Sports Media News

Keeping Up With All The Industry Press Releases

NFL Network’s ‘A Football Life’ Continues with Full-Season Wiring of Ray Lewis Wednesday, September 19 at 8:00 PM ET

By

NFL NETWORK’S A FOOTBALL LIFE CONTINUES WITH FULL-SEASON WIRING OF RAY LEWIS WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 19 AT 8:00 PM ET

Ravens Linebacker First Player to Wear Wireless Microphone for Entire Season

“The game will fade one day. I realize that success is one thing; impact is another. I live to impact people.” – Lewis

As a Super Bowl-winning linebacker and 17-year NFL veteran, Ray Lewis has had an indelible impact on the football field. Yet, the legacy Lewis continues to leave stretches far beyond what happens on Sundays, extending to his teammates, his family, the community of Baltimore and thousands of football fans across the country.

Lewis’ impactful life is detailed and explored in the NFL Films produced Ray Lewis: A Football Life, which premieres Wednesday, September 19 at 8:00 PM ET on NFL Network. Following in the footsteps of last year’s critically-acclaimed Bill Belichick: A Football Life, Lewis became the first player in NFL history to wear a wireless microphone in every game for an entire season.

NFL Films’ cameras followed Lewis on and off the field throughout the 2011 season, which ended in a loss to the New England Patriots in the AFC Championship Game, capturing the middle linebacker in a variety of situations and roles. Featuring footage from inside the team meeting room prior to their Week 9 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers, his speech to the Harvard Black Law Students Association at their Spring Conference, lighter moments spent with his family, and more, an all-encompassing profile of the 13-time Pro Bowl linebacker is provided.

The one-hour episode also chronicles his relationship with his father and the bond he formed with Ravens fan Bill Warble, who passed away earlier this year.

Emmy-nominated actor from CBS’ The Good Wife, Josh Charles, narrates.

To view the trailer of Ray Lewis: A Football Life, visit:

http://www.nfl.com/videos/a-football-life/0ap1000000061655/A-Football-Life-Ray-Lewis

Below are select quotes from Ray Lewis: A Football Life:

– “The game will fade one day. I realize that success is one thing; impact is another. I live to impact people.” – Lewis

 

– “That type of interaction with people who really look up to you can change a life instantly.” – Lewis on his relationship with Bill Warble

– “Our fans can’t stand Pittsburgh. And Pittsburgh can’t stand us. It’s just the way it is.” – Lewis

– “I have been there many a time and you realize this is the same game that has haunted us the last three years. That one game, whether it was sooner [in the season] that you didn’t get homefield advantage, or whether it was later because you had to go play in their backyard.” – Lewis on facing the Pittsburgh Steelers

– “I don’t do this for me. I watch enough film so I could put myself in position to make my defense the best defense in damn football. That’s why I come back every year.” – Lewis to the Ravens in team meeting before Week 9 game against the Steelers

– “There is no middle linebacker in the game that can outplay me in their position. And until I’m done, there won’t be.” – Lewis

 

– “You don’t have to respect me by me. You’re going to respect me by what people who I’ve come in contact with know about me.” – Lewis

 

– “I promised my teammates and my coaches something: that we will finish this. We will see another Lombardi trophy in Baltimore. I owe them that.” – Lewis

Below is the September and October broadcast schedule for A Football Life, airing on Wednesday nights at 8:00 PM ET:

  • September 26 – Tom Coughlin
  • October 3 – Cleveland ‘95
  • October 10 – Fearsome Foursome
  • October 17 – Steve McNair
  • October 24 – Eddie DeBartolo
  • October 31 – Chris Spielman

Airing throughout the NFL season, A Football Life examines the iconic individuals and subjects that have had an undeniable and profound impact on the history of the National Football League, offering an inside look into their untold stories.

Every episode of A Football Life and all NFL Network programming is streamed live on NFL Mobile from Verizon, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

NFL Network airs seven days a week, 24 hours a day on a year-round basis and is the only television network fully dedicated to the NFL and the sport of football.  For more information, log on to www.nfl.com/nflnetwork.  NFL.com is the exclusive internet home of NFL Network.

– NFL MEDIA –

NFL Films President Steve Sabol Dies at Age 69

By

STEVE SABOL (1942-2012)

NFL Films President Steve Sabol, for five decades the creative force behind the unique brand of storytelling and cinematography that brought America closer to the game of football, died today at the age of 69 after an 18-month battle with brain cancer.

“Steve Sabol was the creative genius behind the remarkable work of NFL Films,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. “Steve’s passion for football was matched by his incredible talent and energy. Steve’s legacy will be part of the NFL forever. He was a major contributor to the success of the NFL, a man who changed the way we look at football and sports, and a great friend.”

(Please find attached Steve’s final biography, the official obituary which appeared on NFL Network, and a chronology of NFL Films).

[gview file=”https://sportsmedianews.com//srv/htdocs/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Steve-Sabol-Bio-2012.pdf” width=”600″ save=”1″]

[gview file=”https://sportsmedianews.com//srv/htdocs/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/Obituary.pdf” width=”600″ save=”1″]

[gview file=”https://sportsmedianews.com//srv/htdocs/wp-content/uploads/2012/09/NFL-Films-CHRONOLOGY_2012.pdf” width=”600″ save=”1″]

‘The Faces of Tebow’ Kicks off New Season of ‘A Football Life’ Wednesday, September 12 at 8:00 PM ET

By

Quarterbacks Joe Namath, Roger Staubach, Steve Young, Doug Flutie & Kordell Stewart Examine Various Aspects of Jets QB Tim Tebow

“When you don’t fit the mold, it messes with their heads.” – Flutie

Emmy-Nominated Series Returns with Expanded 13-Episode Season

Tim Tebow is a football phenomenon. A Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback and two-time national champion at the University of Florida, Tebow was a well-known commodity even before he was selected in the first round of the 2010 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos. Yet when Tebow became the starting quarterback for the Broncos in 2011, engineering a run in which Denver won seven of eight games and claimed an AFC West division title with an unconventional playing style and several last-minute heroics, he became otherworldly.

On Wednesday, September 12 at 8:00 PM ET on NFL Network, the NFL Films-produced series A Football Life returns with a profile on Tebow as told by former quarterbacks who embody different aspects of his life on and off the field. Titled The Faces of Tebow: A Football Life, legendary quarterbacks Joe Namath, Roger Staubach, Steve Young, Doug Flutie and Kordell Stewart examine what makes the backup quarterback for the New York Jets so unique, and how each sees a little bit of themselves every time they watch Tebow play.

Featuring sitdown interviews with each quarterback legend, on-field sights and sounds from games and practices, and footage from various media appearances by Tebow, Namath, Staubach, Young, Flutie and Stewart, The Faces of Tebow offers a look at the person on and off the field who has captured the attention of the NFL and today’s society.

Emmy-nominated actor Josh Charles (CBS’ The Good Wife) lends his voice to the series for the second consecutive year.

Provided below are select quotes from each quarterback discussing Tebow:

Joe Namath – “Fame”

Before Tebow, Joe Namath established a new standard for the attention not only quarterbacks, but athletes in general, received from the media and public. In his own words, Namath explains how while the life he led off the field is strikingly different from the one Tebow leads, the level of fame each has achieved connects them.

“Tim’s prepared better than anyone that’s gone in there in this kind of situation. Dealing with the media, dealing with endorsements, dealing with requests for your time – he’s better prepared than I was by a long shot.” – Namath

“A younger Joe Namath would have said, ‘he can’t play quarterback.’ I would have probably been harsh on his passing ability. I promise you, I’m a fan of Tim Tebow’s. Using his strengths, and that’s being able to run and throw on the run some, as a steady diet will that work? I don’t think so. But as a mix I believe it can work.” – Namath

Doug Flutie – “The Outsider”

As quarterback at Boston College, Doug Flutie won a Heisman Trophy and was responsible for one of the most iconic plays in college football history. Yet due to his 5’10’’ stature, Flutie was consistently overlooked. Even with opportunities to start for the New England Patriots and Buffalo Bills, he was never viewed as “the guy” despite his level of success and popularity.

“I was always viewed as a guy who was unconventional, and so is Tim Tebow…When you don’t fit the mold, it messes with their heads.” – Flutie

“[Tim Tebow in Denver] was very similar to what was happening with me in New England back in the late ‘80s. If he needs to be the starter for a period of time, he’s proven that we can win that way. But he’s not ‘our guy.’” – Flutie

Roger Staubach – “Faith”

Not only do Tebow and Dallas Cowboys quarterback Roger Staubach share the distinction of both being Heisman Trophy winners, but both are very strong in their religious faith. The Hall of Fame quarterback discusses his own faith and Tebow’s personality on and off the field.

“He sets a great example and he lives it. When you’re Tebowing and you’re on your knee and you’re praying, hopefully that’s who you are. I just like the guy. He just seems for real to me.” – Staubach

Kordell Stewart – “Football Player”

Nicknamed “Slash,” Kordell Stewart became an important part of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ offense due to his ability to play a variety of positions in addition to quarterback. When Stewart became the starting quarterback in 1997, he led the Steelers to the AFC Championship Game. With ability to do things on the football field that other quarterbacks can’t, Stewart sees himself in Tebow.

“[Playing different positions on offense] was the most fun ever, but it tainted the quarterback position for me a little bit. But at the same time, it gave me an in to the point where they figured, ‘Well, if he can do all of these things great, if we put him in the right situation and accommodate his skill set, it could be something special.’” – Stewart

“What he brings to the table is the heart of a lion and he wins. That’s what you have to love about Tim Tebow, and that’s what the world loves about him. He’s a fighter.” – Stewart

“Rex Ryan has seen it many times when he was in Baltimore and I was in Pittsburgh running around making that defense go stone crazy. Ray Lewis, he’s said to me many times he hated playing against myself and Mark Brunell because he was the spy; he was the one that had to catch us. That’s what they have up in New York now: that type of player that can create those types of issues.” – Stewart

Steve Young – “The Quarterback Within”

As the eighth-string quarterback while in college at BYU, Steve Young was buried on the depth chart and was given opportunities to play other positions to get on the field. But Young held firm and eventually became the Cougars’ starting quarterback. Young made it to the NFL in 1985 with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and then was traded to the San Francisco 49ers where he backed up Joe Montana. Eventually Young was given his opportunity to be the starter and became a Hall of Fame quarterback.

“You can take it as a backhanded compliment that you’re talented enough to play a number of other spots. But when you’re really focused on playing quarterback, it’s painful. I had to be very hard-headed about it.” – Young

“You cannot run around and play in the NFL. You have to throw the football from the pocket, you have to deliver it from the pocket on time. That’s the job. There is no other job. You can try to make a career running around and you might be able to do it for a little while. But if you want to do this long-term, that’s the job. Do the job.” – Young

“He can do the job. He has the natural throwing talent to actually play quarterback in the NFL, drop back 40 times, be efficient and be good at it, and then possibly great at it.” – Young

Airing throughout the NFL season, A Football Life examines the iconic individuals and subjects that have had an undeniable and profound impact on the history of the National Football League, offering an inside look into their untold stories. Forthcoming episodes include profiles of Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis, Super Bowl-winning head coaches Tom Coughlin and Jimmy Johnson, former owner of the San Francisco 49ers Eddie DeBartolo, Jr., and the late Steve McNair.

NFL Network broadcasts seven days a week, 24 hours a day on a year-round basis and is the only television network fully dedicated to the NFL and the sport of football.  For fans on the go, all NFL Network programming is streamed live on NFL Mobile from Verizon. For more information, log on to www.nfl.com/nflnetwork.  NFL.com is the exclusive internet home of NFL Network.

– NFL MEDIA –

NFL Offers Sixth Annual “NFL Broadcast Boot Camp” June 18-21

By

Top NFL Producers & Talent to Instruct Players:

CBS’ James Brown to Serve as Host Joined By

Ron Jaworski, Curt Menefee, Kenny Albert & Dick Vermeil

First-Time “Advanced” Curriculum Offered to 3 Former Boot Campers

Players can earn guest hosting opportunity on SiriusXM NFL Radio &

NFL TV and radio partners in U.K.

Twenty three current and former NFL players, including CHAD BROWN, TROY BROWN, NATE BURLESON, KRIS JENKINS and JARRETT PAYTON, will take part in the sixth annual NFL Broadcast Boot Camp at NFL Films in Mt. Laurel, New Jersey, it was announced today.

The program, which runs from June 18-21, is directed by the NFL Player Engagement and NFL Broadcasting departments and covers a wide range of topics with instructors from each of the NFL’s broadcast partners – CBS, ESPN, FOX, NBC, NFL Network, SiriusXM, Dial Global Radio, plus local radio and TV.  It will include hands-on work in areas such as tape study, editing, show preparation, radio production, control room operation, studio preparation, production meetings, field reporting and game preparation.  Each player will tape segments as a studio and game analyst and take part in a networking session with television executives.  Each player also will serve as a live guest host on SiriusXM NFL Radio alongside hosts Rich Gannon, Adam Schein, Tim Ryan, Pat Kirwan and Ross Tucker.

New this year, three veteran Broadcast Boot Campers – ADAM ARCHULETA (Class of 2010), JOHN FINA (2011) and MICHEAL YOUNG (2010) – will participate in “Boot Camp Advanced” featuring one-on-one training with faculty members offering extensive training in speech and vocal techniques, getting the most out of production meetings, and studio and play-by-play analysis.

Also for the first time, the NFL Broadcast Boot Camp Class of 2012 will have the opportunity to earn a guest hosting spot on SiriusXM NFL Radio and one of the league’s United Kingdom broadcasting partners during the 2012 season. Last season former NFL players ROCKY BOIMAN and NICK FERGUSON were selected to serve as studio analysts for an NFL regular-season Sunday on Sky Sports in the U.K. Later in the season, Boiman earned additional game assignments including the Playoffs and Super Bowl for Sky TV and BBC Radio.

Of the 105 players who took part in the Broadcast Boot Camp from 2007-2011, 44 have earned broadcasting jobs as a result of their participation in the program.

“We are excited to continue and expand the Broadcast Boot Camp which for many current and former players has been a springboard to successful careers off the field,” said TROY VINCENT, NFL Vice President of Player Engagement.

The NFL Broadcast Boot Camp is one of several NFL Player Engagement programs to assist players in reaching their highest potential on and off-the-field with guidance, support, and resources provided before, during, and after their NFL experiences. NFL Player Engagement works with three core audiences: Prep, Life, and Next.

Enrollment criteria for the Broadcast Boot Camp include NFL playing experience, essays, and demonstrated interest in media.
Following are the current and former NFL players enrolled in the NFL Broadcast Boot Camp:

Player

Team

Player

Team

David Anderson

Free Agent (WAS)

Kris Jenkins

Retired (NYJ, CAR)

Adam Archuleta*

Retired (CHI, WAS, STL)

Mike Karney

Retired (STL, NO)

Chad Brown

Retired (NE, PIT, SEA)

Corey Mays

Retired (KC, CIN, NE)

Troy Brown

Retired (NE)

Kevin O’Connell

Free Agent (NYJ)

Melvin Bullitt

Free Agent (IND)

Tony Pashos

Free Agent (CLE)

Nate Burleson

DET

Jarrett Payton

Retired (TEN)

David Caldwell

IND

Brady Poppinga

Free Agent (STL)

Patrick Crayton

Free Agent (SD)

Michael Robinson

SEA

Joel Dreessen

DEN

Mark Tauscher

Retired (GB)

John Fina*

Retired (ARI, BUF)

Leonard Weaver

Retired (PHI, SEA)

Kendall Gammon

Retired (KC, NO, PIT)

Micheal Young*

Retired (ARI)

Shayne Graham

HOU

* advanced participants
With more than 400 years of broadcasting experience, following are the NFL broadcasting talent and production staff who will lend their expertise to the program:

Name Network
Glenn Adamo NFL Films
Kenny Albert FOX
Brian Baldinger NFL Network
Rocky Boiman Boot Camp Class of ‘11
Alexandra Brady NFL Network
Bill Brown FOX
James Brown CBS, Showtime
Quentin Carter Big Ten Network
Mark Champion NFL play-by-play
Steve Cohen SiriusXM
Greg Cosell NFL Films
Howard David Dial Global Radio
Howard Deneroff Dial Global Radio
John Entz FOX
Victor Frank CBS
Rob Gill NFL Films
Bob Goodrich Media Consultant
Annie Hoffman Goodrich Media Consultant
Ron Jaworski ESPN
Arthur Joseph NFL Network Consultant
Howard Katz NFL
Gerry Matalon ESPN
Dick Maxwell NFL
Curt Menefee FOX
Steve Menzel NFL Films
Russ Molloy CBS Sports Network
Nick Pavlatos SiriusXM
Derek Rackley Big Ten Network
Pete Radovich CBS
Jason Romano ESPN
Mike Rosenstein NFL Films
Michelle Salvatore Compass Media
Gerry Sandusky WBAL-TV, Ravens
Bardia Shah-Rais NFL Network
Ray Smaltz FOX Sports
Chip Swain NFL Films
Jacob Ullman FOX
Dick Vermeil Former NFL coach/broadcaster
Mark Wolff CBS

NFL Media Scores 14 Sports Emmy Nominations

By

 

TWO NOMINATIONS FOR “A FOOTBALL LIFE”

TWO NFL FILMS’ PRODUCED SHOWS NOMINATED FOR OUTSTANDING SPORTS SERIES

ANALYST MIKE MAYOCK NOMINATED FOR FIRST SEASON ON “THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL”

 

NFL Media, comprised of NFL Network, NFL Films and NFL.com, recorded 14 Sports Emmy Award nominations, the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences announced today.

The critically acclaimed NFL Network/NFL Films A Football Life series was recognized in its debut season with two nominations — in the Outstanding Sports Anthology Series category as well as for the “Meet Bill Belichick” promotional announcement/commercial.

NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock was nominated as Outstanding Event Analyst for his first season in the Thursday Night Football booth.

For the second time in the show’s two seasons, the NFL Network/NFL.com production The NFL Season: A Biography received a nomination in the Outstanding New Approaches Sports Programming category. NFL Network/NFL.com received a second nomination in the category for the new Football Freakonomics series.

NFL Network earned recognition in the writing category for the “Lombardi Returns” feature on NFL GameDay Morning and for Outstanding Edited Sports Special for “Sharpe Focus: Journey to Canton.” In addition, the NFL GameDay Morning “Carpool” commercial was nominated.

NFL Films, which has won 105 Sports Emmy awards, is the only company to produce two shows nominated in the Outstanding Sports Anthology Series category and is the only with nominated programs produced for three TV networks. In addition to A Football Life, NFL Films earned a nomination in the anthology series category for the new NFL Turning Point show, which it produces with VERSUS, which was rebranded NBC Sports Network earlier this year. NFL Films also was nominated in the Outstanding Studio Show/Weekly category for Inside the NFL, which it produces along with Showtime and CBS.

NFL Network and NFL Films also gained recognition for NFL Films Presents: Shots of the Season (Outstanding Camera Work), Men of Mettle – Ed Sabol’s Last Football Movie (Outstanding Music Composition/Direction/Lyrics), and NFL Films Presents: Super Bowl XLV and Sound FX: All Access in the Outstanding Post Produced Audio category.

The 33nd Annual Sports Emmys Awards will be presented on Monday, April 30 in New York City at the Frederick P. Rose Hall, Home of Jazz at Lincoln Center.

Following is a list of the nominations:

 

OUTSTANDING EDITED SPORTS SERIES/ANTHOLOGY

A Football Life (NFL Network/NFL Films)

NFL Turning Point (VERSUS/NFL Films)

 

OUTSTANDING SPORTS PERSONALITY – EVENT ANALYST

Mike Mayock (NFL Network)

 

OUTSTANDING NEW APPROACHES SPORTS PROGRAMMING

Football Freakonomics (NFL Network/NFL.com)

The NFL Season: A Biography (NFL Network/NFL.com)

 

OUTSTANDING STUDIO SHOW – WEEKLY

Inside the NFL (Showtime/CBS Sports/NFL Films)

 

OUTSTANDING EDITED SPORTS SPECIAL

Sharpe Focus: Journey to Canton (NFL Network)

 

THE DICK SCHAAP WRITING AWARD

NFL GameDay Morning: Lombardi Returns (NFL Network)

 

OUTSTANDING SPORTS PROMOTIONAL ANNOUNCEMENT-INSTITUTIONAL

NFL GameDay Morning “Carpool” (NFL Network/Grey)


OUTSTANDING SPORTS PROMOTIONAL ANNOUNCEMENT-EPISODIC

Bill Belichick: A Football Life – “Meet Bill Belichick” (NFL Network/NFL Films)

 

OUTSTANDING CAMERA WORK

NFL Films Presents: Shots of the Season (NFL Network/NFL Films)

 

OUTSTANDING MUSIC COMPOSITION/DIRECTION/LYRICS

Men of Mettle – Ed Sabol’s Last Football Movie (NFL Network/NFL Films)

 

OUTSTANDING POST PRODUCED AUDIO/SOUND

NFL Films Presents: Super Bowl XLV (NFL Network/NFL Films)

Sound FX: All Access (NFL Network/NFL Films)

                                                                                                                                                                                                                   

NFL Network airs seven days a week, 24 hours a day on a year-round basis and is the first television network fully dedicated to the NFL and the sport of football. For more information, log onto www.nfl.com/nflnetwork. NFL.com is the exclusive internet home of NFL Network. 

###

NFL Films’ “Road To The Super Bowl” Debuts On NBC At 12:00 Noon ET On Super Bowl Sunday

By

42nd Year of TV’s Longest-Running, Most-Honored Annual Sports Special

One-Hour Special Culled From 1.7 Million Feet of Game Film &

400 Hours of Game Audio from 133 Coaches & Players

How did the New York Giants and New England Patriots advance to Super Bowl XLVI in Indianapolis?  Re-live the journey as only NFL Films can present it on “Road to the Super Bowl” on Super Bowl Sunday, February 5 at 12:00 Noon ET on NBC.

“Road to the Super Bowl” begins with Kickoff Weekend and chronicles the 2011 NFL season utilizing NFL Films’ signature captivating video and sound from on the field and in the locker room from exclusive player and coach wirings.

“For those who love football, this show is red meat,” said NFL Films president Steve Sabol. “No interviews, no talking heads, all action.”

“Road to the Super Bowl” is the longest-running (42 years) and most honored (28 Sports Emmys) annual sports special. “Road to the Super Bowl,” which debuted following the 1969 season, was culled by NFL Films producers from more than 1.7 million feet of game footage to 980 feet for the one-hour special.  In addition, more than 400 hours of audio were captured from 133 exclusive coach and player on-field wirings.  Original orchestral music, including a 60-person choir, was used in producing the show.

###

‘The Longest Game Ever – Miami Dolphins vs. Kansas City Chiefs’ 40 Years to the Day — Sunday, Dec. 25 at 6:00 PM ET on NFL Network

By

THE LONGEST GAME EVER – MIAMI DOLPHINS VS. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS 40 YEARS TO THE DAY

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 25 AT 6:00 PM ET ON NFL NETWORK

One-Hour Special Commemorates 40th Anniversary of the Longest Game in NFL History

Features Never-Before-Seen Footage, Original Radio Broadcast & New Interviews with Players & Coaches

On Christmas Day in 1971, the Kansas City Chiefs hosted the Miami Dolphins in the AFC Divisional Game which the Dolphins won, 27-24, in double overtime after 82 minutes and 40 seconds of play. Four decades later, that game remains the longest NFL game ever played.

On the 40th anniversary to the day, NFL Network presents a one-hour NFL Films-produced special on the game, The Longest Game Ever, Sunday, December 25 at 6:00 PM ET on NFL Network.

“This show is like unearthing a treasure that was buried for 40 years,” said NFL Films president Steve Sabol. “I am so glad that we can re-tell the story of this classic game to an entire new generation that has never had the chance to see it. Never mind sending this game film to the Hall of Fame; the Smithsonian would be a better choice.”

Fourteen future Hall of Famers took part in the game, including both coaches (Don Shula and Hank Stram) and quarterbacks (Bob Griese and Len Dawson). Additionally, Kansas City’s Ed Podolak posted 350 all-purpose yards (85 rushing, 110 receiving, 154 on kickoffs and one yard on punt returns), which is an NFL playoff record that still stands today.

Featuring never-before-seen NFL Films footage, the original Dolphins and Chiefs radio broadcasts and interviews with players and coaches, The Longest Game Ever provides the most comprehensive production ever surrounding the classic 1971 AFC Divisional Game.

Highlighting the never-before-seen footage is NBC television broadcast of the Dolphins’ final, game-winning drive in the second overtime – the only existing television footage that has not been seen since 1971.

Additional footage includes in-game sound from both team benches, such as Miami running backs Mercury Morris and Jim Kiick talking about trying to run against the Chiefs run defense, and Kansas City head coach Hank Stram discussing team strategy prior to the first overtime.

The Longest Game Ever includes new interviews with the following individuals:

Bob Griese – Miami Dolphins Hall of Fame quarterback

Don Shula – Miami Dolphins Hall of Fame head coach

Len Dawson – Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Fame quarterback

Paul Warfield – Miami Dolphins Hall of Fame wide receiver

Bobby Bell – Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Fame linebacker/defensive end

Ed Podolak – Kansas City Chiefs running back

Garo Yepremian – Miami Dolphins kicker

Jan Stenerud – Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Fame kicker

Dick Anderson – Miami Dolphins safety

Jim Lynch – Kansas City Chiefs linebacker

Archived interviews with Hall of Fame Dolphins running back Larry Csonka, Hall of Fame Chiefs linebacker Willie Lanier and Chiefs head coach Hank Stram are also featured.

Live sound of the Christmas pageantry, Chiefs fans cheering on their team and vendors in the stands in the final football game ever played at Kansas City Municipal Stadium is also included in this unique look at one of the greatest games in NFL history.

Following the special at 7:00 PM ET, hosts Scott Hanson and Lindsay Soto join analysts Willie McGinest and Tom Waddle on a special Christmas edition of NFL Total Access to preview the game that night between the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears. At 11:30 PM ET, host Rich Eisen and analysts Steve Mariucci, Deion Sanders and Michael Irvin recap the Week 16 games on a special Christmas edition of NFL GameDay Final.

NFL Network airs seven days a week, 24 hours a day on a year-round basis and is the only television network fully dedicated to the NFL and the sport of football. For more information, log on to www.nfl.com/nflnetwork. NFL.com is the exclusive internet home of NFL Network.

– NFL NETWORK –

Packers-Giants, Broncos-Vikings & Cowboys-Cardinals Featured on ‘NFL Replay’ + Patriots Tom Brady & Bill Belichick Wired on ‘Sound FX’

By


NFL Network’s Week 13 NFL Replay, Sound FX & No Huddle

 

Tuesday, December 6

  • 8:00 PM ET NFL Replay: Green Bay Packers at New York Giants

With 58 seconds remaining in the game, Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers drove the team 68 yards to set up Mason Crosby’s game-winning 31-yard field goal in Green Bay’s 38-35 victory over the New York Giants. Trailing by eight points, Giants quarterback Eli Manning tied the game on a touchdown pass to Hakeem Nicks and a successful two-point conversation with just over one minute remaining in the game. Rodgers finished the game with 369 yards and four touchdowns as the defending Super Bowl champions remained undefeated.

http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2011120410/2011/REG13/packers@giants#menu=highlights&tab=recap

  • 9:30 PM ET NFL Replay: Denver Broncos at Minnesota Vikings

Denver quarterback Tim Tebow threw for a season-high 202 yards and two third-quarter touchdowns as the Broncos defeated the Minnesota Vikings, 35-32, to win their fifth consecutive game. Denver kicker Matt Prater tied the game on a 46-yard field goal with 1:38 remaining, and connected on the game-winning 23-yard field goal as time expired that was set up by Andre Goodman’s interception of Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder. Ponder set Minnesota’s single-game rookie record with 381 yards passing.

http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2011120409/2011/REG13/broncos@vikings#menu=highlights&tab=recap

Wednesday, December 7

 

  • 8:00 PM ET NFL Replay: Dallas Cowboys at Arizona Cardinals

Cardinals running back LaRod Stephens-Howling scored on a 52-yard screen pass to lead Arizona to a 19-13 victory over the Dallas Cowboys in overtime. With a chance to win the game, Cowboys kicker Dan Bailey missed a 49-yard field goal at the end of regulation. Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo threw for 299 yards and one touchdown, and Cardinals quarterback Kevin Kolb returned to the lineup to throw for 247 yards and one touchdown.

http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/2011120411/2011/REG13/cowboys@cardinals#menu=highlights&tab=recap

  • 9:30 PM ET Sound FX: Week 13 – Includes Wired Sound from Patriots QB Tom Brady & Head Coach Bill Belichick

A compilation of the best on-field sights and sounds from around the league from Week 13 of the NFL season, featuring wired sound of Patriots quarterback Tom Brady and head coach Bill Belichick, Cardinals defensive back Patrick Peterson, Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett, Steelers defensive end Brett Keisel and Vikings head coach Leslie Frazier.

  • 10:00 PM ET No Huddle – Michael Irvin, Marshall Faulk, Warren Sapp & Guest Analyst Darren Sharper

Michael Irvin, Marshall Faulk, Warren Sapp and guest analyst Darren Sharper are featured this week on No Huddle Wednesday, December 7 at 10:00 PM ET for a roundtable discussion. The four discuss the following topics:

  • Are the New Orleans Saints the second best team in the NFL?
  • Is Tim Tebow improving as a passer?
  • Which 7-5 team in the NFC is in the most danger of missing the playoffs: Bears, Falcons or Lions?

NFL Replay offers an exclusive look at the previous week’s games in a condensed, 90-minute, high-octane format. With the use of bonus NFL Films and NFL Network footage, including never-before-seen camera angles and coaches’ commentary, combined with exclusive wired sound from the field, locker rooms and sidelines, viewers will experience the game like never before.

NFL Network’s NFL Replay programming on Tuesday and Wednesday begins at 8:00 PM ET, with two 90-minute replays of games from the previous week on Tuesday, and one 90-minute replay on Wednesday. Following the final game replay on Wednesday, Sound FX provides exclusive on-field sights and sounds at 9:30 PM ET.

HBO Sports And NFL Films Examine The Life Of “Broadway Joe” Namath In A Documentary Debuting Jan. 28

By

HBO SPORTS AND NFL FILMS EXAMINE THE LIFE OF “BROADWAY JOE” NAMATH,

ONE OF PRO FOOTBALL’S BIGGEST STARS,

IN A DOCUMENTARY DEBUTING JAN. 28, EXCLUSIVELY ON HBO

NEW YORK, Nov. 22, 2011 – The Emmy®-winning combination of HBO Sports and NFL Films will explore the fascinating life and career of one of pro football’s biggest stars in a documentary on New York Jets icon Joe Namath, it was announced today by Rick Bernstein, executive producer, HBO Sports. NAMATH debuts SATURDAY, JAN. 28 (8:00-9:30 p.m. ET/PT), exclusively on HBO.

“Joe Namath is one of the most compelling sports figures of the last 50 years and we are delighted to tell his story,” said Bernstein. “We will retrace his life not only from Joe’s perspective, but also from the viewpoints of many others who are familiar with Joe’s extraordinary football career, following his journey from Beaver Falls to today. We hope to present the definitive film on an NFL icon and a trailblazing free spirit.”

“In the mythology of pro football, Joe Namath is Arthur,” says Steve Sabol, president of NFL Films. “He pulled the proverbial sword from the stone and the NFL became the Camelot of American sports. His story is timeless, authentic and also very human. It is a privilege for NFL Films to partner with HBO Sports once again in documenting the life of ‘Broadway Joe.’ ”

Born in Beaver Falls, Pa. in 1943, Namath was raised in western Pennsylvania and was a stellar high school athlete in basketball, baseball and football. He accepted a football scholarship to the University of Alabama and played quarterback for the legendary Paul “Bear” Bryant. Namath led the Crimson Tide to the top of the national polls in 1964 and his stock as a pro football prospect soared.

With entertainment mogul Sonny Werblin at the helm of ownership of the New York Jets, Namath elected to sign with the upstart American Football League for a then-staggering $427,000, and by game five of his first season had become the Jets’ starting quarterback. He was subsequently named AFL Rookie of the Year, and was one of the first sports celebrity superstars, captivating both the entertainment press and fans with his movie-star looks and bigger-than-life “Broadway Joe” personality.

In a moment that would alter the NFL landscape, Namath led the underdog New York Jets to a world championship title in Super Bowl III versus the heavily favored Baltimore Colts. His “guarantee” of a Jets upset brought him legendary status.

While his MVP performance in Super Bowl III was the high point, Namath fashioned a high-flying all-star career during his 13 years in pro football, and was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1985.

Now 68, Namath remains engaged in the game with which he has had a lifelong love affair. He provides radio commentary, is connected to new media initiatives through Facebook and Twitter (@realjoenamath), and hosts his own website destination (broadwayjoe.tv).

HBO Sports and NFL Films have a long history of acclaimed football productions, including the 2010 documentary “Lombardi,” which earned rave reviews and received the Sports Emmy® for Outstanding Documentary.

The executive producers of NAMATH are Rick Bernstein for HBO Sports and Steve Sabol for NFL Films; produced by Joe Lavine for HBO Sports and Keith Cossrow for NFL Films; Liev Schreiber narrates; music composed by Dave Robidoux of NFL Films; executive producer for Namanco Productions Inc, James Walsh.

###

Legendary Raiders Owner Al Davis Featured in Season Finale of NFL Network’s ‘A Football Life’ Friday, November 11 at 10:00 PM ET

By

LEGENDARY RAIDERS OWNER AL DAVIS FEATURED IN SEASON FINALE OF NFL NETWORK’SA FOOTBALL LIFE

FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 11 AT 10:00 PM ET

Includes Never-Before-Seen Interviews with Al Davis & Memories from Former Raiders

Debuts the Night After Raiders-Chargers on Thursday Night FootballNovember 10 at 8:00 PM ET

As an owner, team president, general manager, commissioner, head and assistant coach, and scout,Al Davisfilled a number of roles and impacted the game of professional football in ways few could match. OnFriday, November 11 at 10:00 PM ET, NFL Network examines the life and legacy of the late Davis onAl Davis: A Football Life, offering an in-depth look into his six decades in professional football.

The season-finale ofA Football Lifedebuts the night after the Oakland Raiders play the San Diego Chargers to kick off NFL Network’s 2011Thursday Night Footballschedule onNovember 10 at 8:00 PM ET.

Each segment of the one-hour, NFL Films-produced documentary examines one aspect of Davis’ personality – the brand-builder, the tactician, the boss, the underdog, the Super Bowl champion and the legend – providing an all-encompassing profile of a true NFL original.

The documentaryfeatures previously unseen NFL Films interviews with Davis, and new interviews with former Raiders playersMatt Millen,Willie BrownandGeorge Atkinson, former Raiders front office executiveMichael LombardiandYahoo! Sportsfootball writerMichael Silverreflecting on Davis’ career and legacy. Additional interviews include archived footage of former Raiders head coachesJohn Madden,Tom FloresandArt Shell, and current Washington Redskins head coachMike Shanahandiscussing the NFL icon.

To view the trailer forAl Davis: A Football Life, please click on the following link:

http://www.nfl.com/videos/a-football-life/09000d5d823c0a20/A-Football-Life-trailer-Al-Davis

Following are select quotes fromAl Davis: A Football Life –

“He was so far ahead of his time that he branded a team and he built a framework for the league to understand what branding was all about.”– Michael Lombardi

“The fire that burns brightest in me and the fire that burns brightest in this organization is the will to win. Just win.”– Al Davis

“He didn’t care about your background, he didn’t care what you had done previously, he didn’t care what your aspirations were. He cared about one thing: could you play for him right now? Could you help us win a world championship?”– Matt Millen

“I’m going to dominate if I can, other than maybe life or death, the things that I want. I’m going to dominate them and I’m going to get them done.”– Al Davis

Emmy-nominated actor Josh Charles(CBS’The Good Wife), lends his voice to the series.

Airing throughout the fall, NFL Network’s documentary seriesA Football Lifeoffered a look inside the untold stories of NFL icons. Each installment in the series focused on the life and career of provocative subjects intertwined in the fabric of NFL history, such asWalter Payton,Kurt Warner,Mike Ditka,Tom Landryand late teammatesReggie WhiteandJerome Brown.Bill Belichick: A Football Life, which premiered September 15, became the most-watched documentary in the eight-year history of NFL Network.

Additional video highlights from every episode of this season’sA Football Lifeare on NFL.com atwww.nfl.com/footballlife.

– NFL MEDIA –