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PATRICK MAHOMES, RUSSELL WILSON AND KYLE SHANAHAN SPEAK WITH PETER KING AS TRAINING CAMP TOUR CONTINUES IN THIS WEEK’S “FMIA” COLUMN

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“It’s not always about getting the most money. It’s about going out there and winning and having a legacy that you can kind of live with forever. For me, that’s what I want.” – Patrick Mahomes to Peter King

“Is Trey [Lance] ready to take it on his shoulders? He shouldn’t be. He hasn’t gone through it enough. I believe in him as a man, as a person. I believe in his talent.” – 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan to King on first-year starting QB Trey Lance

“He brings that buzz of energy we’ve really needed. People who were here when Peyton [Manning] played say it’s the same kind of feeling.” – Broncos WR Courtland Sutton to King on Russell Wilson’s impact on the franchise

“It’s like walking into your house on Thanksgiving and the table’s set and the food’s ready. All I’ve got to do is carve the turkey.” – Saints head coach Dennis Allen on succeeding Sean Payton

Check Out NFL on NBC YouTube Channel – Watch Hours of Exclusive Content and Subscribe Today

STAMFORD, Conn. – August 15, 2022 – Peter King speaks with Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, Denver Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson, and San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan as he continues his 2022 NFL Training Camp Tour in this week’s edition of Football Morning in America, available now exclusively on NBCSports.com. King also visits with the Saints, Texans, and Buccaneers, discusses the Deshaun Watson suspension, Tom Brady leaving Buccaneers training camp, and more.

For more NFL coverage, Peacock offers daily programming on the NBC Sports channel for free, including Pro Football Talk at 7 a.m. ET every weekday, Chris Simms Unbuttoned, The Peter King Podcast, The Rich Eisen Show, Brother from Another, and The Dan Patrick Show. To learn more about the NBC Sports on Peacock channel and how to sign up, click here.

The NFL on NBC YouTube channel offers daily football content for free, with exclusive videos from Peter King – including his interviews with players and coaches at training camps – Mike Florio, Chris Simms, and more. To access all of these videos and more, click here to subscribe.

The following are highlights from this week’s edition of Football Morning in America:

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

Peter King on the Chiefs’ new-look offense: “The post-Tyreek Hill offense is utterly unpredictable.”

King: “I think this team is energized by the outside impression of, They’re screwed without Tyreek…My gut feeling is [head coach] Andy Reid and [Patrick] Mahomes will figure it out without Hill.”

Chiefs wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster to King on his first training camp with Kansas City: “This is what I’ve been waiting to do. Everyone has to know everybody’s position…That’s what I’ve been wanting to do, to be used in so many different ways. It’s so great, the way Coach Reid gives Patrick Mahomes so many different options on every play.”

Chiefs head coach Andy Reid to King on the Tyreek Hill trade: “It’s a win-win. I think it’ll help him in his career with the Dolphins. Financially it’s phenomenal for him and his family…For us, it gives you a little juice that maybe you need when you’ve been someplace for 10 years.”

Mahomes to King on Kansas City’s plan to build, post-Tyreek Hill: “They showed me the reasons that this had to be done at this time. I obviously talked to Tyreek as well, tried to do whatever I could to bring him back. Once we kind of got past that bridge and he was going somewhere else, they had a great game plan of getting these receivers that we have out here now.”

Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes to King on being a leader for the new wide receivers: “I can’t just focus on my job anymore. I’ve got to focus on every single person, every single detail. I think it’ll make me a better quarterback.”

Mahomes to King on people criticizing the 10-year contract he signed in 2020: “If you’re ticked off making all the money that I’m making, you’re probably a little bit messed up…It’s not always about getting the most money. It’s about going out there and winning and having a legacy that you can kind of live with forever. For me, that’s what I want.”

    • Watch Now: Click here to watch King interview Mahomes at Chiefs training camp
    • Watch Now: Click here to watch King interview Smith-Schuster at Chiefs training camp
    • Watch Now: Click here to watch King break down the Chiefs’ new-look offense

 

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

King on 49ers QB Jimmy Garoppolo’s current status with the team: “I heard he does not have a playbook, does not attend quarterback or team meetings and barely knows new quarterbacks coach Brian Griese.”

49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan to King on new starting quarterback Trey Lance: “Is Trey ready to take it on his shoulders? He shouldn’t be. He hasn’t gone through it enough. I believe in him as a man, as a person. I believe in his talent.”

Shanahan: “I don’t think he is going to make or break our season, just like in 2019 and last year, I didn’t think Jimmy [Garoppolo] was going to make or break our season. But what sucks is when you’re learning how to play and you’re not there yet, how do you not get worse sometimes when that pressure’s on you and you need to go through the growing pains?”

49ers QB Trey Lance to King on what has changed for him in his second year in the NFL: “Mentally, I feel like things are a lot more clear for me. I understand the offense, and I’m able to play fast.”

Shanahan to King on his philosophy towards preseason games: “We can say we had a good game because we won, but that’s not really what we’re focused on here in the preseason. We’re focused on the product and how you did it… Stats don’t dictate success. Doing it the right way dictates success.”

King on the 49ers’ prospects for the 2022 season: “This team is [Trey] Lance’s now. And I would advise patience for Niners fans. It’s absurd to expect a savior to show up at Soldier Field in the Sept. 12 opener. [Kyle] Shanahan will be ready to take some pain in 2022.”

    • Watch Now: Click here to watch King interview Lance at 49ers training camp
    • Watch Now: Click here to watch King break down Lance’s prospects for his first year as a starter

 

DENVER BRONCOS

Broncos QB Russell Wilson to King on the new structure of the team: “It’s the ownership of the players owning our own offense. This has to be a player-ran kind of team. Coach [Nathaniel] Hackett gives us the keys to do that.”

Broncos GM George Paton to King on Wilson’s work ethic: “He’s a machine. You don’t really understand it until you see his car here at 5:30 in the morning and then see him roaming the halls at 9 at night.”

Broncos head coach Nathaniel Hackett to King on teaching Wilson the West Coast Offense: “I don’t want him to be touched. I don’t want him to have to run around. Now sometimes, you have to, but those ones I can’t control. The more that he feels that and understands that, the better it’s going to be.”

Broncos WR Courtland Sutton to King on Wilson’s impact on the franchise: “He brings that buzz of energy we’ve really needed. People who were here when Peyton [Manning] played say it’s the same kind of feeling.”

Sutton: “I really feel like when you talk football with him it’s like he’s playing the game — playing the game in his mind…He wants us to master the little details the same way he has. All those little details, they hit for him because he sees the game in a different light than other people.”

    • Watch Now: Click here to watch King interview Wilson at Broncos training camp
    • Watch Now: Click here to watch King discuss the Broncos’ ‘explosive’ offense

 

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

New Saints head coach Dennis Allen to King on the transition from Sean Payton: “People ask me what I’m doing differently. Not a lot. This team was in great condition when I took over. It’s like walking into your house on Thanksgiving and the table’s set and the food’s ready. All I’ve got to do is carve the turkey.”

King on the Saints’ improved wide receiver group: “The receiver group was New Orleans’ weakness last year. Now it might be the strength of the team. Imagine an opening day threesome of Michael Thomas and rookie Chris Olave outside and sage vet Jarvis Landry in the slot with Tre’Quan Smith and Marquez Callaway playing significant snaps.”

Allen on WR Michael Thomas’ return from two injury-plagued seasons: “The last few days in practice we saw the Michael Thomas of before the injuries. We think he’ll be ready.”

    • Watch Now: Click here to watch King interview rookie WR Chris Olave
    • Watch Now: Click here to watch King interview defensive lineman Cam Jordan
    • Watch Now: Click here to watch King analyze the post-Sean Payton Saints

 

HOUSTON TEXANS

King on the Texans’ future coaching plans: “There’s still a buzz of [former Texans QB] Josh McCown coaching here at some point hanging over the franchise, but for now [Lovie] Smith is GM Nick Caserio’s kind of coach with a team that has a long way to go.”

King on the Texans’ future QB plans: “The Texans have five picks in the first three rounds next year. Everyone, including [current QB] Davis Mills, knows the Texans will be scouting Ohio State QB C.J. Stroud and Alabama’s Bryce Young hard this fall.”

King on the Texans’ feelings towards former QB Deshaun Watson: “They’re just relieved he’s not here to compromise a second straight season.”

    • Watch Now: Click here to watch King interview head coach Lovie Smith
    • Watch Now: Click here to watch King discuss the Texans’ confidence in Davis Mills

 

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

King on Tom Brady taking off 10 days for a personal matter: “Brady has so much currency in the bank with coaches and teams regarding dedication to the job and devotion to his craft that when he comes to the Bucs and says he needs 10 days away, my response would be: ‘Take more if you need it.’”

Buccaneers quarterbacks coach Clyde Christensen to King on Tom Brady: “I don’t think I’ve ever seen him throw the football better. It’s remarkable — 45 years old and the ball comes off his hand with such zip, throw after throw. How does that happen with someone who’s 45? It’s like a lot of things about him. It defies common sense. This just hasn’t happened before.”

King on Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles: “The ease and cool of Bowles in his return shot at being a head coach. He’s got no fear in his second full-time around. A coach needs to exude an I-belong-here vibe, and that’s Bowles.”

 

NEWS & NOTES

King on Browns QB Deshaun Watson’s public apology: “I think it’s good to see Watson taking responsibility, finally. And it’s probably a case of being lawyered up for a long time, but the first thing Watson has to address if he’s really coming clean is to explain why he said for months he never did anything wrong. If he truly felt that way, what switch was flipped, and when, and why?”

King on the Cowboys’ continued penalties problem: “Only one thing in the preseason meant anything much this weekend: 17 penalties by the Cowboys. That has to stop, and it has to stop now. Ridiculous.”

Steelers linebacker T.J. Watt on Guardian Caps: “I don’t know if they’re going to do any good. But they can’t hurt. Anything I can do to have a chance to play longer and do less damage [to the brain], I’m in favor of.”

Read the full FMIA column here and catch the weekly Peter King Podcast here.

The following are additional highlights of NBC Sports’ NFL coverage:

    • PFT Live with NBC Sports’ Mike Florio (Mondays) and Florio and Chris Simms (Tuesday-Thursday) streams on Peacock from 7 a.m. – 9 a.m. ET on weekdays & is available on-demand. The Dan Patrick Show streams at 9 a.m. ET, The Rich Eisen Show at Noon ET, Brother From Another at 3 p.m. ET, PFT PM at 5 p.m. ET. At 6 p.m. ET, Chris Simms Unbuttoned streams Tuesday-Friday.
    • ProFootballTalk.com continues to provide the latest news and updates.
    • NBC Sports EDGE’s A Good Football Show continues the NFL discussion and Bet The Edge Podcast provides daily betting insights.
    • The NFL on NBC YouTube channel offers daily football content for free, with exclusive videos from Peter King – including his interviews with players and coaches at training camps – Mike Florio, Chris Simms, and more. To access all of these videos and more, click here to subscribe

 

A new “Football Morning in America” posts every Monday morning exclusively on NBCSports.com through the NFL season. It was announced in May 2019 that King signed an exclusive agreement with NBC Sports Group that included writing a weekly Monday morning NFL column for NBCSports.com; making regular appearances on PFT Live with Mike Florio; and continuing to contribute to Football Night in America, the most-watched studio show in sports.

—NBC SPORTS—

CARRIE UNDERWOOD MARKS 10TH SEASON STARRING IN SHOW OPEN FOR NBC’S SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL, PREMIERING SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 11

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Underwood Films New Show Open at Resorts World Las Vegas

For First Time, SNF Show Open to Capture Game-Day Energy with Scenes Filmed Prior to Kickoff

New Sunday Night Football Show Open Premieres on Sun., Sept. 11 Buccaneers-Cowboys SNF Opener on NBC and Peacock

STAMFORD, Conn. – August 15, 2022 – Multi-Platinum, 8-time GRAMMY® Award winner Carrie Underwood will star in the show open for NBC’s Sunday Night Football for the 10th consecutive season beginning in September on NBC and Peacock.

Underwood performed the show open – featuring an updated rendition of the now-iconic “Waiting All Day for Sunday Night” – from The Resorts World Theatre in Las Vegas, home of her ongoing residency, REFLECTION.

For the first time, the show open will highlight the game-day energy around each Sunday Night Football game as a dedicated film crew will capture the atmosphere leading up to kickoff including fans tailgating and prepping for the game, player arrivals, and scenes from the host city.

“Performing the show open for Sunday Night Football for 10 years has been such a joy and privilege for me,” said Underwood.  “It’s always a fun day when we shoot the new open — our amazing creative team somehow manages to top themselves year after year.”

“We are thrilled to mark a decade working with Carrie and are excited to introduce game-day scenes from the host city and stadium into the show open,” said Tripp Dixon, creative director of the SNF show open for each of the past 10 years.

The show open for Sunday Night Football, primetime television’s No. 1 program for an unprecedented 11 consecutive years, will debut on Sunday, Sept. 11 on NBC and Peacock leading into Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers visiting Dak Prescott and the Dallas Cowboys.

NBC’S SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL IS PRIMETIME TELEVISION’S NO. 1 SHOW FOR RECORD 11 CONSECUTIVE YEARS: NBC’s Sunday Night Football finished the 2021-22 TV season as primetime’s #1 TV show in all key metrics for an unprecedented 11th consecutive year – adding to its record for the most consecutive years atop the charts (since 1950), based on official live plus same day data provided by Nielsen. Sunday Night Football also ranked as the No. 1 show in the advertiser-coveted 18-49 demographic for the 12th consecutive TV season.

About Carrie Underwood:   Carrie Underwood is a true multi-format, multi-media superstar, spanning achievements in music, television, film, and as a New York Times bestselling author and successful entrepreneur.  She has sold more than 66 million records worldwide, recorded 28 #1 singles (14 of which she co-wrote), and has seven albums that are certified Platinum or Multi-Platinum by the RIAA, all while continuing to sell out arena tours across North America and the UK.  All 10 of her albums (including nine studio albums and her 2014 Greatest Hits: Decade #1) – three of which she co-produced – have debuted in the Top 10 on the Billboard Top 200 chart for all genres, beginning with her first album, Some Hearts, which was released in 2005.  She has won over 100 major awards including 8 GRAMMY® Awards, 16 ACM Awards including three for Entertainer of the Year (the first female in history to win twice and the only female ever to win three times), 25 CMT Music Awards (holding the record for the most award wins ever for the show), 7 CMA Awards, and 17 American Music Awards. She has also built a successful business portfolio inspired by her passion for health and wellness.  She founded and created the fitness and lifestyle brand, CALIA by Carrie Underwood, and her first book, FIND YOUR PATH was an instant New York Times bestseller.  She launched her fitness app, fit52, in 2020, and expanded her lifestyle portfolio with an equity partnership with BODYARMOR Sports Drink in 2021. She was the first artist to perform at the new Resorts World Theatre, where her ongoing REFLECTION: The Las Vegas Residency, began with sold-out runs in December 2021 and throughout Spring 2022, and will continue in 2023.  Her new album, Denim & Rhinestones, which she co-produced with David Garcia, is out now, and the first single from the album, “Ghost Story” is climbing the charts.  Carrie recently announced her 43-city U.S. arena tour, THE DENIM & RHINESTONES TOUR, kicking off October 15, with dates throughout Fall 2022 and Spring 2023.

2022 NBC SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL SCHEDULE
Thurs. Sept. 8 NFL Kickoff  Buffalo Bills at Los Angeles Rams
Sun. Sept. 11 Week 1   Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Dallas Cowboys
Sun. Sept. 18 Week 2   Chicago Bears at Green Bay Packers
Sun. Sept. 25 Week 3   San Francisco 49ers at Denver Broncos
Sun. Oct. 2 Week 4 Kansas City Chiefs at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
*Sun. Oct. 9 Week 5   Cincinnati Bengals at Baltimore Ravens
*Sun. Oct. 16 Week 6 Dallas Cowboys at Philadelphia Eagles
*Sun. Oct. 23 Week 7 Pittsburgh Steelers at Miami Dolphins
*Sun. Oct. 30 Week 8 Green Bay Packers at Buffalo Bills
*Sun. Nov. 6 Week 9 Tennessee Titans at Kansas City Chiefs
*Sun. Nov. 13 Week 10 Los Angeles Chargers at San Francisco 49ers
*Sun. Nov. 20 Week 11  Cincinnati Bengals at Pittsburgh Steelers
**Thurs. Nov. 24 Week 12 New England Patriots at Minnesota Vikings
*Sun. Nov. 27 Week 12 Green Bay Packers at Philadelphia Eagles
*Sun. Dec. 4 Week 13 Indianapolis Colts at Dallas Cowboys
*Sun. Dec. 11 Week 14 Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos
*Sun. Dec. 18 Week 15 New England Patriots at Las Vegas Raiders
Sun. Dec. 25 Week 16 Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Arizona Cardinals
*Sun. Jan. 1 Week 17 Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Chargers
*Sun. Jan. 8 Week 18 TBD

 *Flex Week

** Thanksgiving Night Game

PHOTO CREDIT: Tom Donoghue for NBC Sports

–NBC SPORTS–

NASCAR CUP SERIES PLAYOFF RACE HEATS UP AT RICHMOND RACEWAY THIS SUNDAY ON USA NETWORK

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Countdown to Green NASCAR Cup Series Pre-Race Coverage Gets Underway Sunday at 2 p.m. ET on USA Network Leading into Green Flag at 3 p.m. ET

The Dale Jr. Download Featuring Randy Lanier Presented Tonight at 6 p.m. ET on Peacock

STAMFORD, Conn. – Aug. 11, 2022 – The playoff race is heating up in the NASCAR Cup Series this Sunday at Richmond Raceway at 3 p.m. ET on USA Network as only three races remain in the 2022 regular season. Countdown to Green begins pre-race coverage at 2 p.m. ET on USA Network with NASCAR America post-race immediately following the checkered flag at 6:30 p.m. ET.

Following Kevin Harvick’s victory at Michigan International Speedway last weekend snapping a 65-race winless drought, 15 drivers have won a race this season in the Cup Series. Ryan Blaney, Martin Truex Jr., and Bubba Wallace lead the list of drivers still looking for a win to try and secure a spot in the playoffs. Blaney currently leads Truex Jr. by 19 points in the final playoff position. Truex Jr. has three career victories at Richmond Raceway.

Last weekend’s Cup Series race from Michigan International Speedway averaged a Total Audience Delivery (TAD) of 2.663 million viewers on USA Network, up 4% from last year’s Michigan race on NBCSN and up 22% vs. the Watkins Glen race from the comparable weekend. Michigan marked NBC Sports’ fourth consecutive Cup Series race with year-over-year viewership increases. Additionally, last Sunday’s NASCAR America post-race show drew 1.534 million P2+ viewers, which was NBC Sports’ most-watched Cup Series post-race show on cable since 2019 (8/11/19 Michigan on NBCSN; 1.593 million P2+).

This weekend in Richmond marks the second of three consecutive NASCAR Cup Series races that will be on USA Network, with six of the next seven Cup Series races, including pre- and post-race coverage, also on the network. Click here for more details.

Two-time Daytona 500 Champion and NASCAR Hall of Fame driver Dale Earnhardt Jr., 21-time Cup Series race winner and “The Mayor” of NASCAR Jeff Burton, and Daytona 500-winning crew chief Steve Letarte will serve as analysts for Sunday’s Cup Series race this weekend from Richmond Raceway with lead NASCAR race announcer Rick Allen. Marty Snider, Parker Kligerman and Dave Burns will serve as pit reporters.

NASCAR Hall of Fame driver Dale Jarrett and auto racing icon Kyle Petty will anchor pre- and post-race studio coverage with Snider on Sunday.

Burton will drive the NBC Toyota car during Sunday’s pre-race coverage to provide viewers an idea of the short track and also give a special guest a ride around Richmond Raceway.

A feature on Jeff and Ward Burton, who are natives of South Boston, Va., will take a look at the racing family’s roots and Ward’s post-racing career in wildlife conservation during pre-race coverage.

Earnhardt Jr. is a three-time winner at Richmond Raceway earning victories in 2000, 2004 and 2006, and Jarrett won a pair of races at Richmond in 1997 and 1999. Burton (1998) and Petty (1986) also earned victories at the short track.

The official home of the NASCAR Championship and Playoffs, NBC Sports will once again present the final 20 NASCAR Cup Series races and 19 NASCAR Xfinity Series races in 2022 across NBC, Peacock and USA Network, culminating with the Championship at Phoenix Raceway on Nov. 5-6. Click here for more information on NBC Sports’ 2022 NASCAR coverage.

NASCAR Pick ‘Em: NBC Sports’ free-to-play game, NASCAR Pick ‘Em, features a weekly contest for each NASCAR Cup Series race throughout the season. NASCAR Pick ‘Em is available for download now on the NBC Sports Predictor app powered by PointsBet (available in the App Store and Google Play Store).

Austin Dillon’s Life in the Fast Lane airs each Thursday at 9:30 p.m. ET on USA Network. The half-hour unscripted series will follow the over-the-top NASCAR lifestyle of Daytona 500 Champion Austin Dillon, along with wife Whitney, adorable son Ace, and best friends Paul and Mariel Swan. Featuring high-stakes races, hilarious adventures and heartwarming moments at home, Austin leans on his loved ones both on and off the track as he trains and competes in the NASCAR season.

BROADCAST TEAM

  • Analysts: Dale Earnhardt Jr., Jeff Burton, Steve Letarte
  • Play by Play: Rick Allen
  • Pit Reporters: Marty Snider, Parker Kligerman, Dave Burns

STUDIO COVERAGE TEAM

  • Host: Marty Snider
  • Analysts: Kyle Petty, Dale Jarrett

HOW TO WATCH

  • TV – USA Network
  • Streaming – NBCSports.com, NBC Sports app
Date Coverage Platform Time (ET)
Sat., Aug. 13 NASCAR Cup Series Practice & Qualifying USA Network 5 p.m.
Sun., Aug. 14 Countdown to Green – NASCAR Cup Series USA Network 2 p.m.
  NASCAR Cup Series Federated Auto Parts 400 USA Network 3 p.m.
  NASCAR America Post-Race – NASCAR Cup Series USA Network 6:30 p.m.

MONSTER JAM

NBC Sports continues its presentation of the 2022 Monster Jam season this Saturday from East Rutherford, N.J., at noon ET on CNBC. The complete schedule can be found here.

THE DALE JR. DOWNLOAD

Former professional IMSA and INDYCAR driver Randy Lanier joins this week’s The Dale Jr. Download episode streaming tonight at 6 p.m. ET on Peacock. Weekly and on-demand episodes of Dale Earnhardt Jr.’s podcast will stream exclusively on the platform, taking viewers table-side for unparalleled perspective, candid commentary, and insight from Dale Jr.

–NBC SPORTS–

JUAN SOTO RETURNS TO WASHINGTON AS PADRES VISIT NATIONALS ON MLB SUNDAY LEADOFF THIS SUNDAY, AUGUST 14 LIVE AT NOON ET ON PEACOCK; PREGAME BEGINS AT 11:30 A.M. ET ON PEACOCK

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Kevin Frandsen (Nationals Analyst) and Mark Grant (Padres Analyst) Join Jason Benetti (Play-by-Play) in MLB Sunday Leadoff Booth

NBC Sports’ Ahmed Fareed Hosts Pregame Coverage on Peacock at 11:30 a.m. ET, Alongside Former MLB Player Cliff Floyd

STAMFORD, Conn. – Aug. 11, 2022 – Two-time All-Star outfielder Juan Soto, who was traded from the Nationals to the Padres last week ahead of the MLB trade deadline, makes his return to face his former team as San Diego visits Washington from Nationals Park on MLB Sunday Leadoff live this Sunday, August 14 at Noon ET on Peacock.

Soto spent his first four-plus big league seasons with the Nationals and helped the team win the 2019 World Series. While with Washington, Soto was a two-time All-Star (2021, 2022) and won the 2020 batting title with a .351 average. He finished second in rookie of the year voting in 2018 and finished second in National League MVP voting last season behind Bryce Harper. In the 2019 World Series, Soto batted .333 with three home runs and seven RBIs in the Nationals’ seven-game victory over Houston.

Play-by-play announcer Jason Benetti will be joined in this week’s MLB Sunday Leadoff booth by analysts Kevin Frandsen (Nationals analyst) and Mark Grant (Padres analyst). Benetti will be joined in the MLB Sunday Leadoff booth each week by local analysts from the participating teams.

Frandsen, a nine-year MLB veteran, spent one season with the Nationals in 2014. He currently serves as a Nationals analyst for MASN and returns to MLB Sunday Leadoff for the second time after serving as an analyst for the Phillies-Nationals game on June 19.

An eight-year MLB veteran as a pitcher, Grant spent parts of four seasons (1987-90) with San Diego and currently serves as a Padres analyst for Bally Sports San Diego.

This week’s MLB Sunday Leadoff coverage begins with the pregame show at 11:30 a.m. ET on Peacock. NBC Sports’ Ahmed Fareed is the pre- and postgame host of MLB Sunday Leadoff and also serves as the in-game reporter.

Cliff Floyd, a 17-year MLB veteran as an outfielder and first baseman, returns to MLB Sunday Leadoff for the fourth time this season and will serve as this week’s pre- and postgame analyst alongside Fareed. Floyd currently serves as an analyst on MLB Network and Sirius XM Radio and was previously an analyst on MLB Sunday Leadoff for the Mets-Marlins game on June 26, the Angels-Orioles game on July 10, and the Tigers-Blue Jays game on July 31. Rob Friedman, aka PitchingNinja, will also join the pregame show to provide pitching breakdowns.

How to Watch:

Date Show Time (ET) Platform
Sun., Aug. 14 MLB Sunday Leadoff Pregame 11:30 a.m. Peacock
Sun., Aug. 14 Padres vs. Nationals Noon Peacock

Commentators:

    • Play by Play: Jason Benetti
    • Analysts: Kevin Frandsen and Mark Grant
    • Pre- and Postgame Host/In-game Reporter: Ahmed Fareed
    • Pre- and Postgame Analyst: Cliff Floyd

 

Beginning Sunday, May 8 with the debut game of MLB Sunday Leadoff, Peacock will live stream an NBC Sports-produced baseball game for 18 consecutive weeks, with start times for the first six Sunday games at 11:30 a.m. ET and the following 12 Sunday games beginning at Noon ET. Each game will feature NBC Sports-produced pregame and post-game shows on Peacock.

On each of the 18 Sundays that Peacock presents a game, it will be scheduled as the exclusive home of live MLB action until 1:30 p.m. ET that day, when the remainder of the day’s schedule will begin. Peacock was also the exclusive home of the SiriusXM All-Star Futures Game – featuring top minor league prospects – which was played during All-Star Week in July at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles.

For steps on how to watch MLB Sunday Leadoff on Peacock, click here.

Peacock’s expansive programming features live sports coverage including Triple Crown horse racing, golf, INDYCAR, the USFL, Sunday Night Football, Olympic sports, Premier League, Notre Dame Football, and much more. Peacock also offers daily sports programming on the NBC Sports channel which streams Peacock Original Brother from Another and staples like The Dan Patrick Show, Pro Football Talk Live, and The Rich Eisen Show.

2022 MLB Sunday Leadoff on Peacock Game Schedule

Date Time Matchup
August 14 Noon ET San Diego Padres at Washington Nationals
August 21 Noon ET Chicago White Sox at Cleveland Guardians
August 28 Noon ET Los Angeles Dodgers at Miami Marlins
September 4 Noon ET Toronto Blue Jays at Pittsburgh Pirates

 

— NBC SPORTS —

HARRY KANE & TOTTENHAM VISIT CHELSEA THIS SUNDAY, AUG. 14, AT 11:30 A.M. ET ON USA NETWORK AND TELEMUNDO

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Manchester United, Looking for First Victory of Season, Visit Brentford this Saturday at 12:30 p.m. ET on NBC, Peacock and Universo

Goal Rush Whip-Around Show on Peacock During Five-Match Window Saturday at 10 a.m. ET

STAMFORD, Conn. – Aug. 10, 2022 – Harry Kane and Tottenham visit Raheem Sterling and Chelsea this Sunday, Aug. 14, at 11:30 a.m. ET on USA Network and Telemundo, highlighting Premier League action across NBC Sports this weekend.

Chelsea and Tottenham meet this weekend in a big London Derby after both clubs opened the 2022-23 Premier League campaign with victories last weekend. Chelsea topped Everton, 1-0, behind a Jorginho penalty and Tottenham came from behind to defeat Southampton, 4-1. Peter Drury and Graeme Le Saux, who made nearly 300 appearances for Chelsea as a player, will call the action live from Stamford Bridge.

This weekend’s coverage begins Saturday with Premier League Mornings live at 7 a.m. ET on USA Network, followed by Frank Lampard’s Everton visiting Steven Gerrard’s Aston Villa at 7:30 a.m. ET on USA Network and Universo.

Five matches will be presented live at 10 a.m. ET on Saturday: Manchester City v. Bournemouth (USA Network, Universo), Southampton v. Leeds United (Peacock), Arsenal v. Leicester City (Peacock), Brighton & Hove Albion v. Newcastle (Peacock), and Wolverhampton Wanderers v. Fulham (Peacock). The Goal Rush whip-around show will stream live on Peacock at 10 a.m. ET, providing viewers the most compelling action in real time and on replay so they won’t miss a single goal or key play.

Saturday’s match coverage concludes at 12:30 p.m. ET as Manchester United visit Brentford on NBC, Peacock and Universo. Manchester United fell to Brighton & Hove Albion, 2-1, on Sunday in their first Premier League match under new manager Erik ten Hag. Brentford drew Leicester City, 2-2, last weekend to open their season. Drury and Lee Dixon will call the match live from Gtech Community Stadium.

On Sunday, Premier League Mornings begins at 8 a.m. ET on USA Network ahead of Nottingham Forest hosting West Ham at 9 a.m. ET (USA Network and Telemundo). Following Chelsea-Tottenham (11:30 a.m. ET on USA Network and Universo) is Goal Zone at 1:30 p.m. ET on USA Network.

This weekend’s coverage concludes Monday, Aug. 15 as Mohamed Salah and Liverpool host Crystal Palace at 3 p.m. ET on USA Network and Universo, followed by Goal Zone at 5 p.m. ET (USA Network).

Rebecca Lowe hosts this weekend’s Premier League Mornings, Premier League Live and Goal Zone shows alongside former Jamaica National Team and Premier League player Robbie Earle and former USMNT and Premier League player Tim Howard. Cara Banks hosts Monday’s shows with Earle and former Premier League player Danny Higginbotham.

This season, Peacock will once again stream all games airing on the NBC broadcast network live. In addition, Peacock will feature studio shows, full match replays and the Premier League TV channel. All matchdays and windows exclusively on Peacock will feature NBC Sports’ Premier League studio coverage.

THE 2 ROBBIES PODCAST

Robbie Earle and Robbie Mustoe discuss and dissect the top Premier League storylines after every matchweek on “The 2 Robbies” podcast. On the most recent episode, Earle and Mustoe discuss Manchester United’s nightmare start, Fulham surprising Liverpool, Erling Haaland’s dream debut for Manchester City, and more. The “2 Robbies” podcast is available anywhere you listen to podcasts.

Click here to listen to the podcast or click here to watch on YouTube.

PREMIER LEAGUE PICK ‘EM

NBC Sports’ Premier League Pick ‘Em returns on the free-to-play NBC Sports Predictor powered by PointsBet games app, available in the App Store and Google Play Store. Each match week, Premier League Pick ‘Em features a $50,000 jackpot prize for a “perfect score” – predicting the correct exact results of all featured matches in that contest (information on scoring, prizing, and Official Rules here).

Matches in Play for Premier League Pick ‘Em:

Date Time (ET) Match
Sat., Aug. 13 10 a.m. – USA Network, Universo Manchester City v. Bournemouth
Sat., Aug. 13 12:30 p.m. – NBC, Peacock, Universo Brentford v. Manchester United
Sun., Aug. 14 9 a.m. – USA Network, Telemundo Nottingham Forest v. West Ham
Sun., Aug. 14 11:30 a.m. – USA Network, Telemundo Chelsea v. Tottenham
Mon., Aug. 15 3 p.m. – USA Network, Universo Liverpool v. Crystal Palace

 

NBC SPORTS PUB PASS

For commercial establishments looking to show Premier League, they can get the NBC Sports Pub Pass, the new customizable platform specifically for the retail pub/restaurant market in the USA. The NBC Sports Pub Pass offers Pubs, Bars, Clubs and Restaurants and commercial establishments nationwide all the Premier League matches and programming specifically for commercial establishments – Live, Commercial-Free and On-Demand. To subscribe or to find out more information about the NBC Sports Pub Pass go to https://www.nbcpubpass.com/.

STREAMING ON PEACOCK

Peacock’s expansive programming features live sports coverage including Premier League, MLB Sunday Leadoff, Sunday Night Football, Notre Dame Football, NASCAR, NTT IndyCar Series, golf, Olympic sports, and much more. Peacock also offers daily sports programming on the NBC Sports channel which streams Peacock Original Brother from Another and staples like The Dan Patrick Show, Pro Football Talk Live, and The Rich Eisen Show.

To learn more about how to watch Premier League on Peacock and how to sign up visit peacocktv.com/sports/premier-league.

Premier League games on NBC and USA Network will be streamed on NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports app to desktops, mobile, tablets, and connected TVs via authentication, giving consumers additional value to their subscription service, and making high-quality content available to MVPD customers both in and out of the home and on multiple platforms. The full HD-quality video stream will come directly from NBC’s broadcasts. NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports app are available on the iTunes App Store, Google Play, Windows Store, Roku Channel Store, Apple TV, Amazon Fire, Samsung Smart TVs, Xbox, and Chromecast.

Following is the NBC Sports’ schedule for the first weekend of the Premier League season (all times ET, subject to change):

Date Time (ET) Match Platform
Sat., Aug. 13 7 a.m. Premier League Mornings USA Network
Sat., Aug. 13 7:30 a.m. Aston Villa v. Everton USA Network, Universo
Sat., Aug. 13 9:30 a.m. Premier League Live USA Network
Sat., Aug. 13 10 a.m. Manchester City v. Bournemouth USA Network, Universo
Sat., Aug. 13 10 a.m. Southampton v. Leeds United Peacock
Sat., Aug. 13 10 a.m. Arsenal v. Leicester City Peacock
Sat., Aug. 13 10 a.m. Brighton & Hove Albion v. Newcastle Peacock
Sat., Aug. 13 10 a.m. Wolverhampton Wanderers v. Fulham Peacock
Sat., Aug. 13 10 a.m. Goal Rush Peacock
Sat., Aug. 13 Noon Premier League Live USA Network
Sat., Aug. 13 12:30 p.m. Brentford v. Manchester United NBC, Peacock, Universo
Sat., Aug. 13 2:30 p.m. Goal Zone NBC, Peacock
Sun., Aug. 14 8 a.m. Premier League Mornings USA Network
Sun., Aug. 14 9 a.m. Nottingham Forest v. West Ham USA Network, Telemundo
Sun., Aug. 14 11 a.m. Premier League Live USA Network
Sun., Aug. 14 11:30 a.m. Chelsea v. Tottenham USA Network, Telemundo
Sun., Aug. 14 1:30 p.m. Goal Zone USA Network
Mon., Aug. 15 2 p.m. Premier League Live USA Network
Mon., Aug. 15 3 p.m. Liverpool v. Crystal Palace USA Network, Universo
Mon., Aug. 15 5 p.m. Goal Zone USA Network

–NBC SPORTS–

FIRST EVENT OF THE PGA TOUR FEDEXCUP PLAYOFFS – FEDEX ST. JUDE CHAMPIONSHIP – HEADLINES LIVE GOLF TOURNAMENT COVERAGE ACROSS NBC, GOLF CHANNEL & PEACOCK THIS WEEK

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Nearly 20 Hours of Live FedEx St. Jude Championship Coverage Presented Across NBC, GOLF Channel, and Peacock; Begins Tomorrow From TPC Southwind at 3 p.m. ET on GOLF Channel and Peacock

Catch All of NBC Sports’ 2021-22 PGA TOUR FedExCup Playoffs Coverage LIVE on Peacock Over Next Three Weeks

ISPS Handa World Invitational – An Official Event on the LPGA Tour and DP World Tour – in Northern Ireland, Live Coverage Gets Underway Tomorrow at 8 a.m. ET on GOLF Channel

Boeing Classic on PGA TOUR Champions Coverage Presented Friday-Sunday on GOLF Channel

U.S Women’s Amateur and Korn Ferry Tour’s Pinnacle Bank Championship Also Presented This Week on GOLF Channel

STAMFORD, Conn. – Aug. 10, 2022 – The first event of the 2021-22 PGA TOUR FedExCup Playoffs – the FedEx St. Jude Championship – headlines live golf tournament coverage this week across five events on NBC, GOLF Channel, Peacock, and NBC Sports digital platforms. All three weeks of the PGA TOUR Playoffs will be shown exclusively across NBC Sports platforms this year for the first time.

PGA TOUR: FEDEX ST. JUDE CHAMPIONSHIP

The first event of the 2021-2022 PGA TOUR FedExCup Playoffs – the FedEx St. Jude Championship – will be held at TPC Southwind in Memphis, Tenn., starting on Thursday. The three-week PGA TOUR Playoffs will continue at the BMW Championship in Wilmington, Del., next weekend and culminate with the Tour Championship in Atlanta, Ga., on Aug. 25-28.

Nearly 20 hours of live coverage across NBC, GOLF Channel, and Peacock begins Thursday at 3 p.m. ET on GOLF Channel and Peacock.

NBC, GOLF Channel, and Peacock Broadcast Team

    • Play-by-Play: Dan Hicks / Steve Sands
    • Analyst: Paul Azinger
    • Tower: Justin Leonard / Curt Byrum
    • On-Course: Roger Maltbie / Notah Begay III / John Wood
    • Interviews: Kathryn Tappen

 

How To Watch – Thursday, August 11 – Sunday, August 14 (all times ET)

    • TV – NBC, GOLF Channel
    • Streaming – Peacock, NBCSports.com, NBC Sports app

 

Day NBC/Peacock GOLF Channel/Peacock
Thursday   3-7 p.m.
Friday   3-7 p.m.
Saturday 3-6 p.m. 1-3 p.m.
Sunday 2-6 p.m. 12-2 p.m.


Notable Players This Week

    • Rory McIlroy
    • Scottie Scheffler
    • Jordan Spieth
    • Justin Thomas
    • Collin Morikawa
    • Jon Rahm
    • Tony Finau

 

Over the next three weeks, Peacock will have all the 2021-22 PGA Tour FedExCup Playoffs action LIVE as NBC Sports presents all three events, concluding with the TOUR Championship Aug. 25-28. Click here for more information on how to sign up.

 

LPGA TOUR / DP WORLD TOUR: ISPS HANDA WORLD INVITATIONAL

The ISPS Handa World Invitational will be held at Galgorm Castle Golf Club in Ballymena, Northern Ireland, and Massereene Golf Club in Antrim, Northern Ireland and is considered an official event on the LPGA Tour, DP World Tour, and Ladies European Tour. The second-ever playing of this tournament, it has separate 144-player fields for  men and women, with both competing at the same time on the same courses for similar prize money.

Live coverage on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday begins at 8 a.m. ET and on Sunday at 6:30 a.m. ET on GOLF Channel.

How To Watch – Thursday, August 11 – Sunday, August 14 (all times ET)

    • TV – GOLF Channel
    • Streaming – NBCSports.com, NBC Sports app
Day GOLF Channel
Thursday 8 a.m.-12 p.m.
Friday 8 a.m.-12 p.m.
Saturday 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Sunday 6:30-11:30 a.m.


Notable Players This Week

    • John Catlin
    • Marcus Kinhult
    • Guido Migliozzi
    • Renato Paratore
    • Laura Davies
    • Georgia Hall
    • Stephanie Meadow
    • Lauren Stephenson

 

PGA TOUR CHAMPIONS: BOEING CLASSIC

The Club at Snoqualmie Ridge hosts the PGA TOUR Champions’ Boeing Classic in Snoqualmie, Wash., this week.

Coverage of the three-day event begins this Friday at 11 p.m. ET on GOLF Channel, with live coverage starting at 6 p.m. ET on Saturday and 5 p.m. ET on Sunday.

How To Watch – Friday, August 12 – Sunday, August 14 (all times ET)

    • TV – GOLF Channel
    • Streaming – NBCSports.com, NBC Sports app
Day GOLF Channel
Friday 11 p.m.-1 a.m.*
Saturday 6-8 p.m.
Sunday 5-7 p.m.

*delayed coverage

Notable Players This Week

    • Ernie Els
    • Vijay Singh
    • Fred Couples
    • Bernhard Langer
    • Steven Alker
    • Miguel Angel Jimenez
    • Darren Clarke

 

USGA: U.S. WOMEN’S AMATEUR

Held at Chambers Bay in University Ridge, Wash., the 2022 U.S. Women’s Amateur had 1,497 entries accepted into the tournament. Qualifying was held at 25 sites in the U.S. and Canada between June 22-July 19 to cut the field to 156 competitors, and after two rounds of stroke play on Monday and Tuesday of this week, 64 players will take part in match play beginning today.

Live coverage begins tonight at 6 p.m. ET on GOLF Channel and continues Thursday, Friday, and Sunday at 7 p.m. ET and Saturday at 3 p.m. ET on GOLF Channel.

GOLF Channel Broadcast Team

    • Play-by-Play: Rich Lerner
    • Analyst: Morgan Pressel
    • Tower: Steve Burkowski
    • On-Course: Kay Cockerill / Jim Gallagher Jr. / Julia Johnson

How To Watch – Wednesday, August 10 – Sunday, August 14 (all times ET)

    • TV – GOLF Channel
    • Streaming – NBCSports.com, NBC Sports app
Day GOLF Channel
Wednesday 6-9 p.m.
Thursday 7-10 p.m.
Friday 7-10 p.m.
Saturday 3-6 p.m.
Sunday 7-10 p.m.

 

Notable Players This Week

    • Jensen Castle
    • Rachel Heck
    • Megha Ganne
    • Rachel Kuehn
    • Latanna Stone
    • Amari Avery
    • Brooke Seay

 

KORN FERRY TOUR: PINNACLE BANK CHAMPIONSHIP

The final event of the 2022 Korn Ferry Tour regular season is held this week with the Pinnacle Bank Championship at Indian Creek in Omaha, Neb. At the conclusion of this tournament, the top 25 players on the KFT points list will earn PGA TOUR cards for the 2022-23 season.

Live coverage begins at 12 p.m. ET on Thursday and Friday and continues Sunday at 2 p.m. ET on GOLF Channel. A delayed broadcast on Saturday begins at 9 p.m. ET on GOLF Channel.

How To Watch – Thursday, August 11 – Sunday, August 14 (all times ET)

    • TV – GOLF Channel
    • Streaming – NBCSports.com, NBC Sports app
Day GOLF Channel
Thursday 12-2 p.m.
Friday 12-2 p.m.
Saturday 9-11 p.m.*
Sunday 2-5 p.m.

*delayed coverage

BEYOND THE FAIRWAY PRESENTED BY GENESIS

The latest episode of NBC Sports’ Beyond The Fairway Presented by Genesis podcast, co-hosted by professional golfers Doug Smith and Will Lowery, features 6x MLB All-Star and 2009 World Series champion CC Sabathia discussing his start in golf and how the game has helped him through the highs and lows of life.

Click here to listen to the full episode.

BROADCAST NOTES

    • Golf Central: Golf Central will provide pre- and post-tournament coverage on GOLF Channel Wednesday-Sunday. Golf Central coverage is anchored by Todd Lewis, Brandel Chamblee, Mark Rolfing, Rex Hoggard, and Anna Jackson.

 

Day Golf Central
Wednesday 9-10 p.m.
Thursday 2-3 p.m./10-11 p.m.
Friday 2-3 p.m./10-11 p.m.
Saturday 12:30-1 p.m.*/8-9 p.m.
Sunday 11:30 a.m.-12 p.m.*/10-11 p.m.

Note: all times ET, post-round coverage begins following conclusion of play

*also streams live on Peacock

All GOLF Channel coverage also streams on NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports app via “TV Everywhere,” giving consumers additional value for their subscription service, and making high quality content available to MVPD customers both in and out of the home and on multiple platforms.

–NBC SPORTS–

ESPN Goes to Barcelona for Opening Weekend of 2022-23 LaLiga Santander Season

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ESPN+, ABC and ESPN Deportes will combine to provide English and Spanish-language coverage of the opening weekend of LaLiga’s 92nd season, kicking off Friday, August 12. Content will include live match commentary, studio shows, and more – originating from FC Barcelona’s legendary Camp Nou in Barcelona, Spain. To kickoff the season, ESPN debuted a brand new promotional spot featuring the track “Hot” by Daddy Yankee in collaboration with Pitbull.

The post ESPN Goes to Barcelona for Opening Weekend of 2022-23 LaLiga Santander Season appeared first on ESPN Press Room U.S..

NBC SPORTS TO PRESENT HBCU PIGSKIN SHOWDOWN COLLEGE FOOTBALL ALL-STAR GAME ON SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17, AT 1 P.M. ET ON PEACOCK & CNBC

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HBCU Pigskin Showdown Provides Platform for Players to Showcase Talent on National Stage

NBCU Academy – a Journalism Training and Development Program – to Offer HBCU Students Opportunity to Cover Game and Gain Hands-on Experience

Game Joins NBC Sports’ College Football HBCU Programming Roster, Which Includes Bayou Classic and HBCU New York Football Classic

STAMFORD, Conn. – Aug. 9, 2022 – NBC Sports will present the HBCU Pigskin Showdown, a college football all-star game for student-athletes from HBCU institutions, on Saturday, Dec. 17, at 1 p.m. ET on Peacock and CNBC.

Taking place at Marion Military Institute in Marion, Ala., located just southwest of Selma, Ala., the HBCU Pigskin Showdown provides a platform for student-athletes to showcase their talent to a national audience and perform in front of NFL scouts. The inaugural HBCU Pigskin Showdown in 2021 featured 84 top HBCU players competing in front of scouts from 16 NFL teams.

“This is a great opportunity for HBCU pro prospects to get even more national exposure,” said HBCU Pigskin Showdown Executive Director/Co-Founder Chris Williams. “We’re excited to be in the Black Belt region of Alabama and happy that the histories of Marion and Selma, Alabama will be on display as we provide a stage for these young athletes.”

Through NBCU Academy – a journalism training and development program designed to prepare college students and young professionals for careers in the news and media technology industry — NBC Sports will present select students from HBCU institutions with the opportunity to cover the event for NBCSports.com.

“The HBCU Pigskin Showdown provides HBCU all-stars the opportunity to showcase their talents in front of professional scouts, and we’re looking forward to elevating the game even further to a national audience on Peacock and CNBC,” said Gary Quinn, VP, Programming, NBC Sports. “Additionally, students who aren’t playing in the game can still gain valuable sports-media career experience through NBCU Academy.”

“HBCUs are so important to our nation,” said HBCU Pigskin Showdown Director of Operations/Co-Founder Bryant Grove. “We’re thankful for NBC Sports recognizing our vision and partnering with us to continue to provide a platform for these young men while highlighting the history of the Black Belt region between both Marion and Selma, Alabama, as well as the campus of Marion Military Institute.”

The HBCU Pigskin Showdown adds to NBC Sports’ HBCU college football programming roster and complements upcoming events across NBC Sports including the Bayou Classic, which recently announced a three-year media rights extension, and the HBCU New York Football Classic.

Tickets for the game will go on sale this Thursday, Aug. 11, powered by TicketSmarter. Go to www.hbcupigskinshowdown.com to purchase.

— NBC Sports —

Soccer Reporter Alexis Nunes Signs Multiyear Contract Extension with ESPN

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ESPN has reached a multiyear contract extension with ESPN soccer reporter and host Alexis Nunes to continue in her role as one of the lead reporters for ESPN’s European soccer coverage. As part of her new agreement, Nunes will continue her expert reporting from the pitch and in studio across ESPN and ESPN+ platforms.

The post Soccer Reporter Alexis Nunes Signs Multiyear Contract Extension with ESPN appeared first on ESPN Press Room U.S..

PETER KING SPEAKS WITH AARON RODGERS, JA’MARR CHASE AND MIKE VRABEL AS TRAINING CAMP TOUR CONTINUES IN THIS WEEK’S “FMIA” COLUMN

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“I think I just fell back in love with football the last few years. It’s due to a mindset but also the people.” – Aaron Rodgers to King

“We spend a lot of time in this game on our bodies. We need to spend as much time on our minds.” – Titans head coach Mike Vrabel to King on the importance of mental health

“I think the addition of new special-teams coach Rich Bisaccia will be more significant to this Green Bay season than the subtraction of Davante Adams.” – King on Rich Bisaccia’s impact on the Packers

“If Robinson’s suspension with no additional fine other than six game checks stands, it means Watson would lose 0.7 percent of his $46-million total compensation this year. That’s almost absurd beyond words.” – Peter King on Deshaun Watson’s potential punishment

Check Out NFL on NBC YouTube Channel – Watch Hours of Exclusive Content and Subscribe Today

STAMFORD, Conn. – August 8, 2022 – Peter King speaks with Green Bay Packers quarterback  Aaron Rodgers, Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, and Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel as he continues his 2022 NFL Training Camp Tour in this week’s edition of Football Morning in America, available now exclusively on NBCSports.com. King also discusses the Deshaun Watson suspension, the Miami Dolphins’ tampering situation, Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford’s elbow injury, and more.

For more NFL coverage, Peacock offers daily programming on the NBC Sports channel for free, including Pro Football Talk at 7 a.m. ET every weekday, Chris Simms Unbuttoned, The Peter King Podcast, The Rich Eisen Show, Brother from Another, and The Dan Patrick Show. To learn more about the NBC Sports on Peacock channel and how to sign up, click here.

The NFL on NBC YouTube channel offers daily football content for free, with exclusive videos from Peter King – including his interviews with players and coaches at training camps – Mike Florio, Chris Simms, and more. To access all of these videos and more, click here to subscribe.

The following are highlights from this week’s edition of Football Morning in America:

GREEN BAY PACKERS

Packers QB Aaron Rodgers on his offseason experience with ayahuasca and what it taught him: “I think it’s unlocked a lot of my heart. Being able to fully give my heart to my teammates, my loved ones, relationships because I can fully embrace unconditionally myself.”

Rodgers on falling in love with football again: “I think I just fell back in love with football the last few years. It’s due to a mindset but also the people. I really do. I give credit to the Nathaniel Hacketts of the world and Luke Getsy, Justin Outten, Matt LaFleur — and Tom Clements coming back. Randall Cobb coming back and Marcedes Lewis. Robert Tonyan and Allen Lazard and Mason Crosby, and of course David Bakhtiari. I love my teammates so much. I love the opportunity to do this.”

Rodgers on his playoff losses: “I’m hurt by all the playoff losses…When you think about the worst losses in your career, I mean both of them were in Seattle – the Fail Mary game in 2012, NFC Championship in the ’14 season. But they all stick with you, because you think about what you could’ve done better. Plays you should’ve made.”

King on new Packers special teams coach Rich Bisaccia: “I think the addition of new special-teams coach Rich Bisaccia will be more significant to this Green Bay season than the subtraction of a great wide receiver, Davante Adams.”

King: “The Packers have had lethally bad special teams in recent years — they lost the divisional playoff game to San Francisco last year because of them — and now they have one of the best kicking-team coaches in the game with the addition of the interim Raiders coach last year. Bisaccia’s impact will be huge.”

Bisaccia on his self-titled ‘Wefense’ ethos: “It takes the whole team. I tell the players, ‘The only ‘I’ I want to hear is what can I do to help us win.’”

Packers head coach Matt LaFleur on Bisaccia’s coaching methods: “[He] can love players tough better than any coach I’ve ever met. He’s ultra-demanding but earns their respect by really caring about them. It’s an art, what he’s able to do.”

    • Watch Now: Click here to watch King break down Rodgers’ mentality at Packers training camp
    • Watch Now: Click here to watch King interview Packers RB Aaron Jones

 

CINCINNATI BENGALS

Bengals WR and 2021 Offensive Rookie of the Year Ja’Marr Chase to King, comparing himself to former LSU teammate and current Vikings WR Justin Jefferson: “I’m better than Justin.”

Chase on if he’s better than Raiders WR Davante Adams: “I don’t know if I’m better … but I watch his film all the time. He told me he watches my film. That’s definitely something to keep me working.”

Peter King on what the Bengals need to do to return to the Super Bowl: “For the Bengals to get to a second straight Super Bowl, the retooled offensive line needs to build a better shield around Joe Burrow (72 sacks in 21 games, by far the most in football).”

King: “The Bengals need a healthy, full dose of their trio [of WRs Chase, Tee Higgins, and Tyler Boyd] to be great again. Because now the rest of the league looks at the Bengals on the schedule as a challenge, not a bye week.”

    • Watch Now: Click here to watch King interview Chase at Bengals training camp

 

TENNESSEE TITANS

Titans head coach Mike Vrabel to King when asked about the Titans’ image: “I try not to focus on things that don’t matter. We just try to build a foundation to help us withstand the ups and downs of an NFL season.”

Titans QB Ryan Tannehill to King on addressing his mental health after Tennessee’s playoff loss in January: “It wasn’t something that I just passively got through. I was intentionally seeking out help, talking to somebody and trying to work through the mental side of it.”

Tannehill: “Now, it’s a scar. It’s always there. You remember it. But it’s not a wound anymore. It doesn’t hurt the same…This is a new year. We have everything out in front of us. What happened last year, whether it was good or bad, it doesn’t matter at this point. You have to take each day as its own and take advantage of it.”

Vrabel on the importance of taking care of athletes’ mental health: “We spend a lot of time in this game on our bodies. We need to spend as much time on our minds.”

    • Watch Now: Click here to watch King interview Tannehill at Titans training camp

 

CHICAGO BEARS

King on the new-look Bears: “I don’t think this is a make-or-break year for [QB Justin] Fields. He’ll have every chance to win the job long term, and patience will be a virtue with this staff.”

Bears QB Justin Fields on offensive coordinator Luke Getsy: “Probably the best quarterback coach I’ve had in my life.”

King on the Bears’ long-term future: “I’m not bullish on the Bears to contend this year. On the total rebuilds — Bears, Giants, Texans, Jags — that’s really okay. In fact, it’s preferable. I am bullish on the groundwork being laid by [GM Ryan] Poles and [head coach Matt] Eberflus.”

    • Watch Now: Click here to watch King interview Fields at Bears training camp

 

DESHAUN WATSON SUSPENSION

King on Browns QB Deshaun Watson’s six-game suspension: “The length of the ban is six games too short.”

King on arbitrator Sue L. Robinson’s characterization of Watson’s offenses: “Robinson’s characterization of the offenses as ‘non-violent sexual assault’ really feels wrong…I felt she minimized the acts she finds Watson to have committed.”

King on the structure of Watson’s contract amid his suspension: “One influential NFL person told me on this trip that it doesn’t sit well with the league or 31 other owners that the Browns rigged the Watson contract so that his suspension would cause him to lose only a fraction of his 2022 compensation.”

King: “If Robinson’s suspension with no additional fine other than six game checks stands, it means Watson would lose 0.7 percent of his $46-million total compensation this year. That’s almost absurd beyond words.”

King on Watson’s public reaction: “Blows my mind Watson has shown no public remorse in this case.”

 

NEWS & NOTES

King on Tom Brady’s involvement in the Dolphins’ tampering scandal to recruit him: “This makes Tom Brady look bad, obviously, like it’s okay for him to play by a different set of rules because he’s Tom Brady…Whenever he does speak, this is going to be very hard to justify in any way.”

King on the Dolphins’ future plans now that they have lost their 2023 first and third round picks: “Theoretically, if their two picks were in the 15 to 22 range, maybe they could package those two plus their one in 2024 to move up to three or four to get a quarterback. That’s out the window now.”

King: “This ratchets up the pressure on [Dolphins QB Tua] Tagovailoa. Now there’s really no Plan B for 2023. Maybe you’d say it’s great for Tagovailoa — he can play free and easy knowing it’s going to be his job going forward…But I say there’s just as good a chance he feels the heat of, Dude, you simply cannot fail.”

King on Rams QB Matthew Stafford’s elbow soreness: “The scariest injury news for any team in the league is the elbow soreness that Matthew Stafford has. The Super Bowl champs won’t have a chance to repeat if Stafford misses serious time with an injury.”

King on Browns RB Kareem Hunt not practicing because he wants a new contract: “Football doesn’t work that way, particularly at running back. Backups, even excellent ones, don’t get paid like starters particularly in an era of declining running-back value.”

Read the full FMIA column here and catch the weekly Peter King Podcast here.

The following are additional highlights of NBC Sports’ NFL coverage:

    • PFT Live with NBC Sports’ Mike Florio (Mondays) and Florio and Chris Simms (Tuesday-Thursday) streams on Peacock from 7 a.m. – 9 a.m. ET on weekdays & is available on-demand. The Dan Patrick Show streams at 9 a.m. ET, The Rich Eisen Show at Noon ET, Brother From Another at 3 p.m. ET, PFT PM at 5 p.m. ET. At 6 p.m. ET, Chris Simms Unbuttoned streams Tuesday-Friday.
    • ProFootballTalk.com continues to provide the latest news and updates.
    • NBC Sports EDGE’s A Good Football Show continues the NFL discussion and Bet The Edge Podcast provides daily betting insights.
    • The NFL on NBC YouTube channel offers daily football content for free, with exclusive videos from Peter King – including his interviews with players and coaches at training camps – Mike Florio, Chris Simms, and more. To access all of these videos and more, click here to subscribe

 

A new “Football Morning in America” posts every Monday morning exclusively on NBCSports.com through the NFL season. It was announced in May 2019 that King signed an exclusive agreement with NBC Sports Group that included writing a weekly Monday morning NFL column for NBCSports.com; making regular appearances on PFT Live with Mike Florio; and continuing to contribute to Football Night in America, the most-watched studio show in sports.

—NBC SPORTS—