“Qualifying for the Indy 500 is the most stressful two days in racing.” – Wally Dallenbach

IndyCar 36 to profile J.R. Hildebrand on Saturday, May 26 at 6:30 p.m. ET

Firestone Indy Lights from Indianapolis Airs Friday, May 25 at Noon

New York — This Mother’s Day edition of Survival Sunday produced the mother of all days for the Barclays Premier League and world-class European soccer in the United States, as nine of the day’s ten games were carried by a FOX Sports Media Group network or platform, a first in U.S. television history.

Manchester City’s dramatic, come-from-behind victory on the season’s final day in extra-time had the feeling of a Hollywood script and delivered the team its first Premier League championship in 44 years.  At the same time, their shocking win snatched what looked like a cinch 20^th Premier League crown away from perennial powerhouse, Manchester United.  The shift in emotion for team supporters was seismic.

Led by FX, FSMG networks SPEED, FSN, FUEL TV, FOX Soccer, FOX Soccer Plus and FOX Deportes, along with digital platforms FOXSoccer.com and FOX Soccer 2Go, carried nine matches live at 10:00 AM ET (5/13).  The tenth game was televised by ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes.

According to audience figures compiled by Nielsen Media Research, the English language (FX, SPEED, FOX Soccer, FSN, FUEL TV & ESPN2) and Spanish language (FOX Deportes & ESPN Deportes) viewership in the United States for Survival Sunday came in at 1,348,000, up +72% over the combined viewing on FOX Soccer, FOX Deportes, ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes on Survival Sunday 2011 (728,000).

Here are additional highlights from Survival Sunday 2012:

•           The English language audience on the FOX-outlets (392,000) and ESPN2 (600,000) combined for 992,000 viewers, up +80% over the combined viewing on ESPN2 and FOX Soccer a year ago (550,000).

•           English-language viewership on FOX outlets (392,000) was +160% vs. 2011

(151,000).  The breakdown is as follows: FX – 161,000; FOX Soccer – 77,000; SPEED –

53,000; FSN – 59,000; FUEL TV – 42,000.

•           FOX Deportes recorded 167,000 viewers Sunday, +120% over a year ago (76,000);  ESPN Deportes drew 189,000 viewers.

•          *Unique visitors to FOXSoccer.com on Sunday were 420,000, +278% from last Survival

Sunday (111,000) and +143% compared to the usual Sunday average during the Barclays Premier League season (173,000).

*Source: Unica NetInsight

•          +FOXSoccer.com and FOX Soccer 2Go combined for 41,522 live video streams.

+Source: Omniture SiteCatalyst

Defending Champion Minnesota Lynx Meets Phoenix Mercury in Season Opener on May 20 on ABC

Two WNBA Games Planned for June 23 Recognizing 40^th Anniversary of Title IX

ESPN, ESPN2 and ABC will combine to present 12 regular-season games beginning with the defending WNBA champion Minnesota Lynx hosting the Phoenix Mercury on Sunday, May 20, at 12:30 p.m. ET on ABC. All coverage will air in high definition, and ESPN3 will simulcast all games on ESPN and ESPN2.

ESPN, in conjunction with espnW, will continue to recognize the 40^th anniversary of Title IX with The Power of IX on Saturday, June 23 with games featuring the Chicago Sky at Minnesota at 12:30 p.m. and the Los Angeles Sparks at the Connecticut Sun at 9 p.m. The WNBA will have a studio presence throughout the day, live guest during the telecast and special features focusing on Title IX. The games are part of the network’s weekend of events and studio shows June 22-24 featuring women in sports across its television networks – ABC, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, ESPN3 and ESPN Classic – highlighted by a full day of programming on June 23.

ESPN2 will showcase the majority of the 2012 WNBA postseason, while ESPN will air a first-round game and ABC will present an Eastern Conference Final game. The WNBA Finals on ESPN2 begin Sunday, Oct. 14 for a best-of-five series.

Due to many players representing their respective countries in a quest for a gold medal at the 2012 Summer Olympics in London, the WNBA schedule will be on hiatus from July14-August 15.

Commentators

Terry Gannon and Pam Ward will serve as play-by-play announcers, working with analysts Rebecca Lobo and Carolyn Peck. Heather Cox and Holly Rowe will work as a sideline reporter on select games.

Schedule & Telecast Highlights

• Five appearances by the two-time WNBA champion Seattle Storm, featuring the talented duo of guard Sue Bird and forward Lauren Jackson
• Four appearances each by the defending WNBA champion Minnesota Lynx led by 2011 WNBA Rookie of the Year Maya Moore and the Los Angeles Sparks, who drafted Stanford’s Nnemkadi Ogwumike with the first overall pick in the 2012 Draft;
• Coming out of the month-long break, Minnesota, which returns four WNBA All-Stars, will play at Seattle on Tuesday, Aug. 21, at 10 p.m. on ESPN2
• The last three league MVPs will be featured when the playoff race heats up in the closing weeks of the regular season – Jackson (2010) and the Storm meet Tamika Catchings (2011) and the Indiana Fever on Wednesday, Sept. 12, at 7 p.m. on ESPN2 and then Seattle visits Diana Taurasi (2009) and the Phoenix Mercury on Saturday, Sept. 23, at 3 p.m. on ESPN2
• Segments and special features after the London games highlighting WNBA players that competed for their respective countries
• Halftime studio coverage from Bristol, Conn., during ESPN2 games

espnW/ESPN.com

• A season preview launched May 14 ahead of season opening weekend
• Weekly columns and online chats from writers Mechelle Voepel and Michelle Smith
• Coverage and live chat around Title IX anniversary on Saturday, June 23
• Blogs from WNBA players Tamika Catchings and Maya Moore

ESPN Digital Platforms

• ESPN3 and WatchESPN will carry every WNBA game available on ESPN and ESPN2 this season
• Additional live coverage for select games available on ESPN Mobile TV
• Live scores accessible via the ESPN mobile Web, ScoreCenter and ScoreCenter XL
• WNBA game alerts and video clips on ESPN Mobile

Last season, ESPN2 had its most viewed WNBA regular season since 2005, averaging 270,000 viewers, up five percent over the 2010 season (258,000 viewers).

For the second straight year, ESPN held the WNBA Draft at its headquarters in Bristol, Conn., on Monday, April 16. The live telecast of the Draft took place in the ESPN studio that is home to Mike & Mike in the Morning, Sunday NFL Countdown and a variety of other ESPN shows.

2012 ESPN/WNBA Schedule (Schedule subject to change; all time are Eastern)

-30-

In addition, ESPN Radio will nationally broadcast three games May 18-20, beginning on Friday, May 18, with the Oklahoma City Thunder at Los Angeles Lakers (Game Three) at 10:30 p.m.

ESPN NBA analysts Tim Legler, Chris Mullin, Kurt Rambis and Jalen Rose will appear across ESPN platforms, including SportsCenter and ESPN Radio programming, throughout the weekend.

-30-

MSNBC to Offer Wide Variety of Olympic Programming

Bravo to Televise Olympic Tennis; CNBC to be Home of Boxing

24/7: ROAD TO PACQUIAO/BRADLEY, DEBUTING SATURDAY, MAY 19,

SETS THE STAGE FOR THEIR JUNE PAY-PER-VIEW SHOWDOWN

          HBO Sports, known for its innovative, award-winning productions, sets the stage for the June pay-per-view showdown between Manny Pacquiao and Timothy Bradley when the documentary special 24/7: ROAD TO PACQUIAO/BRADLEY debuts SATURDAY, MAY 19 (10:15-10:45 p.m. ET/PT), exclusively on HBO.

Other HBO playdates: May 19 (2:00 a.m.), 20 (10:30 a.m.), 21 (7:30 p.m., 1:35 a.m.), 22 (9:30 p.m.), 23 (10:30 a.m.), 24 (7:00 p.m., 2:35 a.m.), 25 (12:30 a.m.) and 26 (10:15 a.m.), and June 8 (6:30 p.m.) and 9 (9:30 a.m.)

HBO2 playdates: May 20 (11:50 p.m.) and 23 (10:30 p.m.), and June 8 (12:05 a.m.), 9 (5:00 p.m. ET/2:00 p.m. PT) and 10 (9:20 a.m.)

HBO On Demand^® availability begins: May 23

The special will also be available on HBO GO^®.

24/7: ROAD TO PACQUIAO/BRADLEY introduces fans to the career and back story of undefeated Palm Springs, Cal. native Timothy Bradley Jr. (28-0, 12 KOs), who is challenging welterweight champ Manny Pacquiao (54-3-2, 38 KOs) of the Philippines in Las Vegas June 9. The documentary also offers a glimpse of international boxing icon Pacquiao outside the ring prior to the start of training camp, revealing a side of his life that is rarely captured by TV cameras.

A week after the debut of 24/7: ROAD TO PACQUIAO/BRADLEY, the latest installment of HBO Sports’ Emmy^®-winning “24/7” reality franchise kicks off when “24/7 Pacquiao/Bradley” debuts Saturday, May 26 (9:30-10:00 p.m. ET/PT).

“Pacquiao vs. Bradley” takes place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on Saturday, June 9 at 9:00 p.m. ET/6:00 p.m. PT, and will be produced and distributed live by HBO Pay-Per-View^®.

The executive producer of 24/7: ROAD TO PACQUIAO/BRADLEY is Rick Bernstein; senior producer, Dave Harmon; coordinating producer, Bentley Weiner; producers, George Jakovic and Harley Glantz; writer, Aaron Cohen. Liev Schreiber narrates.

Begins Saturday at 2:00 PM ET on FOX

FOX Soccer & FOX Deportes Blanket Coverage Leading Up to Kick-Off

Host Rob Stone Sits Down For Exclusive Interview with UEFA President Michel Platini

Stone & Analysts Wynalda, Friedel and Barton Visit Troops in Germany for Pre-Match Feature

New York, NY – Elite European soccer again takes center stage Saturday as FOX Sports presents exclusive live coverage of the UEFA Champions League Final from Munich, Germany.  The culmination of Europe’s most prestigious annual club soccer competition features German club Bayern Munich, the first team to play a UEFA Champions League Final in its home stadium, taking on England’s Chelsea FC looking to capture its first European Cup.

FOX Sports’ comprehensive coverage kicks off Saturday, May 19 at 2:00 PM ET.  Curt Menefee, FOX Sports’ go-to studio host, is on hand in Germany to welcome viewers to Fussball Arena in Munich before handing-off to FOX Soccer lead studio host Rob Stone.  Stone is joined at the pre-match desk by American National Soccer Hall of Famer and out-spoken FOX Soccer analyst Eric Wynalda and current Tottenham Hotspur and former US National Team goalkeeper Brad Friedel.  The trio offers complete analysis of the Bayern Munich-Chelsea matchup, what to watch for, each team’s strengths and weaknesses and pick which team they think will take home the trophy.  FOX Soccer analyst Warren Barton along with match announcers Martin Tyler and Gary Neville also contribute to pre-match analysis.

The atmosphere in Munich is expected to be electric.  Menefee looks to capture that energy in a feature on Munich’s love affair with the beautiful game airing during pre-match coverage.  Pre-match coverage also highlights Chelsea’s bumpy road to the UEFA Champions League Final which included firing manager Andre Villas-Boas after only eight months on the job.

FOX Soccer has additional features planned during its UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE PREVIEW SHOW Friday, May 18 (8:00-9:00 PM ET) and UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE PRE-GAME SHOW Saturday, May 19 (1:00-2:00 PM ET), including Stone siting down for an exclusive interview with UEFA President Michel Platini.  FOX Soccer also airs a post-match show following FOX Sports’ coverage.  All shows are hosted by Stone alongside analysts Wynalda, Friedel and Barton.

One of the highlights of FOX’s trip to Germany includes a visit to Joint Multinational Readiness Center in Hohenfels to spend the day with troops and their families.  Stone, Wynalda, Friedel and Barton take an LUH-72 Lakota helicopter to tour the training area and go on a demo ride in a Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicle.  They also join soldiers in an exhibition soccer game and host a clinic with the boys and girls high school soccer teams.

FOX Deportes, the nation’s leading Spanish-language sports cable network, adds to the comprehensive coverage with a week-long lead-up of programming that includes carrying the Bayern Munich v. Chelsea FC match.  Coverage on Saturday, May 19 begins with the UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE FINAL PREVIEW live from Munich at 1:00 PM ET.  Match coverage begins at 2:30 PM ET, followed by the post-match celebration at 5:00 PM ET on Lo Mejor de la UCL.  At 5:30 PM ET, FOX Deportes airs La Ultima Palabra, a special one-hour postgame show live followed later on by an encore match presentation at 10:30 PM ET.  Manning FOX Deportes’ Los Angeles studio are Mauricio Cardenas and Bruno Vain.  John Laguna, Christian Bozzo and Daniel Brailovsky are on-site in Munich with reporters Nelson Vignolles and Alejandro Blanco.

– FOX SPORTS MEDIA GROUP –

Television, Digital and Print Execution Shines Spotlight on Top Female Athletes

On Thursday, May 17, Good Morning America anchor Robin Roberts will debut In the Game with Robin Roberts Presented by Lexus – a new series debuting across ESPN’s SportsCenter, espnW.com and ABCNews.com featuring exclusive interviews with accomplished female athletes. Jennie Finch will kick off the eight-episode program which is sponsored by Lexus. 

The series will air every Thursday between 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. ET during ESPN’s flagship program, SportsCenter. The series will launch with a robust digital and social media execution across espnW.com and ABCNews.com to drive tune in and viewer interaction. This marks the first dual network, cross platform project between ABC News and espnW.

“This series showcases incredible female athletes who continually challenge the status quo and never stop improving their game, a philosophy Lexus lives by,” said Brian Smith, Lexus vice president of marketing. “As we continue to roll out the new face of Lexus with vehicles like the all-new RX, we are committed to bringing this highly integrated program to life.”

Added Laura Gentile, vice president, espnW, “This collaboration speaks to our unique ability across The Walt Disney Company to share resources and ideas while creating powerful programs for advertisers like Lexus. This series shares our talent, our digital, print and television assets and our social media presence – all in an effort to showcase exceptional female athletes while reaching the coveted female consumer.”

Aligned with the launch of the new Lexus RX F SPORT, a boldly designed luxury crossover vehicle with a full-fledged performance upgrade, Lexus brand messaging “What’s Next” will serve as a recurring theme throughout each of the episodes, which feature Robin Roberts hosting intimate interviews with world-renowned female athletes. The discussion will focus on “what’s next” for each athlete’s career, sport, and life.  Additional “What’s Next” clips will be shared across espnW/ESPN and ABCNews digital assets to promote the series and drive tune in.

Full length interviews and complementary content including additional clips, a video archive and social integration will be hosted on two custom-built Lexus branded splash pages accessible at espnW.com/inthegame and abcnews.com/inthegame. ESPN The Magazine will also feature content from the series in “Mag Minute” interviews in upcoming editions.

Additionally, an “In the Game Live” social platform will highlight the series through co-branded Facebook ads, a custom Twitter hashtag and opportunities for users to submit questions to Robin to be asked within the interview. All social extensions will be integrated across ABC News and espnW social platforms.

About Lexus:

Since its debut in 1989, Lexus has earned a reputation for high-quality products and exemplary customer service from its 231 dealers. Lexus is the luxury hybrid leader, offering five hybrids that provide the best in innovative technology and first-class luxury. When it began, Lexus offered two models of vehicles. Now, more than 20 years later, Lexus offers variations of 10 vehicles, from the sporty CT 200h hybrid to the V10 supercar, the LFA.

About espnW:

espnW’s mission is to connect female fans with the sports they love and follow.  espnW.com provides an engaging environment where women are an integral part of the sports conversation, share their perspective on men’s and women’s sports and find the motivation and support for their athletic goals and interests. Launched in October 2011, espnW, [espnw.com], is an emerging business that consists primarily of a digital product suite including pc web, mobile web and social media.  espnW is also supported by a strong social media presence on Twitter (@espnW) and Facebook. The Women’s Sports Foundation is a charity of choice of espnW.

-30-

Second Season Includes the Launch of 30 Additional Short Films to Debut on Grantland.com

ESPN Films has announced the return of the Emmy-nominated and Peabody Award-winning 30 for 30 film series. As with the first series, which included collaborations with acclaimed filmmakers such as Peter Berg (Kings Ransom), Barry Levinson (The Band That Wouldn’t Die), Ice Cube (Straight Outta L.A.) and Academy Award-winner Barbara Koppel (The House of Steinbrenner), ESPN Films will once again partner with a wide array of filmmakers to tell incredible stories that capture the core of how sports inspire and entertain. 30 for 30 Vol. II is scheduled to premiere in October.

“30 for 30 was conceived as a finite collection and when the original series ended in December of 2010 with Pony Excess, we had underestimated the strength of the connection fans had made between sports documentaries and the 30 for 30 brand,” said Connor Schell, vice president of ESPN Films. “We’re proud to have created a brand that has become synonymous with quality sports storytelling and we see value in bringing back a second collection of 30 films.”

In addition to a second slate of 30 feature-length documentaries, ESPN Films will broaden its scope to support a whole new crop of stories with the creation of 30 for 30 Shorts – a 30-part digital short film series. 30 for 30 Shorts will be similar to the feature-length films in that each piece will represent a specific point of view of the filmmaker and will be a reflection of how they blend the narrative with their own visual style. Beginning in September, a new short film will debut monthly on Bill Simmons’ Grantland.com. A 30 for 30 Short entitled “Here Now” about Pete Rose is currently online as preview of the series.

Schell continued: “Launching the new 30 for 30 Shorts brand will give us the chance to widen the array of talented storytellers we can work with who are passionate about sports and have something to say.  The short film genre frees the filmmaker from some of the constraints common with long-form projects.”

The new season of 30 for 30 will have a much more defined multimedia component through closer integration with Grantland.com by featuring filmmaker podcasts with Bill Simmons, topical oral histories, in-depth features and more.  Each of the feature-length films and digital shorts will be complemented with a long-form written piece on Grantland.com that will deepen the experience for the viewer by providing them with additional context.

“We didn’t know what to expect when we created 30 for 30, but the response wildly exceeded our expectations,” said Grantland.com editor-in-chief Bill Simmons, who is a co-creator of the series. “We learned through social media and word of mouth, that each film seemed to provoke a broader conversation about the topic, so with these digital extensions on Grantland, we’re giving fans the opportunity to dive deeper into each film subject. It’s the logical next step for the 30 for 30 series – to make it the most ambitious multi-media storytelling project that we could imagine while continuing to innovate the genre with each new film.”

Films scheduled to air as part of 30 for 30 Vol. II include:

Benji (Coodie and Chike)

In 1984, 17-year-old Ben Wilson was a symbol of everything promising about Chicago: a sweet-natured youngster from the city’s fabled South Side, and America’s top high school basketball prospect. Nicknamed “Magic Johnson with a jump shot,” Wilson’s natural talents and drive assured his best years were yet to come. Then, in November of his senior year, the life of this exceptional youngster was abruptly and tragically cut short. Wilson’s grim fate sent ripples of horror through the city and the country.

Broke (Billy Corben)

Sucked into bad investments, stalked by freeloaders, saddled with medical problems, and naturally prone to showing off, most pro athletes get shocked by harsh economic realities after years of living the high life. Drawing surprisingly vulnerable confessions from retired stars like Keith McCants, Bernie Kosar, Leon Searcy and Andre Rison, as well as commentary from Marvin Miller, the former executive director of the MLB Players Association, Bart Scott of the New York Jets and many other informed voices, this fascinating documentary digs into the psychology of men whose competitive nature carries them to victory on the field and ruin off it.

Bo Knows (Mike Bonfiglio)

A close look at the legendary sports figure Bo Jackson and the marketing campaign that shaped his legacy and redefined the role of the athlete in the pop cultural conversation. Even without winning a Super Bowl or World Series, Bo will forever be known as one of the most famous athletes of all time. This film will look at the marketing of athletes, impossible expectations and the legend of Bo Jackson.

The Season of Their Lives (Jonathan Hock)

When the 1982-83 college basketball season began, Jim Valvano and his North Carolina State Wolfpack faced high expectations with equally high aspirations. But with ten losses for the season, the Wolfpack’s only hope of making the NCAA Tournament was to win the ACC Tournament and earn the conference’s automatic berth. Nine straight improbable tournament wins later over the likes of Sampson, Jordan, Olajuwon and Drexler, N.C. State had “survived and advanced” its way to a national championship. In The Season of Their Lives, director Jonathan Hock takes a poignant look through the eyes of senior captain Dereck Whittenburg at a dream fulfilled and explores what at times has been a tragic and heartbreaking aftermath in the 30 years since.

Previews of the 30 for 30 Vol. II trailer and the 30 for 30 Short “Here Now” can be viewed at ESPN.com/30for30.

About ESPN Films

Created in March 2008, ESPN Films produces high-quality films showcasing compelling sports stories. In October 2009, ESPN Films launched the Peabody Award-winning, Producer’s Guild Award-winning and Emmy-nominated 30 for 30 film series. Inspired by ESPN’s 30th Anniversary, the films that made up the series were a thoughtful and innovative reflection on the past three decades told through the lens of diverse and interesting sports fans and social commentators. Additional projects from ESPN Films include, among others, the critically acclaimed and Television Academy Honor-winning The 16^th Man, Cannes Film Festival official selection The Two Escobars, and the Peabody Award-winning Black Magic. Catching Hell, from Academy Award-winning filmmaker Alex Gibney, and The Announcement, from director Nelson George, were featured in the last slate of ESPN Films.

-30-

“The Triplets” on The Rich Eisen Podcast Thursday, May 17 at 1:30 PM ET

This Week on NFL Total Access –

TONIGHT – Bengals Head Coach Marvin Lewis & Bills QB Vince Young

Wednesday, May 16 – Browns Rookies Trent Richardson & Brandon Weeden In-Studio & Interview with Raiders Head Coach Dennis Allen

Friday, May 18 – Jets Rookie WR Stephen Hill In-Studio

The Top 100: Players of 2012 Presented by Buffalo Wild Wings continues with players ranked #70-61 Wednesday, May 16 at 8:00 PM ET on NFL Network.

At 9:00 PM ET, NFL Network analysts Kurt Warner, Warren Sapp and Daryl Johnston join host Lindsay Rhodes on The Top 100: Players of 2012 – Reactions Presented by Buffalo Wild Wings to discuss and debate the 10 players unveiled this week.

Included among players #70-61:

• Two quarterbacks drafted in the first round
• A two-time Super Bowl champion defensive lineman
• The first Patriots player on offense to be revealed
• An NFL sack champion

To view video of each player, vote on each player ranking and interact with other fans, visit:

http://www.nfl.com/top100/2012

New to this year’s season of The Top 100 is @PlayerRater2012, an anonymous former first-round draft pick and current NFL player who tweets his reaction regarding each ranking. To follow @PlayerRater2012 and to interact with him throughout each episode of The Top 100: Players of 2012, visit https://twitter.com/#!/PlayerRater2012.

Below is complete list of players ranked #100-71:

100. Chris Johnson – Tennessee Titans, RB

99. Ryan Kalil – Carolina Panthers, C

98. Willis McGahee – Denver Broncos, RB

97. Donald Penn – Tampa Bay Buccaneers, T

96. D’Qwell Jackson – Cleveland Browns, LB

95. Tim Tebow – New York Jets, QB

94. Marshawn Lynch – Seattle Seahawks, RB

93. Cortland Finnegan – St. Louis Rams, CB

92. John Kuhn – Green Bay Packers, FB

91. Tony Romo – Dallas Cowboys, QB

90. Hakeem Nicks – New York Giants, WR

89. Dwight Freeney – Indianapolis Colts, DE

88. Michael Turner – Atlanta Falcons, RB

87. London Fletcher – Washington Redskins, LB

86. Darren Sproles – New Orleans Saints, RB

85. NaVorro Bowman – San Francisco 49ers, LB

84. Chris Long – St. Louis Rams, DE

83. Fred Jackson – Buffalo Bills, RB

82. Joe Thomas – Cleveland Browns, T

81. Vince Wilfork – New England Patriots, DT

80. Jordy Nelson – Green Bay Packers, WR

79. Nnamdi Asomugha – Philadelphia Eagles, CB

78. Derrick Johnson – Kansas City Chiefs, LB

77. A.J. Green – Cincinnati Bengals, WR

76. Carl Nicks – Tampa Bay Buccaneers, G

75. Jason Witten – Dallas Cowboys, TE

74. Joe Flacco – Baltimore Ravens, QB

73. Johnathan Joseph – Houston Texans, CB

72. Lance Briggs – Chicago Bears, LB

71. DeSean Jackson – Philadelphia Eagles, WR

The latest edition of The Rich Eisen Podcast airs on NFL Network Thursday, May 17 at 1:30 PM ET and is available for download on NFL.com and iTunes.

In honor of the 20-year anniversary of the Dallas Cowboys’ 1992 Super Bowl-winning team, Eisen and the rest of The Rich Eisen Podcast travel to Dallas for a special road-edition of the podcast. Eisen sits down with three Hall of Fame Cowboy greats collectively known as “The Triplets” – quarterback Troy Aikman, running back Emmitt Smith and wide receiver Michael Irvin. This marks the first time Aikman, Smith and Irvin have sat down for an interview together with the entire group enjoying Hall of Fame status. Eisen sits down with the three to reminisce about the 1992 team – the first of three Super Bowl titles for the three players, – their years together in Dallas and the current state of the Cowboys.

Provided below some thoughts from Smith, Aikman and Irvin on the current state of the Dallas Cowboys:

- “When you look at the running back corps, they have two good guys – very good guys – and either one of them can shoulder the load and shoulder the burden at any point in time. We need Felix Jones to step up because we know DeMarco Murray can make it happen. We need Felix to step up a little bit – that’s a true statement.” – Emmitt Smith on the Cowboys running backs Felix Jones and DeMarco Murray

- “To win you have to have a great quarterback, and I believe that Tony Romo is that. I know what the criticisms are; I know that he has to win in January before people really put him in the elite status. But until you do that, there are always going to be those questions.” – Troy Aikman on Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo

- “Jason Garrett and Tony Romo – they’ve been doing a wonderful job of putting up offensive numbers. The Cowboys addressed what they needed to address in this draft and that is get somebody that can make plays to put points on the board on defense.” – Michael Irvin on the Cowboys

To download this edition of The Rich Eisen Podcast, visit:

http://richeisen.nfl.com/2012/05/15/rich-eisen-podcast-the-triplets-emmitt-smith-troy-aikman-and-michael-irvin/

Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis appears for an interview on NFL Network’s NFL Total Access tonight at 7:00 PM ET to discuss the team’s selections in the draft, making the postseason in 2011 and the rest of the AFC North. Also, recently signed Buffalo Bills quarterback Vince Young discusses his new team and addresses his “Dream Team” comments from last season as a member of the Philadelphia Eagles.

Cleveland Browns first-round draft picks – running back Trent Richardson and quarterback Brandon Weeden – appear in-studio Wednesday, May 16 to recap the Browns’ rookie minicamp and look ahead to the upcoming season. New Oakland Raiders head coach Dennis Allen joins the show for an interview Wednesday to talk about the team heading into the 2012 season and the rest of the AFC West.

On Friday, May 18, New York Jets rookie wide receiver Stephen Hill appears in-studio.

The New Orleans VooDoo host the Orlando Predators in a matchup of South Division teams on NFL Network’s “NET10 Arena Football Friday” May 18 at 8:00 PM ET. Paul Burmeister provides the play-by-play while Brian Baldinger serves as game analyst. Anthony Herron and Ari Wolfe report from the sideline of the New Orleans Arena.

Tuesday, May 15

2:00 PM – America’s Game: 1996 Green Bay Packers

3:00 PM – America’s Game: 1973 Miami Dolphins

4:00 PM – NFL Films Presents: Real Life Heaven

4:30 PM – NFL Films Presents: Greatest Games 2011

5:00 PM – Sound FX: Michael Strahan

5:30 PM – Sound FX: Bill Belichick

6:00 PM – NFL’s Top 10: Gutsiest Calls

7:00 PM – NFL Total Access

8:00 PM – Hard Knocks – 2001 Baltimore Ravens: Episode #4

9:00 PM – Hard Knocks – 2001 Baltimore Ravens: Episode #5

10:00 PM – Hard Knocks – 2001 Baltimore Ravens: Episode #6

11:00 PM – NFL Total Access

12 MIDNIGHT – Hard Knocks – 2001 Baltimore Ravens: Episode #4

1:00 AM – Hard Knocks – 2001 Baltimore Ravens: Episode #5

2:00 AM – Hard Knocks – 2001 Baltimore Ravens: Episode #6

Wednesday, May 16

12 NOON – NFL Films Presents: Jerry Wolman

12:30 PM – Sound FX: Week 10, 2010

1:00 PM – 1998 Atlanta Falcons

1:30 PM – 1998 Denver Broncos

2:00 PM – America’s Game: 1998 Denver Broncos

3:00 PM – Hard Knocks – 2001 Baltimore Ravens: Episode #4

4:00 PM – Hard Knocks – 2001 Baltimore Ravens: Episode #5

5:00 PM – Hard Knocks – 2001 Baltimore Ravens: Episode #6

6:00 PM – NFL’s Top 10: Mobile Quarterbacks

7:00 PM – NFL Total Access

8:00 PM – The Top 100: Players of 2012: #70-61

9:00 PM – The Top 100: Players of 2012 – Reactions: #70-61

10:00 PM – NFL’s Top 10: Clutch Quarterbacks

11:00 PM – NFL Total Access

12 MIDNIGHT – The Top 100: Players of 2012: #70-61

1:00 AM – The Top 100: Players of 2012 – Reactions: #70-61

2:00 AM – NFL’s Top 10: Clutch Quarterbacks

Thursday, May 17

12 NOON – NFL Films Presents: Picture Perfect

12:30 PM – Sound FX: Week 11, 2010

1:00 PM – 1999 St. Louis Rams

1:30 PM – The Rich Eisen Podcast

2:00 PM – America’s Game: 1999 St. Louis Rams

3:00 PM – America’s Game: 1974 Pittsburgh Steelers

4:00 PM – The Top 100: Players of 2012: #70-61

5:00 PM – The Top 100: Players of 2012 – Reactions: #70-61

6:00 PM – NFL’s Top 10: Clutch Quarterbacks

7:00 PM – NFL Total Access

8:00 PM – NFL’s Top 10: Super Bowl Performances

9:00 PM – NFL’s Top 10: Single-Season Performances

10:00 PM – NFL’s Top 10: Gutsiest Performances

11:00 PM – NFL Total Access

12 MIDNIGHT – NFL’s Top 10: Super Bowl Performances

1:00 AM – NFL’s Top 10: Single-Season Performances

2:00 AM – NFL’s Top 10: Gutsiest Performances

3:00 AM – The Rich Eisen Podcast

3:30 AM – Sound FX: Michael Strahan

Friday, May 18

12 NOON – NFL Films Presents: Hairy Proposition

12:30 PM – Sound FX: Week 12, 2010

1:00 PM – 2000 New York Giants

1:30 PM – 2000 Baltimore Ravens

2:00 PM – America’s Game: 2000 Baltimore Ravens

3:00 PM – America’s Game: 1975 Pittsburgh Steelers

4:00 PM – NFL’s Top 10: Super Bowl Performances

5:00 PM – NFL’s Top 10: Single-Season Performances

6:00 PM – NFL’s Top 10: Gutsiest Performances

7:00 PM – NFL Total Access

8:00 PM – Arena Football League: Orlando Predators at New Orleans VooDoo – LIVE

11:00 PM – NFL Total Access

12 MIDNIGHT – The Rich Eisen Podcast

12:30 AM – Sound FX: Bill Belichick

1:00 AM – NFL Follies: Best of Football Follies

2:00 AM – NFL Follies: NFL TV Follies

Saturday, May 19

9:00 AM – The Rich Eisen Podcast

9:30 AM – Sound FX: Steve Mariucci

10:00 AM – The Top 100: Players of 2012: #80-71

11:00 AM – The Top 100: Players of 2012: #70-61

12 NOON – NFL Classic: New York Giants at Green Bay Packers – 2007 NFC Championship Game

3:00 PM – NFL’s Greatest Games: Denver Broncos vs. Cleveland Browns – 1986 AFC Championship Game

4:30 PM – NFL’s Greatest Games: Buffalo Bills vs. Houston Oilers – 1992 AFC Wild Card Game

6:00 PM – NFL’s Top 10: Power Backs

7:00 PM – NFL Total Access – Week in Review

8:00 PM – Fans’ Choice: Super Bowl Replays

9:00 PM – Fans’ Choice: Super Bowl Replays

10:00 PM – Fans’ Choice: Super Bowl Replays

11:00 PM – NFL Total Access – Week in Review

12 MIDNIGHT – Fans’ Choice: Super Bowl Replays

1:00 AM – Fans’ Choice: Super Bowl Replays

2:00 AM – Fans’ Choice: Super Bowl Replays

Sunday, May 20

7:00 AM – Sound FX: Michael Strahan

7:30 AM – The Rich Eisen Podcast

8:00 AM – Fans’ Choice: Super Bowl Replays

9:00 AM – Fans’ Choice: Super Bowl Replays

10:00 AM – Fans’ Choice: Super Bowl Replays

11:00 AM – NFL’s Top 10: Uniforms

12 NOON – NFL’s Top 10: Power Backs

1:00 PM – NFL Replay: Carolina Panthers at Detroit Lions – Week 11, 2011

2:30 PM – Sound FX: Week 11, 2011

3:00 PM – Sound FX: Bill Belichick

3:30 PM – Sound FX: Steve Mariucci

4:00 PM – Hard Knocks – 2001 Baltimore Ravens: Episode #4

5:00 PM – Hard Knocks – 2001 Baltimore Ravens: Episode #5

6:00 PM – Hard Knocks – 2001 Baltimore Ravens: Episode #6

7:00 PM – The Top 100: Players of 2012: #90-81

8:00 PM – The Top 100: Players of 2012: #80-71

9:00 PM – The Top 100: Players of 2012: #70-61

10:00 PM – NFL’s Top 10: Football Myths

11:00 PM – NFL’s Top 10: Worst Teams

12 MIDNIGHT – The Top 100: Players of 2012: #90-81

1:00 AM – The Top 100: Players of 2012: #80-71

2:00 AM – The Top 100: Players of 2012: #70-61

Monday, May 21

6:00 AM – The Top 100: Players of 2012: #90-81

7:00 AM – The Top 100: Players of 2012: #80-71

8:00 AM – The Top 100: Players of 2012: #70-61

9:00 AM – Sound FX: Week 7, 2011

9:30 AM – Sound FX: Week 8, 2011

10:00 AM – Sound FX: Week 9, 2011

10:30 AM – Sound FX: Rex Ryan

11:00 AM – Sound FX: Bill Parcells

11:30 AM – Sound FX: Andy Reid

12 NOON – Hard Knocks – 2001 Baltimore Ravens: Episode #1

1:00 PM – Hard Knocks – 2001 Baltimore Ravens: Episode #2

2:00 PM – Hard Knocks – 2001 Baltimore Ravens: Episode #3

3:00 PM – Hard Knocks – 2001 Baltimore Ravens: Episode #4

4:00 PM – Hard Knocks – 2001 Baltimore Ravens: Episode #5

5:00 PM – Hard Knocks – 2001 Baltimore Ravens: Episode #6

6:00 PM – The Top 100: Players of 2012: #70-61

7:00 PM – NFL Total Access

8:00 PM – NFL’s Greatest Games: San Francisco 49ers vs. Dallas Cowboys – 1981 NFC Championship Game

9:30 PM – NFL’s Greatest Games: San Francisco 49ers vs. Green Bay Packers – 1998 NFC Wild Card Game

11:00 PM – NFL Total Access

12 MIDNIGHT – NFL’s Greatest Games: San Francisco 49ers vs. Dallas Cowboys – 1981 NFC Championship Game

1:30 AM – NFL’s Greatest Games: San Francisco 49ers vs. Green Bay Packers – 1998 NFC Wild Card Game