February 4, 2012

ESPN Sunday NFL Countdown Features for Super Bowl XLVI

February 3, 2012 By Leave a Comment
Chris Berman and Countdown Analysts Live at Pan Am Plaza in Downtown Indianapolis;
Monday Night Football’s Tirico, Gruden and Jaworski at Lucas Oil Stadium;
Special Guests Adam Sandler and Andy Samberg, and IndyCar driver Graham Rahal
 
ESPN’s special four-hour Super Bowl XLVI edition of Sunday NFL Countdown featuring host Chris Berman and analysts Cris Carter, Mike Ditka, Tom Jackson, Keyshawn Johnson, Chris Mortensen and Adam Schefter will preview the New England Patriots-New York Giants Super Bowl matchup beginning at 10 a.m. ET from Pan Am Plaza in downtown Indianapolis, Ind.  The show will also include Monday Night Football’s Mike Tirico, Jon Gruden, and Ron Jaworski from a set at Lucas Oil Stadium.  Additionally, Super Bowl-winning ESPN analysts Tedy Bruschi, Trent Dilfer, Bill Parcells, Antonio Pierce, Jerry Rice and Steve Young, and Merril Hoge, will contribute from an adjoining set at Pan Am Plaza with host Suzy Kolber. Reporters Rachel Nichols (covering the Giants) and Ed Werder (Patriots) will provide updates throughout the program from the team hotels.  In all, ESPN’s roster of Countdown analysts has a combined 16 Super Bowl rings in 25 appearances in the NFL’s biggest game.
 
Special Guests:
Countdown will feature celebrity guest appearances at the Pan Am Plaza, including:
11:45 a.m. – Adam Sandler and Andy Samberg, stars of the upcoming movie That’s My Boy will be on-set (Jets head coach Rex Ryan made a cameo appearance in the movie);
1:55 p.m. – IZOD IndyCar driver Graham Rahal will drive through downtown Indianapolis to deliver the Super Bowl XLVI picks to the set.
 
Planned Countdown features, in order of timing by quarter-hour (all times subject to change):
 
Bill Parcells on the Super Bowl coaches (10:30 a.m.)
Two-time Super Bowl-winning coach Bill Parcells will offer his unique insight on this year’s Super Bowl coaches – Bill Belichick (Patriots) and Tom Coughlin (Giants) – both of whom he mentored and had on his former Giants staff.
Quarterback Eli Manning’s Elusiveness (11 a.m.)
Though quarterback Eli Manning has managed to trip, stumble and spin his way into making spectacular plays for his team this season, elusive is not the first word that comes to mind when describing the Giants signal-caller.  While his inside-the-pocket play may not be pretty, Manning’s unique ability to escape pressure has played a huge part in the Giants success this season. Nichols reports on the elusive side of Eli.
Chris and LaKeasha Draft (11:30 a.m.)
LaKeasha Draft, the 38 year-old wife of former NFL linebacker Chris Draft, lost her life to lung cancer one month after they were married last December.  Reporter Jeremy Schaap tells the story of courage and true love shared by a dying wife and her loving husband, who played 12 years in the NFL.
Peyton Manning Conversation (12 p.m.)
In the first television interview this week after considerable recent speculation about his future, Indianapolis Colts quarterback Peyton Manning talks to NFL Live host Trey Wingo. He discusses his health, his future, and his younger brother Eli’s Super Bowl appearance this weekend in Indianapolis.
Introduced as a Team (12 p.m.)
Flashy, individual player introductions of high-profile players such as Michael Irvin, Deion Sanders, and Ray Lewis had been part of the Super Bowl pre-game spectacle until Super Bowl XXXVI in 2001 when the New England Patriots demanded to be introduced as a team.  Bruschi, a member of that first Patriots’ Super Bowl-winning team, reports how a united group of players changed a Super Bowl tradition.
 
Bill Belichick Conversation (12:15 p.m.)
In Bill Belichick’s 12 seasons as head coach, the Patriots have won three Super Bowls, gone undefeated in the regular season, and have set a number of offensive records.  Countdown’s Keyshawn Johnson sits for a one-on-one interview where Belichick discusses his legacy as a five-time Super Bowl winner, quarterback Tom Brady, and New England’s 31st-ranked defense.
Tim Tebow Conversation (12:30 p.m.)
Denver Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow became the season’s biggest story on the strength of an 8-5 record, turning the team’s 1-4 start into a playoff berth and Wild Card win at home over the favored Steelers.  Tebow sits for an extensive conversation with ESPN’s Hannah Storm where he addresses the season, his performance and popularity.
 
“All In” (1 p.m.)
After 14 games the Giants were sitting at 7-7 and staring at the possibility of yet another late-season collapse.  Then, a speech delivered by a local high school teacher during a chapel service on Friday night before their game against the Jets, changed the course of the season.  In that speech, the speaker told them that in order to be committed to something you have to be “All In.”  The last two words have become the team’s battle cry as the Giants have now won five straight games on their way to the Super Bowl, reports Rick Reilly.
Mayne Event – Motherly Love (1:15 p.m.)
Like most NFL players, Giants defensive end Dave Tollefson gets pumped up for battle by receiving a pregame speech.  Unlike most NFL players, that speech comes in the form of an obscenity laced phone call from his mother.  In a special Super Bowl edition of “Mayne Event,” Kenny Mayne goes behind the scenes to capture Tollefson’s unique ritual and examines the impact it has had on the player’s Super Bowl preparations in Indy.
 
Wide Receiver Demo (1:15 p.m.)
ESPN’s trio of former NFL receivers – Carter, Johnson and Hall of Famer Rice – discuss the pass catchers who will have the biggest impact on Sunday’s game in a demo field segment.
 
Tedy Bruschi and Antonio Pierce On-Set (1:30 p.m.)
The day their former teams renew their Super Bowl rivalry, ESPN analysts Bruschi and Pierce – former linebackers for the Patriots and Giants, respectively — discuss this year’s matchup and the experience of playing in Super Bowl XLII when New York upset previously unbeaten New England.
 
Tom Brady Super Bowl Soundtracks (1:30 p.m.)
Patriots quarterback Tom Brady will lead his team to its fifth Super Bowl Sunday.  In “Soundtracks,” Countdown features some of the best in-game audio of Brady from his past four Super Bowls.
 
Super Bowl Edition of C’mon Man (1:30 p.m.)
The Countdown crew offers a special edition of its popular weekly Monday Night Countdown segment C’Mon Man.
 
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Filed Under: ESPN, NFL

ESPN2′s First Take Analyst Skip Bayless Talks Football, Religion in Sit-Down Interview with Tim Tebow

February 3, 2012 By Leave a Comment

While in Indianapolis for Super Bowl week, First Take’s Skip Bayless finally got a chance to sit down with Broncos quarterback Tim Tebow for a one-on-one interview. The 25-minute interview by Bayless—who has been a not-so-quiet supporter of Tebow from the very beginning—recapped the season with the controversial star and discussed his future.

Watch the 3-part interview here: Football interview, Faith interview, Fun interview

Bayless asked Tebow directly if he feels that his faith is the biggest reason he is such an astonishingly polarizing figure:

Tebow: “I’m sure my faith is part of that. You know I have a lot of supporters which I’m very thankful for.  And I’m very thankful for all the support that I have received. And the people that are praying for me, that are backing me….and you know the other side, the motivation definitely fuels me. And you know you are always going to have critics. I’ve always had them. And I will always have them for the future. And for me I always use that for motivation but more than anything the support drives me the most.”

Tebow continued: “Well, you know being a polarizing figure has its pros and cons. You know I’m a very relaxed, laid back, low key person that likes to do normal things  and not very extravagant at all. It does make hanging out with my brothers and you know my friends and family a little bit harder, which can sometimes be frustrating to be honest, but at the same time the pros so out way the cons….”

Bayless, who has repeatedly voiced his opinion that John Fox and John Elway do not give Tebow the credit he deserves, reminded Tebow that even Jesus would stand up and defend himself to the elders who doubted him.  Bayless asked, “At what point does Tim Tebow stand up, for the sake of your leadership of your teammates, when do you fight back?”

Tebow replied: “I’m thankful to have leaders like Fox and Elway, they do a great job for the organization…For me, I’m going to respect the people in charge of me, that’s how I’ll approach it. All I’ll worry about is what I can control, how can I go out there and be a great teammate.”

Bayless did ask Tebow to make his prediction on who would win the big game on Sunday and the diplomatic Tebow praised both the Patriots and the Giants but when asked to make a decision, Tebow said he would go with the Patriots if he had to choose.  This comes as no surprise given that Brady & Co. put an end to the Broncos Super Bowl quest.

 

Filed Under: ESPN

2012 ESPNU National Signing Day Rewind: Notes, Quotes and Photos

February 3, 2012 By Leave a Comment

2012 ESPNU National Signing Day Rewind: Notes, Quotes and Photos

ESPNU’s National Signing Day Special provided the day’s most comprehensive coverage with 10-hours of programming that included 15 ESPNU150 player interviews, 11 recruits making their exclusive commitment on air, reporters at 13 college campuses and more than 35 interviews with head coaches.

Throughout the day hosts Rece Davis and Dari Nowkhah were joined by an assembled team of experts in scouting, recruiting, playing and coaching college football. Senior national recruiting analyst Tom Luginbill and recruiting analyst Craig Haubert discussed major recruits and programs alongside former head coaches Mike Bellotti, Randy Shannon and Butch Davis; college football analysts Rod Gilmore and David Pollack; regional recruiting coordinators Corey Long, Jamie Newberg; and ESPN.com’s Mark Schlabach.

 

ESPNU 150 Players Quotes and Commitments…

No. 17 Josh Harvey-Clemons, committed to Georgia

  • “I didn’t get any sleep. I went to sleep at three-something in the morning…just thinking about it,” on making his decision.
  • “Nobody that’s a great player should leave your state” said Luginbill on Clemons’ decision to stay in Georgia.

No. 18 Tracy Howard, committed to Miami

  • “I looked at the overall picture of it from an academic standpoint to an opportunity standpoint. I’ve got a great rapport with the coaches…why not do it here, in my hometown, in my city.”
  • “People just don’t understand how much pressure there is on top 30 players to stay in the state. In Dade, Broward and Palm Beach county, those kids have such an allegiance. It’s very hard for those kids in South Florida to leave,” said Butch Davis on Tracy’s decision to play at Miami.

No. 10 Eddie Goldman, committed to FSU

  • “I’m going to be surrounded by a lot of talent. I’m just going to do my best to contribute…Go Noles!”
  • “The last few days we started feeling better. He was a very unique recruit. He really listened, he really paid attention, a lot of eye contact during the visits…We don’t ever promise to play, we promise an opportunity,” said Jimbo Fisher later in the day on ESPNU.

No. 3 Dorial Green-Beckham, committed to Missouri

  • “The whole atmosphere has been outstanding for me to fulfill my dreams at the University of Missouri…it’s a big opportunity to be you, to have all my friends and family, mom and dad, to follow me no matter where I go.”
  • “To have this caliber player stay home…it’s going to pay dividends for future recruiting classes,” said Butch Davis on Beckham’s decision to play at Missouri.

No. 9 Andrus Peat, committed to Stanford

  • “I was really impressed by the coaching staff and I felt really comfortable on campus and I think it’s just a great opportunity for me to reach my full potential athletically and academically…It’s an offensive man’s dream. Just the way they play football.”
  • Luginbill on Stanford’s national recruiting success, “What Stanford has been able to do. They have won. They have been to BCS bowl games…now what I want to see is how good of a football team is Stanford going to be without Andrew Luck.”

No. 29 Kwon Alexander, committed to LSU

  • “I woke up this morning with a smile on my face, knowing what team I was going to go to,” on his decision.
  • LSU recruiting coordinator Frank Wilson explained watching Kwon’s announcement to Holly Rowe “We were nervous, it (his suspenders) looked a little red, a little blue, it looked like it might be auburn colors, but then we were really excited, once we knew (it was LSU).”

Trea Elston, committed to Ole Miss

  • “It’s been a hard decision. I just prayed and my family prayed for me and I made my decision last night…I chose Ole Miss because I felt like family there.”
  • “From Oxford to Oxford,” commented Nowkhah on Elston’s hometown to college town.

No. 33 Thomas Johnson, committed to Texas A&M

  • “It’s a great school, great academics, I think they are going to give me the greatest opportunity to produce…( I knew) as soon as I set foot on campus.”
  • “There may not be a better receiver in this class at getting off the line of scrimmage than Thomas Johnson” said Luginbill on what he will bring at the next level.

No. 47 Nelson Agholor, committed to USC

  • “My coach told me to ‘go with your feeling, go with your heart’…I am excited to catch passes from a Heisman candidate, Matt Barkley.”
  • “These guys are ready to play. They are made for instant success…All the guys on the roster have to be ready to play football next year,” said Bellotti on the USC team.

No. 61 Avery Young, committed to Auburn

  • “That’s the question…I think I am going War Eagle baby, all the way!” on where he was going to school.
  • “I think Avery Young has a huge ceiling for potential,” said Luginbill.

Coach interview highlights…

  • Dabo Swinney on the Clemson team’s future, “Our players are our greatest ambassadors. We won this conference for the first time in 20 years, and first time in 20-plus years we have had back-to-back top 10 classes. Hopefully that is a real sign of what is to come for us.”
  • Urban Meyer on impact of NCAA sanctions on Ohio State, “It was all damage control and probably for two or three weeks. That was something we didn’t expect, something we didn’t have control over, but what we had to do was go out and talk to them, be proactive and hit it on the front end, not the back end.”
  • Meyer on Ohio State’s class, “Very very solid. I don’t like to use the word ‘great’, but at the end of the day I think we are going to be ranked high…I love our defensive line. That’s the strength of this team.”
  • Lane Kiffin on the USC recruiting class. “The guys we signed today were not concerned about depth charts or playing time. They were excited to be playing with the best.”
  • Steve Spurrier on his 2012 South Carolina class, “Good solid class. A lot of good players at a lot of different positions.”
  • UCLA coach Jim Mora on recruit Ellis McCarthy, “He’s a kid who has size, strength and speed and plays with tenacity. It seems he really loves the game and we are just excited he’s going to be playing defense for us.”
  • Syracuse coach Doug Marrone, “Best size that we’ve gotten, being our fourth year. We probably addressed our needs better than we have before.”
  • Newly named Rutgers coach Kyle Flood on his first week, “Someday I’m going to write a book. It’s going to be called, The Four Days that Changed My Life.”
  • Tennessee coach Derek Dooley on positions filled today, “It’s a rare deal where we don’t sign an offensive lineman. I don’t think it will ever happen again, but over the last 20 months we’ve brought 11 offensive lineman…We felt like we need to put our emphasis on offensive skill and defensive football players.”
  • Les Miles on how he would describe his LSU recruiting class, “What we needed. We needed to answer some questions and we did that.”
  • Florida coach Will Muschamp on surprise commitments, “On signing day you never know what’s going to happen.”
  • Brian Kelly on recruits choosing Notre Dame, “It’s a 40-year decision, not a four-year decision.”
  • James Franklin on Vanderbilt’s class within the SEC, “We’re in the SEC. It’s a completely different animal. Being in this conference, seeing what we are up against, I think it’s a positive for us.”
  • Baylor’s Art Briles on the next Robert Griffin III, “I don’t think there is another one, but we were so fortunate to have him for the last few years.”
  • Mac Brown on Texas, “We are a better football team tonight, than we were this morning.”
  • Al Golden on the type of players he wants at Miami “It’s easy to go to a school on top and it takes a little more courage to be someone that fashions themselves as someone who can build it.”

ESPNU Recruiting Quotes…

  • Luginbill on the Alabama recruiting class: “The Crimson Tide: the rich keep getting richer.”
  • Butch Davis on recruits concerns about a team’s depth chart, “Absolutely one of the biggest turnoffs. When kids are worried about the competition – how many guys are playing at a certain position? It really bothers you because they don’t have enough confidence that they are going to come in and be that guy. I love the guy who looks at the roster and says ‘I don’t care who’s on the roster, I’m going to beat them all.”
  • Longhorn Network host Lowell Galindo on the day at Texas, “For the first time, in a long time, its positive pandemonium in Texas.”
  • Pedro Gomez reporting from Penn State, “New coach Bill O’Brien said he couldn’t care less about the rankings. He just wants players who are interested in being at Penn State.”
  • Haubert on players like Torshio Davis decommitting, “They (LSU) rarely lose in-state players and for Texas to be able to get a player off the edge who can be a real speed rushing threat, I think that was a bit of a shock coming in to today.”
  • Shannon on Florida recruiting, “You go in, you sell your program and what you are trying to accomplish… Everyone will tell you it’s a battle between the three (Florida) schools. It’s not. It’s everybody.”
  • “Everybody is going to celebrate tonight. Every coach thinks they have a great class,” said Butch Davis on what’s ahead for the coaching staffs after National Signing Day.
  • Luginbill’s biggest surprises of the day, “Texas Tech, I think Tommy Tuberville did a great job adding play makers… And most notable, Rutgers. Rutgers came in to today with an already strong class…It’s one thing to keep the good guys in the fold, it’s another thing to go out and secure the best guy in your state.”
  • Pollack’s biggest surprises, “How about Stanford, improving their power and getting a few of the best offensive lineman in the country, and then Harvey-Clemons – What is he going to do? Poor kid, it’s a tough spot.”

More information on ESPN RecruitingNation’s Final Top 25 Rankings here.

ESPNU
The 24-hour college sports television network airs more than 650 live events annually and offers over 600 original studio shows. ESPNU has seen a steady increase since its inception on March 4, 2005 and is now in over 73 million households. The brand is also available in high definition on ESPNUHD, now in over 20 million homes. The network has long-term carriage agreements with all 10 of the top multichannel TV providers – Cablevision, Charter, Comcast, Cox, DirecTV (Channel 208), DISH Network (Channel 141), Mediacom, Time Warner Cable, Verizon FiOS TV and AT&T U-verse.

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Filed Under: ESPN, NCAA Football

Documentary on “Goose” Tatum and New Vignettes Highlight ESPN’s Black History Month Programming

February 3, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Documentary on “Goose” Tatum and New Vignettes Highlight
ESPN’s Black History Month Programming

ESPN’s Black History Month programming begins today and includes more than 150 hours of programming celebrating the achievements of African-Americans who made a positive influence within their sport and in society. The highlights include a new documentary about Reece “Goose” Tatum, an original member of the Harlem Globetrotters:

  • Reece “Goose” Tatum played for the legendary Harlem Globetrotters before he created his own basketball team. Goose — a one-hour documentary Sunday, Feb. 26, at 10 p.m. ET on ESPN — chronicles his life through the eyes of his son, Reese Tatum III. The son recalls his father’s all-to-brief life (he died at 45), including cross-country trips riding in the back of a Cadillac traveling to one sold-out arena after the next, each jam-packed to see his father entertain the crowd. The program also includes highlights from when he spoke eloquently about his father at the 2011 Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame induction.
  • ESPN’s new “Free to Be” vignettes are a series of intimate stories about life-changing sports moments. The vignettes — aired daily on ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN Classic and ESPNU — will feature a variety of individuals and groups telling stories with each other and describing how sports gave them the courage to feel “Free to Be” themselves.
  • Back-to-back weekends of “ESPN Films on Classic” devoted to Black History Month on February 10-12 and February 17-19, in addition to SportsCentury programs on Walter Payton, Jackie Robinson, Zina Garrison, Hank Aaron and others throughout the month; archival boxing footage of Muhammad Ali, Mike Tyson and George Foreman bouts; Content of Character specials and more. Schedule
  • Chuck Cooper, the first African-American drafted into the NBA, will be honored during the Richmond-Duquesne men’s college basketball game Saturday, Feb. 4, at 7 p.m. on ESPNU. Cooper, chosen by the Boston Celtics in 1950, was an All-American at Duquesne. He passed away in 1984, and members of Cooper’s family will be in attendance. The team will wear 1950′s-style, red throwback uniforms for the game.
  • Additional content — videos, interviews and feature stories — will also be available on ESPN.com’s Black History Month page.

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Filed Under: ESPN

Super Bowl XLVI Predictions from ESPN

February 3, 2012 By Leave a Comment
ESPN on-air personalities offer their predictions for Super Bowl XLVI and the votes are split right down the middle. Of the 34 ESPN picks, 17 chose the Patriots, while 17 selected the Giants as the anticipated winner of this year’s Super Bowl game in Indianapolis:
 
Picking the Patriots:
Chris Berman, Host, Sunday NFL Countdown and Monday Night Countdown: 27-23: “Much respect to the Giants, but I think Tom Brady is ready to top even himself.”
 
Tedy Bruschi, NFL Live analyst and three-time Super Bowl champion linebacker with the Patriots: 27-24: “Stephen Gostowski writes his name next to Adam Vinatieri in the book of Super Bowl heroes with a game-winning kick as time expires.”
 
John Clayton, ESPN.com senior NFL writer: 24-20. “It’s hard to beat Tom Brady three times in a row at his game of comeback football in the fourth quarter. Though I worry about the Patriots’ defense, I think Brady and Bill Belichick will find a way to squeak out a victory.”
 
Colin Cowherd, Host, ESPN Radio’s The Herd: 28-27: “The media coverage and the tenor of the Super Bowl has been overwhelmingly New York, and I sense an upset.”
 
Trent Dilfer, Monday Night Countdown analyst and Super Bowl champion quarterback: 28-27: “My brain tells me the matchups are in the Giants’ favor, but my gut tells me the revenge factor wins out.”
 
Herm Edwards, NFL Live analyst: 31-27: “From what I’ve seen the past five weeks, the Giants are the best team going into this game, BUT it’s going to boil down to red zone offense. I see Tom Brady throwing four touchdowns and Eli Manning throwing three.”
 
Jon Gruden, Monday Night Football analyst and Super Bowl champion coach: 30-27: “I don’t think you can get Tom Brady twice in the same game.”
 
Tim Hasselbeck, NFL Live analyst: 27-24: “Even though I see this as a bad matchup for the Patriots, I believe their ability to control the tempo on offense will be the difference in the game and will prevent Tom Brady from getting hit too often.”
 
Eric Mangini, NFL Live and First Take analyst, and former assistant coach with the Super Bowl champion Patriots: 34-31: “The Giants have become the trendy pick and I understand why. Tom Brady, however, is going to have better answers to the problems New York can create and he will take advantage of the Giants’ inconsistent disguise. Both teams will score a lot of points and it will probably come down to who has the ball last.”
 
Kenny Mayne, Sunday NFL Countdown contributor: 31-30: “I take New England by one point because that’s the minimum a team can win by and I see it as a pick ‘em game. If Ed Hochuli can explain in 30 minutes or fewer how a team can win by less than a point I will believe him and make that my prediction.”
 
Sal Paolantonio, NFL correspondent: 31-27: “We’re in the middle of a trilogy. Super Bowl XLII was a new hope, and you can’t have a ‘Return of the Jedi’ without the ‘Empire Strikes Back’.”
 
Ryen Russillo, Scott Van Pelt Show co-host: 24-20: “The Patriots will have a similar game plan to what they did against Baltimore to neutralize the Giants’ front.”
 

Adam Schefter, NFL Insider: 27-16. “The Giants are the better and more complete team. But they also have to figure out a way to beat Bill Belichick, Tom Brady and the memory of Myra Kraft.”
 
Mark Schlereth, NFL Live analyst and three-time Super Bowl champion: 27-24: “Everything points to the New York Giants but Bill Belichick will have a one-back plan that attacks the Giants’ NASCAR front and keeps pressure off Brady.”
Mike Tirico, Monday Night Football play-by-play commentator: 28-22: “It’s hard for me to think that Bill Belichick and Tom Brady will lose their second Super Bowl in four years to the Giants.”
 
Scott Van Pelt, SportsCenter anchor and ESPN Radio host: 23-20: “The entire basis of this pick is Tom Brady and that’s ridiculous.”
 
Trey Wingo, NFL Live and NFL PrimeTime host: 27-24: “Every matchup favors the Giants, so of course I’m going with the Patriots.”
 
Picking the Giants:
 
Michelle Beadle, Co-host, SportsNation: 28-25: “The Giants will ride the momentum train and the backs of their defense — and I don’t like the Patriots.”
 
Cris Carter, Sunday NFL Countdown and Monday Night Countdown analyst: 27-24: “All I can say is ‘salsa’.”
 
Mike Ditka, Sunday NFL Countdown and Monday Night Countdown analyst: 24-17: “The Giants are better on both sides of the ball, and the Patriots are going to have a tough time scoring a lot of points against this defense.”
 
Mike Golic, NFL Live analyst and co-host of ESPN Radio’s Mike & Mike in the Morning: 24-20: “Right now the Giants are playing better than the Patriots, and I think they’re a more balanced team. It could come down to who has the ball last, but I have a lot of faith in Eli if they have the ball last to do what he did in week 9 against the Patriots.”
 
Mike Greenberg, co-host of ESPN Radio’s Mike & Mike in the Morning and SportsCenter anchor: 34-20: “I like the Giants in a big way – a big way for Big Blue. They are the healthier team, and that’s the most important factor. They’re the hotter team, and, frankly, they’re the better team. I like the Giants and I don’t think it’s that close.”
 
Merril Hoge, NFL Live, NFL Matchup and NFL PrimeTime analyst: 27-20: “The NFL is about matchups and all the matchups are in the Giants’ favor, and they just need to execute.”
 
Gary Horton, ESPN Scouts Inc.: 23-17: “The difference in this game is the evolving three-wide receiver package the we didn’t see early on. The Giants can match the Patriots offensive explosiveness and they are playing at a higher level.”
 
Tom Jackson, Sunday NFL Countdown and Monday Night Countdown analyst: 24-20: “All of the emotional intangibles are in the Patriots’ favor but I believe the Giants are a better football team – and a healthier team.”
 
Ron Jaworski, Monday Night Football and NFL Matchup analyst: 27-21: “Eli’s on a roll and Hakeem Nicks has a big game against the Patriots’ makeshift secondary.”
 
Suzy Kolber, NFL32 host: 27-24: “Finally healthy, the Giants defense is the force they hoped it would be before the season started. Their unique pass rushing ability can get Brady off his mark. Offensively, no quarterback has been more clutch this season than Eli Manning and he’s complimented by two additional weapons that weren’t available to him when they beat the Patriots in week 9.”
 
Steve Levy, SportsCenter anchor: 31-30: “Eli is now just as cool as Brady, although in a different way.”
 
Chris Mortensen, NFL senior analyst and NFL32 co-host: 34-24: “Everybody wants to talk about the last time these two teams played in the Super Bowl. That’s irrelevant. This time the Giants are just the better team. They have played a tougher schedule and are more battle-tested.”
 
Antonio Pierce, NFL Live analyst and Super Bowl XLII champion with the New York Giants: 29-27: “Eli Manning in the fourth quarter doing what he has done all year long – throw a game-winning touchdown.”
 
Rick Reilly, Contributor, Monday Night Countdown: 25-24: “Sixty-five thousand people will learn to salsa at Lucas Oil Stadium.”
 
Jerry Rice, NFL Live analyst and four-time Super Bowl champion: 28-21: “The Giants are too strong on defense with Justin Tuck, Jason Pierre-Paul, and Osi Umenyiora, who hopefully shows up for the football game. Also, the Patriots don’t have the secondary to keep up.”
 
Stuart Scott, Anchor, SportsCenter, and Co-Host, Monday Night Countdown: 31-27: “I always expect greatness out of Tom Brady, but I just don’t know how New England’s secondary is going to contain Manningham, Cruz and Nicks.”
 
Damien Woody, NFL Live analyst and two-time Super Bowl champion with the New England Patriots: 27-24: “The Giants have two things in their favor: a hot quarterback in Eli Manning that can expose a poor New England secondary and a pass rush that can get after Tom Brady.”
 
Note: Game predictions for ESPN’s Keyshawn Johnson and Steve Young will  be revealed during this weekend’s Super Bowl Sunday edition of Sunday NFL Countdown (10 a.m. ET).
 
Other ESPN predictions…
 
ESPN.com writers:
Dan Graziano, NFC East ESPN.com blogger: Giants, 31-24.
“The Giants weren’t the best team in the NFL for most of this season, but they have been for the past six weeks. Eli Manning should torch an overmatched New England secondary. Frankly, the Giants’ past two opponents were tougher than this one.”
James Walker, AFC East ESPN.com blogger: Patriots, 27-24
“I picked the Patriots in the preseason, so there’s no point in backing out now. I doubt Tom Brady will have two bad games in a row, especially against an inconsistent Giants secondary.”
Kevin Seifert, NFC North ESPN.com blogger: Giants, 27-21
“The Giants’ defensive line overpowered the Patriots four years ago and is in position to do the same Sunday.”
Jamison Hensley, AFC North ESPN.com blogger: Patriots, 31-20
“Tom Brady didn’t play well in the AFC Championship game and he remembers losing to the Giants in the Super Bowl four years ago. A motivated Brady is a dangerous one. He will prove that you don’t need a defense to win a ring.”
Pat Yasinskas, NFC South ESPN.com blogger: Giants, 28-24
“Most people think Bill Belichick is the best coach in the world. I think Tom Coughlin’s at least as good and a victory against Belichick will open the way for Coughlin to get the recognition he deserves.”
 
Paul Kuharsky, AFC South ESPN.com blogger: Giants, 27-23
“Hardly rocket science, but I envision the New York pass rush and the New England pass defense being the biggest factors in the game. Still, with Bill Belichick and Tom Brady cast as ‘underdogs’, the Patriots are scary.”
Mike Sando, NFC West ESPN.com blogger: Patriots, 27-23
“I’ll stick with my preseason prediction/guess, so New England, it is. But all the pressure is on the Patriots, same as four years ago.”
Bill Williamson, AFC West ESPN.com blogger: Patriots, 27-17
“Eli Manning won’t grab another Super Bowl ring on Tom Brady’s watch. Brady adds to his legacy as one of the best Super Bowl performers of all time with a masterful performance against a strong defense.”
Jeffri Chadiha, ESPN.com National NFL writer: Giants, 28-24
“New York has enough defense to control Tom Brady and Co. New England can’t say the same when it comes to stopping the Giants’ balanced offense.”
Ashley Fox, ESPN.com National NFL writer: Giants, 27-24
“The Giants are on a Packers-esque roll and the Patriots haven’t lit the playoffs on fire. Manning will torch the New England secondary to get his second ring in big brother’s house.”
Greg Garber, ESPN.com senior writer: Giants, 16-13
“Revenge is swee — oh, wait. Giants’ defense is marginally better than the Patriots’.”
Mike Reiss, ESPNBoston.com Patriots writer — Patriots 30-20
This reminds me of the Nov. 13 game at the Jets, a contest in which many predicted trouble for the Patriots but the team came through. I think they do it again. While there is respect for the Giants’ pass rush, it’s not like opponents have been completely shut down by the unit. I expect some points from a faster-paced attack and quarterback Tom Brady to play better and limit mistakes. On the opposite side, the improved defense limits the run and forces Eli Manning into some long-yardage situations and that’s when the Patriots can dial up some pressure. Promises to be a good one.
Ohm Youngmisuk, ESPNNY.com Giants writer: Giants, 31-27
“Eli Manning is a better quarterback than he was in SB XLII. He also has more dangerous receivers. The Patriots won’t be able to stop Hakeem Nicks, Victor Cruz or Mario Manningham — someone will be open — and they don’t want to give Manning the ball for a last-minute drive again. Much of the attention has been on the Giants pass rush but the secondary and linebackers will come up big like it did against Green Bay.”
Rich Cimini, ESPNNY.com NFL writer: Giants, 31-27
“The Giants are more balanced on both sides of the ball. Eli Manning should pick apart the Patriots’ patchwork secondary, but don’t be surprised if the running game — Ahmad Bradshaw and Brandon Jacobs — emerges as the story.”
 
*** To view more ESPN expert picks, visit ESPN.com by clicking here.
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Filed Under: ESPN, NFL

ESPN and ESPN Radio Super Bowl XLVI Programs Originating Live from Pan Am Plaza in Indianapolis – Friday, Feb. 3

February 3, 2012 By Leave a Comment
ESPN’s multimedia coverage of Super Bowl XLVI continues Friday, Feb. 3, from Pan Am Plaza (201 South Capitol Avenue) in downtown Indianapolis.  All shows are available for free public viewing.
 
Among the notable guests scheduled to appear on ESPN programs tomorrow include Green Bay Packers linebacker Clay Matthews, actor Adam Sandler, Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank, Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton, and player agent Tom Condon.
 
Scheduled highlights (all times ET):
 
6 a.m.  Mike and Mike in the Morning (ESPN Radio/ESPN2)
                Hosts: Mike Greenberg and Mike Golic
Guests: Carolina Panthers rookie quarterback Cam Newton (6:45 a.m.), ESPN analyst Merril Hoge (7 a.m.), 2011 Heisman Trophy winner and 2012 NFL Draft prospect Robert Griffin III (7:45 a.m.), former Miami Dolphins linebacker Jason Taylor (8 a.m.), Green Bay Packers linebacker Clay Matthews (8:15 a.m.), ESPN analyst Steve Young (8:30 a.m.), Minnesota Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder (8:45 a.m.), former Washington Redskins head coach Joe Gibbs (9 a.m.), Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten (9:15 a.m.), and actor Adam Sandler with rapper Vanilla Ice (9:30 a.m.).
 
10 a.m.  The Herd (ESPN Radio/ESPNEWS)
                Host: Colin Cowherd
Guests: Former NFL running back Warrick Dunn (10:30 a.m.), former NFL player Chris Doleman (10:45 a.m.), Minnesota Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder (11:15 a.m.), Green Bay Packers tight end Jermichael Finley (11:30 a.m.), Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton (11:45 a.m.), former NFL player Bill Romanowski (12 p.m.), and Falcons Owner Arthur Blank (12:45 p.m.).
 
1 p.m.   Scott Van Pelt Show (ESPN Radio/ESPNEWS through 3 p.m. ET)
                Hosts: Scott Van Pelt and Ryen Russillo
Guests: Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton and/or Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver AJ Green (time TBD), Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne (1:15 p.m.), Tennessee Titans quarterback Matt Hasselbeck (1:45 p.m.), ESPN analyst Trent Dilfer (2 p.m.), Green Bay packers wide receiver Greg Jennings (3:15 p.m.) and NY Jets wide receiver Plaxico Burress (time TBD).
 
1 p.m.   NFL Semenal (ESPN Deportes)
                Host: Ciro Procuna.  Analysts: Raul Allegre and Alvaro Martin
 
3 p.m.   SportsCenter Special: The Champions (ESPN)
                Host: Mike Tirico.  Analysts: Tedy Bruschi, Trent Dilfer, Mike Ditka, Jon Gruden, Keyshawn
                Johnson, Jerry Rice, Mark Schlereth, Steve Young
                Guest: Green Bay Packers linebacker Clay Matthews (3:45 p.m.)
 
4 p.m.   NFL Live (ESPN)
                Host: Trey Wingo.  Analysts: Merril Hoge and Ron Jaworski
 
5 p.m.  SportsNation (ESPN2)
                Hosts: Michelle Beadle and Cowherd. Guest analyst Herm Edwards
Throughout the week (M-F, 5-6 p.m.), SportsNation features two acts – the Blue Monkey Sideshow carnival act for SN’s ‘Halftime Show’ and Indy’s own “The Twin Cats” (official house band).
Guests:  Former NFL running back Brian Westbrook, San Diego Chargers linebacker Takeo Spikes, and rapper and actor Ice Cube (5 p.m.)
 
6 p.m.  SportsCenter (ESPN)
                Host: Steve Levy. Analysts:  Jerry Rice and Steve Young
 
6 p.m.   NFL 32 (ESPN2)
                Hosts:  Suzy Kolber and Chris Mortensen.  Analysts: Trent Dilfer and Tom Jackson
Guest: NFL agent Tom Condon (6 p.m.) – Agent for quarterbacks Drew Brees, Eli Manning and Peyton Manning
 
8 p.m.   SportsCenter (ESPN Deportes)
                Host: Ciro Procuna. Analysts: Raul Allegre and Alvaro Martin
               
 
Note: Commentator and guest schedules subject to change
 
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Filed Under: ESPN, NFL

ESPN and ESPN Radio Super Bowl XLV Programs Originating Live from Pan Am Plaza in Indianapolis – Tuesday, Jan. 31

January 31, 2012 By Leave a Comment
ESPN’s multimedia coverage of Super Bowl XLVI continues tomorrow, Tuesday, Jan. 31, from Indianapolis beginning with ESPN Radio’s Mike and Mike in the Morning (ESPN2) at 6 a.m. ET.  The day’s programming includes live reports from Super Bowl XLVI Media Day at Lucas Oil Stadium on SportsCenter (10 – 11 a.m. and 12 – 1 p.m.) with host Trey Wingo and analyst Mark Schlereth, as well as team-specific updates from reporters Ed Werder (Patriots) and Rachel Nichols (Giants) throughout the day.
 
All ESPN TV and radio shows are originating live from Pan Am Plaza (201 South Capitol Avenue) in downtown Indianapolis, throughout the week and fans are encouraged to attend.  Tuesday’s schedule highlights (all times ET):
 
6 a.m.  Mike and Mike in the Morning (ESPN Radio/ESPN2)
                Hosts: Mike Greenberg and Mike Golic
Guests: ESPN analyst Herm Edwards (6:30 a.m.), Giants defensive end Justin Tuck (8 a.m. via phone), ESPN NFL insider John Clayton (8:15 a.m.), ESPN NFL senior analyst Chris Mortensen (9 a.m.), and Monday Night Football analyst Ron Jaworski (9:15 a.m.)
 
10 a.m.  The Herd (ESPN Radio/ESPNEWS)
                Host: Colin Cowherd
Guest: Gary Bracket (12:15 a.m.)
 
1 p.m.   Scott Van Pelt Show (ESPN Radio/ESPNEWS through 3 p.m. ET)
                Hosts: Scott Van Pelt and Ryen Russillo
Guest: Brackett (1:30 p.m.), ESPN analyst Trent Dilfer (2:30 p.m.), Fox Sports and NFL Network analyst Brian Billick (2:45 p.m.)
               
3 p.m.   SportsCenter Special (ESPN)
                Host: Steve Levy.  Analysts: John Clayton, Chris Mortensen, and Adam Schefter
 
4 p.m.   NFL Live (ESPN)
                Host: Trey Wingo.  Analysts: Tom Jackson and Mark Schlereth
       
5 p.m.  SportsNation (ESPN2)
                Hosts: Michelle Beadle and Cowherd. Guest analyst Herm Edwards
Throughout the week (M-F, 5-6 p.m.), SportsNation features two acts – the Blue Monkey Sideshow carnival act for SN’s ‘Halftime Show’ and Indy’s own “The Twin Cats” (official house band).
 
5 p.m.  SportsCenter (live on ESPNEWS) … to air at 6 p.m. on ESPN
Host: Greenberg. Analysts: Cris Carter and Ron Jaworski
               
6 p.m.   NFL 32 (ESPN2)         
                Hosts:  Suzy Kolber and Chris Mortensen.  Analysts:  Carter and Dilfer
 
8 p.m.   SportsCenter (ESPN Deportes)
                Host: Ciro Procuna. Analysts: Raul Allegre and Alvaro Martin
               
9 p.m.  SportsCenter (ESPN) … to air at 11 p.m.
                Host: Stuart Scott. Analysts: Merril Hoge and Tedy Bruschi
               
Note: Commentator and guest schedules subject to change
 
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Filed Under: ESPN, Football

ESPN at Super Bowl XLVI in Indianapolis

January 27, 2012 By Leave a Comment

ESPN at Super Bowl XLVI in Indianapolis

110+ Hours of Television and Radio Programming

25+ On-air Commentators with 19 Super Bowl Rings

30th Super Bowl for Host Chris Berman

ESPN’s live coverage leading up to Super Bowl XLVI begins Monday, Jan. 30, at 6 a.m. ET from Pan American Plaza in Indianapolis and continues through Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 5, when the New England Patriots face the New York Giants at Lucas Oil Stadium. Highlights:

  • More than 110 hours of television and radio programming;
  • More than 25 on-air commentators (hosts, analysts, reporters and contributors) on site in Indianapolis – in all, an analyst team of former players and coaches with a combined 19 Super Bowl rings in 29 appearances in the NFL’s biggest game;
  • Content across 18 ESPN platforms: ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNEWS, ESPN Deportes, ESPN Classic, ESPN HD, ESPN2 HD, ESPNEWS HD, ESPN Deportes HD, ESPN International, ESPN.com, ESPN Radio, ESPNRadio.com, ESPN Deportes Radio, ESPNdeportes.com, ESPN The Magazine, WatchESPN, and ESPN Mobile properties; and
  • Super Bowl XLVI aired live in more than 68 million households in 162 countries and territories via ESPN International.

All shows originating from Pan Am Plaza will be available for free public viewing. The on-site operation includes:

§  A 62-by-40-foot outdoor set, enclosed in glass and overlooking Lucas Oil Stadium;

§  A 24-by-48-foot demo field;

§  Aerial views via a “flycam” that spans 300 feet and is suspended 30 feet in the air;

§  Two 16-by-9-foot LED screens for fan viewing of ESPN’s on-site programs; and

§  Two pod camera locations at Pan Am Plaza that showcase the downtown skyline, Union Station and the stadium.

New in 2012:

  • Themed SportsCenter Specials (M-F, 3-4 p.m., ESPN): Host Steve Levy and NFL Insiders John Clayton, Chris Mortensen and Adam Schefter discuss the latest league news Monday and Tuesday; Mike Tirico, Trent Dilfer and Merril Hoge discuss safety and head injuries Wednesday; the Monday Night Football team of Tirico, Jon Gruden and Ron Jaworski preview the Super Bowl matchup Thursday; and, on Friday, ESPN’s Super Bowl champion analysts – Tedy Bruschi, Dilfer, Mike Ditka, Gruden, Keyshawn Johnson, Jerry Rice, Mark Schlereth and Steve Young – talk with Tirico about playing in the NFL’s title game.
  • SC Special: NFL Face to Face with Hannah Storm (Tues., Jan. 31 at 9 p.m., ESPN2): ESPN’s Hannah Storm conducts one-on-one interviews in this one-hour special with some of the NFL season’s biggest newsmakers: Packers quarterback Aaron Rogers, Panthers rookie quarterback Cam Newton, Lions defensive lineman Ndamukong Suh, and Colts owner Jim Irsay. Full release.
  • Bill Parcells’ Super Bowl Confidential (Wed., Feb. 1, 7 p.m., ESPN): Two-time Super Bowl-winning coach Bill Parcells discusses all facets of the Super Bowl with Tirico, drawing upon his more than 30 years of experience, including leading both the Giants (1986 and 1990) and Patriots (1996) to the Super Bowl, and his relationships with this year’s head coaches, Tom Coughlin and Bill Belichick, both of whom he mentored when they served as assistant coaches on his teams.
  • NFL32 (M-F, 6 p.m., ESPN2), which debuted in September, is a social media-driven NFL discussion show featuring host Suzy Kolber, NFL Insider Mortensen and a rotating cast of ESPN analysts and guests while engaging with fans via Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
  • NFL Kickoff (Friday, 7-9 p.m., ESPN2) with host Trey Wingo, and NFL analysts Bruschi and Schlereth. The show will cover team news, strategies, and injuries.
  • NFL Live expanded to one hour this year (previously 30 minutes) and will air daily from Indianapolis during Super Bowl week with host Wingo, and a rotating cast of ESPN NFL analysts (M-F, 4-5 p.m., ESPN).
  • SportsNation (M-F, 5-6 p.m., ESPN2) will originate from ESPN’s demo field with hosts Michelle Beadle and Colin Cowherd. Two acts that will be part of the show all week: the Blue Monkey Sideshow carnival act for SN’s ‘Halftime Show’ and Indy’s own “The Twin Cats” will be the show’s official house band.
Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 5

 

  • A special Sunday 6-10 a.m. edition of Mike & Mike from ESPN’s Bristol, Conn., studios can be heard and/or watched on ESPN Radio, ESPN.com, ESPN2 (6-9 a.m.) and ESPNEWS (9-10 a.m.). The show will provide a comprehensive live game-day preview of the Super Bowl in addition to Mike & Mike’s best interviews from Super Bowl week in Indianapolis.
  • Mike Tirico will host SportsCenter from Lucas Oil Stadium the morning of the Super Bowl (9-10 a.m., ESPN) with analysts Merril Hoge, Jon Gruden and Ron Jaworski.
  • Covering his 30th Super Bowl, Chris Berman will host the special four-hour Super Bowl edition of Sunday NFL Countdown (10 a.m.-2 p.m.) from Pan Am Plaza with analysts Cris Carter, Mike Ditka, Tom Jackson, and Keyshawn Johnson. The Monday Night Football team of Tirico, Gruden and Jaworski will join the crew from Lucas Oil Stadium, with Super Bowl champions Tedy Bruschi, Trent Dilfer, Jerry Rice and Steve Young. NFL Insiders Chris Mortensen and Adam Schefter will also contribute reports.
  • Reporters Rachel Nichols (covering the Giants) and Ed Werder (Patriots) will provide team updates.
  • Postgame coverage on ESPN includes Berman, Jackson and Young on NFL Primetime (10:30-11:30 p.m.), followed by Stuart Scott, Steve Levy, Carter, Dilfer, and Johnson on SportsCenter (11:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m.).

 

ESPN Programming

Throughout Super Bowl week, a host of ESPN studio shows will originate from Pan Am Plaza in Indianapolis. The schedule:

Date Time (ET) Show Network
Mon, Jan. 30 – Thurs, Feb. 2 6-10 a.m. Mike & Mike in the Morning ESPN Radio/ESPN2
  9 a.m.-2 p.m. SportsCenter AM ESPN
  10 a.m.-1 p.m. The Herd with Colin Cowherd ESPN Radio/ESPNEWS
  1-4 p.m. Scott Van Pelt Show ESPN Radio/ESPNEWS
  3-4 p.m. SportsCenter Special ESPN
  4-5 p.m. NFL Live ESPN
  5-6 p.m. SportsNation ESPN2
  5-6 p.m. SportsCenter ESPN
  6-7 p.m. NFL 32 ESPN2
  8-9 p.m. ESPN International coverage
  9-10 p.m. SportsCenter ESPN
Fri, Feb. 3 6-10 a.m. Mike & Mike in the Morning ESPN Radio/ESPN2
  9 a.m.-2 p.m. SportsCenter AM ESPN
  10 a.m.-1 p.m. The Herd with Colin Cowherd ESPN Radio/ESPNEWS
  1-2 p.m. NFL Semanal ESPN Deportes
  1-4 p.m. Scott Van Pelt Show ESPN Radio/ESPNEWS
  3-4 p.m. SportsCenter Special ESPN
  4-5 p.m. NFL Live ESPN
  5-6 p.m. SportsNation ESPN2
  5-6 p.m. SportsCenter ESPN
  6-7 p.m. NFL 32 ESPN2
  7-9 p.m. NFL Kickoff ESPN2
  10-11 p.m. SportsCenter ESPN
Sat, Feb. 4 10-11 a.m. SportsCenter ESPN
  1-2:30 p.m. ESPN International coverage
  6-7 p.m. SportsCenter ESPN
Sun, Feb. 5 9-10 a.m. SportsCenter ESPN
  10 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday NFL Countdown ESPN
  10:30-11:30 p.m. NFL Primetime ESPN
  11:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m. SportsCenter ESPN

Note: Interview segments for First Take, Around the Horn, Pardon the Interruption and other ESPN programs will also originate from Indianapolis.

ESPN Radio

ESPN Radio will air more than 50 hours of live programming from Indianapolis prior to Super Bowl XLVI.

Super Bowl Week: Monday, Jan. 30-Friday, Feb. 3

ESPN Radio’s weekday Mike & Mike in the Morning (6-10 a.m.), The Herd with Colin Cowherd (10 a.m.-1 p.m.), The Scott Van Pelt Show (1-4 p.m.), and co-host Mark Schlereth’s half of Hill & Schlereth (7-10 p.m.), co-hosted by Mike Hill in Bristol, will originate from Indianapolis during Super Bowl week.

Mike & Mike with co-hosts Mike Greenberg and Mike Golic, and The Herd with Cowherd, will be open for public viewing at ESPN’s main set in Pan Am Plaza, surrounded by the NFL Super Bowl Village events. Van Pelt, with Ryen Russillo, and Schlereth, will broadcast their shows from the adjacent Pan Am Building. Mike & Mike is simulcast on ESPN2, while The Herd and Van Pelt are simulcast on ESPNEWS. All shows are streamed live on ESPN.com and available via ESPN Podcast.

Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 5:

A special Sunday 6-10 a.m. edition of Mike & Mike from ESPN’s Bristol, Conn., studios can be heard and/or watched on ESPN Radio, ESPN.com, ESPN2 (6-9 a.m.) and ESPNEWS (9-10 a.m.). The show will provide a comprehensive live game-day preview of the Super Bowl in addition to Mike & Mike’s best interviews from Super Bowl week in Indianapolis.

ESPNRadio.com will carry ESPN Radio programming live.

 

ESPN.com

ESPN.com will provide complete reporting and analysis of the game, teams, players, coaches and the entire Super Bowl scene from Indianapolis on Page 1 and the main NFL page, as well as on the 2012 edition of Super Bowl Central. ESPN.com will also present chats with ESPN.com writers and others, as well as video reports throughout the week.

ESPN’s roster of journalists will be on hand, including senior NFL writer John Clayton, as well as Adam Schefter, Ashley Fox, Elizabeth Merrill, the NFL Blog Network and Scouts Inc. They will provide insight, commentary, breaking news and analysis of all facets of the Super Bowl XLVI matchup. Other highlights:

  • NFL Any Era team: ESPN.com and ESPN The Magazine put together a 20-member panel of Pro Football Hall of Famers to select an NFL Any Era team — current players who the stars of yesterday most admire for their toughness, grit and skill. ESPN.com will reveal four players a day, culminating with the final four on Friday, Jan. 27. The presentation includes a video roundtable with Hall of Famers Mike Ditka, John Randle and James Lofton, as well as a video interview with the No. 1 player;
  • Interactive presentation Inside a Moment in Time takes readers inside John Elway’s famous “Helicopter Run” in Super Bowl XXXII against the Packers. The presentation has video interviews with Elway, Rod Smith, Eugene Robinson and more;
  • Road to Indy blog: reports from ESPN.com’s blog network;
  • Complete coverage of Media Day, where users can interact with bloggers on the scene;
  • Super Bowl rings presentation highlighting one player from each of the 45 teams who have earned Super Bowl rings; and
  • In-depth analysis, scouting reports and rankings of all 106 players on the Super Bowl rosters from Scouts Inc.

ESPN Mobile will provide fans on-the-go with alerts, updates and news throughout the game. Additionally, fans can access the latest action through the ESPN mobile Web site and up-to-the-minute scores via the ESPN ScoreCenter mobile app.

ESPN International

ESPN International will air Super Bowl XLVI live to more than 68 million households in 162 countries and territories throughout Latin America, the Caribbean, Brazil, Africa, the Middle East, Israel, Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the Pacific Rim, and much of Europe. Commentary and analysis will be provided in English, French, Portuguese and Spanish. Highlights:

  • The game will be seen in HD in Australia, Latin America, Brazil and the Caribbean;
  • ESPN International’s SportsCenter production team will report throughout the week to Latin America and throughout the Pacific Rim;
  • ESPN Latin America will also air daily editions of NFL Semanal;
  • ESPN Brazil will air live the pre-game Abre o Jogo Super Bowl XLVI directly from Lucas Oil Stadium, along with a dedicated live Twittcam @espnagora behind the scenes and commentary from on-air duo Everaldo Marques and Paulo Antunes;
  • Live coverage on Super Bowl Sunday in Latin America will begin at 3 p.m. with an extended pregame: NFL Esta Noche: Previo Super Bowl XLVI EN VIVO, followed by the telecast of Super Bowl XLVI at 6 p.m.; and
  • Spanish-language Emmy nominee and play-by-play announcer Álvaro Martín, analyst and former New York Giants Super Bowl-winning kicker  Raúl Allegre, NFL Esta Noche hosts Eduardo Varela and Pablo Viruega, and reporters John Sutcliffe, Goga Ruiz and Ciro Procuna will report daily on Spanish-language editions of SportsCenter, Radio Formula, Nacion ESPN and Los Capitanes.

ESPN DEPORTES

ESPN Deportes will offer the most comprehensive coverage of Super Bowl XLVI on Spanish-language television in the U.S. The network will have a team of reporters and commentators in Indianapolis all week for nightly segments on SportsCenter and live feeds during Los Capitanes and Nación ESPN. Additionally, ESPN’s signature Spanish-language NFL news and analysis program, NFL Esta Noche, will air a special Saturday edition from Indianapolis with hosts Allegre, Martín, Procuna and Sutcliffe.

ESPN Deportes Radio, the only around-the-clock national Spanish-language sports radio network in the U.S., will provide Super Bowl reporting beginning Sunday, January 29. It will be heard during the regularly scheduled weekday programs ESPN Al Despertar, Zona ESPN and two special editions of the NFL show El Ultimo Pase.

ESPNdeportes.com, the Spanish-language Web site, will provide complete reporting and highlights from Indianapolis all week, including daily Cover It Live chats with ESPN Deportes’ on-site commentators, including Álvaro Martin, Raúl Allegre, Lalo Varela, Ciro Procuna and John Sutcliffe.

Spanish-language fans can also follow the action via social media on the network’s Facebook and Twitter pages.  Extensive coverage of Super Bowl week will also include fan polls, blogs, video reports, chats and exclusive video.

ESPN The Magazine

ESPN The Magazine is hosting its eighth annual NEXT EVENT on Friday, February 3, in Indianapolis to celebrate its annual NEXT issue, which recognizes an elite group of emerging athletes to watch in the year ahead. The Magazine will take over 40,000 square feet of a warehouse a few short miles from downtown Indy and convert the space into the most anticipated Super Bowl celebration of the weekend. The event includes a 40-foot “red carpet” entrance and a tailored social media studio featuring ESPN NFL analyst Marcellus Wiley and Numbers Never Lie host Charissa Thompson, as well as on-site sponsorship activations.

The Magazine’s NEXT Event will feature a live special performance by multi-platinum, Grammy-nominated artist DRAKE with music by DJ D-Nice in addition to athletes, musicians, VIPs and celebrities. The invite-only party will showcase what’s NEXT in sports, technology, lifestyle and, of course, what’s NEXT from ESPN. ESPN The Magazine’s NEXT Event sponsors include: Bud Light, Dunkin’ Donuts, Ford, Kaspersky Labs, LG, Makers Mark, Old Spice, Powerade, Snickers, Van Heusen Institute of Style, and Vicks Dayquil/Nyquil.

 

espnW

Kate Fagan will report daily from the Super Bowl for espnW.com starting Monday, Jan. 30. She will cover a variety of topics including Media Day and will preview Madonna’s much anticipated halftime show.

*All times ET unless otherwise noted.

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Filed Under: ESPN, NFL

SportsCenter Special: NFL Face to Face with Hannah Storm – Tues Jan 31 (9p et, ESPN2)

January 27, 2012 By Leave a Comment
SportsCenter Special: NFL Face to Face with Hannah Storm
In-depth interviews with Aaron Rodgers, Cam Newton, Ndamukong Suh and Jim Irsay; Airs Tuesday, Jan. 31, at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN2
Before the 2011 NFL season culminates with Super Bowl XLVI in Indianapolis, SportsCenter Special: NFL Face to Face with Hannah Storm (Tuesday, Jan. 31 at 9 p.m. ET on ESPN2) will highlight some of the biggest newsmakers of the year in pro football. The one-hour special’s long-format interviews will offer a personal look inside some of the sport’s biggest stars, as well as the team owner hosting Super Bowl XLVI, who is also facing the biggest decision of the NFL offseason:
 
  • Aaron Rodgers – The Green Bay Packers star quarterback and favorite for the 2011 NFL MVP takes Storm to historic Lambeau Field and to the local restaurant where he has eaten every week since his rookie season. During their far-ranging conversation, Rodgers discusses how his life has changed since last year’s Super Bowl title, how he handled the Brett Favre transition, his pranks, his personal life and what he wants his legacy to be.
  • Cam Newton – The Carolina Panthers quarterback and leading candidate for NFL Rookie of the Year in his only national television interview of the season visits Welcome All Park in the Atlanta area where he played football during his childhood. Newton talks about the difficulties he encountered this season and apologizes for his behavior after a loss to the divisional rival Falcons, his hometown team. He also discusses at length the criticism aimed at him prior to the 2011 NFL Draft, as well as the pay-for-play investigation of his father during his final season at Auburn.
  • Ndamukong Suh – The Detroit Lions dominating defensive lineman tours his alma mater, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, with Storm, where he shows her the weight room facility he funded. In the only in-depth one-on-one interview since his Thanksgiving Day stomping incident, Suh discusses what happened in detail that day and in other incidents involving Andy Dalton, Matt Ryan and Jay Cutler. He speaks openly about his private meeting with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and addresses the criticism directed towards him. He talks about being labeled ‘the NFL’s dirtiest player’ and how he plans to change that image by bringing the Lions back to prominence and by continuing to be among the most charitable athletes in sports.
  • Jim Irsay – In a rare sit-down, the Colts owner and CEO shares his personal collection with Storm, which is on display at the Indiana State Museum through Super Bowl. Items include Jack Kerouac’s “On the Road” scroll and a collection of rare guitars – including one given to him by Steve Stills that he plays a rendition of Bob Seger’s “Turn the Page.” The outspoken Irsay talks about the franchise’s decisions regarding Peyton Manning’s future and how the team will handle the No. 1 pick in the upcoming NFL Draft. He also delves into his often painful childhood, the relationship with his father, Bob Irsay, and his own battle with addiction.
“This is a project I’m very passionate about and one I’ve wanted to do for several years; it’s a classic format that offers fans a more intimate look at their favorite sports stars beyond the statistics and labels that are often used to define them,” said Storm. “It was revealing to see some of the biggest names in the NFL open themselves up, both in our interviews and by taking our ESPN cameras to places that were very personal to them. I think that viewers will walk away understanding how complex and fascinating each of these highly accomplished four men are.”
 
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Filed Under: ESPN, Football

Seventh Annual National Signing Day on ESPNU Doubles College Campus Presence

January 25, 2012 By Leave a Comment

10-hours of Continuous Coverage on ESPNU and ESPN3 will include ESPN Reporters at 13 College Campuses and Four Players No.1 at their Position Announcing Commitment Live

ESPNU will televise the most comprehensive coverage of National Signing Day to date on Wednesday, Feb. 1 beginning at 9 a.m. ET with 10-hours of live multiplatform coverage. The seventh annual ESPNU National Signing Day Special will once again originate from the ESPNU Charlotte, N.C. studios, be simulcast on ESPN3 and include live look-ins on SportsCenter throughout the day.

Hosted by Rece Davis and Dari Nowkhah the ESPNU National Signing Day Special will feature comprehensive ESPN analysis from an assembled team of experienced and knowledgeable experts in scouting, recruiting, playing and coaching college football. Senior national recruiting analyst Tom Luginbill and recruiting analyst Craig Haubert will be joined in-studio by former head coaches Mike Bellotti, Randy Shannon and Butch Davis, college football analysts Rod Gilmore and David Pollack, regional coordinators Corey Long, Jamie Newberg and ESPN.com’s Mark Schlabach.

ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit and Lou Holtz will also provide commentary throughout the day in addition to the unique perspective of ESPN NFL analyst Trent Dilfer.

 

2012 ESPNU National Signing Day Special highlights:

  • Around the nation coverage from ESPN reporters at 13 college campuses – eight of which are in Schlabach’s Top 10 early rankings on ESPN.com – including 2012 BCS National Champions Alabama and BCS participants LSU, Michigan and Clemson, as well as Florida State, Georgia, Texas, Oklahoma, Ohio State, Penn State, USC, Oregon and Notre Dame.
  • 10 different players are expected to make their college commitment decision on the show, four of which are ranked No. 1 at their position on the ESPNU 150:
    • No. 3 Dorial Green-Beckham (Springfield, Mo.; No. 1 wide receiver)
    • No. 9 Andrus Peat (Tempe, Ariz.)
    • No. 10  Eddie Goldman (Washington, DC; No.1 defensive tackle)
    • No. 17 Josh Harvey-Clemons (Valdosta, Ga.; No. 1 outside linebacker)                            
    • No. 18 Tracy Howard (Miramar, Fla.; No. 1 cornerback)
    • No. 29 Kwon Alexander (Oxford, Ala.)
    • No. 33 Thomas Johnson (Dallas)
    • No. 47 Nelson Agholor  (Tampa, Fla.)
    • No. 61 Avery Young (Palm Beach Gardens, Fla.)
    • Trea Elston (Oxford, Ala.)
  • Additional appearances by  No. 1 Mario Edwards (Denton, Texas; No. 1 defensive end), No. 25 Noor Davis (Leesburg, Fla.), No. 51 Ifeadi Odenigbo (Centerville, Ohio) and No. 14 Jameis Winston (Hueytown, Ala.; No.1 quarterback) discussing the role being a MLB prospect plays in his college plans.
  • 2012 Indiana University commit Kevin Davis will report from Super Bowl media day on behalf of ESPNU, interviewing NY Giants and New England Patriots players on their own signing day.
  • In conjunction to live player announcements, ESPNU will report on the 24 players currently uncommitted in the ESPNU 150 and conduct interviews with more than 30 coaches from the country’s top teams throughout the day.
  • Several features will air throughout the day including Outside The Lines’ look at southern states’ ability to attract top recruits and a dissection of high-profile family ties such as Ken Griffey Jr, Deion Sanders and P.Diddy’s sons, all members of the 2012 class.
  • Interact with @ESPNU on twitter via #signingday, join the conversation on ESPNU’s Facebook page or ESPN.com’s day-long chat.

In anticipation of February 1, ESPNU will televise a preview special on Tuesday, Jan. 31 from 4-6:30 p.m. in addition to the following Nation Signing Day coverage from ESPN.com, ESPNHS.com, ESPNW, ESPN The Magazine and ESPN Radio:

 

  • ESPN.com:
    • RecruitingNation will provide coverage of more than 20 player announcements across the country, including six of the nation’s top 20 players.  It will also host a 10-hour live chat featuring guests and analysts nationwide.
    • Throughout National Signing Day, RecruitingNation will have updated class rankings every hour and in-depth team grades for the top programs in the nation.  The first player rankings for the Class of 2013 will be unveiled, as well as a look at some of the top players set to star in the Class of 2014.
    • In addition to national focus, RecruitingNation’s eight school sites – DawgNationESPN.com, GatorNationESPN.com, GeauxTigerNationESPN.com, HornsNationESPN.com, SoonerNationESPN.com, TideNationESPN.com, WeAreSC.com and WolverineNationESPN.com – will provide in-depth analysis and up-to-the-minute news from Signing Day.

 

  • ESPNHS.com:Takes an in-depth look at St. Thomas Aquinas (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) and Woodland Hills (Pittsburgh) – high schools with the most players in the NFL – and the reasons why some schools are able to produce so many players and recruits. The high school-centric site will also profile three top underclassmen in conjunction with the first 2013 rankings and 2014 players to watch release.
  • espnW: Contributor Adena Andrews writes about Landon Collins, the nation’s top-rated safety, and his mother’s desire for him to attend LSU instead of Alabama, in “Momma Knows Best.”
  • ESPN The Magazine: The annual “Recruiting Issue” hits newsstands Friday, Jan. 27 and includes a full color look at some of this year’s top recruits, a recruiting map of where the best players come from and which schools really win the recruiting battles, plus a feature on Rushel Shell and the story of recruitment as a soon-to-be teenage father.
  • ESPN Radio: Colin Cowherd of ESPN Radio’s The Herd (10 a.m.-1 p.m. M-F), noted college football enthusiast and a self-confessed “recruiting geek,” will discuss the nation’s top prospects and their possible destinations during his traditional Recruiting Day visit with Luginbill.

 

ESPNU
The 24-hour college sports television network airs more than 650 live events annually and offers over 600 original studio shows. ESPNU has seen a steady increase since its inception on March 4, 2005 and is now in over 73 million households. The brand is also available in high definition on ESPNUHD, now in over 20 million homes. The network has long-term carriage agreements with all 10 of the top multichannel TV providers – Cablevision, Charter, Comcast, Cox, DirecTV (Channel 208), DISH Network (Channel 141), Mediacom, Time Warner Cable, Verizon FiOS TV and AT&T U-verse.

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