 ha impactado desproporcionadamente a aquellos que ya venían experimentando disparidades sanitarias. Por intermedio del Draft-a-Thon, la fundación CDC Foundation incentivará la toma de conciencia de la causa de las inequidades sanitarias y promoverá condiciones comunitarias vitales, incluyendo conseguir satisfacer las necesidades básicas en salud, nutrición, seguridad, alojamiento, educación y trabajo significativo. • The Digital Divide – The Education Trust – A lo largo del último año, la brecha digital – un abismo creciente entre quienes tienen acceso a computadoras e Internet confiable y de alta velocidad y quienes no los tienen – ha aumentado debido a la pandemia, ya que los estudiantes necesitaron trabajar desde sus hogares sin los recursos apropiados para hacerlo. Más de 16 millones de estudiantes carecen del acceso necesario a Internet en casa para completar sus tareas, de acuerdo con Future Ready Schools, un proyecto de la alianza Alliance for Excellent Education. El Draft-a-Thon de este año apoyará a The Education Trust en su trabajo de cerrar las brechas de oportunidades que desproporcionadamente afectan a los estudiantes de color y a aquellos pertenecientes a familias de bajos recursos. • Food Insecurity – Feeding America - Feeding America estima en cerca de 42 millones de personas, incluyendo a 13 millones de niños, a quienes podrían enfrentar inseguridad alimentaria en 2021 debido a las consecuencias económicas debido al COVID-19. Esto equivale a una de cada ocho personas y a uno de cada seis niños. La misión de Feeding America es asegurarles alimentos a personas que están enfrentando inseguridad alimentaria a través de una red nacional de bancos alimenticios y comprometer a nuestro país en la lucha de terminar con el hambre. Draft-a-Thon ofrecerá la oportunidad de informarles a los aficionados que todos tenemos vecinos que necesitan nuestra ayuda para tener comida sobre la mesa, especialmente al tiempo que trabajamos en pos de la recuperación de la pandemia, y de que podemos ayudarlos a todos difundiendo la palabra, donando y haciendo voluntariado. • Mental Health – Mental Health America – A lo largo de esta pandemia, cuatro de cinco personas que se sometieron a un escaneo de ansiedad o depresión con Mental Health America reportaron síntomas de moderados a severos. La pandemia ha dejado claro a todo el mundo que existe una necesidad enorme de mayor cantidad de servicios y apoyo de salud mental, especialmente en nuestras comunidades más fuertemente golpeadas. Mental Health America es la organización sin fines de lucro basada en comunidades líder del país dedicada a atender las necesidades de aquellos viviendo con enfermedades mentales y promocionar la salud mental. Draft-a-Thon creará la toma de conciencia y el entendimiento que priorizar nuestra salud mental es clave en la recuperación de la pandemia. Simultáneamente, Draft-a-Thon será emitido a través de Draft-a-Thon LIVE, una transmisión por redes sociales en vivo conducida por Kay Adams, de NFL Network. Durante las primeras dos jornadas del Draft de la NFL 2021, jugadores, leyendas y celebridades de la NFL, además de invitados especiales, prestarán colaboración para incentivar que los aficionados de la NFL tomen conciencia y hagan sus donaciones para las cuatro organizaciones que la NFL está apoyando en el camino a la recuperación de la pandemia. Draft-a-Thon LIVE será emitido en vivo por las plataformas de redes sociales y digitales de la NFL, incluyendo Twitter, Facebook, TikTok, Youtube, Twitch, Reddit y nfl.com/DraftaThon. Más detalles vendrán en Draft-a-Thon LIVE. Los fanáticos y otros aficionados pueden conocer más acerca del Draft-a-Thon de este año y donar en nfl.com/DraftaThon.
| 2021 NFL DRAFT-A-THON TO RAISE AWARENESS AND PROMPT ACTION TO HELP THOSE SIGNIFICANTLY IMPACTED BY THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC | Draft-a-Thon Will Focus on Four Key Issues – Health Disparities; The Digital Divide; Food Insecurity; and Mental Health The NFL announced today that the 2021 NFL Draft will again host Draft-a-Thon, a fundraiser that drives awareness and action to close critical gaps at the intersection of pandemic recovery and our hardest hit communities. Draft-a-Thon will raise funds on behalf of four national nonprofit organizations that are supporting underserved communities in these areas: The Digital Divide in education, health disparities, food insecurity and mental health. "It's imperative to help those in need as we navigate toward recovery from the pandemic. Through Draft-a-Thon, the NFL Draft will serve as a platform to create action and change," said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. "We're proud to partner with the CDC Foundation, The Education Trust, Feeding America, and Mental Health America in helping generate awareness and driving assistance to aid those who have been critically underserved throughout the last year." Similar to last year, the Draft-a-Thon will be featured across the live Draft coverage on ABC, ESPN, ESPN Deportes, ESPN Radio and NFL Network April 29-May 1 and will showcase the efforts of the four nonprofit organizations that support pandemic recovery in these areas: - Health Disparities – CDC Foundation: Communities of color, indigenous communities, older and rural Americans have long faced health disparities. This has been exacerbated by the pandemic, where COVID-19 has disproportionately impacted those already experiencing health disparities. Through Draft-a-Thon, the CDC Foundation will drive awareness of the cause of health inequities and promote vital community conditions, including meeting the basic needs for health, nutrition, safety, housing, education, and meaningful work.
- The Digital Divide – The Education Trust: Over this past year, the digital divide – a growing chasm between those who have access to computers and reliable, high-speed Internet and those who do not – has widened due to the pandemic when students needed to work from home without proper resources to do so. More than 16 million students lack the necessary Internet access at home to complete their homework, according to Future Ready Schools, a project of the Alliance for Excellent Education. This year's Draft-a-Thon will support The Education Trust in their work to close opportunity gaps that disproportionately affect students of color and students from low-income families.
- Food Insecurity – Feeding America: Feeding America estimates nearly 42 million people, including 13 million children, could face food insecurity in 2021 due to the ongoing economic fallout from COVID-19. This equates to 1 in 8 people and 1 in 6 children. Feeding America's mission is to feed people facing food insecurity through a nationwide network of member food banks and engage our country in the fight to end hunger. Draft-a-Thon will provide an opportunity to inform fans that we all have neighbors that need our help putting food on the table, especially as we work towards pandemic recovery, and we can all help by spreading the word, donating and volunteering.
- Mental Health – Mental Health America: Throughout the ongoing pandemic, 4 out of 5 people who took an anxiety or depression screening with Mental Health America reported moderate to severe symptoms. The pandemic has made it clear to everyone that there is a huge need for more mental health services and support, especially in our hardest hit communities. Mental Health America is the nation's leading community-based nonprofit dedicated to addressing the needs of those living with mental illness and to promote mental health. Draft-a-Thon will raise awareness and understanding that prioritizing our mental health is a key part of recovering from the pandemic.
Draft-a-Thon will simultaneously come to life via Draft-a-Thon LIVE, a social livestream, hosted by NFL Network's Kay Adams. During the first two days of the 2021 NFL Draft, NFL players, Legends, celebrities, and additional guests will help rally NFL fans to raise awareness and funds for the four organizations the NFL is supporting on the path to pandemic recovery. Draft-a-Thon LIVE will stream across NFL social and digital platforms including Twitter, Facebook, TikTok, Youtube, Twitch, Reddit, and nfl.com/DraftaThon. More details to follow on Draft-a-Thon LIVE. Fans and other supporters can learn more about this year's Draft-a-Thon and donate at nfl.com/DraftaThon. ### The CDC Foundation
The CDC Foundation helps the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) save and improve lives by unleashing the power of collaboration between CDC, philanthropies, corporations, organizations and individuals to protect the health, safety and security of America and the world. The CDC Foundation is the go-to nonprofit authorized by Congress to mobilize philanthropic partners and private-sector resources to support CDC's critical health protection mission. Since 1995, the CDC Foundation has raised over $1.2 billion and launched more than 1,200 programs impacting a variety of health threats from chronic disease conditions including cardiovascular disease and cancer, to infectious diseases like rotavirus and HIV, to emergency responses, including COVID-19 and Ebola. Learn more about the CDC Foundation at www.cdcfoundation.org. | 2021 NFL DRAFT NIGHT ONE FESTIVITIES TO KICK OFF IN CLEVELAND, THURSDAY APRIL 29 | Kings Of Leon To Take The Stage As Part of The NFL Draft Concert Series
Presented by Bose Ann Wilson To Sing The National Anthem and Cleveland Metropolitan School District's All-City Choir to Sing Lift Every Voice and Sing CLEVELAND [April 14, 2021] – The NFL announced today that Grammy-Award winners, KINGS OF LEON will open festivities at the Draft Theater in Cleveland on Thursday, April 29 as part of the NFL Draft Concert Series presented by Bose. Their full performance will be streamed on NFL.com, in the NFL app and live on the NFL's Facebook page. Portions of the performance will also be televised in NFL Network, ESPN and ABC's pre-Draft coverage beginning at 7 PM ET.
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and lead singer of legendary rock band, Heart, ANN WILSON will sing the National Anthem as part of the Draft opening festivities. Tapping into the talent of the local community, the CLEVELAND METROPOLITAN SCHOOL DISTRICT'S ALL-CITY CHOIR will perform a special rendition of Lift Every Voice and Sing, live from the Draft Theater. The National Anthem and Lift Every Voice and Sing performances will be broadcast live on NFL Network and ESPN. Cleveland local cover group, THE SUNRISE JONES will serve as the House Band and will provide entertainment in between Draft selections on Thursday, April 29 and Friday, April 30. Since 2013, The Sunrise Jones has been a fan favorite across Northeastern Ohio with their rollicking renditions of a variety of music genres. In addition to the Night 1 festivities at the Draft Theater, attending prospects will walk the NFL Draft Red Carpet, located on the plaza of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Select invited guests will be invited to welcome prospects as they begin their Draft Night journey. The NFL Draft Red Carpet will be televised on NFL Network beginning at 6 PM ET. Headlining acts for Night 2 and 3 of the NFL Draft Concert Series presented by Bose will be announced in the coming weeks. The league previously announced the 2021 NFL Draft will take place across iconic downtown Cleveland locations including FirstEnergy Stadium, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the Great Lakes Science Center, with the Draft Theater being set against the backdrop of Lake Erie. The NFL Draft Experience – the NFL's interactive football theme park – will be free and open to the public around FirstEnergy Stadium during all three days of the Draft. Reservations will be required to attend the free Draft Experience through the NFL OnePass app, which is now available for download. The Draft Theater will not be visible from the Draft Experience; however, fans will be able to view the Draft from multiple screens around the Draft Experience during their OnePass reserved time slot. There is also opportunity to watch the Draft inside FirstEnergy Stadium for fans who have Draft Experience reservations during the times that Draft is operational.
All three days of the NFL Draft will be broadcast on NFL Network, ESPN and ABC, including two nights of primetime coverage on Thursday and Friday. For more information on NFL Draft Experience and for the full list of interactive games and attractions, fans should visit NFL.com/Draft and download the NFL OnePass app here. | Cisco Becomes an Official Technology Partner of the National Football League | NFL & Cisco To Jointly Develop New Connected League Platform; Cisco To Support Inspire Change Initiatives And Help Bridge Digital Divide SAN JOSE, Calif., April 13, 2021 — The National Football League (NFL) and Cisco (NASDAQ: CSCO), a leader in enterprise networking and security, today announced a new multi-year partnership naming Cisco an Official Technology Partner of the NFL. Central to this partnership, Cisco will use its industry-leading expertise to jointly develop a Connected League platform with the NFL, unifying the league on a singular foundation of connectivity with greater speed, intelligence, and security.
"We are excited to have Cisco as an official partner of the NFL. We have relied on Cisco for many years now and it is a natural fit that they now have become our partner," said Michelle McKenna, NFL Chief Information Officer. "In an increasingly digital world, speed, reliability and security are paramount to our success and we welcome the leadership Cisco will bring to the NFL for these key aspects and more."
"The NFL shares our view that a connected world offers incredible opportunity, and we are excited to become an Official Technology Partner of the league," said Chuck Robbins, Chairman and CEO at Cisco. "When Cisco started its journey in sports and entertainment years ago, we knew the right technology would reshape the fan experience, and with this partnership, we are continuing our progress toward creating a more dynamic future."
In 2008, Cisco introduced the idea of a single converged network supporting the future of connectivity for a venue. Fast forward to today and Cisco's view remains the same regarding a single unified, intent-based networking architecture, but instead of being building-centric, it is focused on developing a league-wide infrastructure to support gameday operations such as security and digital signage solutions.
Currently, every NFL stadium's replay control room is built on Cisco technology and connected back to the Art McNally Gameday Central in New York City via a Cisco network. In addition, nearly all of the league's Official Partners and two-thirds of NFL stadiums rely on Cisco technology, including SoFi Stadium and State Farm Stadium, sites of the next two Super Bowls.
"We have deep experience in this field creating innovative solutions that have enabled the sports industry to deliver superior fan experiences, streamline business operations, and drive incremental revenue," said Brian Eaton, Director of Global Sponsorship, Cisco. "We look forward to working with the NFL to implement a platform that will bring significant value to the entire league ecosystem."
In addition, Cisco and the NFL believe that technology will help build an inclusive future and bridge the digital divide. Cisco will contribute to the NFL's Inspire Change initiative by collaborating with the league to deliver technology education and career advancement opportunities to people in underserved communities. Cisco's belief is that connecting everyone not only creates more equality, but also meaningful and positive impact.
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