Live Coverage of the New England Patriots’ Arrival in Arizona at 6:30 PM ET

‘NFL AM’ Airs Live at 6:00 AM ET From Foxborough, Boston, Arizona & Los Angeles

‘Super Bowl Live’ Airs From 12 Noon – 7:00 PM ET

‘NFL Total Access’ at 7:00 PM ET & ‘Super Bowl Tonight’ at 8:00 PM ET

REMINDER: NFL Network provides live coverage of the Seattle Seahawks’ arrival in Arizona TODAY at 4:00 PM ET.

Coming up on NFL Network on Monday, January 26

– NFL AM airs at 6:00 AM ET from Boston, Arizona and NFL Network’s studios in Los Angeles

• Erin Coscarelli and LaVar Arrington live from Los Angeles
• Rhett Lewis and Eric Davis live from Gillette Stadium in Foxborough
• Randy Moss live from Boston
• Jordan Babineaux & Aditi Kinkhabwala live from the Seahawks’ hotel in Arizona
• Jeff Darlington live from the Patriots’ hotel in Arizona
• Green Bay Packers wide receiver Jordy Nelson joins the show

–  Super Bowl Live provides live coverage on NFL Network from 12 Noon – 7:00 PM ET

• Live coverage of the New England Patriots’ arrival in Arizona at 6:30 PM ET

– NFL Total Access airs at 7:00 PM ET from the NFL Experience with hosts Dan Hellie and Amber Theoharis, and analysts Marshall Faulk, Kurt Warner and Heath Evans

– At 8:00 PM ET, Super Bowl Tonight airs with host Melissa Stark and analysts Deion Sanders, Michael Irvin and Kurt Warner

Record 87 Hours of Live On-Location Coverage from Arizona, Including 12.5 Hours of Super Bowl Sunday Coverage

41 On-Air Personalities with a Combined 18 Super Bowl Rings

First-Ever Social Media Command Center to Provide Updates on Twitter, Facebook & Instagram Conversation Surrounding Super Bowl XLIX

‘NFL AM,’ ‘Super Bowl Live,’ ‘NFL Total Access’ & ‘Super Bowl Tonight’ Shows Live from Arizona Throughout the Week

Comprehensive Live Coverage of Super Bowl XLIX Media Day from the US Airways Center – Tuesday, January 27

For the 12th year, NFL Network is on-location providing comprehensive, wall-to-wall coverage of Super Bowl week. With a record 87 live hours of on-location coverage from Arizona, and featuring a roster of 41 on-air personalities with a combined 18 Super Bowl rings, NFL Network is the go-to destination for expert analysis, the latest news and reports, special guest appearances, matchup-related programming and more leading up to Super Bowl XLIX.

Beginning Monday, January 26, NFL Network kicks off its coverage from Arizona with live coverage of the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots team arrivals. With 12.5 hours of pregame and postgame coverage on Super Bowl Sunday, a new show Super Bowl Tonight Monday-Thursday at 8:00 PM ET, on-location live telecasts of original shows such as NFL AM, NFL Total Access and Super Bowl Live, special Super Bowl-related programming such as Players Only: Super Bowl XLIX and Playbook: Super Bowl XLIX Preview, Super Bowl features and expansive matchup-related programming and features, NFL Network provides all-encompassing inside access to everything inside and outside of Super Bowl XLIX.

Super Bowl Sunday Coverage

On Super Bowl Sunday, February 1, NFL Network provides 12.5 hours of live pregame and postgame coverage, starting at 7:00 AM ET with NFL GameDay First, presented by Verizon. NFL Network’s coverage continues at 9:00 AM ET with a special 8.5-hour edition of NFL GameDay Morning, presented by U.S. Marine Corps., utilizing 25 on-air talent members. Following the game, NFL GameDay Final, presented by Mercedes-Benz, is live from University of Phoenix Stadium with postgame interviews with players and coaches, in-depth analysis and complete game highlights.

NFL GameDay First – 7:00 AM ET

• Sterling Sharpe, Shaun O’Hara & Michael Robinson – NFL Experience
• Jeff Darlington & Aditi Kinkhabwala – Team hotels

NFL GameDay Morning – 9:00 AM ET

• Rich Eisen, Steve Mariucci, Marshall Faulk, Kurt Warner, Warren Sapp & Michael Irvin – University of Phoenix main set
• Ian Rapoport – University of Phoenix Stadium
• Melissa Stark, Deion Sanders & Willie McGinest – NFL Fan Plaza
• Chris Rose, Willie McGinest, LaDainian Tomlinson & Terrell Davis – NFL Experience
• Brian Billick & Shaun O’Hara – Booth
• Stacey Dales & Heath Evans – Seahawks hotel
• Kim Jones & Nate Burleson – Patriots hotel
• Steve Wyche – Seahawks arrival & sideline
• Alex Flanagan – Patriots arrival & sideline

NFL Network’s Super Bowl XLIX programming includes:

• On Monday, January 26, NFL Network provides live coverage of both team arrivals for Super Bowl XLIX. Throughout the week, NFL Network provides live coverage from each team hotel

• NFL AM airs Monday, January 26 – Friday, January 30 at 6:00 AM ET, delivering four hours of live analysis and interviews. Monday’s edition of the show airs from Seattle and Boston, as well as NFL Network’s studios in Los Angeles. Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday’s shows air live from the “Fan Gallery” in Radio Row in Arizona, providing the first reports and analysis from the site of Super Bowl XLIX each day. Hosts Rhett Lewis and Erin Coscarelli are joined by analysts Eric Davis, LaVar Arrington and Jordan Babineaux throughout the week. NFL AM’s on-site coverage of Super Bowl XLIX is presented by Dannon and Xbox One

• Super Bowl Live airs Monday, January 26 from 12 Noon – 7:00 PM ET, Wednesday, January 28, Thursday, January 29 & Friday, January 30 from 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM ET, and Saturday, January 31 from 6:00 – 8:00 PM ET from two sets at the NFL Experience with up-to-the-minute reports, analysis and interviews with some of the biggest names in sports and entertainment. Super Bowl Live is presented throughout the week by GMC, Golden Corral, Mazda, Papa Johns and Ram Trucks

• Monday, January 26 – Friday, January 30 at 7:00 PM ET and Saturday, January 31 at 11:00 PM ET, NFL Total Access recaps the day’s action, provides the latest news reports, features on-air appearances by special guests and breaks down the key matchups leading up to kickoff of Super Bowl XLIX

• Super Bowl Tonight airs Monday, January 26 – Thursday, January 29 at 8:00 PM ET from the NFL Experience, providing further analysis, news reports and interviews. Melissa Stark and Deion Sanders host

• NFL Network provides 3.5 hours of live coverage from Super Bowl XLIX Media Day at the US Airways Center Tuesday, January 27 beginning at 12 Noon ET. Host Chris Rose is joined by analysts Michael Irvin, Kurt Warner and Marshall Faulk at the desk, while Deion Sanders roams the scene providing interviews with players and coaches. Between the two sessions, NFL Network analysts Willie McGinest and Michael Robinson, and NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport and Mike Silver offer further analysis and information

• New this season, NFL Network presents the Social Media Command Center. With the Super Bowl generating record-breaking activity in social media channels, for the first time ever NFL Media adds the Social Media Command Center to its arsenal of Super Bowl coverage. Through a dedicated location in the Super Bowl Media Center, NFL Media’s social team will monitor all activity and conversation to stay up to date on all of the latest buzz and trending topics, keeping fans near and far connected to all of the news and action throughout the week. NFL Network’s Super Bowl week coverage will feature daily hits from the Social Media Command Center, providing updates on the latest topics generating conversation. The Social Media Command Center is sponsored by Verizon.

• Super Bowl Saturday Night, a one-hour red-carpet show, airs Saturday, January 31 at 8:00 PM ET leading up to the 4th annual NFL Honors awards show on NBC. Melissa Stark and Deion Sanders host, along with Erin Coscarelli on the Red Carpet and Lindsay Rhodes in the Xfinity Lounge. Super Bowl Saturday Night is presented by Xfinity

• NFL-related press conferences live, including team arrivals, player availability, AFC & NFC head coach press conferences Friday, January 30, Katy Perry’s Super Bowl halftime entertainment press conference Thursday, January 29 and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell’s Super Bowl press conference Friday, January 30

• On Thursday, January 29 at 10:00 PM ET, NFL Network calls a ‘players only’ meeting to discuss and debate all of the topics leading up to Super Bowl XLIX on Players Only: Super Bowl XLIX

• See the game the way the pros do and break down Super Bowl XLIX with Playbook: Super Bowl XLIX Preview Friday, January 30 at 8:00 PM ET. Analysts Sterling Sharpe, Shaun O’Hara and Brian Billick break down the matchup between the team and team, and predict who they believe will raise the Lombardi Trophy on Super Bowl Sunday. Playbook: Super Bowl XLIX Preview is presented by Burger King

 

ABOUT NFL NETWORK

 

Seven days a week, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, fans turn to NFL Network to receive information and insight straight from the field, team headquarters, league offices and everywhere the NFL is making news. Launched in 2003, NFL Network gives fans unprecedented year-round inside access to all NFL events, including the Super Bowl, Playoffs, regular season, preseason, Pro Bowl, Pro Football Hall of Fame induction weekend, NFL Draft, NFL Scouting Combine, Senior Bowl, league meetings, minicamps and training camps.

Currently in more than 72 million homes, NFL Network has carriage agreements with each of the country’s largest television providers including Comcast, DirecTV, DISH Network, Cablevision, Cox, Charter, Time Warner Cable, Verizon FiOS and AT&T U-Verse.

For fans on the go, all NFL Network programming can also be streamed live on the NFL Mobile from Verizon app (NFL.com/mobile), the NFL app delivered on XBOX from Microsoft, and through Watch NFL Network (NFL.com/watch), with participating cable and satellite providers. For more information, log on to NFL.com/nflnetwork.  NFL.com is the exclusive internet home of NFL Network.

– NFL MEDIA –

NFL MEDIA PROGRAMMING NOTES (1/13 – 1/18)

• NFL Network Shows and Scheduled Guests

For a full description of each show, please click the show’s link

• NFL GameDay – AFC & NFC Championship Games Coverage Starts Sunday, January 18 at 7:00 AM ET

• Championship Wednesday Press Conferences – Wednesday, January 14 at 11 AM ET

• 2015 East-West Shrine Game – Coverage Starts Saturday, January 17 at 3:30 PM ET
  

• NFL Total Access

SHOW HIGHLIGHT: Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald on Tuesday, January 13 & Oakland Raiders wide receiver James Jones on Thursday, January 15

• NFL Now
  

• Divisional Round NFL Replay & Sound FX

SHOW HIGHLIGHT: New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman, Baltimore Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs, Seattle Seahawks linebacker Bobby Wagner, Carolina Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly, Green Bay Packers linebacker Clay Matthews, Dallas Cowboys safety J.J. Wilcox, Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders and Indianapolis Colts linebacker Jerrell Freeman on Sound FX Friday, January 16 at 3:00 PM ET

• NFL AM

SHOW HIGHLIGHT: Former NFL wide receiver Terrell Owens on Wednesday, January 13

• NFL Game Rewind
  

• The Aftermath
  

• Around the NFL          

• Playbook Primetime

• Inside the NFL
  

• NFL Network’s Day-by-Day Programming
  

• NFL.com Content

• NFL.com Editorial Content
  

• NFL.com Podcast Central

SHOW HIGHLIGHT: Super Bowl winning head coach Dick Vermeil on The Coaches Show; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald and Oakland Raiders wide receiver James Jones on the Dave Dameshek Football Program

• NFL Mobile from Verizon
  

• NFL Network Live Streaming

**********************

NFL GameDay – AFC & NFC Championship Games Coverage on NFL Network – Sunday Starting at 7:00 AM ET

NFL Network provides comprehensive Championship Sunday coverage on Sunday, January 18.

At 7:00 AM ET, NFL GameDay First airs with host Melissa Stark, co-host/analyst Sterling Sharpe, and analysts Shaun O’Hara and Michael Robinson providing the first analysis of the NFC and AFC Championship Games.

At 9:00 AM ET, a special six-hour edition of NFL GameDay Morning airs with host Rich Eisen and analysts Steve Mariucci, Marshall Faulk, Kurt Warner, Warren Sapp and Michael Irvin.

At 6:00 PM ET, Scott Hanson and Jamie Dukes host NFL GameDay Highlights, providing a recap of the NFC Championship Game and a preview of the upcoming AFC Championship Game.

At 10:00 PM ET, Rich Eisen, Marshall Faulk, Deion Sanders and Michael Irvin host NFL GameDay Final, providing complete analysis and highlights of the day’s games and the first preview of Super Bowl XLIX.

Championship Wednesday Press Conferences – Wednesday, January 14 at 11 AM ET

NFL Network provides live coverage of the Championship Wednesday Press Conferences on Wednesday, January 14 at 11 AM ET. With reporters stationed at the four team facilities, NFL Network brings the press conferences for the New England Patriots, Indianapolis Colts, Seattle Seahawks and Green Bay Packers live.

2015 East-West Shrine Game – Saturday, January 17 at 4:00 PM ET

NFL Network provides live coverage of the 2015 East-West Shrine Game Saturday, January 17 at 4:00 PM ET from Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg, Florida.

For more information on the game, visit:

http://www.shrinegame.com/

NFL Total Access – Monday-Saturday at 7:00 PM ET

NFL Total Access airs at 7:00 PM ET Monday – Saturday on NFL Network

Hosts Dan Hellie and Amber Theoharis anchor the NFL’s show of record each night and are joined by NFL Network analysts Willie McGinest, Heath Evans, Nate Burleson, Michael Robinson, Warren Sapp, LaDainian Tomlinson, Steve Mariucci, Brian Billick, Daniel Jeremiah and Brian Baldinger.

Tuesday, January 13

• Hosts: Dan Hellie & Amber Theoharis
• Analysts: Willie McGinest, Nate Burleson & Michael Robinson
• Guest: Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald
  

Wednesday, January 14

• Hosts: Dan Hellie & Amber Theoharis
• Analysts: Willie McGinest, Heath Evans, Kurt Warner, Nate Burleson & Michael Robinson
  

Thursday, January 15 

• Hosts: Dan Hellie & Amber Theoharis
• Analysts: Willie McGinest, Heath Evans
• Guest: Oakland Raiders wide receiver James Jones

Friday, January 16

• Hosts: Dan Hellie & Amber Theoharis
• Analysts: Willie McGinest, Heath Evans

Saturday, January 17

• Hosts: Scott Hanson
• Analysts: Willie McGinest, Heath Evans
  

NFL Now

NFL Now is the League’s next-generation video service, providing fans access to the largest digital library of NFL video anywhere, accessible through apps and browsers across an array of Internet-connected devices. Offered for free with a premium tier, NFL Now allows fans to customize their own video stream of short-form videos and highlights from NFL Media and all 32 NFL clubs.

The NFL…Personalized: Fans can select their favorite NFL teams and players and upload their NFL.com Fantasy roster, and NFL Now dynamically personalizes each fan’s viewing experience. The customization grows over time, as the content engine learns each fan’s preferences and fine tunes the video stream, to the point where no two registered fans will have the same experience on NFL Now.

Provided below is a weekly schedule of NFL Now content:

• Live streaming of NFL Fantasy Live on NFL Now

o   Monday – Friday at 4:00 PM ET,

o   Sunday at 5:30 – 7:00 AM ET

• Live streaming events and select news conferences
• Michael Fabiano personalized fantasy analysis
• Daily, personalized NFL analysis from Brian Billick, Charles Davis, Daniel Jeremiah, Brian Baldinger, Bucky Brooks and others
• Instant in-game highlights for every game as wells as a personalized highlight Game Center for NFL.com fantasy leagues
• In-depth analysis for all 32 teams every day
• 1,200 new NFL Club-produced segments available per week
• Over 1,000 NFL Films titles available on NFL Now Plus

Divisional Round NFL Replay & Sound FX

NFL Replay offers an exclusive look at the previous week’s games in a condensed, 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.

Sound FX offers a compilation of the best on-field sights and sounds from around the NFL each week.

Divisional Round NFL Replay & Sound FX schedule:

Wednesday

• 8:00 PM ET – NFL Replay: Detroit Lions vs. Dallas Cowboys

Friday

• 3:00 PM ET – Sound FX: New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman, Baltimore Ravens linebacker Terrell Suggs, Seattle Seahawks linebacker Bobby Wagner, Carolina Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly, Green Bay Packers linebacker Clay Matthews, Dallas Cowboys safety J.J. Wilcox, Denver Broncos wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders and Indianapolis Colts linebacker Jerrell Freeman

NFL AM – Daily Episodes at 6:00 AM ET; Re-Aires at 10:00 AM ET

Start the day off with the NFL. NFL AM airs Monday – Friday at 6:00 AM ET offering analysis, reports from correspondents in several NFL cities, interviews with players and coaches, and game highlights. A two-hour edition of NFL AM airs Monday – Friday starting at 10:00 AM ET.

Hosts Rhett Lewis and Erin Coscarelli are joined by analysts Eric Davis and LaVar Arrington each morning, setting the football conversation for the day.

• Wednesday – Former NFL wide receiver Terrell Owens

NFL Game Rewind

Re-live every week one game with Game Rewind – a condensed 30-minute edition of each game. Game Rewind airs on Monday from 12 Noon – 3:00 PM ET & 8:30 – 11:30 PM ET, and on Tuesday from 12 Noon – 2:00 PM ET.

The Aftermath – Mondays at 3:00 PM ET

Every Monday at 3:00 PM ET, get up to speed on everything that happened in the NFL with highlights, news, information and analysis on The Aftermath. Host Rhett Lewis and analysts Brian Baldinger, Steve Wyche and Nate Burleson look back at all of the games, along with player and coach press conferences.

Around the NFL – Monday – Friday at 6:00 PM ET

Around the NFL provides all of the latest news and information surrounding the National Football League Monday – Friday at 6:00 PM ET on NFL Network.

Hosts Andrew Siciliano and Lindsay Rhodes are joined each day by a rotating roster of NFL Network analysts including Kurt Warner, Steve Mariucci, Brian Baldinger, Solomon Wilcots, Jamie Dukes and Charley Casserly.

In addition to the NFL Network analysts & NFL players joining Around the NFL, team beat writers from around the league join the show on a regular basis to provide their unique perspective.

Playbook Primetime – Friday at 8:00 PM ET

See the game the way the pros do with Playbook Primetime Friday, January 16 at 8:00 PM ET. Shaun O’Hara, Sterling Sharpe and Brian Billick break down the NFC and AFC Championship Games and bring the viewers the inside information regarding both matchups.

Inside the NFL – Wednesday at 9:00 PM ET

Showtime’s popular show, Inside the NFL, comes to NFL Network for the first time. Each week’s episode will re-air on NFL Network Wednesday at 9:00 PM ET following its original airing on Showtime.

Host Greg Gumbel is joined by analysts Phil Simms, Boomer Esiason, former Pro Bowl safety Ed Reed and current Chicago Bears wide receiver Brandon Marshall cover every game, every week, with trademark highlights from NFL Films, special, in-depth features and spirited debate on the hottest topics in the league.

**********************

NFL Editorial Content – Daily on NFL.com

• Michael Silver

o    To read his columns: http://on.nfl.com/1lwmZ3q

• Judy Battista

o   To read her other columns: http://on.nfl.com/17S17El

• Elliot Harrison’s Weekly Power Rankings

o   Every Tuesday, Elliott Harrison ranks NFL teams from No. 1 through No. 32 in his weekly power rankings. His power rankings will be a staple on NFL Network and NFL Digital Media’s programming throughout the week.

o   To view the weekly power rankings: http://on.nfl.com/17CaPue

• NFL.com’s Around the NFL Blog

o    Get the latest news & information from around the league with NFL.com’s Around the NFL blog

o    Follow on Twitter: @AroundTheNFL

• NFL.com’s College Football 24/7

o    Get all of the news and analysis from around college football with NFL.com’s College Football 24/7

o    Follow on Twitter: @NFL_CFB

Catch all of NFL Media’s writers work here:  http://www.nfl.com/news

NFL.com Presents Six Weekly Podcasts

• Dave Dameshek Football Program – Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald & Oakland Raiders wide receiver James Jones
• Around the NFL
• The Coaches Show – Super Bowl winning head coach Dick Vermeil   
• College Football 24/7
• NFL Fantasy Live
• Move The Sticks

To listen to all six of NFL.com’s podcasts, visit:

http://www.nfl.com/podcast

 ********************

NFL Network Programming Schedule

Day-by-Day Programming Schedule:

To view the entire NFL Network programming schedule, please visit: http://www.nfl.com/nflnetwork/networkschedule

NFL Mobile from Verizon

With NFL Mobile from Verizon watch every post season game including the 2015 Pro Bowl & Super Bowl XLIX live right on your smartphone, included with the MORE Everything Plan or an NFL Mobile premium subscription at $5/month. Learn more at NFL.com/mobile or download NFL Mobile from VZW at the Windows, iOS, Android, and Blackberry app stores.

NFL Network Live Streaming

Watch NFL Network anytime, anywhere at NFL.com/Watch.  Live streaming is accessible on PCs, tablets and Xbox for authenticated NFL Network subscribers via AT&T U-verse, Charter, Cox, DirecTV, Dish, Optimum, Verizon FiOS and many more distributors.  In addition, Verizon Wireless customers can access live streaming on smartphones via NFL Mobile.  Learn more by going to www.NFL.com/watch

********************

Quick Quotes from NFL GameDay First & NFL GameDay Morning

– “Andy Dalton is better without A.J. Green. The Cincinnati Bengals, therefore, in the playoffs will be better with a better quarterback.” – Michael Robinson on the Cincinnati Bengals

– “This is the one thing that Andrew Luck struggles with: he wants to make every single play for this football team and you just can’t do it.” – Kurt Warner on Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck

– “If he doesn’t make every play, then who is?…This team on offense they are winning because of Andrew Luck and the only way they’re winning is because of Andrew Luck.” – Marshall Faulk on Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck

– “I would want it to be that Reggie is a damn good teammate. I want them to see that I was there for them, [that] I would have done anything for them.” – Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne on what he would like for his legacy to be

– “Matthew Stafford has to play the best game of his career.” – Nate Burleson on Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford

– “I feel like I live for this. I’ve been wanting to be in these kinds of moments…I love looking at the greatest and I want to one day say that about myself.” – Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant

– “They finally got continuity. When I say continuity, we’re not talking about Tony Romo. We’re not looking at Tony Romo this time of year screwing this thing up…So if you go out now and you allow Scott Linehan to get out of that building, that would be a travesty for the Dallas Cowboys players.” – Sterling Sharpe on the Dallas Cowboys

– “If Detroit plays like they really know how to play, they have two number ones at wide receiver. This is an easy game for Dallas to lose.” – Michael Irvin on the Detroit Lions facing the Dallas Cowboys

– “I’m not sure he’s the best quarterback in the National Football League but what I love about him is he plays his best at the biggest moments…It’s never like the situation is too big for him.” – Kurt Warner on Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco

***For complete quotes from ‘NFL GameDay First’ & ‘NFL GameDay Morning,’ see below***

 

 

Dallas Cowboys Wide Receiver Dez Bryant with NFL Network Analyst Michael Irvin

NFL Network analyst Michael Irvin sat down with Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant for an interview on NFL Network’s NFL GameDay First and NFL GameDay Morning.

On what separates himself from everybody else:

“Nine times out of 10, I know I’m feeling better than the guy across from me. I feel like I live for this. I’ve been wanting to be in these kinds of moments. I love going back and looking over Michael Jordan’s story. I love looking at your [Michael Irvin’s] story. I love looking at [Jerry] Rice’s story. I love looking at the greatest and I want to one day say that about myself.”

On if he has visualized what his first playoff run will be like:

“I have yet to even think about Sunday. I’ve thought about it but I have kept myself calm and focused on the task that is going on that day. Like, I can’t wait to go watch myself on film. I like to see how did I run this route. I want to see how well did I prepare. That’s what I go off of. I prepare, prepare, prepare. All smiles on Sunday.”

On his 12 touchdowns over the last nine games:

“[My] mind was right. The team’s mind was right. Everybody was on the same page. I’m telling you, when everybody is on the same page and we all want the same thing, I think it’s just hard to beat a team like that.”

On how much it bothered him when he heard criticism about what he could and could not do when he first came into the NFL:

“I was in a point in my life to where I just have to prove these people wrong. I got out of that. I don’t have to prove anything to anybody. I’m just going to do it, I’m going to continue to keep doing it. I’m going to continue keep watching them try to pull up every negative thing that they can find and then watch me throw it right back in their face on Sunday. Watch what happens. All you’re doing is adding fuel to the fire.”

On what he expects from playing in the playoffs:

“One thing that I do know is one-and-done. I’m not trying to be done; my teammates aren’t trying to be done. I’m not predicting anything but I honestly feel if you work and you prepare the right way, you should have no worries. I think we’re doing a great job of that.”

On what his New Year’s resolution is:

“To win this game. To win this game and prepare for the next.”

On how he would rate this season if they fall short of the Super Bowl:

“Wasn’t good enough. We didn’t work hard enough. Didn’t work hard enough. It’s just that plain and simple.”

To view the entire interview with Bryant, visit:

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/0ap3000000453237/Dez-Bryant-I-prepare-prepare-prepare

Indianapolis Colts Wide Receiver Reggie Wayne with NFL Media’s Steve Cyphers

NFL Media’s Steve Cyphers sat down with Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Reggie Wayne, as well as teammates T.Y. Hilton and Coby Fleener for a feature on the 14-year veteran on NFL GameDay Morning.

On if he will play with a team other than the Indianapolis Colts:

Reggie Wayne: “I will not. This is where I want to be. I bleed blue.”

On Reggie Wayne:

Coby Fleener: “He is the epitome of what we want as a Colts football player. He is intelligent, hardworking, as loyal as all get out, stands up for his guys. He has the respect of the entire NFL.”

On what he would like his legacy to be:

Wayne: “I would want it to be that Reggie is a damn good teammate. I want them to see that I was there for them, [that] I would have done anything for them. That’s the thing that I want my teammates to remember me by.”

To view the entire feature, visit:

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/0ap3000000453855/Wayne-s-world

 

Quotes from NFL GameDay First

Today, NFL GameDay First aired at 7:00 AM ET, with host Melissa Stark, co-host/analyst Sterling Sharpe, and analysts Shaun O’Hara and Michael Robinson. Nate Burleson joined from Dallas to preview Lions-Cowboys.

– “Andy Dalton is better without A.J. Green. The Cincinnati Bengals, therefore, in the playoffs will be better with a better quarterback.” – Michael Robinson on the Cincinnati Bengals

– “Without A.J. Green, all of the focus is on Jeremy Hill. You can now crowd the box because we don’t fear Mohamed Sanu and those receivers on the outside…Where Cincinnati will miss him the most is in the run game.” – Sterling Sharpe on the Cincinnati Bengals without wide receiver A.J. Green

– “Matthew Stafford has to play the best game of his career. I played with Matt for four years and he showed glimpses of greatness. He showed that he can be elite but then there are times where he didn’t take care of the ball.” – Nate Burleson on what Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford will have to do to win his first career playoff game

– “They finally got continuity. When I say continuity, we’re not talking about Tony Romo. We’re not looking at Tony Romo this time of year screwing this thing up. We’re looking at a Dallas Cowboys offense that is running the football well, great offensive line – Tony Romo is a bit player in this movie. So if you go out now and you allow Scott Linehan to get out of that building, that would be a travesty for the Dallas Cowboys players.” – Sterling Sharpe on the Dallas Cowboys

– “If they take DeMarco Murray away and they try to take Dez Bryant away, it has to be Jason Witten. He’s going to have to step up.” – Shaun O’Hara on the key to a Dallas Cowboys win

– “Zack Martin is the perfect guy to frustrate a guy like Ndamukong Suh, a guy that will bring some of that dirty play out of Ndamukong Suh and get the Detroit Lions in trouble.” – Michael Robinson on Dallas Cowboys guard Zack Martin

– “Joe Flacco in this instance has the ability, especially on the road, to slow that process down. If you watched this football game, he was never in a hurry…He is very patient, he is very precise when you get to this time of year. This is not something you coach. This is something you get out of bed with.” – Sterling Sharpe on Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco in the playoffs

– “The biggest thing was could they protect Ben Roethlisberger, and they couldn’t. [Elvis] Dumervil got to him, [Terrell] Suggs got to him and that’s what the Steelers had done down the stretch at the end of the season: they did a great job protecting Ben.” – Shaun O’Hara on the Pittsburgh Steelers’ loss to the Baltimore Ravens

Quotes from NFL GameDay Morning

Today, NFL GameDay Morning aired at 9:00 AM ET, taking viewers straight up to kickoff. Host Rich Eisen joined analysts Steve Mariucci, Marshall Faulk, Kurt Warner, Warren Sapp and Michael Irvin to bring fans the latest news, injury reports, pregame analysis and game previews. Additionally, NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport provided the latest inside information from around the league, and Nate Burleson joined from Dallas.

– “This is the one thing that Andrew Luck struggles with: he wants to make every single play for this football team and you just can’t do it. You have to be able to pull it down sometimes and leave it to your defense and other areas to win games for you.” – Kurt Warner on Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck

– “If he doesn’t make every play, then who is?…That’s the problem when you are drafted to change a franchise when it looks like a franchise is not headed in the right direction. I believe it’s a part of his learning curve. He’s still finding out in this league can I fit the ball in there? Is my arm strong enough? Can I make all of those throws? When you put those people around him – when he gets the running back that, ‘I’m going to turn around and hand the ball off,’ or when he gets that big receiver that when I throw the ball up I can throw those I-trust-you balls – then he can rely on that. But right now, this team on offense they are winning because of Andrew Luck and the only way they’re winning is because of Andrew Luck.” – Marshall Faulk on Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck

– “Peyton [Manning] had Marvin Harrison, he had Ken Dilger, he had Reggie Wayne, he had Edgerrin James – he had guys around him. T.Y. [Hilton] right now might be the only weapon that they have.” – Marshall Faulk on Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck and former Colts quarterback Peyton Manning

– “Jeremy Hill is going to have to carry more of the load and run the football more often.” – Steve Mariucci on Cincinnati Bengals running back Jeremy Hill in the absence of wide receiver A.J. Green

– “If he loses this game, we’re going to start putting qualifiers on him and we’re going to start saying Tony Romo is one of the best quarterbacks in the regular season the NFL has ever seen…He has to win. If it’s a shootout – he has to make more plays than the guy across from him, he has to win. If everybody else is playing well – he has to make enough plays for this team to win.” – Kurt Warner on Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo

– “To hear him in an interview talk about all he does is prepare, prepare, prepare [and] I want to go and watch film – a lot of us just didn’t know or didn’t think he could get there. He really has and I am proud of him…It is like I’m talking to a younger Michael Irvin or my son [when I speak with him].” – Michael Irvin on Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant

– “We now don’t look at it as a negative. We look at how his energy is interjected into the rest of the team. It galvanizes those guys…It’s now his role to make sure everyone is up and ready to play each and every game.” – Marshall Faulk on Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant’s energy on the sideline

– “The Dallas Cowboys must stick with what they’ve been doing: pressing the run. Everybody, we’re running the football because now everybody places their defense in to stop the run. What happens [is] you’re able to get those passes off outside one-on-one, you make great plays, big plays and that’s exactly what the Dallas Cowboys will do.” – Michael Irvin on what the Dallas Cowboys’ gameplan should be against the Detroit Lions

– “What Dallas has on offense, I really believe Detroit has on offense. They just haven’t played like that. If Detroit plays like they really know how to play, they have two number ones at wide receiver. This is an easy game for Dallas to lose.” – Michael Irvin on the Detroit Lions facing the Dallas Cowboys

– “I’m not sure he’s the best quarterback in the National Football League but what I love about him is he plays his best at the biggest moments…It’s never like the situation is too big for him. That’s what you love and that’s what you want as a quarterback. He could be inconsistent, he could be up and down, but when the game is on the line [and in the] biggest moments, he is going to show up the biggest.” – Kurt Warner on Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco

NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport

On Scott Linehan and Rod Marinelli’s futures with the Dallas Cowboys:

“The Cowboys face the very real prospect of having to replace both of their top coordinators: Scott Linehan, the passing coordinator and play caller – the offensive coordinator except in name – and Rod Marinelli, the respected defensive coordinator who has cobbled together this unit without a lot of big names and made the Cowboys viable this year. I am told that Scott Linehan signed a one-year deal when he arrived with the Cowboys earlier in the year which means he is up after the season. The Cowboys could face a significant bidding war for his services considering he led Tony Romo to his best regular season ever. That is certainly one to watch. For Rod Marinelli, he signed a two-year deal when he joined the Cowboys originally as defensive line coach before last season. He is also up after the season. There have been no talks yet between these two guys and Cowboys management. For Rod Marinelli, we know he has a close relationship with Lovie Smith from the Bucs. That is certainly a connection to look out for down the road.”

On the Oakland Raiders’ head coaching search:

“Broncos defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio is set to interview with the Oakland Raiders today. There is a lot of mutual interest on both sides of this. For the Oakland Raiders, they are looking for someone to finally put them in the win category, someone to help them build maybe without all of the resources that some of the other NFL teams have. We know that Jack Del Rio had a consistent winning period during his time in Jacksonville. Plus, Jack Del Rio grew up a Raiders fan; his parents actually had season tickets for the Oakland Raiders. They’ve interviewed some let’s just say interesting candidates; Pat Shurmur, Eric Mangini. Tony Sparano is going to get a chance as well but Jack Del Rio may emerge as the favorite after today depending on how it goes.”

On the Buffalo Bills’ head coaching search:

“As soon as Doug Marrone opted out and took that $4 million check with the Buffalo Bills, the name Frank Reich became extremely important to pay attention to. Frank Reich is now the Chargers offensive coordinator, just finished his first year there and is considered when you talk to NFL general managers one of the rising stars in the coaching ranks. The thought was maybe after this year, after next year [or] the year after, Frank Reich would be a hot coaching candidate. That time may be mow. He is interviewing with the Bills today. A lot of mutual interest between the Bills and Frank Reich. They also do want to talk to Hue Jackson, the Bengals offensive coordinator, but watch how Reich does in Buffalo today.”

On Indianapolis Colts offensive coordinator Pep Hamilton:

“Certainly a young guy but impressive in his second year in the Colts offense and of course helping Andrew Luck achieve all of the success. I’m told the Buffalo Bills and the Oakland Raiders have both requested permission to speak with Pep Hamilton. If you want to know what kind of a head coach is he going to be, I talked to several people close to him to explain. First of all, he is going to go with that Bill Walsh model of running his own offense, being the play caller; he’s going to be heavily involved with at least one side of the ball. One person who knows him well said, ‘I promise you he’s going to impress any owner he is going to sit down with, he is literally a machine with his wealth of knowledge.’ But the other part of it is Pep Hamilton does understand the good thing he has with Andrew Luck [and] a young talented skill position group with the Colts. He is going to be a head coach eventually; that he definitely believes so he can be a little choosy in doing so.”

On Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Hue Jackson:

“Hue Jackson also has considerable interest. I’m told the Buffalo Bills have requested to speak with Hue Jackson for their head coaching vacancy. They are speaking with Frank Reich today so if the Bengals lose that interview with Hue Jackson should happen this week. Hue Jackson we know went 8-8 with the Raiders which didn’t seem that impressive but actually is more impressive the more time passes. Just look at what he’s done with this Bengals team that has battled through injuries; A.J. Green, Tyler Eifert – he has guided them to some sort of offensive success despite all of these injuries. But Hue Jackson also learned from his past experiences. He knows he can’t be as brash, especially publically, as he was. He knows he can guide this locker room and this is a guy who has adapted his offense to whatever personnel he has. In Buffalo, we know they’ve had a little bit of a quarterback issue. Hue Jackson may be a guy to help them.”

On Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh’s future:

“It is very clear that Ndamukong Suh is going to be the highest-paid defensive tackle in NFL history, regardless of his on-field actions or his off-field actions. And it is also true that it is basically impossible for the Lions to franchise him with a $27 million franchise tag. People assume that Ndamukong Suh is definitely leaving the Lions. I am told that is absolutely not the case. He is open to coming back. The Lions are more than open to having him come back. What they want him to do is go out, test free agency, gain your true value and then maybe he comes back and he lets them know here is what I can get. Then they can see if they can match.”

On the Atlanta Falcons:

“Do not assume that general manager Thomas Dimitroff is safe. Arthur Blank has told candidates that they will have a say in the future of the general manager.”

On NFL.com the following video clips from NFL GameDay First & NFL GameDay Morning are available for viewing:

– Rich Eisen Remembers Stuart Scott – Rich Eisen remembers friend and colleague, ESPN’s Stuart Scott:

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/0ap3000000453849/Rich-Eisen-remembers-Stuart-Scott

– Bold Predictions: Entire Playoffs – The NFL GameDay Morning crew provide Bold Predictions for the remainder of the playoffs:

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/0ap3000000453853/Bold-Predictions-Wild-Card-Sunday

– Players Only: What Would a Loss Mean for Tony Romo? – NFL GameDay Morning’s former players discuss what a loss would mean for Dallas Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo:

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/0ap3000000453851/Players-Only-What-does-loss-mean-for-Romo

– Will the Dallas Cowboys Rely on the Run to Beat the Detroit Lions? – Marshall Faulk, Warren Sapp and Michael Irvin break down the Dallas Cowboys’ gameplan against the Detroit Lions:

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/0ap3000000453844/Will-Cowboys-rely-on-the-run-to-beat-the-Lions

 

– Will Andy Dalton Shake His Playoff Blues? – Michael Silver joins Kurt Warner and Steve Mariucci to discuss if Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton can win his first career playoff game:

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/0ap3000000453842/Will-Dalton-shake-his-playoff-blues

– Are the Cincinnati Bengals Better Without A.J. Green? – Kurt Warner joined NFL GameDay First to answer the question if the Cincinnati Bengals are better without wide receiver A.J. Green:

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/0ap3000000453820/Are-Bengals-better-without-A-J-Green

– Detroit Lions Defensive Line vs. Dallas Cowboys Offensive Line – NFL GameDay First breaks down the matchup between the Detroit Lions defensive line against the Dallas Cowboys offensive line:

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/0ap3000000453818/Lions-D-line-vs-Cowboys-O-line

– Detroit Lions Defensive Tackle Ndamukong Suh Not Suspended – The NFL GameDay Morning crew discuss Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh having his suspension rescinded:

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/0ap3000000453850/Sapp-Suh-knew-he-had-a-clean-slate

– Rod Marinelli and Scott Linehan Moving on From Dallas? – NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport joined NFL GameDay First to provide the latest regarding Dallas Cowboys coordinators Rod Marinelli and Scott Linehan:

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/0ap3000000453819/Marinelli-Linehan-moving-on-from-Dallas

Quick Quotes from NFL GameDay First & NFL GameDay Morning

– “I’m going to say no. Love the talent, love his ability, I love what he brings to the table. But at some point, this game is about trust and it’s about trusting your teammates…As a teammate, I don’t know if I can trust him.” – Shaun O’Hara on if he would want Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh on his team

– “I don’t agree with a lot of the stuff he does but if he is on my team – and if I’m the Detroit Lions he will be on my team next year – I know I’m getting his best week in and week out.” – Sterling Sharpe on Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh

– “This game really comes down to the Baltimore Ravens’ defensive line…[Terrell Suggs and Elvis Dumervil] have the ability to completely wreck this game for the Pittsburgh Steelers.” – Shaun O’Hara on the Baltimore Ravens facing the Pittsburgh Steelers

– “Because they’re so much like us. Their agenda conflicts with ours and they appear to have the same level of commitment to their agenda that we have to ours. So therein lies the problem.” – Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin on why the rivalry with the Baltimore Ravens is as intense as it is

– “We are going to miss the blocker that he is more than the runner, more than the pass catcher…His blocking is going to be missed more than anything.” – Marshall Faulk on Pittsburgh Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell

– “Big Ben is playing the position in a more complete fashion than he’s ever played before.” – Kurt Warner on Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger

– “Ron Rivera has peaked this team at the right time with four wins in a row and they’re right there.” – Steve Mariucci on the Carolina Panthers

– “Russell Wilson is methodical and doesn’t make any mistakes [against the Cardinals] Cam [Newton] is going to have to mirror that today.” – Michael Irvin on Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton

– “They have to take shots with Ryan Lindley. Their defense is built to play from ahead.” – Marshall Faulk on the Arizona Cardinals

– “It cripples the team. When you have A.J. Green, he’s the focal point on everything.” – Michael Irvin on the absence of wide receiver A.J. Green for the Cincinnati Bengals

***For complete quotes from ‘NFL GameDay First’ & ‘NFL GameDay Morning,’ see below***

Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin with NFL Media’s Judy Battista

NFL Media’s Judy Battista sat down with Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin for an interview on NFL Network’s NFL GameDay First and NFL GameDay Morning.

On missing the playoffs the previous two seasons:

“We believe in the approach and sometimes that belief gets tested based on the outcome of football games. There is always anxiety in this thing. There is a saying in this profession, ‘Pressure is always there; you’re either feeling it or applying it.’ I like to apply it…I like them to embrace the uneasiness that is associated with those feelings because it’s very much a part of our game, particularly at this level.”

On his coaching style:

“I try to be what the team needs me to be. Football is an emotional game at times, and often times they need me to bring them back down or keep them on an even keel.”

On if there was more uneasiness coming into the season based on the changes they made to their football team:

“I can pretty much convince myself of anything. I’m singularly focused on developing this team into a World Championship outfit. We invested a lot in the last five years on the offensive line. They’ve absorbed a lot; they’re better for it individually and collectively. Antonio Brown is moving into the meat of his career. Ben [Roethlisberger] at the quarterback position, he just gets better with age. There are no unknowns for them.”

On overcoming the loss of running back Le’Veon Bell:

“It remains to be seen how we adjust but us being the versatile group, being the group that’s able to lean on different people at different times, I feel comfortable about our ability to win games in different ways.”

On if he feels like the identity of the Steelers has changed:

“I probably don’t buy into that as much as the traditionalists. The game of football is ever-changing. The days of the Steel Curtain are gone. I stay singularly focused on those components of what is Steeler football and less about how it may look.”

On what makes the rivalry with the Baltimore Ravens is as intense as it is:

“Because they’re so much like us. Their agenda conflicts with ours and they appear to have the same level of commitment to their agenda that we have to ours. So therein lies the problem.”

To view the entire interview with Tomlin, visit:

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/0ap3000000453286/Tomlin-dishes-on-Ravens-rivalry-and-the-evolution-of-the-Steelers

 

Quotes from NFL GameDay First

Today, NFL GameDay First aired at 10:00 AM ET, with host Melissa Stark, co-host/analyst Sterling Sharpe, and analysts Shaun O’Hara and Michael Robinson providing the first analysis of Wild Card weekend.

– “I’m going to say no. Love the talent, love his ability, I love what he brings to the table. But at some point, this game is about trust and it’s about trusting your teammates; trusting that you’re going to be accountable…As a teammate, I don’t know if I can trust him. They’re lucky that he’s playing in this game. He should not be playing.” – Shaun O’Hara on if he would want Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh on his team

– “I want him on my team. He may be an SOB but he’s our SOB. The one thing I love about Ndamukong Suh: whatever it takes…I don’t agree with a lot of the stuff he does but if he is on my team – and if I’m the Detroit Lions he will be on my team next year – I know I’m getting his best week in and week out.” – Sterling Sharpe on if he would want Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh on his team

– “This game really comes down to the Baltimore Ravens’ defensive line…[Terrell Suggs and Elvis Dumervil] have the ability to completely wreck this game for the Pittsburgh Steelers.” – Shaun O’Hara on the Baltimore Ravens facing the Pittsburgh Steelers

– “He has taken his game to a new level. He has learned how to run routes; outside he is so great running routes, inside he knows the great timing of the play. When he gets the ball in his hands, the play just begins…As long as those two are together, Ben Roethlisberger and Antonio Brown, Pittsburgh has a chance.” – Michael Irvin on Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown

– “I expect Superman…Todd Bowles and the Arizona Cardinals defense, they have had trouble against mobile quarterbacks especially guarding the zone read.” – Michael Robinson on what he expects from Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton

– “I like this move with Chip Kelly…I think Chip Kelly is ready to handle it. He has a great eye for talent, has a great eye for people who fit what he does offensively and defensively. I think this might be a pretty good move for Chip Kelly and the Philadelphia Eagles.” – Sterling Sharpe on the changes to the Philadelphia Eagles’ front office

Quotes from NFL GameDay Morning

Today, NFL GameDay Morning aired at 12 Noon ET, taking viewers straight up to kickoff. Host Rich Eisen joined analysts Steve Mariucci, Marshall Faulk, Kurt Warner, Warren Sapp and Michael Irvin to bring fans the latest news, injury reports, pregame analysis and game previews. Additionally, NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport provided the latest inside information from around the league.

– “Let’s give Big Ben some credit. Let’s not just say it’s because of the guys around him. As good as they are – best receiver he’s probably ever been around, best running back he’s probably ever been around – Big Ben is playing the position in a more complete fashion than he’s ever played it before. He’s playing inside the pocket [and] outside the pocket when he has to. He’s getting the ball out of his hands quick [and] he’s holding onto when he gets a chance to go down the field…Big Ben is coming into his own as a complete quarterback.” – Kurt Warner on Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger

– “We are going to miss the blocker that he is more than the runner, more than the pass catcher…His blocking is going to be missed more than anything.” – Marshall Faulk on the Pittsburgh Steelers overcoming the loss of running back Le’Veon Bell

– “His play in those playoff games [in 2012] and the caliber of quarterbacks that they went through, he earned it and he has earned the right for me to say, ‘I believe in you in the playoffs until I see different.’” – Marshall Faulk on Baltimore Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco

– “Ron Rivera has peaked this team at the right time with four wins in a row and they’re right there. Because the team is playing well, Cam [Newton] ought to have a heck of a game.” – Steve Mariucci on the Carolina Panthers

– “As good as [Cam Newton] is, he’s still a young quarterback that I don’t believe carries this team against that secondary with his right arm. They have to get some help in the running game. If they don’t get that, I believe that is the biggest problem.” – Kurt Warner on the Carolina Panthers facing the Arizona Cardinals

– “Russell Wilson is methodical and doesn’t make any mistakes [against the Cardinals]. Cam [Newton] is going to have to mirror that today. He’s going to have to be methodical and not make any mistakes because they will capitalize.” – Michael Irvin on Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton facing the Arizona Cardinals

– “Bruce [Arians] did this by design. It was we need these young receivers to step up before we get to this point. You don’t wait until they take Larry [Fitzgerald] away and find out who is going to step up.” – Marshall Faulk on the Arizona Cardinals not featuring wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald

– “They have to take shots with Ryan Lindley. Their defense is built to play from ahead. If they get the lead and make you one-dimensional, with that secondary and that pass rush and how they like to blitz, you now have to put your quarterback in harm’s way.” – Marshall Faulk on the Arizona Cardinals facing the Carolina Panthers

– “What this team has done well all year long is they’ve stayed in close games and they’ve made plays down the stretch. That’s what I believe they have to do today. They have to stay in a close game and hope somebody can make that one play.” – Kurt Warner on the Arizona Cardinals

– “I would have [Ndamukong] Suh on my football team. He’s going to play for somebody else next year and if it was me, I would say yes I’m going to take the guy.” – Steve Mariucci on Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh

– “I would take [Ndamukong] Suh every day of the week but we’re just going to have to come to an agreement that you can’t give away yards. Everything you get against this defense will be earned; we’re not giving them anything. But I’d definitely take him in those trenches. No doubt about it.” – Warren Sapp on Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh

– “It cripples the team. When you have A.J. Green, he’s the focal point on everything. Those other guys, they’re great added pieces but they are not A.J. Green.” – Michael Irvin on the impact of wide receiver A.J. Green not playing for the Cincinnati Bengals

NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport

On the latest regarding Arizona Cardinals quarterback Drew Stanton:

“Drew Stanton of course we know is out today but he is seeing doctors early this week to try to figure out how is he progressing from that emergency knee surgery to remove an infection after he had a sprained MCL, something that of course may have knocked him out for the playoffs. I am told there is not a lot of optimism concerning Drew Stanton. After he does see those doctors we will know for sure but there is a strong possibility that it is Ryan Lindley again for the Arizona Cardinals if they do advance. That is one question looking forward for the Cardinals. Another is, is this Larry Fitzgerald’s last game will Cardinals? They are likely to ask him to take a pay cut going forward. He is due $15 million. I am told the ball is in his court as far as how much he wants to accept and how willing he is to help their salary cap situation. The Cardinals are playing today but looking into the future, certainly some questions.”

On the New York Jets’ head coach and general manager search:

“What the Jets want to do first is hire a general manager before they hire a coach, just to make sure that both sides, both people are on the same page and have the same vision, which was not the case with John Idzik and Rex Ryan with Idzik thinking more long-term and Rex wanting to win in the short-term. That said the Jets will not wait [to start] interviewing head coaches until they hire a general manager. I am told they are talking with former Bills coach Doug Marrone today. That is happening today as of course the Jets have been traveling around the country also interviewing several general manager candidates along the way. This Marrone interview is definitely one to watch. There is mutual interest on both sides of this. After the Jets finalize the interview process and do hire a general manager, I would not be surprised if at the end of all this Marrone is last man standing. They have also interviewed Dan Quinn [and] Tom Cable from the Seahawks and they are also set to interview Frank Reich.”

On Rex Ryan’s future:

“He will have plenty of opportunities to be a head coach. He has a San Francisco 49ers interview; that is going to happen tomorrow. He is going to talk to the Atlanta Falcons officially on Tuesday. Remember, the last time the Falcons interviewed him owner Arthur Blank had a lot of interest in him. I would not be surprised if this one ends up working out down the road. In addition, the Buffalo Bills are expected to have some interest in Rex Ryan. Plus, he has retained a TV agent, Nick Khan of CAA, in case none of that works out and he ends up in [the television] business next year. Rex Ryan will have plenty of options.”

On the San Francisco 49ers’ head coaching search:

“The 49ers interviewed a curious and big-name candidate recently when they were in Denver talking to Adam Gase. They spoke with former Redskins coach Mike Shanahan, who really does fit the profile of what they’re looking for. First of all, we know he has done a lot of work and won a lot of games with really good, well-schooled quarterbacks. He is also a CEO type and he is also a grown-up who would properly navigate the interesting political landscape in San Francisco. They are also talking to a number of younger quarterback types; they are speaking with Josh McDaniels, the Patriots offensive coordinator, today. Adam Gase has been on the docket. Here is an interesting name: Gary Kubiak. Once his team is finally done with the playoffs, I would expect the 49ers to show interest in him as well.”

On Arizona Cardinals defensive coordinator Todd Bowles’ potential landing spots as head coach:

“Todd Bowles is going to have a lot of options as far as where he is going to end up as a head coach. I’m told five teams have already requested permission to speak with him; that’s everyone but Buffalo, so the 49ers, the Raiders, the Jets, the Falcons and the Bears. Last year the knock on Bowles when he went through the interview process was that he didn’t have a good enough plan on offense. I’m told he went back, did some research, has a three-deep plan at offensive coordinator; of course, that won’t be unveiled until he actually gets hired. Talking to people close to him, I would not be surprised if he seeks out more of a low-key environment; maybe Atlanta, maybe Oakland. But he doesn’t have to go anywhere. He got a raise; he’s making almost $2 million. He can be very choosy as far as where he lands.”

On other assistant coaches garnering attention for head coach vacancies:

“[Adam Gase], his schedule now is the 49ers and the Falcons he talked to on Friday, the Bills and the Bears today. If the Broncos keep winning, this could be the last time anyone talks to him for some time. Dan Quinn is interviewing with five different teams; the Jets and Bears Friday, the Falcons today, the Bills today. He is extremely busy. Teryl Austin, the Lions defensive coordinator, he also has two requests. And then Gary Kubiak has interest from the Jets and I would expect the 49ers also have interest whenever the Ravens are done.”

On the changes to the Philadelphia Eagles’ front office:

“Chip Kelly now, along with the being the head coach of the Philadelphia Eagles and leading them to two 10-win seasons, he is now also running the scouting department giving him as much power as only Bill Belichick. They are the only two current head coaches now to coach and then run the entire scouting department. This mirrors the structure that the Eagles had under Andy Reid with the head coach running the personnel department. Howie Roseman, the former general manager who received a promotion yesterday, he is now going to run basically the entire football operation. So what Chip Kelly wanted was simply to be able to choose his own players. He is going to have full final say on the kind of players who will be on the field for him, just like he had at Oregon. And just so we know this is clear, Chip Kelly will also be hiring the next personnel executive. Basically he will be hiring his own general manager.”

On NFL.com the following video clips from NFL GameDay First & NFL GameDay Morning are available for viewing:

– Wild Card Weekend Bold Predictions – The NFL GameDay Morning crew provide Bold Predictions for Wild Card Weekend:

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/0ap3000000453315/Wild-Card-Weekend-bold-predictions

– Relationship Between Arizona Cardinals Head Coach Bruce Arians and Defensive Coordinator Todd Bowles – NFL GameDay Morning examines the relationship between Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians and defensive coordinator Todd Bowles:

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/0ap3000000453310/Todd-Bowles-continues-to-thrive-in-the-NFL

– Would You Want Ndamukong Suh on Your Team? – Would you want Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh on your team? The NFL GameDay First crew gives their answers:

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/0ap3000000453287/Would-you-

– Players Only: Would You Want Ndamukong Suh as a Teammate? – The former players of NFL GameDay Morning discuss if they would want Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh as a teammate:

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/0ap3000000453302/Players-Only-Would-you-want-Suh-as-a-teammate

– Wild Card Weekend Team Most Likely to Reach the Super Bowl – NFL GameDay Morning gives the Wild Card Weekend team that is most likely to reach the Super Bowl:

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/0ap3000000453320/Wild-Card-Weekend-team-most-likely-to-reach-the-Super-Bowl

– Expectations for Carolina Panthers Quarterback Cam Newton – Melissa Stark, Sterling Sharpe, Shaun O’Hara and Michael Robinson give their expectations for Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton against the Arizona Cardinals:

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/0ap3000000453285/Expectations-

– Tale of the Tape: Baltimore Ravens vs. Pittsburgh Steelers – NFL GameDay Morning puts Baltimore Ravens-Pittsburgh Steelers to the Tale of the Tape:

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/0ap3000000453337/Tale-of-the-tape-Ravens-vs-Steelers

– What Makes Antonio Brown Special? – Sterling Sharpe examines what makes Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown special:

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/0ap3000000453298/What-makes-Antonio-Brown-special

– How Will the Cincinnati Bengals Perform Without A.J. Green? – With wide receiver A.J. Green ruled out, NFL GameDay Morning examines how the Cincinnati Bengals will perform against the Indianapolis Colts:

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/0ap3000000453341/How-will-the-Bengals-perform-without-A-J-Green

– Possible Landing Spots for Todd Bowles – NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport provides the list of possible landing spots for Arizona Cardinals defensive coordinator Todd Bowles:

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/0ap3000000453311/Possible-landing-spots-for-Bowles

– What’s Next for Rex Ryan? – NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport provides the latest regarding Rex Ryan and the head coaching searches for the New York Jets and San Francisco 49ers:

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/0ap3000000453304/What-s-next-for-Rex-Ryan

– What is the Most Attractive Head Coaching Job? – Steve Mariucci examines which head coaching vacancy is the most attractive:

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/0ap3000000453312/What-s-the-most-attractive-head-coaching-job

– Playoff Resolutions – NFL GameDay Morning provide resolutions for this year’s playoff teams:

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/0ap3000000453307/Playoff-

– Top 10 Wild Card Moments – NFL GameDay Morning counts down the top 10 Wild Card moments of all time:

http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-gameday/0ap3000000453319/Top-10-Wild-Card-moments

ABOUT NFL NETWORK

Seven days a week, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, fans turn to NFL Network to receive information and insight straight from the field, team headquarters, league offices and everywhere the NFL is making news. Launched in 2003, NFL Network gives fans unprecedented year-round inside access to all NFL events, including the Super Bowl, Playoffs, regular season, preseason, Pro Bowl, Pro Football Hall of Fame induction weekend, NFL Draft, NFL Scouting Combine, Senior Bowl, league meetings, minicamps and training camps.

Currently in more than 72 million homes, NFL Network has carriage agreements with each of the country’s largest television providers including Comcast, DirecTV, DISH Network, Cablevision, Cox, Charter, Time Warner Cable, Verizon FiOS and AT&T U-Verse.

For fans on the go, all NFL Network programming can also be streamed live on the NFL Mobile from Verizon app (NFL.com/mobile), the NFL app delivered on XBOX from Microsoft, and through Watch NFL Network (NFL.com/watch), with participating cable and satellite providers. For more information, log on to NFL.com/nflnetwork.  NFL.com is the exclusive internet home of NFL Network.

– NFL MEDIA –

Matt Leinart & Vince Young Reunite at the Rose Bowl in the First

‘A Football Life’ Episode Dedicated to College Football

Additional Interviews Include Snoop Dogg & Matthew McConaughey

Episode Premieres Friday, January 2 at 9:00 PM ET on NFL Network

“It was just an epic, epic battle.” – Matthew McConaughey

“I’m still in misery over that game, forgive me.” – Snoop Dogg

The 2006 Rose Bowl featured the top two college football teams in the country, many future NFL players and became one of the greatest college football games of all time. It was a sporting event that lived up to all of the immense hype that preceded it, becoming a defining moment for the young men who played in it and creating expectations that few could have fulfilled.

NFL Network’s A Football Life continues Friday, January 2 at 9:00 PM ET with the story of the 2006 Rose Bowl between No. 1 USC and No. 2 Texas – the first time an episode of A Football Life has been dedicated to college football. The one-hour, NFL Films-produced documentary focuses on Texas’ thrilling 41-38 victory, the season-long anticipation which preceded it, and the futures of quarterbacks Matt Leinart and Vince Young.

The 2006 Rose Bowl: A Football Life features sitdown interviews with Leinart, Young, former Texas head coach Mack Brown, former USC running back LenDale White, former USC wide receiver Dwayne Jarrett, actor and Texas alumnus Matthew McConaughey, musician and USC fan Snoop Dogg, and more. The episode also includes Leinart and Young reuniting at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena.

Following the premiere of The 2006 Rose Bowl: A Football Life on NFL Network, the episode – along with the entire A Football Life series – will be available on NFL Now, the League’s next-generation video service. Providing fans access to the largest digital library of NFL video anywhere, NFL Now dynamically personalizes each fan’s viewing experience, allowing them to follow their favorite NFL teams and players. Visit NFL.com/now for more information.

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

Emmy-nominated actor Josh Charles narrates.

The 2006 Rose Bowl: A Football Life includes interviews with the following people and more:

Matt Leinart – Former USC quarterback

Vince Young – Former Texas quarterback

Mack Brown – Former Texas head coach

Matthew McConaughey – Texas alumnus

Snoop Dogg – USC fan

LenDale White – Former USC running back

Dwayne Jarrett – Former USC wide receiver

Frostee Rucker – Former USC defensive end

David Thomas – Former Texas tight end

Kasey Studdard – Former Texas offensive lineman

Brian Orakpo – Former Texas defensive end

Michael Griffin – Former Texas defensive back

Cedric Griffin – Former Texas defensive back

Tim Crowder – Former Texas defensive end

Rey Maualuga – Former USC linebacker

Steve Smith – Former USC wide receiver

Ryan Kalil – Former USC center

Keith Jackson – Play-by-play announcer for the 2006 Rose Bowl

Dan Fouts – Analyst for the 2006 Rose Bowl

Jeff Fisher – Former Tennessee Titans head coach

Ken Whisenhunt – Former Arizona Cardinals head coach

Floyd Reese – Former Tennessee Titans general manager

Provided below are some select quotes from The 2006 Rose Bowl: A Football Life:

– “People will be talking about that game forever. We were a part of the game of the century. Probably the greatest college football game ever played. There have been some great championship games but just the magnitude of that game, the hype and all the players that were involved, I don’t know if there will be anything like that again.” – Matt Leinart

– “I make movies. We put narratives together for dramatic purposes. I’ve never seen a film that could rival actual dramatic effects that went on in that game, the back and the forth.” – Matthew McConaughey

– “We wanted to win by 30, 40 points and celebrate and dance and do what we do, and have the sideline full of celebrities that were enjoying the game. That’s the spirit that Pete Carroll brought back to USC.” – Snoop Dogg

– “From midseason on, everything we were doing was pitting our stats and our game against what USC was doing. Everything.” – Mack Brown

– “It was basically known that we were the underdogs. Us as a team and university and fans, we thought different.” – Vince Young

– “[The] reason why I came out early [was] because the Texans had the number one pick. I would have stayed if they weren’t going to pick me.” – Vince Young on the 2006 NFL Draft

– “That’s what he’s about: making big plays. I feel like if you’re a great player, you have to take risks sometimes. It definitely turned the dynamics of the game.” – Dwayne Jarrett on Reggie Bush’s failed pitch in the 2006 Rose Bowl

– “Vince Young was impeccable. He was immaculate. He was marvelous, effervescent. I hated everything about him that night.” – Snoop Dogg

– “The standard was so high for [Vince Young] and Matt Leinart coming out of that ballgame that neither one of them lived up to the hype that people felt like they should have.” – Mack Brown

– “When I look back, I feel like probably early on in my career I didn’t take it as seriously as I should have. I always loved the game; I was always practiced hard, I worked hard but I don’t think I studied like I should have.” – Matt Leinart on his NFL career

– “You can’t refer to him as a bust. It’s just unfortunate because [you] just felt like there was potential. It was just hard for him to reach it.” – Jeff Fisher on Vince Young

– “I think Reggie [Bush] should have been on the field…Honestly I put that on coaching.” – LenDale White on USC failing to convert on 4th-and-2

– “I’m still in misery over that game, forgive me. I have spats and spurts sometimes where I flash back. It’s a loss that lives with you.” – Snoop Dogg

ABOUT NFL NETWORK

Seven days a week, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, fans turn to NFL Network to receive information and insight straight from the field, team headquarters, league offices and everywhere the NFL is making news. Launched in 2003, NFL Network gives fans unprecedented year-round inside access to all NFL events, including the Super Bowl, Playoffs, regular season, preseason, Pro Bowl, Pro Football Hall of Fame induction weekend, NFL Draft, NFL Scouting Combine, Senior Bowl, league meetings, minicamps and training camps.

Currently in more than 72 million homes, NFL Network has carriage agreements with each of the country’s largest television providers including Comcast, DirecTV, DISH Network, Cablevision, Cox, Charter, Time Warner Cable, Verizon FiOS and AT&T U-Verse.

For fans on the go, all NFL Network programming can also be streamed live on the NFL Mobile from Verizon app (NFL.com/mobile), the NFL app delivered on XBOX from Microsoft, and through Watch NFL Network (NFL.com/watch), with participating cable and satellite providers. For more information, log on to NFL.com/nflnetwork.  NFL.com is the exclusive internet home of NFL Network.

– NFL MEDIA –

Ravens RB Justin Forsett with NFL Media’s Michael Silver on ‘NFL GameDay Morning’ at 9:00 AM ET

Feature on the Kemoeatu Brothers on ‘NFL GameDay Morning’

‘NFL GameDay First’ Kicks Off Sunday Coverage at 7:00 PM ET

Sunday is ‘GameDay’ and every week NFL Network provides more than 15 hours of live coverage, beginning at 7:00 AM ET with NFL GameDay First. NFL Network’s coverage continues at 9:00 AM ET with NFL GameDay Morning leading viewers into the early games. At 1:00 PM ET, NFL GameDay Live provides in-progress highlights and analysis of the day’s games, and at 7:30 PM ET, NFL GameDay Highlights recaps the entire afternoon. At 11:30 PM ET, NFL GameDay Final provides complete analysis on the entire football Sunday.

This Week on NFL GameDay First

Host: Melissa Stark

Co-host/Analyst: Sterling Sharpe

Analysts: Shaun O’Hara & Michael Robinson

Featured this week on NFL GameDay First:

• Players Only – Sterling Sharpe, Shaun O’Hara and Michael Robinson examine the race for first place in the NFC West between the Seattle Seahawks and Arizona Cardinals, and discuss what Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson is doing better this year than he did during their Super Bowl championship run last season

• First Tailgate – What is the key ingredient for a Dallas Cowboys win at home over the NFC South-champion Indianapolis Colts?
  

• Are Bill Belichick and Tom Brady the greatest coach-quarterback combination in NFL history?
  

• Has Jay Cutler started his last game as Chicago Bears quarterback?

• What will we be calling “Johnny Football” after his second NFL start?

• Which playoff contender needs the biggest “Christmas Miracle” to reach the postseason?

• Full highlights, analysis and reaction from Saturday’s doubleheader of Eagles-Redskins and Chargers-49ers

• Live reports from Kim Jones for Patriots-Jets, Aditi Kinkhabwala for Chiefs-Steelers, Alex Flanagan for Ravens-Texans, Jeff Darlington for Browns-Panthers and Albert Breer for Falcons-Saints
  

• NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport provides the latest news from around the league

• Picks for every game on Sunday

This Week on NFL GameDay Morning

Host: Rich Eisen

Analysts: Steve Mariucci, Marshall Faulk, Kurt Warner, Warren Sapp & Michael Irvin

NFL Media Insider: Ian Rapoport

Featured this week on NFL GameDay Morning:

• NFL Media’s Michael Silver sits down with Baltimore Ravens running back Justin Forsett to discuss his long and winding road in the NFL

• Feature on the Kemoeatu brothers – Chris and Ma’ake Kemoeatu – which is a holiday story of love and sacrifice from former NFL rivals

• NFL Media’s Jeff Darlington examines the past two weeks for Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton

• Full highlights and analysis of Saturday’s doubleheader, and what they mean for the playoff picture

• Players Only – What is it like playing for pride?
  

• How will Dallas Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray be affected by his broken hand? Marshall Faulk had the same injury and knows the answer
  

• Why has quarterback Jay Cutler failed in Chicago?
  

• NFL GameDay Morning analyzes what to expect from Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton coming off the accident
  

• Will Cleveland Browns rookie quarterback Johnny Manziel bounce back this week?

• Did the Buffalo Bills provide a blueprint for beating Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers?
  

• How do the New England Patriots avoid an upset to Rex Ryan and the New York Jets?
  

• The Pittsburgh Steelers can clinch a playoff spot with a win. How do they get it done against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday?
  

• Santa Mooch makes his annual appearance to give presents to the NFL GameDay Morning crew

• NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport has the latest news from around the NFL

• Week 16 Bold Predictions & picks for every game on Sunday

• Live reports
  • Albert Breer from New Orleans for Falcons-Saints
  • Jeff Darlington from Charlotte for Browns-Panthers
  • Alex Flanagan from Houston for Ravens-Texans
  • Kim Jones from New York for Patriots-Jets
  • Aditi Kinkhabwala from Pittsburgh for Chiefs-Steelers
  • Desmond Purnell from Dallas for Colts-Cowboys

NFL GameDay Live, NFL GameDay Highlights and NFL GameDay Final Conclude Sunday Coverage

At 1:00 PM ET, NFL GameDay Live provides in-progress highlights and analysis, as well as live fantasy football updates for all of the 1:00 and 4:00 PM ET games. Hosts Kevin Frazier and Dan Hellie are joined by analysts Heath Evans, Brian Billick, LaDainian Tomlinson and Daniel Jeremiah providing 6.5 hours of coverage.

At 7:30 PM ET, Chris Rose hosts NFL GameDay Highlights, along with Tomlinson, Hall of Famer Deion Sanders and Steve Mariucci.

At 11:30 PM ET, Rose and analysts Sanders, Michael Irvin and Marshall Faulk recap all of the day’s action on NFL GameDay Final with game highlights, player and coach press conferences, post-game interviews and analysis of every game.

ABOUT NFL NETWORK

Seven days a week, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, fans turn to NFL Network to receive information and insight straight from the field, team headquarters, league offices and everywhere the NFL is making news. Launched in 2003, NFL Network gives fans unprecedented year-round inside access to all NFL events, including the Super Bowl, Playoffs, regular season, preseason, Pro Bowl, Pro Football Hall of Fame induction weekend, NFL Draft, NFL Scouting Combine, Senior Bowl, league meetings, minicamps and training camps.

Currently in more than 72 million homes, NFL Network has carriage agreements with each of the country’s largest television providers including Comcast, DirecTV, DISH Network, Cablevision, Cox, Charter, Time Warner Cable, Verizon FiOS and AT&T U-Verse.

For fans on the go, all NFL Network programming can also be streamed live on the NFL Mobile from Verizon app (NFL.com/mobile), the NFL app delivered on XBOX from Microsoft, and through Watch NFL Network (NFL.com/watch), with participating cable and satellite providers. For more information, log on to NFL.com/nflnetwork.  NFL.com is the exclusive internet home of NFL Network.

– NFL MEDIA –

NFL Total Access Kickoff aired from outside EverBank Field tonight at 6:00 PM ET on NFL Network, with host Rich Eisen and analysts Michael Irvin, Marshall Faulk and Steve Mariucci providing pregame analysis leading up to Cowboys-Bears on Thursday Night Football.

At 7:30 PM ET on NFL Network, James Brown, Deion Sanders and Bill Cowher hosted NFL Thursday Night Kickoff from inside the stadium. Eisen, Irvin, Mariucci and Faulk appeared on the show.

Quotes from NFL Total Access Kickoff & NFL Thursday Night Kickoff

– “RGIII has nothing to prove in Washington. The reason I say that [is] because it’s over for RGIII in Washington. Here’s the game plan: RGIII needs to go to the Houston Texans.” – Deion Sanders on Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III

– “[Robert Griffin III] has to appear to be healthy because that’s the thing that everybody is watching…He’s got to play quick and fast and resemble that quick, fast rookie that we saw a few years ago.” – Steve Mariucci on Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III

– “When you define [Jay Cutler’s] career you say that you’re enamored with his talent, disappointed with his performance and bothered by his body language. I think when you look at him, he’s a guy that doesn’t inspire those around him. He kind of deflates them.” – Bill Cowher on Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler

– “I’ve never seen a guy who just was so lackadaisical when he made mistakes. I rarely see the hand pointing at him when things go wrong to the receivers, or the [running] back, or the offensive line.” – Marshall Faulk on Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler

– “If Aaron Kromer had to do what he did it’s because he could not go upstairs and tell someone. If you can’t go upstairs and say, ‘Hey coach, GM, owner this is what we have, the problems that we have with our quarterback,’ then it’s above you. You have to do stuff. Sometimes things leak out – and sometimes you want them to leak out because the problem is bigger than you.” – Marshall Faulk on Chicago Bears offensive coordinator Aaron Kromer’s comments on Jay Cutler

– “If DeMarco Murray plays in this game it’s going to take a miracle and some really good medicine.” – Marshall Faulk on Dallas Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray

– “[Johnny Manziel] understands now that the speed at this level is different. He’ll play better. He’ll make a statement.” – Michael Irvin on Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel

– “Sometimes [Mark Sanchez] truly makes us understand that he’s the backup quarterback. He’s not Nick Foles. It only takes a couple of throws here and there and it’s a whole different outcome in the game they played a week ago.” – Deion Sanders on Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Mark Sanchez

– “You look at the San Diego Chargers and really they are a second level team…They beat the teams they’re supposed to beat but they’re not ready to take the next step.” – Bill Cowher on the San Diego Chargers

– “This [Seattle Seahawks’] defense, it’s playing better than it did a year ago.” – Steve Mariucci on the Seattle Seahawks defense

– “[The Jacksonville Jaguars] reminds me a lot of our young Cowboy team before we got rolling.” – Michael Irvin on the Jacksonville Jaguars offense

– “This is a young football team. I love what they have in terms of a staple moving forward with this kid Blake Bortles.” – Bill Cowher on Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles

– “I have to give a lot of credit to Gus Bradley…This team hasn’t given up. They play hard, they fight until the end, and they do what they need to do. They just need to do it more consistently.” – Deion Sanders on Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Gus Bradley

– “I really like the Baltimore Ravens going down the stretch for the playoffs.” – Deion Sanders on the Baltimore Ravens

On NFL.com the following video clips from NFL Total Access Kickoff & NFL Thursday Night Kickoff is available for viewing:

– Which Team Needs Homefield Advantage Most? – The NFL Total Access Kickoff crew debate which team needs homefield advantage most in the playoffs:

http://tinyurl.com/lahhthn

– Sink or Swim: Who Will Make the Playoffs? – Host Rich Eisen, and analysts Steve Mariucci, Bill Cowher, Marshall Faulk, Deion Sanders and Michael Irvin analyze which teams are sinking and which teams are swimming heading towards the playoffs:

http://tinyurl.com/mefk9uo

– What are the Bears Thinking after Benching Cutler? – NFL Total Access Kickoff breaks down the latest in Chicago:

http://tinyurl.com/krbnzu5

With NFL Mobile, stream more live games than ever before. Get Thursday, Sunday & Monday Night primetime NFL games and for the first time, local Sunday afternoon games live on your smartphone. Plus, stream NFL Network 24/7 and NFL RedZone every Sunday live, exclusively from Verizon.

NFL Mobile is available to Verizon Wireless customers with a premium subscription for $5/month. Verizon customers can access live games and NFL Network included with the MORE Everything Plan. NFL RedZone is not included with the More Everything Plan, but can be purchased through NFL Mobile for $1.99/mo. For more information about NFL Mobile from Verizon, visit www.verizonwireless.com/insiders-guide/inside/nfl. Data usage applies for app download use & blackout rules apply.

SATURDAY ON THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL:

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES AT WASHINGTON REDSKINS – 4:30 PM ET (NFL Network)

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS AT SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS – 8:25 PM ET (CBS/NFL Network)

# # #

‘Keenan McCardell & Jimmy Smith: A Football Life’ Premieres Friday, December 19 at 9:00 PM ET on NFL Network

Advance Premiere Airs Following Titans-Jaguars on ‘Thursday Night Football’

“Those two guys put Jacksonville on the map. I don’t think they’ve had anybody close to that or probably will ever have anyone close to those two wide receivers.” – Steve Smith Sr.

For six seasons with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Keenan McCardell and Jimmy Smith – nicknamed Thunder and Lightning – combined for more yards and receptions than any other wide receiver tandem in the NFL during that time period. Yet while one of them has been able to transition well to life outside of the NFL, the other is still trying to find his way.

NFL Network’s series A Football Life continues Friday, December 19 at 9:00 PM ET with the story of McCardell and Smith, one of the most dynamic receiving duos in NFL history. The one-hour NFL Films-produced documentary includes McCardell visiting Smith at his home in Mississippi while Smith was on house arrest to reminisce about their playing time together. Keenan McCardell & Jimmy Smith: A Football Life also addresses Smith’s struggles with drug use, the perception that it was the cause of his sudden retirement, and the recovery process that is still taking place.

An advance premiere of Keenan McCardell & Jimmy Smith: A Football Life airs on Thursday, December 18 following the conclusion of the Thursday Night Football game between the Tennessee Titans and Jacksonville Jaguars.

Following the premiere of Keenan McCardell & Jimmy Smith: A Football Life on NFL Network, the episode – along with the entire A Football Life series – will be available on NFL Now, the League’s next-generation video service. Providing fans access to the largest digital library of NFL video anywhere, NFL Now dynamically personalizes each fan’s viewing experience, allowing them to follow their favorite NFL teams and players. Visit NFL.com/now for more information.

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

Among the topics discussed in Keenan McCardell & Jimmy Smith: A Football Life are:

• The on-field numbers Jimmy Smith and Keenan McCardell amassed as a receiving tandem in Jacksonville
• Defeating the Buffalo Bills and Denver Broncos on the road in 1996 playoffs to make it to the AFC Championship Game
• Losing to the Tennessee Titans three times in the 1999 season – the team’s only three losses the entire season
• Smith’s time as a backup wide receiver with the Dallas Cowboys
• McCardell winning a Super Bowl with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after being cut by the Jaguars
• Smith’s off-field issues with drug use and his ongoing recovery

Emmy-nominated actor Josh Charles narrates.

Keenan McCardell & Jimmy Smith: A Football Life includes interviews with the following people and more:

Jimmy Smith

Keenan McCardell

Etta Smith – Jimmy’s mother

Trey Smith – Jimmy’s son

Mark Brunell – Jaguars teammate

Tony Boselli – Jaguars teammate

Fred Taylor – Jaguars teammate

Tom Coughlin – Former Jaguars head coach

Steve Smith Sr. – Ravens wide receiver

Jerry Jones – Cowboys owner

Troy Aikman – Hall of Fame quarterback

Pete Prisco – Former Florida Times-Union writer

Mark Rypien – Former Redskins quarterback

Samari Rolle – Former Titans defensive back

Brad Johnson – Former Buccaneers quarterback

Provided below are some select quotes from Keenan McCardell & Jimmy Smith: A Football Life:

– “Being a professional player, sometimes you think that you’re above the law. You have to have someone to tell you no sometimes, and it’s hard because who’s going to tell you no? You have to have that person that is going to see through all of the stardom and the money and the fame, and say, ‘You have to stop.’ I would have had that if someone would have known about it. I had those people around me but I hid it so well.” – Jimmy Smith

– “They were inseparable. They were just about like brothers.” – Etta Smith

– “Those two guys put Jacksonville on the map. I don’t think they’ve had anybody close to that or probably will ever have anyone close to those two wide receivers.” – Steve Smith Sr.

– “For us, it wasn’t a shock that we made these plays. We had so much confidence in each other that we were not going to let each other down.” – Keenan McCardell

– “I was shocked. I had never had an occasion to question him and he had never indicated to me anything but straight, truthful answers. So myself and the legal team believed him. We believed him.” – Tom Coughlin

– “I never doubted any of his decisions because he never gave me anything to say that I shouldn’t trust him.” – Keenan McCardell

– “The unfortunate thing is that they thought I retired because I failed a drug test. I had one year left on my contract and I was tired; I was actually tired the year before. I was just like what else do I have to play for?” – Jimmy Smith

– “It was painful. You don’t raise your children to have this happen to them.” – Etta Smith

– “People like Keenan in this business today are needed to tell them the work that has to go into succeeding. Players can relate to somebody like Keenan McCardell.” – Tom Coughlin

This season, A Football Life airs Friday at 9:00 PM ET on NFL Network. Below is the broadcast schedule for upcoming episodes of A Football Life:

• January 2 – The 2006 Rose Bowl

ABOUT NFL NETWORK

Seven days a week, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, fans turn to NFL Network to receive information and insight straight from the field, team headquarters, league offices and everywhere the NFL is making news. Launched in 2003, NFL Network gives fans unprecedented year-round inside access to all NFL events, including the Super Bowl, Playoffs, regular season, preseason, Pro Bowl, Pro Football Hall of Fame induction weekend, NFL Draft, NFL Scouting Combine, Senior Bowl, league meetings, minicamps and training camps.

Currently in more than 72 million homes, NFL Network has carriage agreements with each of the country’s largest television providers including Comcast, DirecTV, DISH Network, Cablevision, Cox, Charter, Time Warner Cable, Verizon FiOS and AT&T U-Verse.

For fans on the go, all NFL Network programming can also be streamed live on the NFL Mobile from Verizon app (NFL.com/mobile), the NFL app delivered on XBOX from Microsoft, and through Watch NFL Network (NFL.com/watch), with participating cable and satellite providers. For more information, log on to NFL.com/nflnetwork.  NFL.com is the exclusive internet home of NFL Network.

– NFL MEDIA –

Quotes From NFL GameDay Highlights & NFL GameDay Final

– “I haven’t seen [Johnny Manziel] grow at all. I expected this period where he got a chance to sit and watch Brian Hoyer, I thought he would grow from what he did in college…I haven’t seen growth from Johnny Manziel.” – LaDainian Tomlinson on Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel who was 10/18 for 80 yards and two interceptions

– “[Johnny Manziel] did some things that were really, not only rookie like, but very undisciplined. He’s got a long way to go. Two more games…he’s got to be better.” – Steve Mariucci on Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel

– “All of this is learning tape for Johnny Manziel. We are going to find out can he retain it, does he learn from it and will he not make the mistakes again? The problem that I have with Johnny Manziel is he’s a playmaker. Some of those plays are in his DNA.” – Marshall Faulk on Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel

– “We saw the same things from Johnny Manziel that we saw in college. He likes to force the ball, especially when he gets pressured. He’s going to give the defense an opportunity for an interception. Going forward he has to learn to play better from the pocket and manage the game a little better.” – LaDainian Tomlinson on Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel

– “I played 16 games with Peyton Manning. As great as he is right now, in those 16 games the one thing that he always talked about was the speed of the game. Didn’t think he could get there…You have to go through it in order to understand it.” – Marshall Faulk on the learning curve for rookie quarterbacks transitioning from college to the NFL

– “I like the momentum that [the Cincinnati Bengals] have going forward.” – LaDainian Tomlinson on the Cincinnati Bengals who shut out the Cleveland Browns 30-0

– “It’s unfortunate because of all the success [the San Francisco 49ers] have had. We know [Jim Harbaugh] is a good coach, we know it’s a banged up team and we know whoever’s going to inherit this team, if Jim does leave, is going to find a very talented competitive team. Jim will find a place to go – there will be several suitors for him. It’s just an unfortunate situation for the 49er faithful.” – Steve Mariucci on the San Francisco 49ers who lost 17-7 to the Seattle Seahawks and have been mathematically eliminated from the playoffs

– “[Odell Beckham Jr.] is a true star in the National Football League” – Michael Irvin on New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. who had 12 receptions for 143 yards and three touchdowns

– “What a great acquisition, maybe the best one of the offseason…[Golden Tate] has been really big for the Lions.” – Steve Mariucci on Detroit Lions wide receiver Golden Tate who had seven receptions for 38 yards and a touchdown

– “Jeremy Maclin, he gambled right here saying I will not take a contract let’s play the season out. I think he earned a lot of money.” – Michael Irvin on Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Jeremy Maclin who had four receptions for 98 yards

– “In Bruce Arians I trust because regardless of what quarterback that he puts on the football field, this defense and him calling plays, they are going to make sure that they have a chance to win these ball games.” – Marshall Faulk on the Arizona Cardinals who beat the St. Louis Rams Thursday and secured a playoff berth Sunday with the Philadelphia Eagles loss to the Dallas Cowboys

On NFL.com the following video clip from NFL GameDay Highlights & NFL GameDay Final are available for viewing:

– Week 15 GameDay Express – Host Chris Rose and analysts Marshall Faulk and Michael Irvin recap an exciting Week 15 thus far:

http://tinyurl.com/mw46zd7

– Playmaker’s Top 5 Grabs – Michael Irvin provides his top 10 performances of Week 15:

http://tinyurl.com/ndsyvqc

– Breaking down Manziel’s Struggles – Host Chris Rose and analysts Marshall Faulk and Michael Irvin discuss Johnny Manziel’s debut:

http://tinyurl.com/kzbol7y

– Are Cowboys a Championship Team? – NFL GameDay Final analyze whether or not the Dallas Cowboys are a championship contender:

http://tinyurl.com/lwfab94

About  NFL GameDay Highlights

Every Sunday evening at 7:30 PM ET, NFL Network recaps the afternoon action with NFL GameDay Highlights. Host Chris Rose and analysts LaDainian Tomlinson and Steve Mariucci provide highlights, analysis and set the stage for Sunday Night Football.

About  NFL GameDay Final

Every Sunday night at 11:30 PM ET, recap the complete day in the NFL with NFL GameDay Final. Host Chris Rose and analysts Marshall Faulk and Michael Irvin put the definitive exclamation point on Sundays providing unlimited highlights of all the games, plus post-game press conferences, interviews from the field and locker room, audio captured throughout the day and expert analysis.